OVERVIEW Hidden behind 80 year old palm trees and banana leaves, the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel sits on 12 acres of tropical gardens and exotic flowers. The familiar "pink palace" is part of the esteemed Dorchester Group of super luxury hotels. Steeped in history the hotel's…
With spectacular harbor views, excellent service, an award winning restaurant and a wonderful outdoor entertainment arena, it is no wonder the Boston Harbor Hotel is a favorite of many travelers, myself included. This is not a cookie cutter chain hotel. It…
If a full service hotel is what you are seeking, The Casa Marina will fit the bill. Opened in 1920 it has the charm of an old world hotel with all the modern amenities. It is located just outside the heart of town on the largest private beach…
Privately owned and operated by the Ullian family, the The Eliot Hotel, is a stone building with green awnings and an ornate iron entry portico that suggests an exquisite European hideaway. Ideally located in the heart of the Back Bay, the hotel is only steps away from Newbury Street…
Wynn and Encore are sister properties in Las Vegas. They sit next to each other on the Strip and are, in many ways, interchangeable. Here are the differences; Encore is slightly newer, debuting about 3 years after Wynn opened, it is slightly smaller in terms of number…
Georgetown is my favorite part of the City with its quaint boutiques, bistros, bars and particularly the C&O Canal whose tow path is a great place to walk or run. The Four Seasons Hotel is perfectly located in Georgetown, right on the Canal.
Four Seasons hotels are among the finest in the country. Their design, service level and amenities are matched by few other hotel chains. While the hotels can be very expensive in places like NYC, sometimes, like in Las Vegas, you get an incredible value for this…
OVERVIEWJust steps away from the popular Union Square shopping area of downtown San Francisco lies the inimitable Four Seasons Hotel. It may not look like much from the outside, as it is simply another building hiding indiscriminately among the skyscrapers in the financial district, but…
The Greenwich Hotel exudes so much charm. There is a "soul" to this place that you will find in few other places. The small sign marking the entry is indicative of the hotel itself…unobtrusive and unpretentious. The lobby foyer is small,…
OVERVIEWThe Hotel Bel-Air opened its doors in 1946 and quickly became a favorite of the Hollywood elite including Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Purchased in 2008 by Dallas businesswoman Caroline Hunt, the hotel became a member of the esteemed Dorchester Collection…
The Hotel Viking opened to rave reviews in May of 1926 and quickly became a favorite of famous dignitaries and celebrities. Today, it is a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America. A recent A $6.2 million restoration maintained the…
OVERVIEW I am not usually a fan of trendy, boutique hotels. Their funky design and eclectic furnishings usually leaves me cold. The Hudson Hotel, however is an exception. There is so much to like about this delightful hotel on the West Side, not the least of which are some great rates that make this…
Located in the center of the business district and minutes from the Superdome and the French Quarter, Le Pavillon sits on land once a plantation. Built in 1907, this grand hotel has an amazing collection of art, antique furniture and architectural features. You'll marvel at a 17th…
Originally built in 1900, The Lenox Hotel, was the first "boutique" hotel in Boston and has a fascinating history. Legendary tenor Enrico Caruso arrived on his private train, Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal stayed here while filming Love Story and Tony…
The Regency is a Loews Hotel, located on the Upper East Side near some of the City’s best shopping, museums and restaurants. With 379 rooms and 58 suites, it is one of my favorites for a number of reasons; great location, a wonderful bar, large…
Handmade furniture, carpeting and original artwork grace the lobby while a fireplace adds warmth and coziness. Located in the Back Bay area on Boylston Street and connected to the Prudential Center, the location is ideal for both business and pleasure travelers. With…
The Time Warner Center has become a mecca for New Yorkers seeking the hottest restaurants and shops. Occupying floors 35-54 of the Center, the Mandarin offers stunning views of Central Park, the Hudson River and the City and its bars and restaurants are the “in” places to be seen.
One of the things that make Mandarin special is their ability to find locations that afford a spectacular view. New York has Central Park and the river, Washington DC has the Jefferson Memorial, La Vegas has the Strip and Miami has water views from nearly every…
Perched on a bluff above the mighty Pacific Ocean with the rugged coastline below, the Montage Laguna Beach is a stunning property set on 30 beautifully manicured acres halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The gorgeous lobby has massive floor to…
If location is everything, then the Ocean Key Resort has it all. Situated at the end of bustling Duval Street and right on the Gulf, the Resort stands next to Mallory Square the site of the nightly sundown festival.
