Luxury Hotel Tips
When it comes to Luxury Hotel, we've been there, done that, now serving 133 tips in 17 categories ranging from Asian Luxury Hotels to U.S. Luxury Hotels.
Expect Royal Treatment at India's Taj Hotels and Palaces
As a travel destination India is exotic, enthralling and often exasperating. It is a huge country; the world's seventh largest in size and home of over one billion people. Geographically, India is a diverse land, ranging from the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains to arid plains, dense jungles and scenic beaches. Culturally, India is equally diverse. The ancient melds with the modern. There are 22 different official languages and over 200 dialects spoken in India. And, India is a deeply spiritual country; the center of Ayurveda, the holistic science of balancing the body, mind and spirit on all levels.
When visiting a country like India, choosing the best hotel enhances a business or leisure travel experience. Since 1903, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces have been the first choice of discerning travelers to India. With 59 properties in 42 locations across India and international locations around the globe, five-star Taj properties are as delightfully diverse as the cities they share. Taj leisure hotels, Taj business hotels and Taj palace hotels and Taj wilderness sanctuary lodges offer a unique sense of place; a serene and luxurious nirvana from chaotic cityscapes.
Here is a small sample of some of India's leading Taj hotels. Guests receive royal treatment in a royal setting at Taj Lake Palace. Rising majestically from an island in the middle of the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, the 260 year old palace, built as a royal residence, is beautifully restored with infinite attention to detail and modern comforts.
Taj View Hotel in Agra, located in view of the magnificent Taj Mahal, is an example of a Taj Leisure Hotel. Along the beaches of India, look for luxury leisure resorts like Taj Green Cove Resort, Taj Exotica and Taj Holiday Village. Whether you choose to stay in a Taj hotel, palace or lodge, expect Taj signature luxuries such as award-winning spas, cuisine from royal kitchens across India, personal butlers/concierges, comprehensive business services and exemplary children's programs.
Taj Lake Palace, Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur are recognized as three of the best hotels in the world on the Condé Nast Gold List.
Mandarin Fans Savor Serenity and Service in Asia
The allure of Asia draws travelers from around the world. It is a continent of contrasts; of tiny, rural villages lost in time and cosmopolitan mega-cities poised for the future. Streets swirl with color and sound. Enticing aromas tempt the taste buds with exotic flavors. Cool jade and shimmering silks, trinkets and treasures fill Asian markets. Serenity synthesizes with sizzle.
When seeking a hotel in Asia, seasoned travelers typically choose a hotel that offers a sense of place. Sophisticated travelers also have high expectations for surroundings and service. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group collection of 16 five-star hotels in Asia, 13 hotels in the Americas and 8 European properties reflect the best of the cities they call home. Expectations are consistently exceeded. Mandarin Oriental guests become avid fans. Hence, the internationally recognized Mandarin Oriental fan logo symbolizes the delicate balance, elegance, image, hospitality and originality. Each Mandarin Oriental hotel creates its own exclusive fan reflecting what is unique about their location.
Rooms and suites at Mandarin Oriental hotels, such as the flagship Mandarin Oriental – Hong Kong, are spacious and elegantly appointed. An array of amenities includes touches like sumptuous bedding with high-count linens, designer bath products, fresh flowers and the latest technology and entertainment systems. Every member of Mandarin Oriental teams in Asia is poised to say “my pleasure” to personal requests and needs. Personal butlers/concierges have the connections it takes to score hard-to-get dining reservations and arrange yoga or culinary classes, handle local transportation and private tours. Mandarin Oriental spas are havens of serenity and wellness. And, dining at Mandarin Oriental restaurants is a feast for the senses.
Excellence does not go unrecognized. Mandarin Oriental Hotels and Spas consistently draw awards from leading travel publications. For example, the Condé Nast Gold List cites the Mandarin Oriental-Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental-Kuala Lumpur and The Oriental Bangkok and The Oriental Singapore among the best hotels in the world. Zagat commends the “impeccable service” and “idyllic surrounding” of Mandarin Oriental Hotels. Global Traveler recognizes Mandarin Oriental as the Best Asian Hotel Brand.
