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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER

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The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

| By: Rachael Weir

Situated steps from the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is a luxury hotel providing a calm and relaxing environment in Versilia. Offering five floors of accommodatios with distinctively unique themes, the grand hotel is redefining the concept of a holiday with an all-encompassing experience. The refined restaurant, Piccolo Principe is the recipient of 2 Michelin Stars with refined cuisine, extensive wine list, and exclusive sea views. Read more below the photo.

Piccolo Principe at Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte

For relaxation and rejuvenation, the Wellness Center has water features, holistic beauty treatmens, and a fitness center. Plus, guests have exclusive access to the panoramic rooftop with a heated swimming pool, solarium, and "The Little Prince" bar and restaurant open during the summer months. Continue reading below the photo.

Rooftop dining at Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte

In addition to the hotel's amenities, the property offers an idyllic location for guests to reconnect with the sea at the nearby International Cetacean Sanctuary. The Tyrrhenian Sea is a haven for whale watching particularly from May to October, and the area is home to a large group of dolphins that live along the Viareggio Coast. Continue reading below the photo of the dolphins along the Viareggio coast.

Whale and dolphin watching off the coast by Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte

The Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte provides an ideal setting for guests interested in going on organized day trips with marine biologists, as the luxury hotel is a 30-minute stroll from the Piazza Palombari dell'Artiglio, where the boat tours depart. The boat tours are organized by cooperatives that support the protection and peace of the dolphins and whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary. Established in 1999 between Italy, France, and Monaco, the sanctuary is an international reserve that extends north of the Tyrrhenian Sea, around the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago to Provence. Viareggio is one of the main starting points for exploring the Italian Cetacean Sanctuary via boat, where guests enjoy lunch on board, watch for whales and dolphins, as well as seeing a variety of marine animals like turtle, manta rays, swordfish and tuna. Read more below the photo.

Whale and dolphin watching cruise from Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte

In addition to the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte's amenities and prime location for whale watching excursions, the hotel offers exclusive perks for Five Star Alliance guests. 

Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance receive a $50 food and beverage credit per room, per stay. Plus, a bottle of Prosecco, welcome amenity, and subject to availability at check-in, a room upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out.

Explore the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte


| By: Rachael Weir
In honor of Election Day 2016 in the U.S.A, we're celebrating three All-American destinations where visitors can visit historic sites that played key roles in the country's history and freedoms. From Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., here are three great places to discover.

1. Philadelphia
Founded by William Penn in 1682, this city played a key role in the founding of the country. During the American Revolution, Philadelphia was a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States. Within Independence Hall, the country's founders debated and ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787). Today, the Independence National Historic Park provides a hands-on history lesson, where visitors can see the Liberty Bell, as well as tour Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Read more below.
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
Tip: Spend the night across the street from the National Historic Park at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. Set within the Lafayette Building built in 1906, the boutique hotel offers iconic views, rooftop lounge overlooking Independence Mall, and a chef-driven restaurant. 

Check rates and availability at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

2. Boston
"One if by land, two if by sea..." 
One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston was the site of key events during the American Revolution, including the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. From the east side balcony of the Old State House, the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed to cheering crowds by Colonel Thomas Crafts on July 18, 1776. Continue reading below the photo.
Corner Suite at the Ames Boston Hotel
Tip: Wake up to views of the Old State House at the Ames Boston Hotel. This boutique hotel combines a historic building with Romanesque arched windows and fireplaces, with modern design. Along the Freedom Trail, guest rooms have white marble rainshowers, hardwood floors, and large windows with historic views. 

Check rates and availability at the Ames Boston Hotel

3. Washington, D.C. 
The nation's capital city, there's a political point of interest on nearly every corner (or so it seems). From the White House lawn to the majestic National Monument, there are captivating points of interest. Spend the day exploring the Smithsonian Museums, take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, or discover the iconic Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and veterans memorials. Continue below. 
The Hay-Adams Hotel
Tip: The Hay-Adams Hotel offers views of the White House and St. John's Church. Built in the 1920s as a residential hotel, the boutique property offers the feel of a private residence, directly on Lafayette Square. In the evenings, retire for a cocktail at the Off the Record Bar, a popular place to be seen (but not heard) by politicos and visitors alike. 

