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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: Courtney W. May

Within the center of one of Mexico's most historical colonial cities in a nineteenth-century building, Banyan Tree Puebla takes over the old Azul Talavera Hotel.

Highlights include:

  • The Italian restaurant Trattoria Cello
  • Banyan Tree's signature Saffron Thai restaurant
  • An iconic rooftop terrace amid the sweeping skyline with a church steeple, historic bell towers and five stunning volcanoes on the horizon
  • A Banyan Tree Spa
  • 78 stunning rooms and suites await

 

Check rates, availability, and more for Banyan Tree Puebla here: https://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/puebla/banyan-tree-puebla

 

Posted in: Mexico, New Hotels, Puebla

| By: Rachael Weir

Happy 2020! It's the start of a new year and a new decade. Where will you go this year? This decade? If you're like us, your list is long. We've put together our top 20 picks for this year. From the Mayflower 400th Anniversary Celebrations in England and Massachusetts, to the Olympics in Tokyo, we've gathered some of the world's most exciting events and happenings, along with luxury hotel suggestions in each locale. 

Happy Travels!

20. Manchester, England

20 Places To Go In 2020 ManchesterOne of Europe's fastest growing cities, Manchester is a popular base for digital and media companies. Blending history and design, the city is experiencing a growth in new development, including the Cultureplex, a railway goods house transformed into a restaurant, bar, and cafe. The revolving program of film, performing arts, and visual arts provides a constant array of entertainment options, and epicurians flock to the city to dine at Mana, the city's first Michelin Star recipient with a Nordic-influenced menu.

A few luxury hotel options ideal for exploring Manchester include The Lowry Hotel, Macdonald Manchester Hotel, and the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Manchester Piccadilly.

Explore Manchester Luxury Hotels

19. The Big Island, Hawaii

20 Places To Go In 2020 Big Island Hawaii

Following the 2018 volcanic activity on Hawaii's Big Island, the five-month eruption has stopped, and the blue skies have returned. The Halemaumau crater is now three times as wide and four times as deep as it was prior to the 2018 eruption, and a freshwater lake has started to form on the crater's floor. The Thurston Lava Tube is expected to reopen in early 2020 with a redesigned parking area, and roads outside of the park have recently reopened. In November, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. There are multiple hotels on the island offering exclusive Perks, including the all-new Mauna Lani luxury resort, which will debut in January 2020 with a new era of experiential luxury. As well as the beachfront Fairmont Orchid Hawaii and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Explore Big Island Luxury Hotels

18. Vienna, Austria

20 Places To Go In 2020 Vienna

There's much to explore in this Germanic destination with cutting-edge art museums and music halls. The Musikverein concert hall will celebrate its 150th anniversary and events will be held throughout the city celebrating Beethoven's 250th birthday. While the classic city is known for its Baroque architecture and classical music venues, the contemporary art venue was transformed into the Belvedere 21, the Freud Museum will reopen in May following a major renovation with nearly 40,000 adds to its library, and the Belvedere Palaces with an extensive classical art collection have been completely renovated.

Luxury hotels in Vienna offer historic charm blended with contemporary amenities, such as the Hotel Sacher Wien, The Ring, and Park Hyatt Vienna, all with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Explore Vienna Luxury Hotels

17. Cape Town, South Africa

20 Places To Go In 2020 Cape Town

Beginning this year, United Airlines will offer non-stop service from Newark to Cape Town, saving travelers up to eight hours of travel time from the United States. In addition to new air routes into the Mother City, there's a constantly evolving art scene, and the nearby Winelands offer plenty of vineyards to explore for wine enthusiasts. 

Cape Town is also home to an array of luxury hotels offering exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including the One&Only Cape Town, Belmond Mount Nelson, and Taj Cape Town

Explore Cape Town Luxury Hotels

16. Buenos Aires, Argentina

20 Places To Go In 2020 Buenos Aires

Currently, travelers can stretch their travel dollars in the land of tango, beef, and Malbec, due to the devaluation of the Argentinian peso. The city is in the midst of a gentrification process with areas like the Old Market expanding with wine bars, cafes, and patisseries, and the Plaza Dorrego neighborhood is bustling with newness. There's a variety of luxury hotels within this South American city, many with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including The Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel, and the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta Hotel

Explore Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

20 Places To Go In 2020 Edinburgh

Scotland's capital city serves up plenty of history, a multitude of festivals, and the famous Edinburgh Castle. But this year the city is debuting several new attractions including the three-story Johnnie Walker Experience, which will feature a museum, event space, and whiskey shop. The city's ever-expanding selection of luxury hotels provide unique lodging options occupying historic buildings such as the Kimpton Charlotte Square within seven Georgian townhouses, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Calendonian Victorian Railway hotel, and the Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel with its landmark clocktower. 