Sitting right next to the lively Pier Village with its boutique shops and restaurants, Ocean Place is the only full service hotel directly on the ocean at the Jersey Shore. The views from the rooms are spectacular up…
Red Bank is just about the hottest town in this part of the Jersey Shore. Great restaurants, a hopping night scene, delightful shops and boutiques and wonderful antique stores are all part of a revitalization project started about 10 years…
In 2017, we stayed at a new hotel called the Sagamore Pendry in Baltimore. It was a new brand of the Montage luxury group of properties. We immediately became big fans because Pendry offered many of the same amenities, same level of…
Since 1928 Peninsula Hong Kong has set the world standard for exceptional service, style and comfort. In 2001 Peninsula Chicago opened and quickly reached the pinnacle of American hotels. It is consistently rated one of the top three or four hotels in the country.
Penn's View is conveniently located at Front and Market Streets in Old City, walking distance to many attractions, restaurants and bars. The small lobby evokes memories of small European hotels....lots of marble and interesting murals. This charming little boutique hotel is a…
The Ritz Carlton brand is one of our favorites and The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia has recently completed a $25 million redesign which has restored its place at the top of the lodging options in city. Originally built as a reproduction…
The Ritz Carlton Central Park is a magnificent hotel ideally located on Central Park West, overlooking the Park. The service is impeccable, the rooms beautiful and the views of the Park are just spectacular. We first saw this hotel in the…
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Ritz Carlton Atlanta is a luxury oasis close to the city's attractions and minutes from Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, Newly renovated guestrooms make this a wonderful "home away from home." Guests arrive in a stunning lobby…
Staying at a Ritz Carlton is always a pleasure and staying at one on the water makes the experience even better. The Ritz Carlton Ft. Lauderdale sits right on the Atlantic and boasts an elevated pool with fantastic ocean…
Minutes from Miami by car, but light years away in temperament, Key Biscayne is a delightful low key island tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The island is probably best known as the Southern White House…
Two things I truly enjoy on vacation are a beach on which to take long walks and beautiful sunsets. The gorgeous Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida has both. Set on 20 beachfront acres overlooking…
The Mansion is our first foray into an “urban escape” and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to start. This is a marvelous retreat that merits a trip even from places outside local driving distances. Built in 1908…
Baltimore has always been a great weekend destination, but it has only been in the last few years that the quality of lodging options has achieved a level consistent with other great city destinations. The latest entry into the market is the…
The Mandarin Oriental Washington is located in the heart of the district in the southwest section, overlooking the marina, the Tidal Basin and the monuments. The view of the Jefferson Memorial at night is quite spectacular. While I would generally…
We are big fans of the French Sofitel chain of hotels. We think of them as 4+ star hotels at a 3 star price. While there are only 8 in the U.S. they are located in tourist favorites like NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Chicago.…
I have become a real fan of the French inspired, Sofitel Hotels, having enjoyed them in New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago and LA. They are sophisticated and stylish with the amenities and design of a 4-4 ½ star hotel, but with very reasonable prices. (except maybe Peak Season) They are…
The French inspired Sofitel Lafayette Square is a favorite for its service, stylish rooms and price/value. With 220 rooms and 17 suites, this charming hotel is both comfortable and intimate. I was greeted immediately upon leaving my cab and the doorman introduced himself and asked for…
Sofitel Hotels are a favorite of ours and are recommended in our New York, Washington, DC and LA profiles. As I have said before you get a 4 star experience at a 3 star price. Their weekend rates are amazingly reasonable given the style and ambiance you enjoy. Read Full Profile >>
Los Angeles is notorious for having no real downtown area. However if it did have one, it would probably be the few blocks surrounding the Beverly Center. A major shopping and dining destination in its own right, the Beverly Center has garnered a panoply…
St. Regis hotels have a rich heritage dating back 100 years to the opening of the St. Regis in New York by the Astor family. Many of the early traditions remain; fresh flowers in the rooms, the English style butler service, afternoon tea and midnight suppers. Another tradition, started by John Jacob Astor has guests…
