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Tuesday, December 27, 2022

10 Questions To Ask When Booking A Hotel Room

 

10 Questions To Ask When Booking A Hotel Room


You don’t want your great vacation memories obliterated by unexpected costs, or an experience that didn’t quite meet your standards erasing your good will. There are things you can know in advance about your accommodations. Here are 10 questions to ask when booking a hotel room.

Does the price reflect all fees and taxes?

There might be resort fees, cleaning fees, booking fees and other pesky hidden fees and taxes. Ask if the price you are quoted includes all of those. If it doesn’t, ask if you can have the added fees waived.


Is parking included?

Many hotels leave out the little fact that when you arrive, parking will cost you $30 per night, and there is nowhere else to park for miles. Ask if parking is included. If it is not, ask if the hotel is offering any vouchers on free or discounted parking.


Is Wi-Fi included for free?

Sometimes when you ask if Wi-Fi is included, the representative “included” instead of “available” available, and answer “yes.” Make sure to ask if it is for free. If it is not free, ask if they can give you a voucher for complimentary Wi-Fi. Tell them you won’t book a room that doesn’t come with complimentary Wi-Fi.


What better rate can you offer me?

As soon as you say this, the representative knows you are not willing to pay the price quoted. They’ll never say, “That’s the best we can do” if it means you walk away. There are usually promotions or special deals for Costco members, AAA members, and members of certain credit cards. Just ask.


Do you know that the hotel across the street is charging less?

Let them know that you know their competition can give you a better rate. They usually depend on you not having checked the competition. Even if it’s not true, you should still say the hotel across the street is offering you a better rate — the representative you’re speaking with doesn’t know what sort of personal deal you may have made.


Is the hotel family friendly?

If you’re traveling with a family and want the answer to be yes, then definitely ask this! You want to make sure there are kids’ menus, lifeguards on duty, cribs available and so on. If you want a quiet, grownup getaway, this is an important question to ask so that you avoid a resort full of screaming children.


Does the room have a private balcony with seating?

Many hotels will say the room comes with a balcony and what they mean is a two-foot ledge that you are not allowed to step onto. It just makes the hotel look good to passers by on the street. Make sure you can actually sit on the balcony.


Where in the hotel is the room located?

If it’s near the elevator, or the entrance to the pool area, you might hear a lot of commotion day and night. You also don’t want a room next to a maintenance closet where the cleaning staff could be convening and talking at all hours, or near the kitchen.


Can the public use the swimming pool?

Some large resorts offer public access to their swimming pools for a fee. But if you don’t want to be fighting for lounge chairs and a few feet of personal space in the pool, make sure your hotel reserves its pool for guests only.


Can we walk to restaurants and shopping?

A hotel might list on its website that it is only two miles from dining and shopping. But sometimes, those two miles are nothing but highway, or rugged land, or tons of construction, forcing you to stay at the hotel or take cabs everywhere. Ask explicitly if it is safe and convenient to walk to shopping and dining.



 

10 Best Marriott Hotels In Florida

Dec 26 2022, 6:55 am

Which Marriott Bonvoy Resort is the best in Florida, including Miami, Orlando, and Naples, for location, beach, club lounge, and pool? We have outlined the overall winners, followed by reviewing each hotel separately below.

Wherever you decide to stay, book via our luxury travel concierge. We offer free upgrades, free breakfasts, and free perks at hotels, including Four Seasons, Aman, Belmond, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, InterContinental, and more. You also get your usual Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt, Hilton, and other loyalty points and status benefits when you book with our concierge.

Ritz-Carlton and JW are two of the most luxury Bonvoy brands hence the skew towards these hotels. JW Marriotts can also be found in destinations like Miami. Because the JW Marriott Miami is a city hotel, we don’t rate it as a resort hence its exclusion.

The Marriott hotel portfolio includes The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Westin, W Hotels, EDITION, Sheraton, and the Four Points by Sheraton, as well as Marriotts, JW Marriotts, Courtyard by Marriott, and more. Executive lounge access is a perk afforded to top-level Platinum Elite members. Another brilliant luxury hotel option in Florida is the Four Seasons and we have picked the best Four Seasons Disney vs Surfside vs Miami vs Palm Beach.

You can redeem points at all of the Marriott Bonvoy properties or pay for your booking and earn them, but remember to use our luxury travel concierge as we can offer you special benefits or deals at all these hotels, whilst enabling you to benefit from your status and collect your usual points. It costs nothing to ask us for a quote, and we will be able to help you squeeze some extra value from your stay.

Our winners are:

  • Best for the beach: Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort. This property has a beautiful white sand beach with sunset views. The runner up would be Ritz-Carlton Miami Beach, which also has a great and stylish beach club
  • Best for a pool: Ritz-Carlton Naples. This pool is large and tropical, with water slides. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando has a “meh” pool, but the next door JW Marriott property has a fun lazy river which you can access from this Ritz-Carlton
  • Best for restaurants: This is a tough one. We love the sunset views from many of the restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach, but the Miami Beach resort offers great restaurants too. Avoid the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne in the school holidays as their restaurants can be full of kids
  • Best for club lounges: Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort for the views and extensive food offering, although the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort offers a more intimate lounge with equally good food
  • Best for nightlife: The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
  • Best for golf: Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort
  • Best for style: Ritz-Carlton South Beach
  • Best for sunrise: Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
  • Best for sunset: Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort
  • Best overall for everything: Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort
  • Best for value: Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort as you can use the facilities of the above resort for about half the price, so it is much cheaper
  • 1. Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach

    There are two Ritz-Carlton’s in Naples, both are excellent, and both have club lounges. The Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort is ten minutes away by car or resort shuttle from The Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach, and Naples beach is the best option if you can stretch to the room rate. Whichever resort you choose, the shuttle between the resorts means you can enjoy all the amenities of each resort, so you won’t miss out on one by choosing the other.

    Marvel at the stunning views from one of the private balconies at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, with three miles of immaculate beach to explore. Here on the Gulf of Mexico, guests are pampered with championship golf, a Best of the Best award-winning family program, a world-class spa, two swimming pools, an array of beach activities, and seven distinctive restaurants. Each of the resort’s 450 guestrooms and suites offers Frette linens and a private balcony for stunning Gulf views. As for the golf, tee off on the Tiburon Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman. The 51,000-square-foot spa is a welcome retreat with 33 treatment rooms.