Check rates and availability at the Hay-Adams Hotel

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| By: Rachael Weir
Across the street from Hyde Park in a 1920s townhouse, The Wellesley offers an elegant Art Deco setting in the upscale Knightsbridge neighborhood. Beautifully restored, the hotel is named after Sir Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, who served as the Prime Minister twice between 1828 and 1834, and later served as the leader of the House of Lords. The building was originally built by architect Lesley Green as the Hyde Park Corner underground station, and is the former home of Pizza on the Park - an iconic jazz and cabaret venue. 

Tranformed into a chic boutique hotel in 2012, the property offers guests a modern Art Deco setting with an exclusive location steps away from Hyde Park, Green Park, and Buckingham Palace. Guest rooms combine vintage influences with contemporary styling, including tufted headboards, crown molding, sleek wood furniture, and elegant Art Deco-inspired artwork. Carrara marble bathrooms have walk-in showers, TVs recessed into the mirrors, and exclusive Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte toiletries. Luxurious amenities and modern conveniences include integrated room controls, 24-hour butler service, and Samsung tablets. Plus, the hotel's team is known for it's impeccable knowledge and unparalleled discretion. Continue reading below the photo for our favorite experiences. 

Suite at The Wellesley

Here are five things we love about The Wellesley:

1. Complimentary Rolls-Royce drop-off service within 1.5 miles of the hotel. What better way to start a shopping trip at Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, or Harvey Nichols?
2. The Running Butler. Available during the summer months upon request, the Running Butler tends to runners' every need including waiting with refreshments, homemade protein snacks, or drawing post-run aromatic bubble baths.
3. Live at The Wellesley jazz nights. A unique Knightbridge opportunity to enjoy live Jazz in an Art Deco setting while dining on fine Italian cuisine.
4. The Private Cigar Terrace. Offering inviting leather chairs within a heated outdoor terrace, the hotel offers an extensive cigar collection to please aficionados and novices alike, plus an on-site humidor specialist to guide guests through the process. 
5. Magical Christmas Memories. These packages provide guests with special amenities such as Christmas stockings and a full English breakfast. Plus, the hotel offers opulent holiday decor, and a prime location close to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, as well as the city's finest boutiques and department stores.

Did we mention that the hotel offers a yacht experience with the same bespoke setting? MY The Wellesley is available for private charters in the Mediterranean during the summer months, and in the Caribbean during the winter. Built in the Netherlands by Oceanco, the yacht's interiors were designed by Dennis Irvine Studios, and feature the 1920s glamour that epitomizes the hotel. 

Check rates and availability at The Wellesley >>

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| By: Rachael Weir
Originally built as The Colonial Apartments and Hotel in 1913, the Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla is the California seaside town's oldest original hotel. Over the last century, the property has hosted movie stars, military personel, and guests from around the world. But do some guests never leave? Read more below.

The Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla

Yes, no, maybe? Guests and staff alike have reported a variety of paranormal sightings and haunted happenings, including 2:00 AM phone calls to the front desk from occupied rooms, and the appearance of a couple in formal attire that disappears without leaving through a door or window. There's also been stories of a glowing presence in the hotel, a woman named Abigail who has appeared in rooms, played with toys, and reportedly brushed a young boy's hair. The kitchen has been the location of many stories collected over the years, with the unexplained opening and closing of kitchen doors, frying pans moving around unexpectedly, and stoves turning on and off. (Rumor has it, since the restaurant was transformed into Nine-Ten a few years ago, the happenings have quieted.) Many guests who've stayed above the bakery in the North Annex have reported the sounds of loud voices, people running down the stairs, and doors swinging open and slamming shut in the bakery--all after it has closed. 

Haunted? Someone lurking in the hallways or some guests that never want to leave? You can be the judge. Continue reading below.

Oceanview Suite at the Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla

The Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla underwent an extensive renovation in 2012, to celebrate it's 100th Anniversary in 2013. Today, the historic hotel offers 93 guest rooms and suites, many with ocean views, an outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and the award-winning Nine-Ten restaurant. Within walking distance to La Jolla's beaches, the property is a short drive from highly-regarded golf courses, and San Diego tourist attractions.