St. Regis hotels have a rich heritage dating back 100 years to the opening of the St. Regis in New York by the Astor family. Many of the early traditions remain; fresh flowers in the rooms, the English style butler service, afternoon…
Nestled in the heart of the "Irish Riviera" in Spring Lake, NJ, The Breakers on the Ocean is an elegant, full service hotel, just steps from the beach and the Atlantic. A delightful wrap-around porch offers the opportunity to…
Even the most jaded political observer would have to admit to being impressed by the view from the Hay Adams, across Lafayette Square to the White House. At night with the building all lit up, it was quite spectacular. The historic Italian Renaissance-style hotel opened in…
The Jefferson Hotel was built in 1923 as an apartment building and converted to a hotel in the 50’s. It closed in 2007 for a two year renovation that resulted in the stunning property it is today. The hotel is a Forbes…
The Liberty Hotel, is ideally located in my favorite part of town, Beacon Hill, just steps from the cafes and boutiques of Charles Street. The 298 room hotel is the former Charles Street Jail and carries the jail theme throughout the…
Every list of the most “romantic” hotels in New York City includes the Lowell at or near the top. This is our choice for any special occasion. With only 47 suites and 21 rooms, it is small, intimate and ideally located on a tree lined street just off Madison Avenue…
This is another instance, like Wynn and Encore, where there are two sister hotels, side by side, that share a lot of features. There are a few design differences, but The Venetian and The Palazzo are very similar. This is a huge resort,…
Joining the Ritz Carlton at the top of the list of Philadelphia hotels is the Rittenhouse Hotel located on beautiful Rittenhouse Square in the heart of the City. This serene park is my favorite in Philadelphia and is surrounded by some wonderful cafes that spill out onto…
It is hard to match the elegance of the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans. Located on the edge of the French Quarter it is close to most everything and a wonderful base for exploring the city. The gorgeous lobby opens onto a stunning courtyard filled…
Another New Orleans hotel with a long history, the 116 year old Roosevelt has been through a number of incarnations, the latest after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. Originally opened on New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight in 1907, the 500…
This "has it all" hotel came up in a search one weekend on Hotwire when we were looking for last minute accommodations in NYC. That weekend and one other we were able to get rates under $200. The Roxy Tribeca, formally…
The Surrey, the only Relais & Chateaux property in NYC, is an utterly charming hotel just a block from both Central Park and Madison Avenue and is everything a sophisticated hotel should be. Built in 1926 as a residence hotel, the original…
People of a certain age will remember the Watergate as the scene of the break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters that ultimately brought down the Presidency of Richard Nixon. In fact, the hotel has a bit of a sense of humor…
Its gold façade glistening in the desert sun, Trump sits on the edge of the Strip, close enough to walk anywhere, yet seemingly far away from the bustling crowds. If you want luxury and proximity without the hordes tramping through a…
Say what you want about Donald Trump, the man knows how to do a hotel right and the Chicago incarnation is no exception. Located in the Loop beside the Chicago River, the soaring 92 story Trump is a bold design against…
Located within the bustling City Center, right on the Strip, the Waldorf Astoria (formally the Mandarin Oriental) is close to all the major attractions and casinos, but thankfully does not have one itself. Guests arrive on the ground floor and are…
It is not often that a new hotel enters a major city and takes it by storm... almost immediately. This is particularly true in Chicago which boasts some of the best hotels in the country. But that is what happened with the
Wave Resort is a wonderful addition to the Jersey Shore lodging scene. Opened in 2019, in the vibrant Pier Village in Long Branch, it is just an hour from New York City and accessible by NJ Transit to it's train station just…
A $22 million renovation has restored Windsor Court to the top of the list of New Orleans hotels. All 316 guestrooms have been refurbished, the Grill Room and Polo Lounge refreshed, a Cocktail Bar has been added to the lobby and a…
Generally the description “hip and trendy” for a hotel translates into a minimalist, ultra modern décor that has about as much warmth as, well, a glass and chrome table. XV Beacon manages to be hip and trendy without succumbing to that styling found in so many boutique hotels, particularly in…
Use our handy tool to search for the perfect weekend with all the features you prefer. Search by accomodation type, recognition, geography, amenity and more.
Search now!