    Both Ritz-Carlton Naples resorts offer family pools. The Beach Resort is more crowded as it is so much larger but has the beach where you can enjoy a beach cabana, which comes with a snack basket, suntan lotion, aloe vera gel, magazines, an ice bucket, and fruit. A nice touch at the Beach Resort is a poolside glassblower on weekends to assist guests in making a special keepsake, and the pool has a waterslide and tropical surroundings.

    Pros of the Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort include:

  • Stunning Gulf of Mexico views from your room
  • Gorgeous beach reached by a wooden walkway
  • Super pool with water slides for the kids
  • Excellent spa and fitness centre with its many exercise classes
  • Drop-off, supervised kids’ club for those aged 5 through 12 years & children’s scavenger hunt. Excellent activities are included in half and full-day sessions. Animal education with real-life animals along with snacks and crafts to take home are all included
  • For teens there is a video game room at the Beach Resort
  • Beautiful sunsets
  • By booking via our luxury travel concierge and you get the following benefits for free at the The Ritz-Carlton, Naples:

  • Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
  • Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
  • $100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • 2. The Ritz-Carlton South Beach

    The Ritz-Carlton South Beach is an oceanfront luxury hotel inside a historic property designed by Morris Lapidus in the heart of the Art Deco District. It features a wonderful swimming pool, a stunning art collection, a modern spa, and an excellent Spanish restaurant Tatel.

    This historic building is stunning and looks like an ocean liner with glistening windows and balconies reminiscent of a ship’s deck. The grand lobby also resembles a cruise liner’s interior and has a dimly lit bar in the rear. The overall aesthetic is glamorous.

    Rooms are super stylish and again are themed on a liner with a palette of creams and aquamarine. Lots of high-end leather mixes with dark hardwood making the rooms feel ultra-luxury. Large marble bathrooms have rainfall showers and bathtubs. This adds to a perfectly comfortable and very traditional hotel room. Room tip: Book a room with a balcony with an ocean or partial ocean view.

    The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach club lounge is located on the 10th floor and is reserved for Ritz-Carlton Club Level guests, only those staying in rooms on the ninth and 10th floors. The renovation in around 2017 reimagined the space to create more of a social, lobby-lounge feel encouraging interactive experiences with guests.

    There are five daily food presentations featuring select dishes off the menu of Bistro One LR, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, and biweekly cooking demonstrations from chef du cuisine Luis Quant and pastry chef John Martinez.

    A mixologist prepares seasonal cocktails for guests at a weekly Cocktail Action Station. Other events, such as trunk shows, Espa product presentations, and wine and Champagne tastings from select vineyards, are also included if you have club lounge access.

    Worth knowing: The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach implements a $28 USD per room, per night resort fee. Services and amenities included in the fee are Complimentary 5Mb wireless Internet access for up to 5 devices in guest rooms, lobby, and most common areas, beach chairs and umbrellas, and beach Activities, including boogie boards, skimboards, beach paddle tennis, bocce ball, and cornhole court, one-hour daily fitness class, 24-hour access to the fitness center.

    3. The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne: Review

    Just 9 miles/ 14 km from the main Miami airport, this tropical island oasis is set on the eastern shore of a unique island that offers guests a tranquil haven, surrounded by golden sands (if thin and seaweedy – see below), gentle waters, and towering palms. With a décor inspired by West Indies Colonial design, the 12-acre oceanfront resort captures the beauty of its waterfront setting with floor-to-ceiling lobby windows that offer the first dramatic glimpse of palm gardens and the Atlantic Ocean.

    450 guest rooms, including 37 suites, 64 Ritz-Carlton Club level rooms, and suites, each overlooks either the water or gardens. All guestrooms and suites welcome guests with feather beds and down comforters, Frette linens, and comfortable, Caribbean-inspired furnishings.

    This hotel is not in central Miami and is instead 20-30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach, so if you’re looking for nightlife, you may find this hotel on the quiet side. The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne attracts families in the holiday season, so expect very busy restaurants and communal areas. You can escape the madness in the adults-only pool, but be aware that the whole hotel is a bit crazy, particularly on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

    The beach is somewhat disappointing, narrow, and full of seaweed, and golfing options are also limited. Crandon Park nearby is a very nice but overpriced municipal course full of quite bad golfers costing around $160 USD per round.

    The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne club lounge gets excellent reviews and offers food presentations daily, breakfast, lunch, mid-day snacks and fine selections of wines, liqueurs, beers and non-alcoholic beverages. There is complimentary wireless in-room Internet access for Club guests along with the pressing of two garments pressed daily.

    This exclusive lounge is on the 9th floor and features an endless array of beverage and culinary offerings throughout the day, coupled with the finest personal service. Views from the lounge and adjacent Club Level guest rooms boast stunning panoramas of Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay.

    We highly recommend booking a room on the Club floor. It will almost undoubtedly work out cheaper than booking a standard room as you have all your meals catered for, for free, and the food in the lounge is excellent. A full breakfast buffet is served daily. Sandwiches are provided for lunch and heavy hors-d’oeuvres for the early evening (lobster, crab, and other delicious offerings). You may choose to eat all your meals there and certainly use it for breakfast and snacks, and alcoholic drinks are available 24/7. You can choose from wine, Champagne, beer, spirits, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day.

    Kids are welcome here. There is a dedicated kids’ room in the lounge, fully stocked with classic board games, TV entertainment, puzzles, and more, along with glass candy jars filled with various delectable delights like the Executive Pastry Chef’s delicious cookies.

    The lounge is marginally superior when comparing the lounge and property to the Ritz-Carlton in Naples. Still, the beach and the golf and the sheer busyness of this hotel let it down compared to other Ritz-Carlton’s in Florida.

    4. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami: Review

    This is the smallest Ritz-Carlton in Miami, with just 124 rooms. The ocean inspires from nearly every corner of The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, which is surrounded by water on the very northern tip of Miami Beach. The Ritz-Carlton hotel doesn’t have a club lounge or floor, but it is a great luxury hotel choice in this part of Miami.

    They say: Whether visitors are seeking a quiet retreat from the everyday or looking for a unique destination for a wedding or event, this coastal sanctuary is the perfect setting.

    Located near both Miami International and Fort Lauderdale International airports, the waterfront hotel offers a desirable address in the heart of the city’s most exclusive, Bal Harbour. From art and outdoor adventure to shopping and professional sports, visitors can explore top attractions just moments away. Those who prefer a leisure-intensive agenda can spend lazy days at the beautiful pool or take in the beach scene from floor-to-ceiling windows and the private terrace of their luxury guest room.”