Check rates and learn more about the Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla >>

The Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla
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| By: Five Star Alliance

Located in the heart of New Orleans' most historic district, at the W New Orleans French Quarter, 2 blocks from Bourbon Street, guests are within walking distance from some of the city's best live jazz venues, top restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, and the iconic Jackson Square. There are lots of reasons we love this enchanting hotel with Southern hospitality, but here are three:

1. The lush courtyard, with complimentary wireless internet and bubbling fountain that leads to a heated outdoor pool surrounded by green trees and an intricate iron gate designed to transport you to the French Riviera. 

W New Orleans French Quarter Courtyard

2. The four Studio Suites are in their own standalone building. From inside where there is a seating area and separate master bedrom, go out the front French doors to a private patio or balcony, or head out the back where a second balcony or a private courtyard with a Jacuzzi awaits. 

Studio Suite at W New Orleans French Quarter

3. SoBou, featuring Louisiana Street Food Inspired Small Plates, has a Beer Garden with beer taps in the tables and self-serve wine machines. 

SoBou Beer Garden W French Quarter

Learn even more about the W Hotel New Orleans in the French Quarter >>

 


| By: Five Star Alliance

The Magician is a collaboration between the NoMad Hotel, in the heart of the cutting edge and historic NoMad neighborhood, and theory11 starring famed illusionist Dan White. The intimate performance showcases in the Johnston Room features the art of magic, illusion, and deception. Around the world, Dan White has been preforming magic on stage and screen for over 20 years. From the notes, "Most recently, Dan was featured on the Discovery Channel special The Supernaturalist and White Magic on the Travel Channel. In 2014, Dan served as a creative consultant to Kanye West, collaborating on iconic, magic visuals for the YEEZUS tour. Prior to that, Dan consulted on-site in Las Vegas with legendary illusionist David Copperfield."

Tickets are available throughout 2016, shows are currently at 7 and 10:30 pm. You can have dinner or bar reservations prior to the show at both the NoMad Bar (on 28th street) and the Elephant Bar, which are first-come, first-served. As a hotel guest, you can also visit The Library, which is reserved for guests of The NoMad Hotel in the evening. 

Learn more about The NoMad Hotel in New York City >>

The Magician at the NoMad Hotel NYC

 


| By: Five Star Alliance

When you check into The Serras Hotel, you stay in a building dating from 1846. Its facade was designed by Francesc Daniel Molina, the architect who built Barcelona's famous Placa Reial. And as if that weren't enough, Pablo Picasso, one of the 20th centurys most renowned artists, had his first studio in this building in 1896, when he was only 15. Guests can stay in it today by booking the Picasso Suite.

·The Serras

Book a stay at The Serras >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

Banyan Tree Lang Co is an all-pool villa resort. Within touch of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the imperial city of Hue, charming old town of Hoi An, and My Son's historical ruins - culture aficionados will be satiated. Those with a bent for the physical will also find joy in a wide range activities. Golfers can tee off in style at the Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hour championship golf course, meandering through rice paddies and trickling streams against the backdrop of a staggering mountain range.

Book a stay at Banyan Tree Lang Co>>


| By: Five Star Alliance

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley bound by a river on the northeast and a coastal mountain range on the southwest. The range barricades the coastal flow, producing warmer valley days and cooler valley nights. The adjacent river and seasonal streams that cross this land abound with annual runs of 10-pound steelhead trout. The rolling hills are dotted with valley oaks and coast live oaks, many of which will live up to 300 years. The verdant glens and riverbanks, shadowed by the mountain backdrop, support healthy groves of western sycamores. Deer graze cautiously, fearing mountain lions, bears, and coyotes. Original inhabitants used this land for hunting and for gathering acorns and, most recently, for raising livestock. 

Alisal Guest Ranch

Book a stay at Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort>>


| By: Five Star Alliance

Fairmont Banff Springs
The 
Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta is an internationally recognized symbol of Canadian hospitality. It was built during the 19th century as one of Canada's grand railway hotels, being constructed in Scottish Baronial style and located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The hotel was opened to the public on June 1, 1888. The likes of Helen Keller, Marilyn Monroe, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
visited the hotel.
 


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