Explore Edinburgh Luxury Hotels

14. Kyoto, Japan

20 Places To Go In 2020 Kyoto

While Tokyo is hosting the Olympics, Kyoto is another trending destination within Japan. The city's imperial history is evident throughout, providing travelers with a glimpse into the past. There are temples, gardens, and tea houses for an authentic feel, along with museum expansions at the Fukuda Art Museum and the Kyocera Museum of Art.

Kyoto has a variety of luxury hotel options with exclusive Perks ranging from the countryside Suiran within the grounds of the Tenryuji Temple to the contemporary Hyatt Regency Kyoto and the riverside The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Explore Kyoto Luxury Hotels

13. Maine

20 Places To Go In 2020 Maine

2020 marks 200 years of statehood for the state of Maine. In honor of the Bicentennial year, the state is hosting a year of special events. To experience coastal life, the Cliff House Maine has an oceanfront location where travelers can enjoy the waves hitting the rocky coast from the comfort of their room, plus exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. For a private cottage, Hidden Pond offers a charming setting with access to the Tides Beach Club situated two miles away at Goose Rocks Beach. While the White Barn Inn offers rustic luxury with the hotel's restaurant occupying two restored barns from the 1860s. 

Explore Maine Luxury Hotels

12. Galway, Ireland

20 Places To Go In 2020 Galway

This bohemian city with an arts-focused feel on the west coast of Ireland has long been a destination for creatives. Named a European Capital of Culture for 2020, the city by the sea is home to an array of festivals throughout the year, as well as forward-thinking luxury hotels like The G Hotel and The Galmont Hotel & Spa. For a unique and completely Irish experience, the nearby Ashford Castle is about a 30-minute drive from Galway City with creative cuisine, spa, and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Explore Galway Luxury Hotels

11. Macau

20 Places To Go In 2020 Macau

On December 20, Macau will celebrating its 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China. Macau is an international destination mixing Asian and European cultures, providing travelers with luxe hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip, Wynn Macao, and the Banyan Tree Macau. In addition to fine hotels, Macau offers travelers an array of world-class dining options, casinos, and cultural experiences. 

Explore Macau Luxury Hotels 

10. Tel Aviv, Israel

20 Places To Go In 2020 Tel Aviv

Experience a destination where modern living merges with ancient history. In 2020, the Ben-Gurion Airport will expand to accommodate additional aircraft. Tel Aviv's White City Zone is a UNESCO-designated site and home to over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings, the largest collection of its kind in the world. The area will take center stage this year, as Tel Aviv commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Bauhaus architecture movement. The beach city along Israel's Mediterranean coast offers an array of luxury hotels including three with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: The Setai with a seafront location, beachfront Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, and the InterContinental David Tel Aviv

Explore Tel Aviv Luxury Hotels

9. Vancouver Island, Canada

20 Places To Go In 2020 Vancouver Island

From the capital city of Victoria on the harborfront to the surf town of Tofino, Vancouver Island offers land and sea experiences along with local cuisine. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress is a classic institution. Travelers can experience Native traditions as the island is home to 50 First Nations communities, or book a cycling tour in Ucluelet. Spring is an ideal time to visit the island, with the West Coast Trail opening for hiking season May 1. Watch for whales from Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sook, or dine at the Pointe Restaurant offering ocean views at the Wickaninnish Inn. Located about 70 miles west of Vancouver, the island is reachable via ferry or flight into Victoria's International Airport. 