    Within the hotel is the 10,000-square-foot waterfront Exhale Bal Harbour spa and fitness studio with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, personal training, and group exercise classes. Two Tesla charging stations, Two restaurants: Artisan Beach House and Water’s Edge featuring poolside alfresco dining and an elevated outdoor pool and private luxury cabanas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean along with beach lounge chairs and beds, umbrellas, and cabanas available for rent. There is no club lounge here, but this hotel remains another excellent choice in Miami.

    5. The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes

    The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Orlando is a great luxury hotel choice. It is located in the Grande Lakes part of the city, within a short free shuttle ride to Disney and Universal (included with the resort fee of $35 USD per day). The resort fee also includes Wi-Fi, phone calls, the driving range, some kids’ activities, access to and floaties at the JW Marriott lazy river, and shuttle transport to Disney and SeaWorld (reservation required at least 24 hours in advance) and one-hour bike rental.

    The hotel is next door to the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Orlando Airport (MCO), and parking fees are around $40 USD per night if you have driven to the hotel.

    I would choose this hotel because it offers luxury nearby the theme parks and an excellent club lounge. It also has three wonderful pools, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, and 11 dining options. You can also use the lazy river next door at the JW Marriott, which kids and the young at heart will love. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is also not to be missed, with its 40 treatment rooms, salon, private heated lap pool, and healthy spa café. Of note, the JW Marriott does not have a club lounge. Hence, you do better booking into a Club Room at the Ritz-Carlton and then taking advantage of the magnificent lazy river at the JW Marriott during your stay whilst retaining access to the RC club lounge.

    The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is ideal for families, providing convenient access to nearby Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios attractions; plus, the Ritz Kids program is a favorite, and special excursions like kayaking, fishing instruction, and eco-tours allow for adventures while remaining in this 500-acre resort.

    The highlight for me here is the pool, both here and next door at the JW Marriott with their lazy river and the incredible views of the resort holiday fireworks from the club lounge balcony.

    The club lounge is on the 14th floor and is classic in design with orange and cream tones, mainly orange soft furnishings and creamy marbles. The long thin room is shuttered to one side with windows. The buffet here is delicious and filling. You can take a tour via the video on the Ritz-Carlton website.

    6. JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes

    JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is one of our top picks in Orlando and is situated right next door to the Ritz-Carlton, which we reviewed above. This tropical landscaped Orlando resort provides transfer service to local theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Guests will enjoy an on-site golf course, a lazy river, and an outdoor pool. Walt Disney World Resort is 15.9 km from the property.

    A flat-screen cable TV, iPod docking station, and free bottled water are included in all JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes guest rooms. Each marble bathroom includes a separate shower and bath with bathrobes.

    An extensive fitness center is on-site, and the Ritz-Carlton Spa, which offers massages and body scrubs. This Orlando Grande Lakes JW Marriott also offers tennis courts, volleyball, and express check-in and check-out. Guests can schedule guided fly fishing excursions, golf, or kayak eco-tours of Shingle Creek directly with the hotel.

    Primo, by Melissa Kelly, is an organic Italian restaurant featuring ingredients from an on-site vegetable garden. Citron, An American Brasserie, offers Contemporary American cuisine with nightly specials and wine selection. A poolside bar is available as well.

    SeaWorld Orlando is 4.8 km from the property. Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is 19.3 km from Orlando International Airport, and the lazy river is pictured above.

    7. Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort

    The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, is a 4-star, 5-diamond resort that features two championship golf courses, 3 award-winning restaurants, and rooms with 37-inch flat-screen TVs. The Gulf of Mexico Coast is 10 minutes away. Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples’s Tiburón Golf Course boasts a 36-hole course and provides free putting lessons. Guests have free access to the outdoor pool, 4 tennis courts, and a well-equipped gym.

    Every elegant room offers a spacious work desk and a private balcony with resort or golf course views. The marble bathrooms include spa toiletries and bathrobes.

    In fact, the Ritz Golf Resort rates tend to be around half the Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort, and their family suites are incredibly comfortable. This may be because of the room size. A large, club-level suite at the Golf Resort is around the same size as a guest room with two double beds at the Beach Resort.

    8. Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge in Fort Lauderdale

    The Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale offers easily the best club lounge on Fort Lauderdale. This is our top choice for club lounges and hotels in Fort Lauderdale until the new Four Seasons opens, which will then take the top spot.

    The hotel itself is located on the oceanfront, with the beach across a two-lane road fronting the hotel. You can reach it via a sky bridge, which will take you directly from the hotel’s 3rd floor to the public beach. The pool is on the hotel’s 7th-floor pool and is surrounded by loungers and palms. The rooms aren’t noteworthy but do all have a balcony.

    The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is an ultra-exclusive space open to guests at The Ritz-Carlton, who book the Club Experience. The lounge is luxurious, with marble floors and large sofas.

    The food here is excellent and varies depending on the time of day. It includes fresh fruit, cheese platters, hot hors d’oeuvres, freshly baked cookies, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. We think that the lounge is well worth the expense as it adds another dimension to the experience of being at the hotel. The lounge is equipped with a separate sitting area with a large flat-screen television and DVDs for children who might want to watch a movie along with computer stations.

    9. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

    This sprawling Gulf-front resort is nestled on the edge of the Everglades’ tangled mangroves, just south of Naples on Marco Island. The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort fronts a white stretch of sand with three on-site pools, including a fun mini splash area for kids with a twisting waterslide.

    The Spa by JW is one of the best in Florida. For the rest of the family, you can take sailing and shelling trips by catamaran and guided WaveRunner tours into the spectacular backwaters of the nearby Ten Thousand Islands, which are part of the Everglades. This hotel even has a bowling alley.

    10. W Fort Lauderdale

    This newly renovated hotel, the W Ft. Lauderdale, is a huge, trendy hotel nestled on the beachfront on the corner of Bayshore Drive. Four hundred thirty modern rooms and residential units connect with infinity pools, and every night, live DJs make the hotel feel like an upscale club instead of a luxury hotel.

    Worth noting even when paying with Bonvoy points, guests are still required to pay the $25 USD resort fee. The fee includes a beach chair, umbrella, Wi-Fi, two complimentary bicycle rentals of four hours each, and access to a daily fitness course.

    This hotel does not have a club lounge but does have live DJ events, so you wouldn’t want to use the lounge if you have come for the nightlife. If you travel with your family, I would opt for the Marriott or the Ritz-Carlton Bonvoy hotels.

