Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Taj Falaknuma Palace

We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

Taj Falaknuma Palace Saisons in Hyderabad, India is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for ambiance and design. This luxury hotel is 2,000 feet above Hyderabad with 60 beautiful rooms that look out over the clouds and the city. The hotel features Venetian chandeliers, antique furniture, grand marble staircases, intricate fountains, stained-glass windows, a world-class collection of crystal, and Japanese gardens. The Palace Library is a collector’s envy, home to the rarest of manuscripts, books, and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran. It’s clear why this luxury hotel has received recognition for its design, and we certainly recommend taking it all in in person by adding this hotel to your bucket list of places to stay.

Five Star Alliance Favorites: Gran Hotel la Florida

We sift through newsletters, promotions, updates, rants, raves, and reviews to find the absolute best luxury hotels in various categories. Our team of luxury travel experts certainly knows a thing or two about what’s considered to be an exceptional hotel, so we’ve put our top picks together to create a list of Five Star Alliance Favorites!

Lucy, our Director of Digital Operations here at Five Star Alliance, has voted the Gran Hotel la Florida in Barcelona as one of her favorite spots in Spain. This hotel is perfectly situated 300 meters above the city, offering spectacular views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Our insider sources tell us that Bruce Springsteen (Lucy’s favorite singer) stays here when he’s in Barcelona, which may very well be reason enough to find this hotel as a charming gem in the bustling city in Spain. A few key highlights of the Gran Hotel la Florida include:

- Children service's including baby sitting and special activities upon request.

- Heated indoor /outdoor Swimming-pool. -

- ZenZone SPA including Sauna, Steam Bath, Pressure Showers, Ice Fountain, Jacuzzi, Hydrotherapy and treatment cabins.

- Wine & Cava cellar tours and tastings. 

Explore more photos, availability, and rates at the Gran Hotel la Florida here. >>

Your Questions Answered: Romantic Hotel Recommendation in Sydney, Australia

We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our new blog series ‘Your Questions Answered’ to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Question: We’re looking for a luxury 2 night romantic stay in a hotel overlooking Sydney Harbor & the Opera House, a day spa, and a large spa bath in the suite. The dates are September 21st – 23rd, 2012. What can you recommend?

Answer: The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay is a great luxury hotel option that has availability for your dates of travel. It is located in the heart of Circular Quay, overlooking spectacular Sydney Harbour. Ideal for business or pleasure, the hotel is moments away from the world famous Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and historic Rocks district and a vibrant array of galleries, restaurants and theatres.

This hotel has rooms starting from 249 AUD, approximately 259 USD per night (advance purchase, non-refundable rate). This hotel has rooms that have views overlooking the city, overlooking the Opera House, and a partial view of the Harbour Bridge. For a romantic weekend, I would suggest booking the 'Couples Getaway' package which is in a Spa Suite that has a bathtub with spray jets and a whirlpool that fits 2. The nightly rate breakdown of this room option is below. Please be advised that rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

Nightly Rate Breakdown

2012-09-21 AUD 529.00

2012-09-22 AUD 599.00

To make a reservation for this room option, simply visit this website, enter your dates of travel, select the 'Couples Getaway' room type, and fill in the booking form.

St. Pancras Hotel Goes Above and Beyond for its VIP Guests

We’re thrilled to announce that St. Pancras Hotel is the only hotel in collaboration with Eurostar offering complimentary VIP transfers for guests staying in Chambers Rooms and Suites. Chambers Rooms offer the following value-additions and start from 340 Pounds per night, excluding VAT.

• Access to the Chambers Club which offers a fresh morning breakfast, drinks and snacks throughout the day

• Access to the St. Pancras Spa facility, including a £30 Spa treatment voucher

• Priority table reservations at The Gilbert Scott Restaurant, a Marcus Wareing Restaurant

• Complimentary wired & wireless Internet connectivity

• Complimentary Melogy Male Grooming Wet Shave

• Butler Service

This incredible collaboration with Eurostar allows butlers and concierge members of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London to meet guests from their journey, escort customers onto the train, and pack and unpack the guests’ luggage. This sort of exceptional service certainly sets this luxury hotel apart, making it an exemplary choice for folks looking for a hotel in London.

Five Star Alliance Favorites: The Post Ranch Inn

We sift through newsletters, promotions, updates, rants, raves, and reviews to find the absolute best luxury hotels in various categories. Our team of luxury travel experts certainly knows a thing or two about what’s considered to be an exceptional hotel, so we’ve put our top picks together to create a list of Five Star Alliance Favorites!

Courtney, our General Manager here at Five Star Alliance, has voted the Post Ranch Inn in Monterey, California as her dream hotel. The photos below speak for themselves, but if you’re more of a facts person, here’s a little information about this incredible property.

- Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, California, the Post Ranch Inn provides the ultimate romantic getaway.

- This hotel only has 30 rooms, and each features either an ocean or mountain view.

- Each room has a king-size bed, wood-burning fireplace, indoor spa tub, private deck, stereo, and a digital music system with forty-five channels.

- Guests can enjoy the complimentary wet bar and mini-bar with snacks, juices, and a half bottle of red and white wine.

- There are no televisions or alarm clocks in the guestrooms which allows guests to fully disconnect, relax, and rejuvinate.

- This is an adult-only hotel, and the minimum age for guests is 18.

- Known for its architecture, the Post Ranch Inn features some rooms that are nestled in the mountain side while others are built on stilts among trees!

