The Top 15 Luxury Hotel Locations in 2012: #5 London

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 some of our most popular destinations!

Five Star Alliance features a whopping 103 luxury hotels in London.  An estimated 15 million international visitors come to England's capital city every year.

What Makes Our Guests Love London?
-The British Museum is one of the most popular destinations in London, attracting an estimated 6 million visitors each year. The recent royal nuptials (and subsequent royal pregnancy) have sparked a renewed interest in all things royal. If the current Windsor's don't do it for you, you can visit the Tower of London, where Henry VIII executed two of his wives.

-Fashion. Theatre. History. London is a world-class city for sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.

-London's extensive public transportation system makes getting around the city a breeze.  Take the tube, or hop on one of the famous doubledecker buses.

Where to Stay?

-The best time to visit London is the spring, when the weather is mild. The end of September is also lovely in the city. As of this writing, nightly rates for mid-May run from GBP294 at Dukes Hotel to GBP355 at One Aldwych (pictured above) to GBP 555 at Rocco Forte's Brown Hotel. September nightly rates as of this writing include GBP265 at Baglioni Hotel London to GBP382 at W London Leicester Square to GBP495 at 45 Park Lane. 

Did you know?

The Top 30 Luxury Hotels in 2012: Honorable Mention Hotel La Mamounia

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 a few fun facts about Hotel La Mamounia:

-Following a three-year, $176 million makeover, the hotel has been reborn, more beautiful, more sumptuous, and more magical than ever before.

-The gardens at La Mamounia were an 18th Century wedding gift to Morocco's Prince Moulay Mamoun from his father, King Mohammed Ben Abdellah.

-The 27,000-square-foot spa houses an underground network of pools, hammans, and treatment rooms.

Explore photos, availability, and rates at Hotel La Mamounia>>

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12 Days of Hotels: Top 12 Presidential Inauguration Luxury Hotels

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!

1. Fairmont Washington DC

Located in Washington's fashionable West End, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. surrounds you with comfort and luxury.

2. Ritz Carlton Washington DC

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'.

4. Park Hyatt Washington

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

6. Sofitel Lafayette Square

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.

7. W Washington DC

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.

9. The Fairfax at Embassy Row

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.

10. The Madison Washington DC

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.

12. The Hay-Adams Hotel

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.

The Top 15 Luxury Hotel Destinations in 2012: #7 Bora Bora

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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The Top 30 Hotels in 2012: #8 Don CeSar Beach Resort

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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The Top 15 Luxury Hotel Destinations in 2012: #8 Rome

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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The Top 15 Luxury Hotel Destinations in 2012: #9 Sydney

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

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!

-363 guest rooms are generously proportioned and elegantly decorated with luxurious fabrics- silks, leathers and velvets, all in tranquil shades- ivories, greys and lavenders.

-Digital art exhibitions located in its celebrated and legendary Redwood Room.

-Designed by Philippe Starck, the soaring lobby contains one of the most eclectic furniture collections in all of California, with chairs from Ray and Charles Eames, a coffee table by Salvador Dali, a surreal stool by Renee Marguerite, and a sculpture custom made by William Sawaya.

-The Private Apartment is Clift Hotel in San Francisco's most sumptuously appointed guest accommodation, boasting the original wood paneled walls and fireplace, as well as beautiful custom Starck-designed furnishings.
- An inspired fusion of old-world hotel elegance with distinctly contemporary energy and glamour.

Explore photos, availability, and rates at Clift>>

 

 

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The Top 30 Luxury Hotels in 2012: Honorable Mention Amanjena

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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The Top 30 Luxury Hotels in 2012: #10 Parrot Cay Turks and Caicos

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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