Explore Victoria Luxury Hotels

8. Doha, Qatar

20 Places To Go In 2020 Doha

In preparation for hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Doha introduced a brand-new underground railway system, and the city is expanding its arts and culture scene with the opening of new museums including the National Museum of Qatar. Getting from the airport to the palm-lined Corniche is more convenient than ever with the new transportation system, Old Doha provides a historic feel, and Souq Waqif is a must-see open-air street market. Choose from an array of luxury hotels in the city including the InterContinental Doha, JW Marriott Marquis City Center, and The St. Regis Doha

Explore Doha Luxury Hotels

7. Melbourne, Australia

20 Places To Go In 2020 Melbourne

Providing a European feel in the land of Oz, Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city known for its street art, constantly changing landscape, and live music. There's a strong coffee culture throughout the city, and it is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. Ideal for foodies, coffee lovers, and art enthusiasts, Melbourne is considered the Culture Capital of Australia. Cobbled laneways in the city center have coffee shops, cafes, and one-of-a-kind boutiques ideal for exploring, while the Queen Victoria Markets is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

The city will be hosting a number of major events throughout the year, including the Australian Open January 20 - February 2, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 will February 21 - March 8, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020 will be October 18 - November 15.

Melbourne is home to an array of five star hotels, including several with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks such as The Langham Melbourne, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, and Park Hyatt Melbourne

Explore Melbourne Luxury Hotels

6. Nashville, Tennessee

20 Places To Go In 2020 Nashville

While this trend-setting destination has been popular for the past few years, Nashville is continuing to grow, adding new draws to the city beyond country music. In the summer of 2020, the National Museum of African American Music will open along Broadway, right in the heart of downtown. The museum will feature five interactive galleries showcasing the 50 genres of African American Music. Plus, the city is constantly expanding its hotel selection with new additions like the JW Marriott Nashville, Thompson Nashville in the growing neighborhood of "The Gulch", and the newly-renovated Hutton Hotel with writer's rooms and a 5,000-square-foot live music venue.

Explore Nashville Luxury Hotels

5. Dominica

20 Places To Go In 2020 Dominica

Paradise for outdoorsy travelers, Dominica is a 290-square-mile teardrop-shaped island with the world's second-largest hot spring, plus 300 miles of hiking trails, 365 rivers, and a dozen waterfalls. The recently opened Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski is a luxury five star resort with a spa designed to create a greater connection to nature and the island's ecosystem. The massive Spa at Kempinski Dominica offers mud baths sourced from the island's ten volcanoes, and a water temple surrounded by rainforest trees. There's also four restaurants and bars each with a local-focused approach, four hot and cold water pools, tennis courts, and easy access to the island's eco-tourism opportunities. Plus, exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Book a stay at Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski

4. Porto, Portugal

20 Places To Go In 2020 Porto Portugal

Ideal for wine lovers and foodies, Porto offers idyllic weather along with great food and wine. As the home of Port wine (and the city's namesake), Porto is perfect as a starting point for exploring historic Port Wine houses and the vineyards of Douro Valley. Offering travelers a good value for their monty the city center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an easy trip from Lisbon.  

The city is also home to several luxury hotels including several with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: The Yeatman, InterContinental Porto Palacio Das Cardosas, and Infante Sagres

Explore Porto Luxury Hotels

3. Plymouth, England & Plymouth, Massachusetts

20 Places To Go In 2020 Plymouth

2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts. In celebration, both cities are hosting an array of events to commemorate the pioneering voyage and the group of travelers that would go on to have more than 30 million United States descendents. In England, the Mayflower 400 celebrations focus on the towns and cities along the national Mayflower Trail. While the Plymouth 400 events in the United States will be centered in the town of Plymouth, located 40 miles south of downtown Boston. 

Interested in partaking in these commemorative events? In England, travelers could consider basing themselves in London and taking daytrips via train to various towns on the Mayflower Trail. An additional option would be the Lime Wood in Lyndhurst, a Regency country house hotel located a short drive from Southampton, a key destination on the Mayflower Trail. For participaing in events near and around Plymouth, Massachusetts, we recommend a luxury hotel in Boston such as the Fairmont Copley Plaza or Fifteen Beacon

2. Dubai, UAE

20 Places To Go In 2020 Dubai

Beginning in October 2020, Dubai is hosting the World Expo. Lasting for 6 months, the city has designed the metropolis of the future with 130 buildings connected via smart technology. Later this year the Museum of the Future designed by a computer algorithm and the Aladdin City will also open.