    Yes, the W is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Ft. Lauderdale Beach, with an outdoor mall featuring a wide range of boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment, so ideal for younger guests and couples, but the lack of a lounge and the funky vibe and trendy pool area were less appropriate for a younger family.



    Use This Secret Password At Kimpton Hotels To Unlock Extra Perks Through Feb. 20


    Image source: Getty Images

    A freebie could make your next hotel stay even better.

    Key points

  • Kimpton Hotels announces secret passwords throughout the year that guests can use to unlock free perks at check-in.
  • Free breakfast, drink vouchers, and room upgrades are some of the freebies the brand is known for giving guests.
  • If you're traveling soon and plan to stay at a Kimpton Hotels property, you can score a free, valuable freebie. All you have to do is say the secret password at the check-in desk. Keep reading to learn the current secret password and learn more about what freebies you can earn. You can make your stay even more memorable by putting the password to use.

    Kimpton Hotels goes above and beyond

    Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a boutique hotel brand. The chain is known for doing things a bit differently than other hotels. How so? Kimpton Hotels is pet-friendly, doesn't charge pet fees, has yoga mats available in each guest room, and offers an evening happy hour. Some properties also have hotel-specific extras to make your stay better.

    The brand is also known for offering freebies to guests who say the secret password. The password changes seasonally, so you must keep up with the latest password to get free perks. Kimpton Hotels announces the latest password through social media. This is just another unique touch that makes the popular travel brand stand out.

    Say "the snuggle is real" at check-in

    Now through Feb. 20, 2023, the Kimpton Hotels winter password is "the snuggle is real." Don't forget to say the password during check-in. Otherwise, you'll miss out on a free extra. Free perks vary by property.

    Some examples of potential perks include:

  • Free bottle of wine
  • Room upgrade
  • Free parking
  • Drink vouchers
  • Free breakfast
  • The secret password program makes for an easy way to upgrade your next trip without spending extra money. Freebies like free parking, complimentary breakfast, and free drink vouchers can help you stretch your vacation budget further and could improve your stay.

    Four tips to save on your next hotel stay

    Booking a hotel for your next vacation? Don't miss out on opportunities to keep more money in your pocket. These tips may help you save money on your stay:

  • Join the hotel's free loyalty program: Don't miss out on valuable perks offered to loyalty members. By joining the hotel's loyalty program, you may get a cheaper rate when booking directly with the hotel. You may qualify for other perks as a rewards member, too.
  • Use price comparison tools to find a better deal: Many online tools make it easier to find cheap travel deals. Use price comparison tools to research prices before deciding which hotel to book.
  • Book a refundable reservation and monitor prices: If you're booking far in advance, it can be beneficial to book a refundable reservation early on and then monitor prices as you get closer to your check-in date. You may be able to find a lower price and rebook at the lower rate.
  • Don't wait to book: If you book a hotel at the last minute, you'll likely pay a much higher price than necessary. It's best to book earlier if you want an affordable rate.
  • If you're making travel reservations, using travel rewards credit cards is an excellent idea. You can earn valuable points and miles, which you can later redeem for free travel. Take a look at our list of best travel rewards credit cards to learn more.

    Top credit card wipes out interest until 2024

    If you have credit card debt, transferring it to this top balance transfer card secures you a 0% intro APR for up to 21 months! Plus, you'll pay no annual fee. Those are just a few reasons why our experts rate this card as a top pick to help get control of your debt. Read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

     3 Day 2 Night Hotel Stay 

    10 Locations to Choose

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    10 Secrets To Score A Free Hotel Room Upgrade

    Top hotel managers shared their secret hacks to score a free hotel upgrade so your next trip can be even better than you ever imagined.

    1 / 10

    Let the staff know it’s your special day

    “My best recommendation is to travel on your anniversary and mention it when you book your reservation,” shares Nils Stolzlechner, the general manager of the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort. He says that if there is a suitable room available, hotel staff will go above and beyond to make your stay special, give you a hotel upgrade, and may offer you other amenities. See? It pays to celebrate your romance.

    2 / 10

    Be loyal

    This is especially important for business travelers who may end up visiting the same cities over and over again and want a hotel upgrade: If you find a hotel that suits your needs and you enjoy your stay, keep booking the same place and get to know the staff. “If you are a return guest it’s common for the hotel to upgrade you. If there was a hotel room you had on a prior visit that you liked, just ask—hotels do like to recognize their repeat guests,” explains Nils. This is also one of the many ways travel agents suggest how to travel cheaply.


    3 Day 2 Night Hotel Stay 

    10 Locations to Choose

    http://searchitfree.com

     

    These 19 Things Could Be Gone From Hotels Forever

    Hispanolistic/istockphoto

    Checking Out for Good

    The hotel industry has gone through quite a bit of upheaval in the past couple of years, and as things start to normalize, the new normal for many hotels is fewer amenities that we’ve come to take for granted. Whether this is for better (a more sustainable practice) or worse (no more mini toiletries), these are some things you may no longer see when you next check-in.

    Related: Why Staying at a Hotel Beats a Vacation Rental


    Travel-Sized Toiletries

    You’ve probably already seen mini toiletries being replaced with reusable wall-fixed dispensers, but now the European Union is set to ban them throughout the EU. It’s part of a wider plan to “make sure that a certain proportion of hotel products are reusable or refillable,” so grab those freebies while you still can!

    Related: Incredible Free Amenities at Hotels Across America


    The Hotel Key

    First, it was the physical key, now it looks like card keys might be disappearing in place of the mobile phone — the Hilton group is already doing this — as a digital room key card. Using Bluetooth technology or near-field communication (NFC) integrated with the property management system (PMS), it’s not just the hotel room that can be accessed, guests can also use it to enter public spaces like the gym, spa, and pool.

    For more great travel tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.


    Stocked Minibars

    Who pays for an overpriced can of soda or candy bar from the hotel minibar unless you’ve got a bad case of the munchies (or work is picking up the tab)? Delivery services like Instacart, Uber Eats, and on-property capsule shops have not helped the minibar’s relevance for the average traveler. That said, the event management company Cvent offers up some cool ideas for minibars that might work: stocking it with snacks by a local business or filling it with the best farmers-market finds.


    Daily Housekeeping

    At the height of COVID, it made sense not to send housekeeping staff in daily, but now, some hotels like Hilton and the Marriott have continued this practice. Post-COVID, it’s a trend that’s continued. According to a report by CBS, “Marriott's policies vary by property, but housekeeping is usually offered only upon request, with all rooms cleaned automatically every sixth night. Hilton's default is no more daily cleanings at most properties unless requested. Walt Disney World reduced service to light housekeeping every other day. That entails towel replacement and trash removal but doesn't necessarily include services you might expect, like getting your bed made.” We’re honestly not sure how we feel about this.

