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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

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

Known as the "Home of Golf", Fairmont St. Andrews offers a picturesque setting on 520 acres. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the North Sea, the property offers two championship golf courses, The Kittocks and The Tonnance, as well as exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. The 211 recently renovated guest rooms and suites have Scottish touches and luxurious furnishings, and the Fairmont Spa has a range of locally-infused treatments and relaxation therapies featuring exclusive Aromatherapy Associates products. Continue reading below the photo.

Fairmont St. AndrewsIdeal for couples or families seeking more living space, Executive Suites offer separate living rooms with dining areas, lounge space, and electric fireplaces. There is a spacious bedroom for privacy, and a supreme bathroom with heated floors, walk-in showers, dual vanity units, and separate soaking tubs. Plus, there is an additional half bathroom off the lounge for guests. Learn about exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks below the photo of an Executive Suite.

Executive Suite at Fairmont St. Andrews

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" will also receive full breakfast daily in The Squire Restaurant, $100 USD Food and Beverage credit, per room/per stay (no cash value if not redeemed in full), and a welcome amenity. 

Check availability at Fairmont St. Andrews


| By: Rachael Weir

Showcasing one-of-a-kind views of Edinburgh Castle, the Alexander Graham Bell Suite at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian offers an exclusive setting in the heart of the city. Within the suite, there are high ceilings with ornate details, a traditional fireplace with a contemporary twist, stately woodworking, and classic furnishings.

The spacious suite sleeps 3 people with a large living room offering plush couches, a dining area, and writing desk, plus an LCD TV with an iPod docking station, and a Nespresso machine. In the bedroom, there's a king bed, large windows with castle views, and black-out curtains. While the bathroom has Salvatore Ferragamo bath products, luxe bathrobes, and slippers. Read more below the photo. 

The Alexander Graham Bell Suite at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

Built in 1903, the iconic Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian offers the largest number of castle views from its rooms in the city. Set along Princes Street, the property is perfectly located for exploring the city, and is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Mile, and the Edinburgh International Conference Center. Read more below the hotel photo. 

Edinburgh Castle view from the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

Within the hotel there are two French restaurants -- Peacock Alley and the Caley Bar, both designed by the Michelin-starred Galvin brothers. The property is also home to the only Guerlain Spa in the UK, plus there's an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center. 

Check availability at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian 

 

Posted in: Edinburgh, Scotland

| By: Five Star Alliance

Gleneagles Hotel
What a way to multi-task! Guests at Gleneagles Hotel can take a vacation and get their dogs trained. Dogs can stay in guests' room, or have a stay in the kennels. The training is conducted by Kennel Club approved A panel judges. Dogs who pull on the lead, jump up, refuse to come when called, or just generally misbehave can be taught to behave better. All training is tailored to suit individual requirements and children over 12 are welcome to take part. Day and evening classes are available.


Prices
Private class (50mins) £75
Group class max 4 dogs (75mins) £60

Book your stay at Gleneagles Hotel >>





 


| By: K. Clare Johnson

Cromlix
If you owned a hotel in the form of a restored country house, why wouldn't you get married there?  Sources say that tennis legend Andy Murray is set to marry this weekend near his recently opened hotel Cromlix. Murray, who is currently ranked #3 in the world and has two Grand Slams to his name, is marrying Kim Sears, his girlfriend of nearly a decade.  Cromlix, a Victorian Perthshire mansion, is in Murray's hometown of Dunblane, Stirling. Murray bought the property in 2013 for 1.8 million pounds and turned it into a 15-room luxury getaway. Rooms are named after Murrays fellow Scotsmen, including Sean Connery, Annie Lennox, and the medieval King of Scotland, Eden, which is likely to be the suite in which the newly-hitched couple will stay. Cromlix

Tying the knot at Cromlix is a apparently a rite of passage for the Murray family. Andy's brother was married at the estate in 2010. 

Although the property has its own, 12th century, 28-seat chapel onsite, the pair has chosen to wed in nearby Dunblane Cathedral. The reception will be held at Cromlix, where dining is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Albert Roux.

