Category Archives: Luxury Hotels in USA

New York, New York!

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Every girl has her favourite city. And I wish I could say mine was a little less of a cliché. But, despite my best attempts to be different, one will keep me coming back for more until the end of time: New York.

That’s not to say I don’t love sampling new cities – there’s nothing more exciting than getting lost on new streets, watching a new brand of city dwellers from behind the rim of a coffee cup, feeling the birdsong of an alien language gliding across your ear drums.

The chocolatiers and beer-worshiping of Bruges; the cigar smoke filled jazz clubs of Havana; the barely dead sushi of Tokyo’s fish markets; and the chic romance of Barcelona’s bars – all are among my favourite travel memories.

But will I ever enjoy these cities, these new voices, more than when I hear a New Yorker order a slice of pizza? Or feel the same rush of delirious happiness that cycling through Central Park brings me?

In a way I hope so, but I have my doubts…

After all, everyone likes to read new books, to see new plays, to listen to new music. But equally we like to be embraced by the warmth of the ones we already fell in love with.

So I spent this weekend in the arms of my beloved Big Apple. Strolling past the shops I’ve already spent far too much in on 5th Avenue, gossiping in the cafés of the East Village and staring out across the water at the Statue of Liberty.

And it made me very happy indeed.

I stayed, you’ll not be surprised to hear, in a beautiful boutique SLH hotel.

But can you guess which one? The photo should give you an idea…

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The lovely Hotel Chandler

New York Travel Tips

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Sounds like you had a fantastic night at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards; I’ve just picked up the October issue and it was great to see various SLH hotels gracing the winners’ lists – you definitely should check out the Aquapura Duoro Valley Hotel in Portugal at some point, they serve some of the best local wine I’ve ever tasted!

But onto New York City eh? A brilliant decision – autumn is definitely the best time to go in my opinion. When staying in the city The Inn at Irving Place and The Iroquois are the most luxurious boutique hotels you’ll find. My top tip would be to have pre-dinner drinks at the superb Martini Lounge at the Inn at Irving Place, it’s where all the city’s most eligible bachelors hide (well, we’ve got to go somewhere!) Let me know how it goes…

Labor Day weekend

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Hi all,

I was wondering if those in the US have made plans for the Labor Day weekend? This is a great time to try something different and we have some very special hotels offering unique packages for the long weekend. For adventurous families, Stonewater Cove, Missouri has a 3-night package with a choice of activities from helicopter tours, moonlight cruises or leisure boat rides. Sanctuary On Camelback Mountain, Arizona has a more relaxing option including free spa treatments, cabana rental at their stunning infinity pool and to get things off to a really lazy start, breakfast in bed! In Vermont, The Old Tavern at Grafton has a cultural package including theatre tickets and dinner.

Further afield along the Rivera Maya in Mexico and set on a 50-acre private estate, guests staying in Esencia have a flexible ‘Splurge On The House’ credit, equal to the room rate allowing you to chose from spa services, dining, transfers or the telephone – so you can tell friends and family all about your wonderful holiday!

More soon,
Paul

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A wine lover’s dream: The Inn at Southbridge, Napa Valley, USA

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Hello all,

Some of you are probably planning your next holiday. Over the next couple of weeks I hope I can provide you with some ideas of places to stay and things to visit.

If you’re thinking of taking a holiday in the USA this year, why not visit Napa Valley in California? Napa Valley is one of the top travel destinations in the world, famous for its wine and vineyards, nestled in the beautiful rolling hillsides, and world-class restaurants.

If you decide to take a vacation in the famous wine country, I recommend a stay at SLH hotel, The Inn at Southbridge. This luxury hotel is the perfect spot for touring Napa. You’ll be spoilt for choice after an enjoyable wine tour, followed by tucking into a hearty meal at a gourmet restaurant. The hotel is very close by to the vineyards and restaurants so you won’t have to drive. It’s also walking distance to downtown St. Helena where you’ll find plenty of galleries and boutiques.

The Inn At Southbridge - rooms with a delightful view

The Inn At Southbridge - rooms with a delightful view

As well as an excellent location, the hotel itself is a charming building, located in beautiful gardens. You’ll be welcomed by the wonderful staff. The bedrooms are spacious and individually styled and each facing wonderful views. There’s also a health spa if you want to lay off the wine for a day or two! I’ve been told you can enjoy a relaxing head massage in the sunny garden spa for peace and relaxation. You can also try a spot of golf, horse riding, cycling, and hiking out and about this hotel.

So who’s this hotel perfect for? The Inn at Southbridge is the dream place if you enjoy great wine and food.  It’s also ideal for a couple’s getaway, spa lovers and overall a place to escape from it all.

Are you a SLH Club member? Why not take advantage of the special offers on slh.com with great Club benefits. Once again, do let me know if you plan to stay at this hotel.

More later, Paul

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The Betsy and Esencia – Luxury Hotels with the SLH factor!

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It was all happening in the UK last week, wasn’t it?  A change of government, more volcanic ash disruption and signs of a major airline strike. Whatever next?

Thousands of miles away from the UK, the team and I visited the Small Luxury Hotels of the World in the Americas for our annual regional meeting. It was great seeing them all. During my stay I visited The Betsy, in Miami, USA and Esencia in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and The Pillars at New River Sound in Fort Lauderdale, USA.  I must say that although all of these three hotels are totally different, they all have the SLH factor!  If you’re planning to stay at either of these properties you’ll be left positively glowing, making your holiday a memorable one.

A peaceful hideaway - The Pillars at New River Sound, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

A peaceful hideaway - The Pillars at New River Sound, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

The meeting was held at the Betsy but to get over the jet lag – some of the team stayed at the “Pillars” – it has a great feel about the hotel – truly a “home from home.”  Wonderfully located literally minutes  from the beach and right in the heart of the “BUZZ” but also a tranquil setting on the inner water way. The owner Michael Landry gave us a superb evening cruise with cocktails exploring the inner waterways of Fort Lauderdale. The boat is for hire at the hotel and I thoroughly recommend the experience. I also hired a bike for one day, which although hot was a great way to combine some sightseeing and exercise!

The Betsy - the beach is literally on your doorstep

The Betsy - the beach on your doorstep

The Betsy is a fabulous boutique hotel and an iconic landmark on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive. First opening its doors in 1942, The Betsy has an amazing historical background, which explains its architectural features both past and present amongst its art deco neighbours. This luxury property has sixty-two bedrooms to choose from and are all individually furnished. Eating at their renowned BLT restaurant is pure steakhouse bliss. You can look forward to the beach, which is literally on your doorstep.  Also, the views from the Rooftop Solarium and Wellness Garden are stunning where the hotel entertained all of the other SLH hotels in the region for a few “drinks”!

One of Esencia's super comfy rooms

One of Esencia's super comfy bedrooms

My next stop was at the SLH hotel Esencia in Mexico…this property was incredible. I can see why it’s such a popular choice amongst guests. If being pampered is your thing, then the Escencia spa experience is world-class. The warm and friendly staff will make you feel instantly at home in this luscious 50-acre estate. There are plenty of things to do: if you don’t want to venture far they offer yoga, scuba diving, wind surfing. And for a more educational experience you can learn how to cook the Meso-American cuisine or sample a variety of wines with the head chef. Once again, the beaches are beautiful in this part of the world.

I could blog all day about how amazing these luxury hotels are but I’d be ruining the surprise if I revealed all! Are any of you planning a stay at a SLH hotel soon? What are your plans for the summer? Let me know.

More later, Paul