    Related: Things We Used To Get For Free (But Now We Have To Pay For)


    The Human Concierge

    That all-knowing staff member with golden keys to the city is most likely a computer bot or actual robot these days. A Hilton hotel in Virginia has already had a resident robot Connie that will tell you the best places to check out, and as it is powered by IBM’s Watson supercomputer AI, it’s pretty personable. At Henn na Hotel in Nagasaki, Japan, an actual robot checks you in and leads you to your room.

    Related: Jobs That'll Soon Be Lost to Automation


    Bellhop Services

    You know when you call for help with your luggage and a helpful member of staff trots up with a luggage trolley? Now, you’ve got luggage-carrying robots. New York Yotel Hotels’ Yobot has already been put to work, and can handle about 300 luggage items a day, and all this without the threat of workplace safety issues. See it in action.


    Single-Use Plastics

    Paper notices, single-use plastics, they’re all being phased out of hotels. As travelers vocalize a preference for sustainability practices, the industry is responding. Hotel groups like Accor have been removing individual plastic toiletry amenities and single-use plastic items since 2020. And a bill in Hawaii, HB1645, would “prohibit hotels with 50 or more beds from handing out personal care products in small plastic bottles in 2024 and 2025."


    Cookie Cutter Stays

    It’s not just loyalty or elite members who’ll get recognized by hotel staff, hyper-personalization is set to be the trend moving forward, according to the hospitality-tech company Mews, where everything from marketing mailers, personal offers, the in-room experience or pillow menu will be adjusted to individual guests preferences so everyone feels like a VIP. What’s helping grow this trend is the growing popularity and use of voice-enabled AI devices like Alexa that can be programmed to do everything from supplying personal music/podcast playlists and controlling room devices to making calls on your behalf.


    The Check-In Counter

    Front office staff may soon be relieved of the tedious process of checking in a guest. As early as August 2020, a poll by travel-technology firm Criton found that 80% of hotel guests would download a hotel app that helped them check in, and Opinion Research Corp. Found that 41% would be more likely to select a hotel that offers the convenience of advanced check-in via web or mobile device. These preferences are impacting the industry with an increasing number of tablet self-check-ins, self-check-in kiosks, and specific contactless mobile technology like FX GeM, which allows guests to check-in through their own devices with facilities to upload identity documents. 


    Fixed Check-In Times

    While this trend has been developing over the past few years, it’s far from an industry-wide practice, for now. As of 2021, the Peninsula Hotels has done away with a fixed check-in time allowing guests a room “for one night — even if they check in at 6 a.M. On their arrival date and check out at 10 p.M. On their departure date.” Citizen M hotels, Capella properties, and InterContinental Hotels Group also have flexible check-in policies as well.


    Lumpy Mattresses

    It’s not enough to provide a pillow menu, hotels are taking things a step further to ensure guests get a good night's sleep. A focus not limited to wellness hotels, hotel brands like Virgin, Fairmont, Four Seasons and the Park Hyatt in select locations are investing in top-of-the-line mattresses like Bryte, which use artificial intelligence to adjust body support and room temperature to maintain deep sleep. But if you want to sleep even better, Swedish mattress brand Hastens (they make mattresses with hypoallergenic horsehair) has its own boutique hotel in Coimbra, Portugal where they’ve curated the sleep experience from the acoustics insulation to sleep recommendations to ensure you wake up fresh as a daisy.


    Snail-Speed Wi-Fi

    Woe betides the hotel that dares to provide slow internet. It’s no longer seen as a perk but an essential, as you would with fresh towels. According to a survey published by HighSpeedInternet.Com last year, 84% of Americans consider Wi-Fi important for their short and long-term stays, and 30% consider a good internet connection “essential.” But how fast should you expect the Wi-Fi to be? According to Tom Paton of Broadband Savvy in an article by USA Today, 25 megabits per second is the minimum. Hotel brands like Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Holiday Inn, and the Intercontinental typically provide this and more.


    Free Parking

    Free parking is always a perk but it’s likely to get scarcer which is not great news for travelers as the fees can be hefty — as much as $25 a day and upward — not to mention if there’s no other option except to valet parking. To get around this, parking apps like ParkMobile and ParkWhiz help to locate nearby spots, but sometimes it just pays to be boldface and ask for it to be included in your nightly rate.


    Room Service

    Delivery services have made the on-property room service menus a thing of the past. Chances are the food ordered online will be cheaper, get to you faster, and be even tastier. Savvy hoteliers are not fighting the tide and pairing up with delivery apps to order through the hotel via a tablet in the room. Also, to our knowledge, you can DoorDash to your hotel room, or at least to the hotel lobby.

    Related: The Most Ordered Takeout Dishes of 2022


    The Tipping Envelope

    Forget doing that wadded-up bill sleight of hand, tipping is going the digital route. Services like YouTip enable customers to scan and tip via a specific QR code that can be placed on an employee badge or valet stand so you know 100% of the tip goes to the individual for their outstanding towel swan.


    Complimentary Breakfast

    We’re sorry to tell you but the freebie breakfast is a thing of the past. In 2020 and 2021, many properties swapped out the free breakfast for food and drink credit or just did away with it completely, and some have yet to reinstate it. If this is a deal breaker for you, NerdWallet has singled out 8 hotel brands (e.G. Best Western, Marriott, Choice Hotels) that have not yet cut back on this amenity.


    Physical Menus

    We’re on the fence about this. There’s something nice about looking (not scrolling) through a menu, but thanks to the pandemic, digital QR-code enabled menus are now commonplace, and some are so sophisticated that restaurants can tell how many people are looking at their menus and for how long, according to Bloomberg.


    Boring Excursions

    The pandemic has spurred a desire for more meaningful experiences. In a survey by American Express, 62% of respondents agree they want to be more thoughtful about where and how they travel. In the same vein, the luxury travel network Virtuoso found that 75% of those polled say they are willing to pay more to travel responsibly if they know how their money is being used. What has come from this are initiatives like Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy introduced across 100 properties in Asia Pacific that offer guests the chance to forge first-hand connections with local communities and the environment during their stay so that an extended weekend getaway isn’t just one glorified photoshoot.


