Hotels

Columbia HillenEvery tile tells a story. Or at least that’s the situation at the 5-star Bela Vista Hotel & Spa in Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve coast. Century-old hand-painted tiles adorn the walls of this 38-room hotel, none more so than on the ornate wooden staircase leading up to the bedrooms. Here, a series of intricately designed tiles illustrate one of Portugal’s most respected books, The Lusiads, an epic poem written by Luis Vaz de Camoes about Portugal’s ‘golden age’ of discovery. Columbia HillenElsewhere, an aptly-named ‘tile room’ depicts the arrival in Brazil by 16th century explorer, Vasco da Gama, while religious…

MarriottThis hotel-- Asher Adams-- was named after the first cartographers to depict railroad lines on their maps. It is the new luxury hotel, transforming the historic 1908 Union Pacific railroad passenger station into a 225-room Marriott Autograph Collection hotel.   Located in The Gateway, a large, open-air retail, residential, and office complex in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is centered on the historic Union Pacific Depot now transformed into the new hotel Marriott Asher Adams on the west side of downtown Salt Lake City.  Asher Adams is just steps from the TRAX Light Rail and the Delta Center, the place where…

La Valencia HotelCherished among locals and visitors alike, San Diego Historic Landmark and Preferred Hotels & Resorts member, La Valencia has embodied coastal California charm since it opened in 1926. Originally named Los Apartmentos de Sevilla, the hotel was designed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style – its pink façade inspired by the owners' vacation to Waikiki Beach in the 1950s. Famed for its 11-story Spanish-tiled tower, Mediterranean-style architecture, and stunning Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove views, "The Pink Lady" has served as a glamorous getaway for Hollywood's elite, hosting many notable guests over the decades, from Ginger Rogers to…

Columbia HillenAbout to leave for our scheduled tour of Hobbiton, the charming film location of the Shire, home to Frodo and company, disaster struck. Approaching our car, I noticed the rear tire was completely flat, the result of a nail puncture. And the spare was too thin to get us there. Columbia HillenTo make matters worse, it was our last day in New Zealand’s Waikato region so we couldn’t re-schedule. Seeing my wife’s downcast face, Hobbiton being the holiday highlight she’d been most looking forward to, I felt helpless. That’s when staff at our hotel, Hidden Lake in Cambridge on…

Hotel Zeppelin's Game RoomWithin San Francisco’s eclectic mix of visitor accommodations, one hotel group stands out as a reflection of the city’s diverse character. The Z Hotels—Zeppelin, Zetta, and Zelos— deliver a blend of modern luxury and urban chic that offers guests not simply a place to stay, but an experience that is as memorable and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re drawn to Zeppelin’s throwback charm, Zetta’s playful energy, or Zelos’ sleek modernity, the three hotels provide stylish and comfortable bases from which to explore one of America’s most vibrant cities. Hotel Zeppelin Providing a nod to the…

Aug. 19th, 2024 As the glistening sun rises over the pristine shores of Ibiza on this mystical Spanish Island in the Mediterranean, the iconic Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay begins its annual invitation to guests every spring. This inspired 5-star luxury hotel on the white island in the Balearic Islands offers an unmatched blend of luxury, relaxation, and indulgence in one of the world’s most coveted locations.  Nestled along the tranquil shores of Talamanca Bay, this exclusive beachfront property has become synonymous with sophistication, catering to the discerning tastes of global travelers who seek more than just a getaway—they seek an…

Omni La Costa Resort Garden Pool. Photo Jill WeinleinArriving at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in North San Diego, one quickly develops the art of relaxation. The beautiful Spanish Mission-style property is ideal from sunrise to sunset during the summer months. With eight different swimming pools to float in and some of the best water activities in the area, the resort offers couples and families a fun getaway.  Guests staying near the two Garden pools will enjoy a tropical setting with towering palm trees. Next to these pools there are two hot tubs to soak, relax and unwind.  The resort…

The Scotsman HotelLori Morris Design is an interior design firm known for its innovative style. Their most recent achievement included receiving Best Luxury Hotel Interior Design from Luxury Lifestyle Awards for their work on The Scotsman Hotel located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Built in 1835 and transformed over the years, the hotel underwent a remarkable renovation led by Lori Morris from November 2020 to August 2023. The 5 Star, 4011 sq. ft. boutique hotel now features six suites, eight bathrooms, a lobby, a waiting area, a piano lounge, and a breakfast room, displaying Morris' passion for luxury and attention to detail.We…

(credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts)Amongst the more than 6,300 properties around the world which IHG Hotels & Resorts operates, the multinational hospitality company also offers travelers remote hotels in stunning, off-the-beaten-path destinations. As more and more travelers are looking to travel to destinations to avoid large crowds, remote locations have grown in popularity. According to a new report by The Future Laboratory and IHG Hotels & Resorts, Travel’s New Age of Influence, 68% of Gen Z and Millennials say they are constantly looking for new inspiration and activities for exploring the outdoors. For those looking to avoid popular tourist spots…

(credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley)Surrounded by countless sprawling manicured vineyards, the Napa/Sonoma wine region is world-renowned for its award-winning wine. The area is a top travel destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, couples and lately even families looking to absorb themselves with the specialty shops, top restaurants and great-tasting wine. For those visiting who want to add a little luxury to your next trip, look no further, as here are the 17 best accommodations at all the top hotels and resorts in Napa/Sonoma. (credit: Auberge Resorts Collection)Private Maisons  Offering two unique free-standing private maisons, Cannes and Monaco,…