Luxury Hotel Tips

The Finest of Florence

Florence (Firenze) is a feast for the senses. It is a treasure trove of art and architecture; a feast for the eyes. Italian food and the fine wines of the Tuscany region are epicurean delights. And, Florence's rich history and present day festive and friendly ambiance are a feast for the soul. Echoes of the past are everywhere in Florence. A leisurely stroll along the Arno River and across the Medieval Ponte Vecchio offers views that haven't changed much in hundreds of years. As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, it is said that almost half of the artists working in Europe in the second millennium lived in Florence; that is still true today. It is not difficult to imagine Michelangelo, Boticelli and Leonardo da Vinci at work among present day artists. However, Florence cannot be seen in a day. The sheer multitude of must-sees is overwhelming and the inevitable waits for entrance to leading museums, the Duomo and other monuments are frustrating for many travelers.

Travel editors and savvy travelers recommend choosing an Italian luxury hotel that is centrally located and a hotel that can expedite long lines and tour buses to exploring the treasures of Florence. Hotel Savoy, a member of Leading Hotels of the World's five-star luxury hotel collection, is located in the heart of Florence with magnificent views of the Duomo from many rooms. It is also just steps away from the Galleria Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio. Contemporary guest rooms and suites at Hotel Savoy offer a soothing respite from the crowded streets of Florence. Business travelers appreciate the conveniences of a comprehensive business center, meeting facilities and and broadband Internet access. Hotel Savoy is also a family-friendly luxury hotel. A myriad of details and special treats make travel with children a pleasure. And, from chauffeured transfers to advance bookings for the Galleria Uffizi and privated guided tours, the Hotel Savoy concierge team takes care of all the details of seeing Florence at its best with no long queues and tour buses. Not to be missed: watching day break or a golden sunset wash over the city from the comfort and privacy of Hotel Savoy.

Historic Hotels Enrich Travel

Travel brings history to life. No book or documentary fulfills the personal sense of history you feel when you actually walk paths of the past. Standing in the midst of historic sites invokes deep respect for the struggles and sacrifices that led to life today. Countries and cities around the world strive to preserve and protect their heritage.

For instance, Hamburg, Germany is a dichotomy of dramatic history and Old World charm in a cosmopolitan present day city of steel and glass skyscrapers. From mega-resorts to intimate inns, finding accommodations in Hamburg is rarely a problem. However, choosing the best accommodations for personal tastes and interests may be more challenging. Many travelers find that staying at a historic luxury hotel enriches their travel experience.

The Hotel Atlantic Kempinski, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, opened its doors in 1909 as a grand hotel for wealthy ocean steamer passengers preparing for their voyage. If the walls could talk, they would tell marvelous tales of guests that included kings, emperors, princes, dukes and duchesses, international film celebrities and industrial magnates. Today, after almost 100 years, the five-star Hotel Atlantic remains the leading historic hotel destination in Hamburg for discerning travelers.

Often called the “white castle,” Hotel Atlantic's dramatic Edwardian white gabled exterior houses an equally impressive interior. The marble lobby sparkles with glittering chandeliers and an impressive collection of artwork and priceless antiques. Guest rooms blend Old World decor with modern amenities, like wireless Internet access and lavish bathrooms. Two acclaimed restaurants serve gourmet international and Asian cuisine. The Energy Clinic is a state-of-the-art spa specializing in massage and energy treatments from cultures around the world. And, the Atlantic PrivateMax (the first private cinema in a hotel in Germany) offers hotel guests exclusive film screenings for up to eight people. Located on the scenic shores of Lake Alster, the Hotel Atlantic is a natural starting point for exploring historic Hamburg.

Put Yourself in a Movie Scene in California

There's something special about visiting a destination or staying in a California luxury hotel that has been featured in a favorite movie or novel. It is fun to say “Hey we've been there!” Sometimes a hotel featured in a movie is easily identified, other times it takes a little research to find the location when you are intrigued by scenes in a movie or on television and want to check it out. Start your search on the Internet by entering a search phrase like “hotels that appeared in movies.”

Here's a jumpstart to whet your appetite. If the elegant suite and dazzling lobby scenes in Pretty Woman caught your attention, check out the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles. This remarkable hotel has been a popular movie scene and the choice of celebrity guests and discerning travelers for over 75 years. Some of the dignitaries and celebrities spotted at the Beverly Wilshire include: the Dalai Lama, Britain's Royal Family, Mick Jagger, Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Elton John. Another bit of Wilshire trivia: Elvis Presley lived at the hotel for several years while filming several of his movies in the 1950s.

Of course, there are more than movie stars at the Beverly Wilshire. Step outside and shop the exclusive boutiques along dazzling Rodeo Drive. Dine on-site at celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck's Cut steakhouse. Rejuvenate with pampering treatments at The Spa or simply relax in a celebrity-style, well-appointed room or suite with a lavish marble bath. As a member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Beverly Wilshire is an unrivaled location in Beverly Hills.

Find the Way to Santa Fe

New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment.” This name comes from a rich combination of multi-cultural heritage, natural beauty and creative arts. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is a unique New Mexico travel destination that blends Southwestern hospitality with 325 days of sunshine and outdoor action. It is a city rich in artistic talent. Georgia O'Keefe settled in Sante Fe and many other leading artists draw inspiration by making their homes in this city. Most visitors to Santa Fe fly into Albuquerque International Sunport and rent a car for a short scenic drive to Santa Fe or connect to a commuter flight directly into the Santa Fe Municipal Airport.

On arrival, there are many area hotels and resorts available. Most visitors recommend staying and playing at the La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa; a small luxury resort that echoes the enchantment of Santa Fe. Featured in Architectural Digest, National Geographic Traveler and Sunset Magazine, La Posada de Santa Fe is like an intimate village within downtown Santa Fe, reminiscent of the adobe art colony that occupied the same site in the 1930s. Today as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Posada de Santa Fe continues to attract well-known writers, artists and sophisticated travelers.

By day, there is plenty to do. The resort is just two blocks from Santa Fe's historic Plaza and over 200 art galleries are within walking distance. Active travelers enjoy rounds of golf at nearby championship courses. Taos and Santa Fe ski resorts and white water rafting excursions are also close by. Later, work out the kinks at the resort's fitness center, in the year-round heated outdoor pool or with a rejuvenating treatment at the world-class spa. At night, dine on signature Santa Fe cuisine at the AAA four-diamond rated La Fuego restaurant. Stop by the romantic and historic Staab House Bar for a nightcap. Featured on Unsolved Mysteries, the ghost of Mrs. Staab, a former resident of an estate on the site, is reputed to make an appearance from time to time. End the day by lingering under the starlit sky on the private patio before retiring to a distinctive guestroom or suite filled with an array of pampering amenities. Tomorrow is another enchanting day at the Posada de Santa Fe.