The Sun Rises on the East: East Hotel to Open New Property in Beijing

Opening in the first quarter of this year, the East Hotel in Beijing is looking to add a little spice to the East brand by moving it north from Hong Kong.  Billed as a "business hotel with a life," its 348 rooms and 21 suites will have access to all the important things a business traveler needs:  free Wi-Fi, a business center with individual working pods, accelerated paperless check-in, and of course a complete fitness center to work off the excess energy you've built up over a day of meetings.  

The 'life' part of the East starts with Feast, Food by East, that fits into the business lifestyle.  Focusing on crisp, well-prepared classic food, you'll be comfortable in a bustling environment where you won't feel out of place working on your presentation for the next day.  Relax when you're done by listening to live performances in the separate bar, the perfect spot to wind down as your finishing up the day or getting ready for a night out.  The East Beijing is guaranteed to give a fresh new face to the tried and true methods of East Hong Kong, its sister hotel.  

Sad Times at Savoy: London Hotel Suffers Russell Brand Sob Story

If you're the kind of person who follows celebrity gossip, you're already well aware that Russell Brand and Katy Perry have filed for divorce, and while Katy was partying it up in style, Mr. Brand decided to take the melancholy route on New Year's.  The Savoy London housed his usual ironic distance and sardonic wit for the night, and he is even reported by The Mirror to have responded to wishes for a happy new year, "Here's hoping it gets better."  The poor guy ordered room service and generally spent the night alone, while Katy Perry partied it up in West Hollywood.  At least he got some top-quality comfort food.

We hope that next time you make a trip to The Savoy, you're not in the middle of a multi-million-dollar divorce because it really is a lovely place.  And most of the celebrities who make their stay there are looking for great time: Rihanna certainly made a splash.

Impending Opening: Trump Tower Towers over Toronto on the 31st

The grand opening of a new Trump Tower is certainly something to be excited about, and hopefully with the business mogul taking a tumble out of the presidential race, he'll have time to focus on unveiling the newest five-star hotel in his ever-growing collection.  Set to open on the 31st of January, now is the time to book the earliest rooms in this now-dominant feature of the Toronto skyline.  Each of the 261 rooms and suites features an elegant, cosmopolitan style and many look out over Lake Ontario.  

Ever looking to accommodate the businessmen among us, Trump's tower offers two full floors of meeting space and conference rooms to host your next big event.  Two additional floors house the nearby spa and wellness facility that dwarfs most others in the city.  If you're at all daunted by its comprehensive spa experience, never fear because the Spa Attache will be there to highlight the most revitalizing treatments.  Once you're done relaxing, head on down to the elegant signature restaurant led by an award-winning chef or the sleek, modern bar with signature cocktails that please both the traditionalist and the more adventurous imbiber.  You can even acquire kiddie cocktails and coloring books for the more youthful members of your party.

Reservations are available now, so make sure to check out Toronto's newest property, the Trump International Hotel and Tower Toronto the next time you're passing through.

New Hotel Openings in 2012: The Capella Georgetown

Capella Hotels & Resorts recently announced plans to convert a former five-story office building into The Capella Georgetown alongside the historic C&O Canal and cobblestone sidewalks of Georgetown, in the capital city of Washington, D.C.. Soon to begin construction, the property is slated to be opened in December 2012 at 1050 31st Street, NW.

The Capella Georgetown will feature 48 guest rooms and suites, an elegant restaurant and lounge, featuring seasonal dining overlooking the Canal, highlights amenities that include an executive boardroom, a rooftop pool and bar and exclusive spa. The hotel's premier location will offer dramatic views of the city's iconic landmarks.

According to the press release: "The Capella Georgetown interiors are being designed by renowned interiors architect Peter Silling & Associates and will include an intimate signature restaurant & bar with outdoor seating along the historic C&O Canal, a modern and elegant private rooftop lounge, a rooftop indoor-outdoor pool overlooking the Potomac River and several Washington landmarks, a guest only spa and fitness center, the pre-arrival services of personal assistants, luxury car service, 24 hr room service and unique wine cellar for private dining."

We'll update you with more information as construction progresses.

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #3 La Tremoille

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #3 spot we have La Tremoille, located near the center of Paris's Golden Triangle.

Quick facts about La Tremoille:

- The 93 rooms and suites are decorated in 30 different patterns and color schemes, accenting the personalized and unique stay of every guest.

- Renovated for 15 months in 2002, La Tremoille leapfrogged much of its competition as one of the traditional deluxe Paris hotels.

- Rooms feature a special "Hatch" foyer that offers ultimate privacy by separating guest rooms further from the hallway and allowing wait staff to bring room service and amenities without actually entering your room.

- Not only the hotel has been upgraded, the restaurant has been renovated even more recently than the hotel and has reopened under a new name, Le Louis2, offering wonderful French cuisine.

- The suites give a panoramic view of Paris rooftops and offer both living rooms and armchairs so comfortable, you find it hard to get yourself back out of them.

- The spa includes a sauna, hydro-jet shower, two private massage rooms, and beauty care rooms, not to mention the much-coveted jet-lag recovery therapy.

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at La Tremoille > >

Be sure to keep up with our countdown! Check back to see our top two hotels for the year!

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #5 Charleston Place

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #5 spot we have Charleston Place, located in the heart of Charleston's historic downtown.

Quick facts about Charleston Place:

- Club room occupy the two 2 floors of the hotel and offer private concierge services and enhanced amenities, food and services.

- Located on the 7th and 8th floor, on the private Club Level, the Presidential Suites measure approximately 1,200 square feet and offers a 6 person dining table walk-in closet and dressing area, integrated sound system throughout, butlers pantry and huge bathroom with separate shower and soaking tub.