    The Guest Book

    That dusty, leatherbound book is a relic of travel past. Aside from the privacy issues, it can cause, guests rarely have the time to pen a heartfelt note of thanks upon check-out. What’s happened instead is they take to Google Reviews, Yelp, and Tripadvisor to either rave or rant, which maybe doesn’t benefit the hotel, but it helps travelers decide where to book a night.

    HOTEL TRAVEL CERTIFICATES

     

    Hobby Airport Chaos Spills Over To Hotels As Rush Of Southwest Airline Passengers Book Rooms

    Southwester Airlines flight cancellations are impacting nearby hotels and businesses as passengers deal with arranging alternate transportation or waiting for their next flight. File photo from November 2021 shows a Southwest airplane flying into the Hobby Airport. © Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

    Southwester Airlines flight cancellations are impacting nearby hotels and businesses as passengers deal with arranging alternate transportation or waiting for their next flight. File photo from November 2021 shows a Southwest airplane flying into the Hobby Airport.

    A rash of flight cancellations sent passengers scrambling to hotels nearby the Hobby Airport, a major Southwest Airline hub in Houston. Hotels saw their occupancy levels jump over the holiday weekend with travelers stuck in purgatory of waiting for their next flight or finding alternate transportation when the airline canceled hundreds of flights out of the airport, hotel operators said.

    Many passengers found new routes with different airlines through George Bush Intercontinental airport, others caught buses, booked rental cars or had family members drive long distance to pick them up, said Britney Moreno, front desk manager at Courtyard by Marriott Houston Hobby Airport, which has seen a wave of Southwest passengers.

    “I’ve had people drive to Waco or New Mexico; they’re getting rental cars and leaving but even then, there’s a wait time because there aren’t many rental places with availability,” Moreno said.

    The 150-room Courtyard hotel hit about 50 percent occupancy on Monday night, when they hotel had been planning for much lower occupancy, she said.

    “We were actually hoping it would be very slow since it was a holiday, but the whole weather situation happened and from there it got busy,” Moreno said. By late Tuesday afternoon, much of the initial rush was dissipating as customers rearranged their plans, she added.

    RELATED: Stranded passengers face tough choices amid Southwest cancellations

    Other hotels were planning for a slow weekend too. Miya Ball, front officer manager at Hilton Garden Inn Houston Hobby Airport, said the 136-room hotel had expected to achieve about 30 percent occupancy over the weekend. Instead, its occupancy climbed to 90 percent Monday night as disheveled passengers and flight attendants filled the hotel.

    “It’s bringing in that extra revenue we weren’t expecting, but we’ve had a lot of guests coming in who are very frustrated,” Ball said. “It’s been very chaotic; however we have the availably to help.”

    Both Ball and Moreno said Southwest wasn’t providing direct vouchers for flight attendants or passengers, who were instead saving receipts and expecting to get reimbursed later. Some hotels, including the Best Western Plus Hobby Airport & Suites, are getting vouchers from Southwest, said Maria Salas, general manager at the Best Western. Salas said the 72- room hotel saw a slight bump in occupancy over the weekend, hitting about 50 percent to 60 percent occupancy Monday night.

    “I believe this is going to go on for a while, most likely through the New Year,” Salas said.

    RELATED: These three Houston hotels saw big upgrades during the pandemic

    Nationally, hotels saw occupancy rates hit about 54.5 percent in the week leading up to the wintery weather walloping much of the Midwest and East, according to the hotel data firm STR. That was about 9.2 percent above the occupancy rates hotels saw in the same period before the pandemic in 2019. Average daily rates were also up nearly 24 percent from their 2019 levels, hitting an average of about $135 per a night across all hotel types nationally, according to STR.

     

    The Best Hotels To Book In 2023

    The coming year is looking to be a promising one for travel, with restrictions disappearing in many countries, new flight routes launching, and the hotel industry bringing its A game after two years of uncertainty.

    From next-level luxury escapes in Dubai, Mozambique and the Maldives to hip urban hideaways in Paris, Sydney and Palm Springs, this year’s exciting array of new hotels has something for every traveler (and budget!).

    We’ve handpicked 20 incredible hotels with openings in 2022 and 2023 for you to stay at – or dream of – in the new year.

    Starting rates are included where available.

    andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan

     © Provided by CNN Punakha River Lodge will be andBeyond's first lodge in Asia. - andbeyond.Com

    Known for its beautiful African safaris, the luxury travel company andBeyond will be launching its first lodge in Asia with the opening of Punakha River Lodge in Bhutan in September 2023.

    The lodge will feature just six safari-style tented suites, plus two villas with private plunge pools and hot tubs (depending on the season). With its spectacular location on the banks of the Mo Chhu River deep in the Punakha Valley, each suite boasts stunning 360-degree views over the surrounding Eastern Himalayas.

    Other diversions include nature hikes, temple visits, paddy field lunches and traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths.

    andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Punakha Valley, Bhutan

    Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, Maldives

     © Provided by CNN Beach villas and overwater villas house guests at luxurious Emerald Faarufushi. - Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

    Situated on a lush tropical island on a glittering turquoise lagoon in the Raa Atoll, Emerald Faarufushi is the literal definition of paradise. Here, guests can choose from 38 castaway-chic beach villas, or 42 equally luxe overwater villas, perched on stilts above the ocean, each with its own private plunge pool.

    There’s also a sprawling spa, a dive center, one of the biggest kids’ clubs in the Maldives and five restaurants (which you’ll enjoy even more knowing the resort is all-inclusive). Emerald Faarufushi, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, opened in October 2022.

    Rates start from $1,378 all-inclusive.

    Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, Faarufushi Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives

    Hoshino Resort KAI Yufuin, Japan

     © Provided by CNN KAI Yufuin is a luxurious hot spring ryokan nestled between Mount Yufu and the rice fields of Oita. - Hoshino Resorts

    It doesn’t get much more scenic than KAI Yufuin, a luxurious hot spring ryokan nestled between Mount Yufu and the famous rice fields of Oita. The stunning property – opened in August 2022 – was designed by Kengo Kuma (named the world’s most influential architect in 2021 by TIME) and features just 45 rooms hidden amidst cascading rice terraces.

    What you’re really here for, though, are the onsen (hot springs) – there are three on site for guests to enjoy. But for the ultimate relaxation, book yourself a suite with its own outdoor onsen, so you can soak in the healing, mineral-rich waters in total privacy.

    Rates start from $250.