For accommodations in this world-class city in the desert we have three key recommendations, each with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: One&Only Royal Mirage, Taj Dubai, and Burj Al Arab

Explore Dubai Luxury Hotels

1. Tokyo, Japan

20 Places To Go In 2020 Tokyo

Hosting the XXXII Olympic Summer Games, Jul 24 - Aug 9, Tokyo is a business and cultural megacenter. Known for extreme attention to detail, the cutting-edge destination is home to world-class art galleries and museums, as well nightlife. With 234 Michelin-starred restaurants (the most of any city in the world), Japan's capital city is an ideal destination for foodies.

The Aman Tokyo offers an urban sanctuary setting on the top six floors of the recently-built Otemachi Tower, plus exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including daily breakfast. For a landmark stay, The Peninsula Tokyo is an iconic destination in the prestigious Marunouchi financial district with sophisticated facilities including a wedding chapel, indoor pool, outdoor pool with views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. While the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is located directly above Shibuya Station with a modern design, entertainment venues, and perks for Five Star Alliance guests.

Explore Tokyo Luxury Hotels


| By: Rachael Weir

Situated in the 16th arrondissement, Brach Paris is a chic boutique hotel amidst a timeless district. Within the bourgeois facade, the property has an arty design infused with welcoming touches, contemporary accents, and luxurious amenities.

For a unique and romantic retreat within the hotel, the Henri Suite offers 60 square meters/645 square feet of space ideal for two people to relax in the "City of Light". Featuring private access to the kitchen garden, the suite has 1930s furniture and decor infused with raw and natural materials reminiscent of Brach's modernist inspiration. Opening to a spacious terrace, the suite showcases a private Norwegian wood hot tub with exclusive Eiffel Tower views. Learn more about the property below the Henri Suite photo. 

Henri Suite at Brach Paris

Set on the 5th and 6th floors of the Brach Paris, the hotel offers 7 suites, each with a decor of wood, leather, glass, and stone, accented by unusual objects, a selection of art, and a plethora of books and novels. Providing guests with a Parisian lifestyle, suite guests receive exclusive access to the rooftop's kitchen garden. Butler service and BMW i3 are available, and the suites can connect with each other for professional or private events. Continue reading below the photo. 

Reception at Brach Paris

Within the Brach Paris, there's dining that combines executive chef Adam Bentalha's science background with Mediterranean flavors, as well as a cocktail bar, and Patisserie by Yann Brys. Plus, masterclasses in cooking, painting, and gardening, along with a sports club featuring an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, hammam, sauna, Himalayan salt cave, and barber shop. 

Check availability at Brach Paris


| By: Rachael Weir

Set at the cultural crossroads of the Lower East Side, Hotel 50 Bowery embodies the spirit of NYC. The luxury boutique hotel offers guests The Crown Rooftop Bar & Lounge space on the hotel's 21st floor. The pet-friendly property has two outdoor terraces, and contemporary guests rooms and suites with versatile work desks, artwork curated by Exhibition A, and bathrooms with designer amenities by Jonathan Adler. Continue reading below the photo for a special offer.

Guest room at the Hotel 50 Bowery

Five Star Alliance Perk: All guests booking through Five Star Alliance receive a complimentary drink at The Crown Rooftop Bar & Lounge during their stay. 

Check rates and availability at Hotel 50 Bowery


| By: Rachael Weir
Overlooking the Potomac River, MGM National Harbor mixes the energy of Las Vegas with the history of the area. Set in the rolling hills and woodlands just outside of the U.S. capital city, the property is the first luxury gaming resort in the region, as well as a fully integrated entertainment and resort complex within the major metropolitan area. Continue reading below the photo by Stephen Wilkes.
Exterior view of MGM National Harbor by Stephen Wilkes
The $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor property offers an expansive list of amenities, restaurants, and enertainment options. There are 15 dining concepts, including exclusive offerings by chefs Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, Marcus Samuelsson, and Jose Andres. Clique Hospitality introduced two new nightlife concepts, including the area's first tableside mixology program. The resort's curated art program includes 70 works of art throughout the property, including a sculpted iron archway designed by Bob Dylan, and there is an upscale retail district with a variety of shops including the first standalone boutique of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker. 
For gaming, the property has a 125,000-square-foot casino with more than 3,300 slot machines, luxury high-limit gaming room, Macau-style Baccarat tables, and first-to-market gaming products. The Theater at MGM National Harbor is a 3,000-seat venue offering an intimate setting for A-list performers, including Sting, Cher, Bruno Mars, Duran Duran, and Lionel Richie. The Conservatory at MGM National Harbor will feature seasonal floral exhibits, and there is a 27,000-square-foot Spa & Salon with an array of treatments and wellness programs. Plus, the resort's 24-story boutique hotel has 308 guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows featuring panoramic views of the surrounding area. 
 