In Asia, look for Mandarin Oriental Hotels in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Jakarta, Macau, Manila, Singapore and Tokyo. Mandarin Oriental Hotels are also in development in Sanyo and Beijing (2008) in Macau (2009) and in Taipei and Guangzhou (2010).
Jumeirah Defines Luxury in Dubai
Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is quickly becoming one of the leading and most exciting international travel destinations. Located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai blends tropical beach and warm desert ambiance. Boasting the “Best of East and West, it is a city typically described by superlatives including: wealthiest, tallest, most beautiful, most welcoming, most progressive, best world-class resorts and a veritable shopping paradise.
Jumeirah, the most popular suburb of Dubai, is home to the finest beaches and most luxurious resorts. Discerning travelers recognize that luxury is in the details including accommodations, amenities and impeccable service. The Jumeirah Hotels Group, the leading five-star luxury hotel brand in the UAE, exceeds expectations on every level. Rooms and suites at Jumeirah hotels are decorated in vibrant colors complemented by lavish textures and features. Expect an array of luxury amenities like bath and pillow menus, fresh flowers, gourmet snacks, champagne and the latest technology with an in-room laptop computer and large-screen plasma television. Dining at Jumeirah is a sensory experience, a feast for the senses. Jumeirah Spas are havens of serenity offering a wide range of the latest treatments and services. And, personal butlers/concierges ensure that no wish is left unfilled.
Each Jumeirah hotels is a unique travel destination in itself. Burj Al Arab is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Shaped like a gigantic billowing sail, it dominates the Jumeirah skyline. Described as “simply spectacular,” Burj Al Arab is ranked as one of the best hotels the world on the Condé Nast Gold List. Jumeirah Emirates Towers also enjoys a spot on the Gold List and is ranked as the Best Business Hotel in the Middle East by Business Traveller UK Awards and World Travel Awards 2007. Other leading Jumeirah Hotels in the UAE include: Jumeirah Beach Hotel (home of Wild Wadi Water Park), Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
Los Cabos Luxury Hotel
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort and Ty Warner Property, is situated between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas in an area known as Cabo Real. It's at the southern tip of
Dining: The resort's dining room is aptly named "The Restaurant." Every table features a fabulous view of the pool area and
Spa: The Spa's extensive range of services are inspired by restorative treatments, holistic therapies, healing rituals, organic products and native remedies found in Baja, Mexico and around the world.
Deluxe Touch: Book the Presidential Suite, with its three bedrooms, four full baths, a large living room, separate dining area and a private infinity-edge pool and outdoor shower.The suite comes with a dedicated personal butler, too!
Details
Carretera Transpeninsular, Km. 19.5
Tel: 52 624 144 2800
Riviera Maya Luxury Hotel
The Occidental Hotels & Resort's Royal Hideaway Playacar is located on 13 acres of tropical foliage that opens onto a beautiful beach on the
Dining: Las Ventanas, by Michelin-rated chef Sergi Arola, has received accolades the world over. There's also an extensive wine cellar.
Spa: The spa has a variety of treatments featuring Thalgo, Phytomer, Redken and OPI fine products. Soak in the unique hydrotherapy tubs, indulge in a Swedish massage or consult the French-trained estheticians for skin care tips.
Deluxe Touch: The all-inclusive resort features welcome champagne and cool towel upon arrival, unlimited meals and snacks, unlimited premium alcoholic beverages, natural juices and soft drinks, complementary Internet access and more.
Details
Tel: 800-999-9182
Cancun Luxury Hotel
Located on the white sandy beaches of
Dining: Simply Seafood serves, you guessed it, seafood with a focus on local favorites.
Spa: An award-winning 35,000 square foot Mayan-inspired spa offers every treatment imaginable. It incorporates a combination of natural elements to offer a revitalizing spa experience.
Deluxe Touch: Stay on the Exclusive Club 91 level, which has five food and beverage presentations daily and upgraded services.
Details
Km 14.5, Boulevard Kukulkán,
Tel: 800-228-9290
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| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