    Hoshino Resort KAI Yufuin, 879-5102 398 Kawakami, Yufuincho, Yufu-shi, Oita

    Conrad Los Angeles, California

     © Provided by CNN The Frank Gehry-designed Conrad Los Angeles features 305 plush rooms overlooking the City of Angels. - Conrad Hotels

    When luxury hotel group Conrad made its first foray into California, it spared no expense: the Frank Gehry-designed Conrad Los Angeles opened in summer 2022 and features 305 plush rooms framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the City of Angels.

    Highlights include not one, but two signature restaurants from celebrity chef José Andrés: San Laurel, an upscale Spanish-Californian eatery and the rooftop Agua Viva, which serves up cocktails and Latin-Asian bites.

    There’s also a luxurious, 7,000-square-foot spa that offers guests the latest in wellness technology – think circulation-boosting compression boots and wearable bio-hacking discs that deepen relaxation. Next-level stuff.

    Rates start from $490.

    Conrad Los Angeles, 100 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, California

    The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

    The St. Regis Kanai stuns from the outset with its otherworldly design, drawing inspiration from the geometry of local mangroves and the constellation Pleiades, a star cluster with significance to Mayan culture. The resort, hidden in a 620-acre nature reserve along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is split into intersecting circles, built from white concrete and reflective crystal.

    All 124 guestrooms and 20 suites will have ocean views; there are 32 additional villas with private plunge pools. There’s also a spa, two golf courses and five restaurants (including a tequila and mezcal bar, naturally). The St. Regis Kanai is slated to open in May 2023.

    Rates start from $1,015.

    The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Paseo Kanai 15, Solidaridad, Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

    The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, Australia

     © Provided by CNN A heated infinity pool framed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooks the city at The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne. - The Ritz-Carlton

    With a high-speed elevator that whisks guests straight up to the 80th floor lobby, The Ritz-Carlton is set to be Australia’s tallest hotel when it opens in March 2023. The “sky lobby” – and the hotel’s 257 rooms and suites – will boast unparalleled views of the Yarra River, Marvel Stadium and the city skyline.

    Other hotel highlights include an infinity pool framed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows (indoors and heated, of course, in a nod to Melbourne’s notoriously erratic weather) and a sprawling wellness center featuring a yoga studio, a sauna, two vitality pools and six treatment rooms.

    Rates start from $450.

    The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria

    The Homestead, Nambiti, South Africa

    This new eco-conscious luxury safari lodge is what bucket list dreams are made of: it’s tucked in the heart of the wildlife-rich Nambiti Private Game Reserve and features 12 suites that are as sustainable as they are plush.

    While many safaris focus solely on game drives, The Homestead will offer a range of experiences, such as animal photography classes, biking excursions, cooking with local ingredients and taking part in sustainable initiatives. For the more relaxation-inclined, there’s also an infinity pool with views out onto the savannah, perfect for lounging with a G&T in hand. The Homestead is slated to open in late 2023.

    The Homestead, Nambiti Private Game Reserve, Ladysmith, 3370, South Africa

    1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hawaii

    1 Hotels is bringing its distinct brand of sustainable luxury to Hawaii with the opening of its Kauai outpost in February 2023. Its 252 rooms will feature reclaimed wood furnishings, beds dressed with organic cotton linens and plenty of native greenery.

    Like all 1 Hotels, the resort is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified and carbon neutral, and will limit single-use plastics and work closely with local farmers and fishermen to provide ingredients for their restaurants.

    Sustainability aside, the hotel’s biggest draw is its location. Nestled on the shore of Hanalei Bay beneath the lush, soaring cliffs of Makana Mountain, it offers some of the most breathtaking views in Hawaii from the hotel’s sweeping Sunset Terrace.

    Rates start from $1,164.

    1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, 5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, Kauai

    Ace Hotel Sydney, Australia

     © Provided by CNN Ace Hotels' latest outpost in Sydney might just be its coolest property yet. - Anson Smart

    Known for its chic boutique hotels in Brooklyn, Palm Springs and Kyoto, Ace Hotels’ latest outpost in Sydney (its first and only hotel south of the equator) might just be its coolest one yet.

    The sleek 264-room property sits at the heart of hip Surry Hills, flanked by cafes, bars and art galleries. In a nod to its eclectic address, its rooms feature exposed brick walls, handwoven wool blankets, vintage record players and acoustic guitars.

    Hotel highlights include a killer Australian art collection scattered throughout the property and rooftop restaurant Kiln, which serves up thrilling contemporary Aussie fare – with views to match.

    Rates start from $350.

    Ace Hotel Sydney, 47/53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney

    Viceroy at Ombria Resort Algarve, Portugal

    Though Viceroy Hotels is best known for their sleek oceanfront hideouts in Saint Lucia, Los Cabos and Santa Monica, its newest outpost in Portugal will be nestled amidst 150 acres of lush, hilly countryside.

    The 76-room hotel makes for the perfect country escape, flanked by miles of citrus groves, small farms and quaint cobblestone villages. But don’t let its pastoral surroundings fool you: in signature Viceroy style, the property is as plush as any resort in Capri or St. Tropez – complete with infinity pools, a sprawling spa and an 18-hole golf course.

    Viceroy at Ombria Resort Algarve, Rua Miguel Bombarda, Nr 3, 8100-746 Loulé, Algarve, Portugal

    Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

     © Provided by CNN Atlantis The Royal in Dubai has 44 suites with infinity pools. - Francois Nel/Getty Images

    There’s luxury, and then there’s Atlantis The Royal: a jaw-dropping feat of architecture that boasts 795 lavish rooms, 44 suites with infinity pools, 17 restaurants and bars (including eight helmed by celebrity chefs like Heston Blumenthal, Nobu Matsuhisa and José Andrés) and a 295-foot-long Skypool on the 22nd floor that will have guests feel like they’re swimming in the clouds.

    In case all of that weren’t enough to make it stand out, the extravagant hotel is also home to the world’s largest jellyfish aquarium, a water fountain that “breathes fire” and its own private beach. It’s slated to open in early 2023.

    Rates start from $1,443.

    Atlantis The Royal, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Mexico

     © Provided by CNN This unique Four Seasons Resort is situated amidst 48 acres of lush forest in Riviera Nayarit. - Naviva

    If it’s a far-flung nature escape you’re after, you can’t beat Naviva, an unspoiled nature retreat hidden amid 48 acres of lush forest in Riviera Nayarit. The retreat, which opened on December 1, 2022, is Four Seasons’ first tented resort in the Americas and one of its smallest resorts in the world, with only 15 tents.

    Of course, each tent has its own pool and deck with a hammock and outdoor shower – this is a Four Seasons, after all. But what sets this resort apart is its exploratory nature.