| By: Five Star Alliance
The capital city's historic Old Post Office, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, has been tranformed into a five-star luxury hotel. Overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue, the Trump International Hotel Washington D.C., offers the BLT Prime restaurant, spa, Old Post Office Museum Gallery walkway, escorted Clock Tower tours by the National Park Service, children's programs, and sumptous pet amenities. Learn more about the transformation in the article below from our sister publication, Hotel Management, by Mick Tan

HBA brings D.C.’s Old Post Office back as Trump Hotel

Interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates completed a historical hotel preservation project and opened the Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., formerly the Old Post Office. Working with Ivanka Trump, HBA associate Betsy Hughes and her team of interior designers and architects restored the European-style building to its original glory, creating a 263-room five-star hotel. Continue below the photo. 

Trump International Washington D.C.

The 118-year-old historic and castle-like structure is located between the Capitol Building and the White House. Using the building's story as the design narrative, the space is defined by the architectural detailing of the clock tower, columns, archways and historic metal truss-work that spans the lobby. Designers used the framework as a support system for chandeliers that dot the public spaces.

The lobby faces the clock tower, reception and bar; it serves as the heart of the hotel, opening up to the nine-story atrium with glass skylights. Read more below the image.

Trump International Washington D.C.

There are 263 guestrooms, seven of them created within the previous attic space, and featuring floor-to-ceiling skylights in the roof. The former postmaster's offices were converted into four luxury suites. The largest of the group has restored wood-stained paneling, a fireplace and a reading nook in a turret. One suite is located in the clock tower with an arched window that HBA designers created a mezzanine around to keep from blocking the window. The Trump Townhouse suite has multiple stories and a private entrance from Pennsylvania Avenue.

The European-style suites have a color palette of creams, silvers and soft blues with pops of red and gold leaf trim along with crystal chandeliers. A standout feature is a canopied bed in the center of the bedroom.

Trump International Washington D.C.

Due to the historic restoration, each guestroom has a unique layout with distinct features. Arched windows on the upper floors offer views of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument, while historic columns were found and restored. Large bathrooms were built along the window walls of several rooms, while turrets, eaves, dormer windows and skylights are showcased within several guestrooms.

Canvas Art Consultants, the art consultancy division of HBA, also worked with the HBA interior design team and The Trump Organization. Canvas developed a guestroom and corridor art program that pays homage to the city's history through a collection of imagery specifically assembled to reference various aspects of Washington D.C. and the Old Post Office. Visual elements include signed original watercolor renderings of the Clock Tower and renderings of gilded architectural details.

The main restaurant, BLT Prime by David Burke, is a two-story marble-clad box overlooking the lobby. The two private dining rooms have views overlooking the main arrival lobby. Two function rooms with high ceilings, original millwork and stained wood floors are found in the main building. The Lincoln Library has navy velvet drapes and Empire-style bronze pendants in one room, while the second has painted millwork, cream silk draperies and crystal chandeliers. A conference space is located in an existing building on 11th Street, the edifice of which was built as a shopping mall in the 1980s. It is now the largest luxury ballroom in Washington D.C., Presidential Ballroom, modeled after Mr. Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

Illuminate Lighting Design, the architectural lighting firm from HBA, provided lighting design for the public areas, including the Congressional Bells Museum and BLT Prime by David Burke. A standout lighting feature includes an integrated custom bar detail that illuminates restored post offices boxes as a backdrop in Benjamin Bar & Lounge, highlighting the building's history.

Check rates and availability at Trump International Washington D.C. >>SaveSaveSaveSave

| By: Lucy LeTourneau

Sponsored Post*

Le Nolinski, a newly opened deluxe boutique hotel under the EVOK brand, recently opened at the spectacular location of 16 Avenue l’Opera. The hotel offers a prime location within easy walking distance to many of the sites of Paris including the Louvre Museum, which is just a five minute walk away.

