If there’s one thing I love it’s a good hotel. The fine pressed-linens, the smell of the freshly-cleaned room, the views from top floors, the shine of marble in the lobby, and the attention to detail – from smiling check-in desk agents to personalized pillows – all play a part in a successful hotel stay.
As I prepare for some upcoming trips to new hotels, I started thinking about my hotel wish-list — my ‘ bucket list’ of hotels, the hotels I must stay in before I kick it. Here they are, in no particular order. If you’ve stayed at any of these hotels – or have hotels to add to this list – please let me know!
St. Regis Hotel, New York
St. Regis, New York: This one seems so simple, but still so far away. I’ve always had a fascination with the St. Regis. I remember the first time I saw the entrance to this hotel in Manhattan -the gold, the marble, the fountains; so grand and exquisite. I vowed one day to stay at the St. Regis, but only when I could afford to do it right. Note to the St. Regis: When I do finally get my room at the hotel, you can be certain I’m not leaving for the duration of the stay.
Four Seasons Lana’i, Hawaii: The beauty of this hotel has captivated me since I was first introduced to it by my friend Stacy at Elite Travel International. I’ve never been to Hawaii, and didn’t have a huge desire to go until I saw this hotel. Admiring the Pacific Ocean from the balcony at this hotel would be magical.
Tango Mar, Costa Rica: My plan is to do a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, but then I found Tango Mar and thought, why not combine yoga with spa?
John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal: Let me be very honest about this one: The main reason I want to stay at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is to channel the late John Lennon during the 1969 bed-in for peace. I envision myself staying in rooms 1738 and 1742, and playing a rousing rendition of “Give Peace a Chance.”
Dalhousie Castle, Scotland: Haven’t you always wanted to spend a night in a castle? Where better than in Scotland, where moats, drawbridges and towers provide the scenery and who knows, maybe a knight will ride up on a white horse…
Giraffe Manor, Kenya: If I were doing this in order, I would put this hotel #1 – the Giraffe Manor in Kenya as always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was a foster parent to Gigi the Giraffe at the St. Louis Zoo when I was a child, I’ve had a fascination with this graceful animal. The idea of staying among them in their natural habitat would be a dream come true.
Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam: I’ve heard that Vietnam is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but I’m more interested in visiting for the history and culture of this gorgeous country. The Sofitel is located in the middle of it all, and is an iconic symbol in Vietnam.
Burj al-Arab, Dubai
Burj Al Arab, Dubai: This hotel suggestion came from my friend Kate, and it was truly worthy of this list. The hotel, part of the exclusive Jumeirah group is known as the most “luxurious hotel in the world.” It’s shaped like a sailboat, but offers all the world’s amenities on a silver, err… gold, platter.
Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris: Hello, lover. This hotel captured my heart, and fantasies, last year when I visited Paris and happened upon it for cocktails one night. The hotel is decadent, right down to the marble countertops and fresh flowers in the bathrooms.
The Observatory, Sydney Australia: I’d heard about this hotel years ago – it’s the hotel in Australia with its own planetarium. I never thought I would stay there and view the stars from the southern hemisphere (a truly awe-inspiring moment for this wanna-be astronaut). As luck would have it, I’m calling The Observatory my home for one week in Sydney in February, which means I’ll be checking one hotel off my ‘bucket list.’
How about the Awaroa Lodge in New Zealand? It’s hard to get to but well worth the effort.
http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz/
Good one, Andy! Will add it to the list.
Just because of its historicity and proximity, I’d love to stay at the Manila Hotel. It used to be one of the most luxurious hotels, but now its edifice looks so… worn out and ragged. (A friend promises that the interior is still awesome.)
I stayed one night at Langley Castle in the north of England. It was spectacular — arched doorways, a huge stone window seat looking out over the courtyard, tapestry canopy over the bed. Perfect for romance, and that was the night my then-boyfriend and I agreed we should move in together.
The best Four Seasons in Hawaii BY FAR is the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island. it is one of my favorite properties anywhere. Beautiful.