Hotels

Bandista, the hidden speakeasy at Four Seasons Hotel HoustonHouston might not be top of mind when planning a relaxing getaway. But after three nights at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, I enthusiastically endorse “Space City” as an indulgent retreat destination. While any Four Seasons hotel or resort promises the height of luxurious hospitality (ahhh, that Four Seasons bed!), the Houston locale and its range of amenities are exceptionally fun and entertaining. The downtown hotel is a one stop shop for the best of Houston cuisine, cocktails, and amusement. Here's how I enjoyed a recent stay: Seeking a bit of warmth and sunshine…

Columbia HillenFrom our room on the 15th floor of the Cordis hotel, my companion and I couldn’t have asked for a better skyline view over downtown Auckland - the waterfront, Rangitoto Island and the wide open sea spread out before us. Columbia HillenFormerly the Langham Auckland, and still operated by the Langham Hospitality Group, this 5-star property was renamed Codis, Latin for heart, four years ago. Built on the site of a former flour mill and biscuit factory, the hotel now has 640 hotel rooms and suites on its 17 floors, including the Pinnacle Tower, making it the biggest hotel…

Courtesy of Loews PhiladelphiaIn the City of Brotherly Love, the country’s first skyscraper stands proudly as an art deco landmark and a historic treasure that now serves as the home of Loews Philadelphia. Located in the heart of Center City, almost every popular city attraction is a short stroll (or even quicker taxi ride) from the hotel’s lobby doors: the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum, The Barnes Foundation, The Rodin Museum, the beloved Betsy Ross House, and many more iconic sights.  Courtesy of Loews PhiladelphiaWhether visitors are traveling on business or pleasure,…

Courtesy of Fontainebleau Las VegasHome to several impressive hotels and resorts, Las Vegas is not short on glamour and luxury offerings. From world-class dining and shopping to a playground of exciting gambling and first-rate entertainment with legendary headliners, guests can enjoy a wide variety of hospitality. Underneath sparkling chandeliers, in between imaginative dining options, and soaring over the Vegas skyline, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a destination I’ll be coming back to again and again. Courtesy of Fontainebleau Las VegasPulling up to the hotel, guests are enveloped in instant extravagance. Floral displays can be found at almost every entrance, and the…

Blue Flag CapitalJackson Hole’s après scene embodies true mountain culture. After a long day on the slopes there is nothing quite like catching all your friends up on your best runs, the jump you finally nailed, or drinking away the pain of a wipe out. In ski towns like Aspen the après scene has become a who’s who, see and be seen. Aspen’s après hot spots are frequented by Jenners, Kardashians, A-list celebrities, and famous DJs. But in Jackson Hole the celebrities are the ski instructors, lifties, and the local old timers who know all the best powder stashes. Two…

Photo courtesy of Grand HouseSitting in a cozy reading room at Grand House in the eastern corner of the Portuguese Algarve surrounded by artifacts from the Belle-Époque era, I felt I’d accidentally stepped through a time portal. For this 26-room boutique hotel in the former fishing village of Vila Real de Santo António reflects the splendor of the Roaring Twenties featuring a façade straight out of that golden period with art deco, art nouveau and colonial furnishings to match. Photo courtesy of Grand HouseOverlooking a charming marina and the Guadiana River with Spain a mere stone’s throw away on the other side, this…

SofitelFor those in search of winter sun, seclusion, and luxury without a long-haul flight and the attendant, dreaded jet lag, Dubai is the perfect destination. Just seven hours away from the UK and with virtually guaranteed sunshine and balmy temperatures, it offers the perfect antidote to the long drawn-out British winter. With the recent relaxation of licensing laws in the UAE, and the incredible array of hotels, activities for the whole family to enjoy, and burgeoning cultural scene, there has never been a better time to visit. The only conundrum is deciding where to base oneself in this ultra-modern metropolis:…

Image courtesy of Virgin Hotels New York CityLocated on the northwest corner of 29th Street and Broadway, In the heart of Manhattan's vibrant NoMad district, the newly opened Virgin Hotels New York City has emerged as New York City's newest destination for affordable luxury. With its prime location, contemporary interiors, chic bars, decadent restaurants, and breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline, this hotel delivers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a taste of sophistication without breaking the bank. Image courtesy of Virgin Hotels New York City In a city known for its opulence and extravagance, Virgin Hotels New York…

(credit: Weyland Ventures)The newly opened Myriad Hotel, nestled in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, is unveiling the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Experience. For the 2024 Kentucky Derby, which is the 150th renewal of The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports, guests can book the hotel’s $35,000 Ultimate Kentucky Derby Experience for an unparalleled opportunity. Guests who are looking for an unforgettable Derby weekend should look no further as this package has it all. With only one package available, six couples will have the opportunity to stay in Louisville's hottest new boutique hotel, which was once a factory responsible for creating the majority of the…