The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. 12 Days of Hotels: 11 Best Business Hotels
December 26, 2012
By: Oksana Balytsky
Instead of 12 Days of Christmas, Five Star Alliance is having its own countdown featuring 12 Days of Hotels! We unfortunately don’t have a song to go along with our countdown, but we will be featuring a variety of categories. Today’s feature is 11 of the World’s Best Business Hotels!
With extensive meeting and banquet facilities, the hotel can accommodate every type of event from small business meetings to large social gatherings. For the business traveller in Tokyo, the hotel also has a full-service Business Centre, open 24 hours daily.
Voted the Best Business Hotel in the Middle East and the Best Business Hotel in Dubai in 2007 by the Business Traveller Awards.
While working on your laptop (the hotel offers complimentary high-speed Internet access), enjoy unobstructed views of the White House, Lafayette Park, and St. John's Church.
Standing apart in service, its facilities and of course, in its distinguished patronage, this hotel has played host to Heads of State, corporate moguls and high profile businessmen from across the world.
Along with some of the most advanced office equipment, the professional staff offers a wide range of secretarial services to meet all your business needs.
State-of-the-art technology in the heart of the financial district of Chicago, and within walking distance of The Loop, The Merchandise Mart and Lake Michigan.
7. Claridges
Guests can now connect to the virtual world more easily than ever situated on the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street and is within easy reach of Hyde Park, Park Lane, Bond Street and Oxford Street.
Ideally located in the heart of New York City, offers an unbeatable location that has lured dignitaries, celebrities and world leaders for years.
9. The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel
The hotel has established itself as the scene for high-powered meetings and high society soirees.
Situated at the crossroads of Singapore's business district, The Plaza is synonymous with sophistication, elegance, and luxury. Don't miss the executive club amenities.
This 5-star deluxe hotel combines state-of-the-art technology with tasteful decor to create a haven for the guests, welcoming both business and leisure travelers.
By: Oksana Balytsky
The Top 30 Hotels in 2012: #7 Hotel Le Meurice
December 25, 2012
By: K. Clare Johnson
In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
- Each of the seven floors has a distinct style, with 160 beautifully appointed rooms decorated in a style redolent of Louis XVI.
-Le Meurice has an unrivaled hotel location opposite the Tuileries Gardens and is a short stroll from Le Louvre in Central Paris.
-Highly acclaimed by food writers worldwide, three Michelin star Chef Yannick Alleno creates menus according to his own distinctive style of refined, harmonious and healthy cuisine.
-Spa Valmont uses the most prestigious products from Swiss anti-ageing skincare specialists, Valmont.
-Le Meurice is delighted to arrange child-friendly outings for guests, such as visits to the Jardin d'Acclimation, the Parc Andre Citroen, or cruises on the Bateaux-Mouches.
Explore photos, availability, and rates at Hotel Le Meurice>>
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By: K. Clare Johnson
12 Days of Hotels: Top 12 Presidential Inauguration Luxury Hotels
December 25, 2012
By: Oksana Balytsky
Instead of 12 Days of Christmas, Five Star Alliance is having its own countdown featuring 12 Days of Hotels! We unfortunately don’t have a song to go along with our countdown, but we will be focusing on a variety of categories. To start us off, we’ll be featuring 12 Presidential Inauguration Luxury Hotels!
Located in Washington's fashionable West End, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. surrounds you with comfort and luxury.
This distinctive luxury hotel is located the heart of the District and features convenient access to business districts, theaters, world-class shopping and stunning historical landmarks.
3. The Willard Intercontinental
The Willard is where Abraham Lincoln and his family resided prior to his Inauguration, where Julia Ward Howe wrote the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic', where President Grant coined the term lobbyist, and where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. finished his 'I Have a Dream Speech'.
This hotel is ideally situated on the edge of stylish Georgetown, and conveniently located near Embassy Row, the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Museums and National Monuments.
5. The Jefferson Washington DC
Located at the corner of 16th and M Streets, Northwest and four blocks from The White House
Housed in a completely refurbished and updated historic landmark building, and it features 237 guestrooms including 17 suites, all tastefully designed by the renowned French designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon.
Next door to the White House, the oldest hotel in town has been reinvented into W Washington D.C., revitalizing historic traditions into contemporary sophistication.
8. Mandarin Oriental Washington
Ranked by Institutional Investor magazine as one of the top 100 hotels in the world, Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC creates memorable experiences for any traveler to the most powerful city in the world.