    From discovering fire pits hidden by the edge of the ocean to experiences like moonlit forest bathing, everything at Naviva was created to help guests connect more deeply with their natural surroundings.

    Rates start from $3,950 all-inclusive.

    Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Lote H-2, México 200 Km 19.5, 63734 Punta Mita, Nayarit, Mexico

    Hotel Cerro, San Luis Obispo, California

    Nestled in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Hotel Cerro is the most charming new boutique hotel on California’s Central Coast. It’s got just 65 loft-style rooms, including 14 suites with soaking tubs, fireplaces and private terraces outfitted with firepits.

    It’s sustainable to boot: the LEED-certified hotel has limited single-use plastics and offers complimentary water bottles to guests, with filtered refill stations positioned on every floor. The hotel also has its own edible organic gardens that grow seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs that are used daily in the hotel’s restaurant, SLO Brasserie.

    Other highlights include a spa that incorporates herbs and botanicals from the hotel gardens in its treatments, and a luxe rooftop pool deck that boasts dramatic 360-degree views of the city, surrounding hills and countryside.

    Rates start from $305.

    Hotel Cerro, 1125 Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, California

    The Rome EDITION, Italy

    The luxury lifestyle brand EDITION Hotels is set to open five new properties across the globe in 2023, but we’ve got our eye on its first Italian outpost, built within a beautiful historic building just steps from Via Veneto and Bernini’s Tritone Fountain.

    The hotel will feature 93 modern, design-centric rooms and suites, including two penthouses, each with a private terrace. Other highlights include a craft cocktail bar, an al fresco restaurant and a scenic rooftop pool and terrace with sweeping views over the Eternal City.

    The Rome EDITION, official address not yet available

    Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

     © Provided by CNN This Banyan Tree property features 40 thatched-roof villas scattered on an island off the coast of Mozambique. - Grant Pitcher/Banyan Tree Group

    With just 40 thatched-roof villas scattered about a tiny tropical island off the coast of Mozambique, Banyan Tree’s newest resort might have you feeling like a castaway marooned on a remote island – albeit one with private plunge pools.

    Besides soaking and sunbathing, the resort will offer activities like kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving in the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, Africa’s largest marine reserve, of which Ilha Caldeira is part. In an effort to conserve its pristine environment, the resort is entirely solar powered, with all water desalinized on site. It’s slated to open in late 2023.

    Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

    Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris, France

    There are certainly flashier and fancier hotels in Paris, but chances are, they don’t have the heart and spirit of this new boutique hotel in Paris’ Latin Quarter. Hôtel Dame des Arts has just 109 rooms, but they’re thoughtfully decorated with bespoke furniture and bold original artwork (every room has its own unique collection). One third have private terraces with views of the Eiffel Tower.

    There’s a lobby-level French fusion restaurant helmed by Mexican chef Othoniel Alvarez Castaneda, as well as a sleek spa and gym outfitted with Pelotons. But the hotel’s crowning jewel is its expansive rooftop bar, which serves up champagne, craft cocktails and 360-degree views over the City of Light. It’s slated to open in February 2023.

    Rates from $305.

    Hôtel Dame des Arts, 4 Rue Danton, 75006 Paris, France

    Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection, Nepal

    Award-winning designer Bill Bensley has the vision behind this new lodge at the gateway of Mustang, a remote kingdom in Nepal that was forbidden to outsiders for centuries. Starting from May 2023, guests can book a stay in one of Shinta Mani Mustang’s 29 suites, modeled after a traditional Tibetan home and offering show-stopping views over the Himalayas.

    Though there’s lots to do at the lodge – there’s a lovely spa and a Nepalese farm-to-table restaurant – guests are encouraged to spend time outside the grounds. Shinta Mani’s highly personalized guest experience program honors the traditions of Sherpa hospitality and offers guests everything from guided, off-the-beaten-path treks to leisurely gourmet picnics.

    Rates start from $1,700 (all-inclusive).

    Shinta Mani Mustang, Marpha-5, Jomsom, Mustang Nepal

    Casa Cody, Palm Springs, California

    If you’re after luxury that’s a little more low-key – and at a slightly more attainable price than many on this list – Casa Cody is the place to be.

    Though the hotel was built in the 1920s, it was purchased by boutique hotel firm Casetta in 2017 and completely transformed and relaunched in 2022 with stylish new rooms, villas and a poolside eatery serving up cocktails, beers and artisanal dishes.

    Its 30 rooms are scattered amongst acres of fragrant citrus trees (fruit pickers invite guests to help themselves) and intimate pools shaded by palm trees and lush bougainvillea. Added bonus: being located in always-balmy Palm Springs, Casa Cody offers travelers a summer escape all year round.

    Rates from $199.

    Casa Cody, 175 S Cahuilla Rd, Palm Springs, California

    The Peninsula Istanbul, Turkey

     © Provided by CNN The Peninsula Istanbul sits on the banks of the Bosphorus. - The Peninsula Hotels

    With lush landscaped gardens and sweeping water views – it sits on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait – The Peninsula Istanbul is an oasis in the bustling heart of Turkey’s most famous city.

    The property features 177 opulent guest rooms adorned with Turkish textiles, marble bathrooms and wide picture windows. It also boasts a sumptuous spa with hammam, a rooftop restaurant and two swimming pools – an outdoor pool perched on the Bosphorus waterfront, as well as a stunning indoor pool illuminated by dome skylights and flanked by Marmara columns.

    The Peninsula Istanbul is slated to open in February 2023. Rates start from $653.

    The Peninsula Istanbul, Karaköy, Kemankeş Karamustafapaşa Mahallesi, Kemankeş Cd. No:34, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

    The Anam Mui Ne, Vietnam

    There are a few resorts slated to open in Vietnam in 2023, but we’re focused on The Anam Mui Ne, an independent resort (owned by Vietnamese hotelier Pham Van Hien) opening in Southeast Vietnam in January.

    There’s something special about its elegant Indochine-inspired design: think hand-laid mosaic tiles and cornice detailing, statues on plinths, clawfoot bathtubs and leather-bound tables.

    Each of The Anam’s 127 rooms also feature original paintings by Vietnamese artists to tell the country’s story; even the woodwork is handcrafted by local craftspeople using wood sourced from sustainable Vietnamese harvests. More than just a luxury hotel, The Anam is a love letter to Vietnam.

    Rates from $260.

    The Anam Mui Ne, 18 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường Hàm Tiến, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận 77000, Vietnam

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