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.

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #11 Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

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 #11 spot, we have the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, a charming Santa Fe retreat.

Quick facts about the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi:

- Every room at the Inn of the Anasazi evokes the creative spirit of the Anasazi people, the Native American tribe that once inhabited much of New Mexico. Handcrafted doors, sculptured stairways and sandstone walls all work together to create an intimate and traditional Pueblo atmosphere.

- Ideally located on Santa Fe Plaza, the hotel is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the unique, cultured charm of the surrounding city.  

- Kiva-shaped gas fireplaces, which warm the room to a cozy temperature during the cooler desert nighttime, are featured in every room, along with great four-post beds that even come with a special stepping stool to help release you from an unendingly downy sleep.

- The hotel offers daytrips to the Rocky Mountains and closer skiing at Taos and other local mountains.  

- Similarly, explore the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, and White Sands National Monument all within a few hours of the Inn.

- Take a trip through the skies and land at the Canyon de Chelly for a horseback ride led by a Navajo tour guide. 

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi >>

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: #13 The Hotel de Crillon

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 #13 spot we have the Hotel de Crillon, the exclusive and historic Parisian icon.

Quick facts about the Hotel de Crillon:

- A historical monument in its own right, the luxury hotel is steeped in the culture of 18th century Paris.  Its Louis XV design believes strongly in gold filigree and ornamentation, but never crosses the line into gaudiness.  

- The gourmet restaurant Les Ambassadeurs fills the former ballroom of the Dukes de Crillon and dinner guests can enjoy the world class cuisine in a room that has entertained kings.  

- And speaking of entertaining kings, so many famous guests have called the Hotel de Crillon home, that it almost seems an affront to the others to single any out.  Theodore Roosevelt, King George, Andrew Carnegie, Cary Grant and many more have all called the hotel home, and they even flew the flag of Texas when Lance Armstrong celebrated his Tour de France victory inside their walls.

- Its suites are unparalleled, including the Leonard Bernstein suite, named for the famous composer who frequently called it home which offers a view of the Eiffel tower from your bubblebath.  The other famed American to reside there, Edith Wharton much preferred the Hotel de Crillon to the nearby Ritz, where "the newly rich but uncultivated Americans stayed."   

- One of only six palace hotels in Paris, you're guaranteed to get the royal treatment

- It houses seven palatial meeting and reception rooms that can house up to 350 people.  

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at the Hotel de Crillon >>

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

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: The Henry Jones Art Hotel

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.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel in Tasmania, Australia is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for ambiance and design. This luxury hotel is the first and only dedicated art hotel in Australia. It presents an atmosphere that allows guests to enjoy art in a unique manner. The public areas in the hotel have 300 paintings and sculptures, many of which are for sale. There are beautiful works of art in every guest room, exposing guests to sophisticated art all the while providing them with a luxurious experience.

The Cake is Not a Lie: Queen Cake at Hotel Le Meurice

It's cake time! The Hotel Le Meurice in Paris is offering a special cake to bring in 2012 with style.  The Galette des Reines, as the cake is called, is a rich and decadent chocolate cake with a special surprise in it.  Evoking the spirit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of the slices hides a Tiffany & Co charm in the shape of a golden key.  The charm is further incentive to savor ever bite of your dessert, which comes in it an exclusive 14 euros a slice.  Only ten cakes will be made over a 20-day period, so it's worth jumping on this one early, since they could easily run out.  In our mind, it's certainly worth it after a meal by three-star Michelin Chef Yannick Alleno.

And staying in the hotel itself, opposite the Teuleries garden, is an experience in itself.  With a storied history back to 1835, the hotel has been called home by a number of greats, including Salvador Dali, whom the new restaurant, Le Dali, is named for.  If you're looking to stay in Paris this January, the Le Meurice is certainly one to look at, with its signature Queen's Cake and chance at a Tiffany Charm.  

Tip via HotelChatter

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #19 The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

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 #19 spot we have the Fullerton Hotel Singapore located in the heart of Singapore’s art and financial district.

Quick facts about the Fullerton Hotel Singapore:

- This luxury hotel was transformed from the Fullerton Building which was built in 1928.

- Located a 25-minute drive from Singapore Changi Airport, 12 minutes from the Singapore Cruise Centre, and 10 minutes from the Malayan Railway Station.

- Voted the best hotel in Asia in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2006.

- 400 spacious rooms that blend the old and new to provide luxurious accommodations suitable for business and leisure travelers.

- Nine furnished function rooms which can be customized to suit your requirements.

- 25-meter outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Singapore River.

- The presidential suite was formerly the card room of the elite Singapore Club. This 199 square meter suite is furnished with a baby grand piano and has a private elevator for discreet access, and the living and dining room extends out to a spectacular verandah.

- The 8 loft suites, all two-storey duplex suites, line the building and feature French doors leading out to a balcony with a view of the Marina Bay Waterfront.  

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore.

Be sure to keep up with our countdown! In case you missed it, here’s our #20 feature hotel, the St. Regis Resort Aspen.

Inn at Perry Cabin Offers Jazz Nights

The Inn at Perry Cabin is a quiet hideaway in Maryland, and this waterfront estate is located on the edge of the Victorian town of St. Michaels. Just an hour and a half drive outside Washington DC, this charming Inn provides guests with incredible opportunities to take part in garden tours, boating, sailing, fishing, and crabbing excursions.

This quiet, luxury resort is also celebrating the season by offering weekends filled with wonderful food and live jazz by the Eric Felten Trio. Be sure to make your reservations for any of the following dates to enjoy the legendary food and fun. The winter jazz weekend series will be on Saturdays, and the band will perform at Sherwood’s Landing, the hotel’s incredible restaurant, from 7:00 – 11:00pm.

January 14th and 28th, February 18th and 25th, and March 10th and 31st

A Gifted Gondola: Hotel Cipriani Offers Massage on Venetian Canals

The Hotel Cipriani officially has the most atmospheric massage spa I've ever seen.  And that's because the spa is Venice!  That's right, the Hotel Cipriani offers its patented Gondola Massage, a massage spa treatment on a boat drifting through the world's most iconic canals.  It's relaxing, revitalizing, and certainly rare.  The next time I head back to Venice, I'll be sure to make my boat ride the one that works out all the tension from my flight with deft hands and a centuries-old backdrop.  The 15th century hotel itself overlooks the Piazza San Marco and the two ancient palazzos that make up the hotel offer only the finest in cuisine, not to mention a private butler.  That's service I could make a trip to the Hotel Cipriani for.

Very Bad Santa Is Very Good: Hotel Monteleone for Christmas

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for another article from yours truly! Don’t know who I am? That’s okay, sometimes I wake up in a fit of existential angst and ask myself the same the question. But regardless, I have some great news that I’m sure you’ll be excited to hear: The Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans has a suite of featured events for the hotel seasons, including the grand reopening of its cocktail bar. And with signature drinks such as the Joyous Noel or Papa’s Nightcap, they’ll warm your heart and your belly. I’m not even going to tell you what happens during the Very Bad Santa Crawl, but needless to say, if you’re even thinking of staying there on December 10th, it’s a must-see. If you’d rather be a good Santa, they’re offering a children’s holiday tea time. And Christmas day things really cut loose, gourmet-style. And by that, I mean a family feast prepared by their signature chefs. If you’re looking to get away to more cajun climes for the holidays, I can’t think of a better place than the Hotel Monteleone.