The luxuriously quiet 259 classically appointed rooms and suites within this exquisite hotel in Washington, D.C. offer sweeping views of Embassy Row, the National Cathedral, or the Washington Monument.
Just four blocks from the White House and walking distance to Embassy Row, National Mall, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian and more, the Madison is the quintessence of political power mingled with genuine hospitality.
11. The St Regis Washington DC
Built in 1926, two blocks from The White House and the Corcoran Gallery, the gracefully reimagined The St. Regis Washington, D.C. presents itself as the most prestigious hotel for royalty, presidents and prime ministers in the nation's capital.
The Hay-Adams, a luxury boutique hotel, is as close as you can get to staying at the White House without a personal invitation from the President.
By: Oksana Balytsky
The Top 15 Luxury Hotel Destinations in 2012: #7 Bora Bora
December 24, 2012
By: K. Clare Johnson
In the final days of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 15 Luxury Hotels and Resort Destinations Worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
As of today, Five Star Alliance features 10 luxury hotels in Bora Bora. Bora Bora is a tropical island in French Polynesia, located in the middle of the Pacific ocean halfway between Australia and the USA. Bora Bora is known as "The Romantic Island." It's a a small island set in a turquoise lagoon that is surrounded by a string of motus (small islands).
What Makes Our Guests Love Bora Bora? 
-Exclusivity. There are more hotel rooms in a typical Las Vegas hotel than on all 118 islands of French Polynesia. If you really want to get away from it all, Bora Bora is the answer.
-There are no poisonous snakes or insects in French Polynesia.
-Look at the pictures. Pristine white sand beaches, clear blue lagoons, tropical vegetation over dramatic volcanic peaks and glamorous resorts. Need we say more?
Places to Stay?
-What could be more romantic than Valentine's Day in Bora Bora? As of this writing, nightly rates range from $523 at Intercontinental Le Moana Bora Bora to $744 at Le Meridien Bora Bora to $1071 at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
Did You Know?
-The recent Vince Vaughn film "Couples Retreat" was filmed at St. Regis Resort Bora Bora (pictured).
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By: K. Clare Johnson
The Top 30 Hotels in 2012: #8 Don CeSar Beach Resort
December 24, 2012
By: Oksana Balytsky
In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
Coming in the #8 spot is the Don CeSar Beach Resort which is a beach front resort that’s located on the island of St. Pete Beach in Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. Here are a few fun facts about this luxury hotel:
- Features 277 newly renovated guestrooms including 2 penthouses and 40 suites
- Seven-and-a-half miles of beaches
- Two beachside pools
- Kids program with counselors overseeing the activities, allowing parents to rejuvenate at the Pink Palace
- After the sun goes down, romantic lighting sets the ambiance for the new whirlpool accented with a mosaic of tiffany glass, and surrounded by a lush garden and overlooking the Gulf shores
- Famous for their ocean front sunset couples massages in tiki huts on the beach
- 6,349-yard (5,777 m) golf course features narrow, palm-lined fairways, tightly manicured greens and Gulf breezes
Explore photos, availability, and rates at Don CeSar Beach Resort here >>
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By: Oksana Balytsky
The Top 15 Luxury Hotel Destinations in 2012: #8 Rome
December 24, 2012
By: K. Clare Johnson
In the final days of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 15 Luxury Hotels and Resort Destinations Worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
As of today, Five Star Alliance features 37 luxury hotels, in Rome, Italy. Often known as The Eternal City thanks to its 3,000 years of rich history, Rome is also Europe’s greenest city. Traditionally, Rome was built on seven hills: Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline and Caelian.
What Makes Our Guests Love Rome?
-The Trevi Fountain and other landmarks such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and The Pantheon are just a few of the ancient treasures to be explored. There's also the Vatican museum, which is the largest museum complex in the world of over 1000 museums and galleries.
-The food. A city that has an entire museum devoted to pasta takes its food seriously. Italian food is regional, so the dishes you find in Rome may be a delicious new discovery.
-Rome is easy to get to, thanks to the plethora of flights in and out of the city daily. There's also world-class shopping, entertainment, and did we mention the food?
Where to Stay?
-As of this writing, there is select availability for New Year's Eve in Rome. Ripa Hotel is offering nightly rates starting at EUR157, Boscolo Aleph Hotel has nightly rates starting at EUR267, and for those wanting to splurge, Hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli (pictured) has nightly rates from EUR1375.