- There is one lap pool, a heated basking pool overlooking the ocean, and an award winning spa facility.

Explore more photos, availability, and rates at the Post Ranch Inn here. >>

Your Questions Answered: Luxury Hotel Recommendations in Ireland

We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our new blog series ‘Your Questions Answered’ to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Question: I’m traveling to Ireland in October with my great aunt and I’d like a few recommendations on where to stay. We’re not set on any specific location and just looking for an incredible hotel. What can you recommend?

Answer: A few incredible hotels in Ireland that have availability for October 16th - 25th are below: To explore the full list of hotels as well as their rates and photos, simply visit this website and enter your dates of travel:

The Westin Dublin has rooms with one queen bed starting from 217.89 Euros per room, per night, so you could get two of these rooms. This hotel is located on its own city block in downtown Dublin opposite Trinity College, only steps away from the Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar, as well as the famous shops of Grafton Street.

For a more traditional experience, Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland is an excellent choice. It has a breakfast inclusive room options with 2 twin beds starting from 225 Euros per night, or breakfast inclusive rooms with 1 king bed for 225 Euros per night as well, if you'd prefer to get two separate rooms. Originally built as a crenellated castle in the 13th century and rebuilt as a hunting and fishing lodge in the 1800s, today Ashford Castle is one of the finest and most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, Ashford Castle is 1/2 hour northeast of Galway City on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake.

Mount Juliet Hotel Kilkenny in County Kilkenny, Ireland has rooms with 1 queen bed available starting from 119 Euros per room, per night. Mount Juliet is Ireland's leading country estate and one of the most luxurious Hotels in Kilkenny. This one is approximately a 2 hour drive from Dublin.

Please be advised that rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

Photo of Ashford Castle

Best Rooftop Hotspots: The Betsy Hotel

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has gone through its collection of 520 luxury hotels in over 70 countries and put together a list of its top hotels with the best rooftops. Ranging from a rooftop restaurant to a rooftop pool with stunning city views, be sure to check out our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring these happening hotels with rooftops worth exploring.

The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida tops the list with its rooftop solarium and wellness garden which offers incredible views of the ocean and allows guests to take in the soothing environment. The sole surviving example of Florida Georgian architecture on Ocean Drive, the Betsy Hotel is a distinguished historic landmark featuring 61 intimate rooms that are private beachside havens. Be sure to explore the spa facility which is located in the rooftop solarium and features three cabanas providing a personalized treatment experience. Make your reservations at the Betsy Hotel here! Be sure to check in with us again to discover the other luxury hotels with happening rooftops that made the list!

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Chewton Glen

We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

Chewton Glen is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for service. This luxury hotel, spa, and country club is located between the ancient New Forest and the sea in Hampshire, United Kingdom. It features an award-winning restaurant, world-class leisure activities, and modern conference facilities. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate event, Chewton Glen has the ambiance and atmosphere to suit both business and leisure trips. Take advantage of the indoor spa and hydrotherapy pool, 2 indoor and 2 outdoor tennis courts, and a nine-hole par 3 golf course onsite. Aside from incredible facilities, Chewton Glen goes above and beyond to provide all visitors with impeccable and personalized service for an unforgettable stay. Explore hotel photos, availability, and rates here!

L’Auberge de Sedona Just Got Steamier

L’Auberge de Sedona underwent an extensive, $25 million renovation period that was completed last year, and the new look and feel of this luxury hotel is certainly worth checking out. L’Auberge de Sedona is sporting a newly designed lobby and has completely redesigned Lodge rooms and Creekside and Garden Cottages. Several brand new Spa Cottages and Vista Cottages and Suites have been added, and probably it’s most exciting addition is its private outdoor showers! In case you were looking for a hotel that knows how to kick up the romance, L’Auberge de Sedona definitely just got a little bit steamier. The cottages now have an enclosed, outdoor cedar shower open to the sky, perfect for viewing the sunrise or the night sky. The cottages also feature fireplaces, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs, and private balconies or patios. A few other noteworthy renovations include a redesign of their award winning spa, a Veranda Bar, and a new saltwater pool with a deck overlooking the Sedona Red Rock formations. Be sure to explore L’Auberge de Sedona for an intimate getaway with your significant other!

The Trump International Beach Resort is the Perfect Vacation Spot

The Trump International Beach Resort is a 32-story, 390-room romantic hotspot and happening family vacation zone. It’s rare that a luxury hotel can embody both categories and provide the perfect vacation for all, but the Trump International Beach Resort is one of those rare and fortunate finds. Pristinely located on the Atlantic Ocean in Sunny Isles Beach, this luxury hotel has four fine dining restaurants and lounges, a full service fitness center, and a Just Us Kids program to offer. Your kids can partake in morning and afternoon activities such as beach and pool games, and arts and craft projects lead by specially trained counselors. One of the best features at the Trump International Beach Resort is that its brand new Bella Beach restaurant and bar is located right on the sandy beach and has a dining area, bar, and luxurious daybeds and lounge chairs. Relax on the sand with the best ocean views by only taking a few steps from the hotel. Return from a day at the beach and lounge by the six million dollar pool complex complete with waterfalls, hot tubs, and lush tropical foliage, and then retire to your oversized room ranging from 550 to 1,773 square feet. Make your reservations at this phenomenal luxury hotel and start packing for the perfect vacation!