The hotel, a former apartment residence, has eclectic design elements and a muted color palate of grays, blacks, and golds, with fun pops of bright colors in the hallways and elevator lobbies. There's also a “Grand Salon”, the Rejane Brasserie, indoor pool, and full service spa to round out the hotel's offerings. In addition, a deli-style food outlet is currently under construction.

The stairway and entry of Le Nolinski Paris

The small street level lobby is intimate, and the service is top notch as the staff gets you settled in and provides a nice orientation of the property.

A Classic room facing Avenue l’Opera was our home for two nights. The room was not very large, but high ceilings and substantial entryway doors gave it a cozy residential feel. Amenities included a welcome pastry and mineral water. The retro-style Marshall music player was a nice feature. Continue reading below the photos.

Classic Room at Le Nolinski Paris
Classic room at Le Nolinski Paris
Classic Room at Le Nolinski Paris

Complimentary smartphones are provided to each room, and they can be taken with you outside the hotel. The phone allows for direct access to the concierge and other sightseeing services. International calling is also included - a very nice perk, especially if your own mobile phone isn't set up for international data roaming and calling.

Our stay coincided with the Grand Opening reception on September 20, 2016. The party had a “Folie” or Parisian cabaret theme which was quite the event with attendees and entertainers spilling out in the streets.

Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests that book through Five Star Alliance receive a welcome pastry or appetizer upon arrival, along with use of a smartphone with unlimited international calls and internet. 

Check rates and availability at Le Nolinski Paris >>

Bathroom at Le Nolinski Paris



*The content of this article is editorial content based on experience during a sponsored stay at Le Nolinski Paris.SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave


| By: Five Star Alliance
There's a new adaptive reuse hotel in Chicago. Kimpton's latest property, The Gray, is located along La Salle Street, 5 blocks from Millenium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. Guest rooms offer sophisticated styling in a color palette of mostly gray and white. Baleo, the rooftop bar is a South American-inspired retreat on the 15th floor of the hotel, serving Argentinian and Peruvian street food. Steadfast is a chef-driven, ultra-seasonal restaurant with a zinc bar, stately dark wood chairs, plush banquets, and gold accents. For cocktails, Vol. 39 offers an opulent setting with gilded silver carts with caviar and charcuterie, and leather-bound legal books left behind from the previous tenants of the office building before it was transformed into the new hotel. Read more about the new property (below the photo) from our sister publication, Hotel Management, by Mick Tan

Guest room at The Gray

Revamped New York Life Insurance Building opens as The Gray

Kimpton opened its latest property, The Gray, in Chicago’s former New York Life Insurance Building that was originally designed by William Le Baron Jenney, and is located on Monroe Street.

Involved in the historic revamp was Los Angeles-based studio Beleco, which worked with Kimpton’s global senior vice president of design and creative director Ave Bradley for the decor and interiors. Meanwhile, Gensler led the overall design duties for the building’s renovation.

Each of the 293 guestrooms now have blue accent colors inspired by the city’s flag; locally sourced artwork; and custom materials such as bathroom wall art reading “Relax, It’s Just Garlic”, a nod to Chicago’s namesake native garlic chicagoua plant. Continue reading below the photo.

Bathroom in Kimpton The Gray Hotel

For events, the property has almost 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

For dining, The Gray has two onsite dining options. Located on the hotel’s 15th floor, South American venue Boleo has a restaurant, bar, and 4,000-square-foot rooftop under an open-air, retractable glass roof. Meanwhile, the ground-floor eatery Steadfast has a woodfire rotisserie, shaved ice crudo bar and charcuterie room.

The lobby also has a bar, Vol. 39, which has a vintage encyclopedia collection discovered inside the property during renovations.
Petrosino’s Parlor salon is located on the second floor.

Interested in adaptive reuse properties?

Check out our Best Historic Buildings Turned Hotels List >>

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| By: Rachael Weir

There's a new King in Memphis, well a new King of Hotels that is.


The Guest House at Graceland is set to open October 27, 2016. Inspired by Elvis' iconic home, the 450-room hotel will reflect Elvis' personal style and the Graceland estate. Created to feel like an extension of Elvis' home, Priscilla Presley oversaw the interior designs for much of the property, including the hotel's 20 themed specialty suites, such as the Taking Care of Business Suites. Continue reading below the photos.

Exterior of Guest House at Graceland

Guest Room at the Guest House at Graceland
The luxury hotel will have spacious and contemporary accommodations with upscale amenities and Elvis-inspired details. There will be two full-service restaurants, large outdoor pool, a 464-seat theater for live music performances and movie premieres, as well as expansive meeting spaces. Read more below.

Lobby of the Guest House at Graceland

Theater at the Guest House at Graceland
If spending the night at the Guesthouse at Graceland isn’t enough, the new Elvis: Past, Present & Future is set to open across the street from Graceland in the Spring of 2017. The 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex is five times the size of the current visitor center, and will feature a variety of exhibits including the Automobile Museum, Performance Soundstage with live music performances and movie screenings, discovery exhibits, restaurants and more.


Time to start planning your trip to Memphis…

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| By: Five Star Alliance

It was recently announced that the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla, the most northerly of the Eastern Caribbean's Leeward Islands, will be getting a sister property - The Reef by CuisinArt

About The Reef by CuisinartLocated on Merrywing Bay on the Caribbean coast of Anguilla, The Reef by CuisinArt is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which selects only independently-minded properties with one thing in common: excellence. The Reef is a contemporary beachfront oasis of luxury that will feature stunning accommodations, world-class dining, cutting-edge technology and a plethora of activities including unique watersports, tennis with hardcourt play and preferred rates and tee times at CuisinArt Golf Club. Guests will also have access to the award-winning Venus Spa and additional culinary outlets offered at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.

More info below >>

The Reef by CuisinArt Anguilla

NEW YORK, NY – July 13, 2016 – Enviably situated on Merrywing Bay on the tranquil island of Anguilla, The Reef by CuisinArt will debut in November 2016, revealing a beachfront contemporary oasis featuring 80 suites, directly on the Caribbean Sea.

The Reef by CuisinArt will feature a dramatic lobby entry and stunning bar, a fitness center with Technogym Excite Line, Unity Displays and aqua cycling bikes, a library and a boutique, complimentary watersports, and hardcourt play on the two tennis courts. The culinary teams have combined their global talents to create menus that will offer locally-sourced items and ingredients from the Hydroponic Farm for the hotel's restaurant outlets. The Yacht Club, which will feature brilliant nautical appointments and open to the spectacular pool, will serve breakfast and lunch, as well as a menu of inspired seafood selections for dinner. Breezes, a dazzling beachfront restaurant and bar, will draw those craving a relaxed Caribbean experience, and the calming sounds of the sea are the perfect accompaniment to a menu of unique beverage and food options.

The Reef by CuisinArt Anguilla Seaview Junior Suite

“The Reef represents Anguilla’s newest luxury destination and the newest hotel addition to the CuisinArt family,” said Stephane Zaharia, Vice President and General Manager of both The Reef and CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa. “The property, replete with exciting ensuite amenities and distinctive features, will truly epitomize a chic beachside resort with an urban flair.” 

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Reef’s 80 accommodations will include 25 Golfview Junior Suites and 25 Seaview Junior Suites in the main building. Four additional beachfront buildings will house 30 accommodations ranging from Beachfront Junior Suites, to Corner Beachfront Junior Suites, Superior Beachfront Junior Suites and Deluxe Beachfront Junior Suites, two of which will contain dramatic outdoor Jacuzzis. Accommodation amenities will include a TV system with state-of-the-art technology, bedside “smart” control panels, Tivoli Bluetooth enabled audio systems, and more. Bathroom amenities will include products by Rusk and L’Occitane, as well as double sinks, a separate shower, and a freestanding Alissa oval bath.

As part of The Reef experience, guests will enjoy access to all amenities of CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, including preferred rates and tee-times at the 18-hole Greg Norman Signature design championship course, full access to the award-winning Venus Spa, as well as signing privileges at all facilities and dining venues. Complimentary transportation will be provided throughout the estate. 

The Reef by CuisinArt Anguilla Lobby

The Reef by CuisinArt Anguilla Lobby

The Reef by CuisinArt Anguilla Yacht Club


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