-Plan now for your springtime in Rome. Nightly rates for late March-Early April range from EUR192 at Hotel Lord Byron to Grand Hotel de la Minerve at EUR289 to EUR361 at St Regis Grand Rome (pictured below).
Did You Know?
-Vatican City, which is located inside the city limits of Rome, is its own sovereign state, and is the smallest state in the world.
-The abbreviation SPQR can be found on many Roman statues, buildings, and military standards. It stands for “senatus populusque romanus.” meaning “The senate and people of Rome
Check out all the best luxury hotels and resorts in Rome>>
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By: K. Clare Johnson
The Top 15 Luxury Hotel Destinations in 2012: #9 Sydney
December 23, 2012
By: Christopher Roney
In the final days of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 15 Luxury Hotels and Resort Destinations Worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
As of today, Five Star Alliance features 25 luxury hotels in Sydney, Australia. Sydney, the state capital of New South Wales, is the biggest and most populous city in Australia. Sydney is one of Asia-Pacific's most popular tourist destinations thanks to its sunny weather, fine beaches and landmarks like the Sydney Opera House (pictured above).
What makes our guests love Sydney?
-Of the approximately 10,000 beaches in Australia, 70 of them are in Sydney. Bondi Beach, arguably Sydney's most famous sand spot, is more than 100 meters wide and stretches for well over a kilometer. 
-Beach, mountain, or city? No matter what type of vacation experience you like, Sydney has it. Relax and take in the stunning views at Echoes Resort Blue Mountain (pictured), stay harbourside at The Darling Hotel Sydney, or be in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District) at The Westin Sydney.
-November to February is the most popular time to visit Sydney.
Where to stay?
-As of this writing, New Year's Eve was still available at select Sydney luxury hotels. Nightly rates range from $385 at Blue Sydney to $622 at Westin Sydney $1646.20 at Wolgan Valley Resort.
-Planning ahead for Valentine's Day? The gorgeous Park Hyatt Sydney (pictured at top) is available for nightly rates starting at $1,102. The Langham Sydney also has city view rooms available for nightly rates starting at $369. 
Did you know?
-The Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932 and is still the largest steel arch bridge in the world measuring 1,149 metres in length and 134 metres from sea level to the top of the arch.
Check out all the best luxury hotels and resorts in Sydney>>
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The Top 30 Luxury Hotels in 2012: #9 Clift
December 23, 2012
By: Shannon Sullivan
In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
By: Shannon Sullivan
The Top 30 Luxury Hotels in 2012: Honorable Mention Amanjena
December 23, 2012
By: Jordan Schultz
In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! But there were a few more hotels we absolutely had to mention. Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
Here are a few fun facts about Amanjena:
-Amanjena's 18 rose-toned Pavilions, six Pavilions Bassin, eight Pavilions Piscine, six two-story Maisons and the two-bedroom Al-Hamra Maison all radiate from the ancient bassin (irrigation pool) which lies at the heart of the property.
-Amanjena (peaceful paradise) is the first Aman resort on the African continent and is located just outside the ancient city of Marrakech.
-The Restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in authentic Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine.
Explore photos, availability, and rates at Amanjena>>
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By: Jordan Schultz
The Top 30 Luxury Hotels in 2012: #10 Parrot Cay Turks and Caicos
December 22, 2012
By: Jordan Schultz
In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!
#10 on our list is Parrot Cay Turks and Caicos. Here are a few fun facts about the hotel:
-Set on its own private island and features 1,000 unspoilt acres and mile-long beach.
-Villas and houses have their own private pools, and many have direct beach access as well as the 24-hour services of COMO’s acclaimed butlers.
-COMO Shambhala menus are available. The menus use organic ingredients rich in living enzymes, vitamins and sea minerals . Salads, steamed and grilled foods alll play a prominent role. Unprocessed honey replaces other sweeteners, and when fat is needed, olive oil stands in for butter.
-Wellness facilities include a sweeping yoga room aired by natural breezes, nine treatment rooms, an outdoor Jacuzzi garden, a Pilates studio, double massage rooms and Japanese baths—all in low-lying pavilions overlooking the North Caicos Channel and the surrounding wetlands.
-Parrot Cay offers unforgettable activities, including waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and sunset cruising.
Explore photos, availability, and rates at Parrot Cay Turks and Caicos>>
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By: Jordan Schultz