See more images and details of Cromlix >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

G&V Royal Mile Hotel is the only five-star hotel on the historic Royal Mile, set in the heart of the Scottish capital. The Victoria Suite, pictured below, is approximately 55 square meters. This deluxe space combining supreme form and function issituated on G&V's top floor. Guests enjoy far reaching views across the beautiful Scottish capital.

G&V Royal Mile Hotel 

View rates, details, and more images of G&V Royal Mile Hotel >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

This summer, Gleneagles Hotel celebrated its 90th birthday. When the Gleneagles® Hotel opened in 1924 it was described as 'a Riviera in the Highlands' and 'the eighth wonder of the world'. Today, this luxury hotel remains dedicated to excellence, just as it was in its earliest days when "the avowed intention of the management was to create happiness".

The hotel was built by the former Caledonian Railway Company, with its own railway station just minutes away, and is now owned by Diageo plc, custodians of iconic brands such as Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Tanqueray gin.

Gleneagles Hotel

View rates, details, and more images of Gleneagles Hotel >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

Tennis champ Andy Murray spearheaded the rebirth of Cromlix. Close to his home of Dunblane, he has bought the property and reinventedthe glorious era of grand country house living. Following extensive refurbishment, the US Open and Olympic champion has now transformed the elegant Victorian Perthshire mansion into a luxury 15-bedroom and Gate Lodge, five star destination, ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup, which is being staged a short drive away at Gleneagles.

Cromlix

View rates, details, and more images of Cromlix >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

The Gleneagles Hotel
The Gleneagles Hotel
 
has officially relaunched The Club, which is the hotel's leisure complex. The re-launch, which took 12 months and cost  £5 million, coincides with the hotel's 90th anniversary and arrives just in time for the 2014 Ryder Cup, which is being held at the hotel.

The Club's reception area now has a viewing gallery overlooking the pool hall, and a waiting area with comfortable seating. There are dry and wet stairs so that swimmers and gym users can stay seperate. The changing facilities have been enlarged with more lockers, vanity tables, and added space for adult and toddler changing cubicles. There is a playroom  for junior members between 2 and 10 years old.The Gleneagles Hotel Leisure Pool

The former lap pool has now been transformed into a soothing adults-only zone. There is a whirlpool tub, sauna and steam room, and heated loungers. The leisure pool now features a waterfall, bubble jet crossing, and bubble pool. Undergoing a complete transformation, the old outdoor pool is now an Alpine Onsen. The outdoor pool now combines the look and feel of a hot mountain pool with the tranquillity of a highland landscape. 

The Gleneagles Hotel

The hotel has previously unveiled a series of developments including the £3 million overhaul of the Dormy Clubhouse in 2011, the installation of The Blue Bar - a new outdoor whisky and cigar bar - in the same year, and a £1 million investment in its PGA Centenary Course in 2012. In 2013, the resort invested £1million in refurbishing 36 of its 232 rooms, as part of a rolling revamp.

The Gleneagles Hotel was built in 1924 and is situated in 850 acres of beautiful Perthshire countryside, just one hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The hotel is a haven of luxury British heritage that offers a five star hotel experience. With 232 elegant rooms, including 26 suites, the hotel provides some of the finest accommodation in Scotland.

View rates, details, and more images of The Gleneagles Hotel >>

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| By: Five Star Alliance

Balbirnie House
Balbirnie House
dates back to 1777, having been commissioned by The Balfour family who were a very influential agricultural and coal mining family at the time.

The house was originally designed by the architect John Nisbet in 1777 and was then extended by Robert Crichton in 1815, and is now listed as Grade A of architectural and historical importance, most probably built as one of the largest and earliest Grecian style houses in Scotland.

The park surrounding Balbirnie extends to 416 acres of undulating scenery, and is landscaped in the style of Capability Brown, including many specimen trees and a collection of magnificent rhododendrons which is unrivalled in the East of Scotland. Views from the house extend over flowering garden lawns and trimmed yew hedges to woodland walks around the park. The first tee off for Balbirnie Park’s 18 hole golf course is a short amble from the hotel.

Also within the park is The Balbirnie Craft Centre, housed in the original old stable block just a few minutes walk away. Crafts sold include hand made jewelry, pottery, glassworks, and leather goods.

View rates, details, and more images of Balbirnie House >>

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