- Charleston Place originally opened as an Omni Hotel on September 2nd, 1986 before becoming an Orient-Express Hotel in 1995.

- The horizon-edged saltwater mineral swimming pool is heated to allow year-round enjoyment. When the South Carolina weather allows, the glass roof retracts for fresh-air “outdoor” sunbathing in indoor comfort.

- Guests have included Prince Charles, members of Fortune 500 companies, Governors and prime ministers from around the world. Even visiting celebs such as Mel Gibson, Ted Turner, Bruce Willis, Jessica Lange, Barbra Streisand, Melanie Griffith, Richard Gere, Jeff Bridges, Julia Roberts and many more prefer to stay here instead of at one of the more intimate B&Bs you find in Charleston.

- The Spa menu includes treatments for children ruch as the Lollipop Manicure & Pedicure, The Cinderella 25-minute facial, Boys About Face 25-minute facial and the Fit Kids fun program for 3-5 year olds that combines engaging games and exercises designed to help develop motor skills.

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at Charleston Place >>

Be sure to keep up with our countdown! In case you missed it, here are our previously featured hotels:

#20 – The St. Regis Resort Aspen  
#19 – The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore  
#18 – The Peninsula Chicago  
#17 - The Tower Club at Lebua  
#16 - Auberge du Soleil  
#15 - The Mount Nelson Hotel  
#14 - The One and Only Maldives at Reethi Rah  
#13 - The Hotel de Crillon  
#12 - Peninsula Hong Kong  
#11 - Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi  
#10 - Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona 
#9 - Jumeirah Essex House
#8 - Atlantis the Palm Dubai
#7 - Hotel Le St. James  
#6 - Half Moon, a Rock Resort

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #6 Half Moon, a RockResort

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #6 spot we have the Half Moon, a RockResort located in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Quick facts about the Half Moon:

- Stretches across 400 landscaped acres, with 33 incredible 4 to 7 bedroom villas, each with its own personal staff and pool.

- 152 luxurious suites and 46 breathtaking rooms.

- Offers a 72-par golf course, 18-hole putting green, 13 lit tennis courts, a full range of water sports, and a natural Dolphin lagoon.

- Offers both all-inclusive and room only rates.

- Over 26,000 square feet of meeting space with state of the art audio/visual equipment and internet access.

- 51 swimming pools, including an Olympic size lap pool and swim-up pool bar.

- Children activity center, Hype Zone teen center, and babysitting services available.

- Recipient of the 2009 Virtuoso Best Family Program Award. 

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at the Half Moon, a RockResort.

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #7 Hotel Le St. James

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #7 spot we have the Hotel Le St. James in Montreal, Canada.

Quick facts about the Hotel Le St. James:

- This historic building is ideally situated in lively Old Montreal with easy access to shopping areas, restaurants, and the financial center.

- Located less than a mile from Central Station and just 12 miles from Dorval International Airport.

- Each room and suite has its own character and personal charm.

- The hotel’s restaurant, XO Le, is Montreal’s highest rated restaurant in 2009 by the Gazette.

- Le Spa, the hotels luxurious spa served as the Merchant’s Bank vault in the late 1800s.

- Pet friendly, allowing pets less than 30 lbs.

- Mobil Travel’s highest rated property in Quebec since 2003.

- The hotel’s original architecture dates back to 1870, with design features that have remained intact over the centuries.

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at the Hotel Le St. James.

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #9 Jumeirah Essex House

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #9 spot, we have the Jumeirah Essex House, a premiere Manhattan hotel.

Quick facts about the Jumeirah Essex House:

- With stunning views of Central Park, the hotel offers a uniquely quieter perspective on the bustle of New York City.  Its 509 guest rooms and suites range from 300 to 2,500 feet and newly include such features as interactive touchscreen displays to adjust lighting, mood, and temperature.

- Just north Broadway, the Essex House gives easy access to the world-class theater on display in the Big Apple.  

- The in-house spa offers personal trainers, a sauna and steambath, and full massage treatments to help you relax and enjoy the city.

- The rooms, suites, and lobby were all recently renovated in an $90 million dollar project to revitalize the charming Art Deco style.

- The Essex House's storied history dates back to 1929 when construction first began just prior to the stock market crash. Opening finally in 1931, the hotel hosted a number of attendees of the 1939 World's Fair before being acquired for military use during World War II.  It is one of only 200 hotels in America recognized by the Historic Hotels of America for maintaining its historic and cultural integrity for its 80 years of operation.

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at the Jumeirah Essex House >>

Be sure to keep up with our countdown as we spotlight a new hotel every day until the New Year!

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #10 Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #10 spot we have the Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona, located on Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona’s most exclusive shopping street.

Quick facts about the Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona:

- Walking distance from Barcelona’s most exciting landmarks including Las Ramblas, the Plaza de Cataluna, the Gothic Quarter, and Gaudi’s major architectural works.

- Offers 276 rooms and 41 suits, all renovated and new in 2011.

- Rooms use the most up-to-date technology including a Satellite Newspaper kiosk to access 168 international newspapers.

- Offers Smart Roadster Convertible cars with GPS, and this service is free for one day for guests who reserve a suite.

- Business Center features 5 PCs with Windows XP, laser and ink-jet printers, photocopier, fax, scanner, shredder, and office supplies.

- Outdoor, rooftop pool offers guests incredible views of Barcelona.

- The Penthouse is the most exclusive and luxurious room option. It offers the most impressive panoramic view of the city, two private terraces, and 6 plasma screen televisions.

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at the Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona.