Hotels

Columbia HillenStaff loyalty is a scarce feature of the hospitality industry these days, especially since the onset of Covid when many employees moved to other sectors. But Vasile Descultescu and Daniela Ciuca, have served the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest and its owner, George Copos, faithfully over the decades. Knowing them both since they began working at the historic, 5-star hotel when I was foreign correspondent for The Times newspaper, London and later CEO of a national publishing company in Romania, I’m proud of them for their achievements and a great admirer for their sense of loyalty. As Vasile said to…

When you embark on a journey to Prague, a city that effortlessly marries history with modern charm, your choice of accommodation plays a pivotal role in shaping your experience. In this magical city of spires, where each cobblestone holds the secrets of centuries past, The Julius Prague stands as an unrivaled symbol of opulence and refinement. Nestled in the heart of Prague's Old Town, The Julius Prague has ascended to become the very epitome of luxury within the Czech Republic's capital city. A Rich Legacy The Julius Prague's journey into excellence is deeply rooted in history. The residence is a…

Columbia HillenSipping cocktails in an underground 100-year-old bank vault reminiscent of a glamorous speakeasy is a rare treat, but that’s what friends and I enjoyed in the heart of Old Town Bucharest.  Columbia HillenLong before it was renovated and opened as a stately hotel by Lithuania-based Apex Alliance Hotel Management (AAHM) more than two years ago, the Marmorosch Bucharest was one of Romania’s most influential banks during the La Belle Epoque era. Known as Banca Marmorosch Blank, it was established in 1912 by Jacob Marmarosch and Mauriciu Blank and during the 40-60 million euro renovation, the new owners, fully aware of…

San Francisco's iconic Palace HotelThey don’t make hotels like this anymore. With its 11-foot ceilings, wide hallways, Italian marble columns, and crystal chandeliers, San Francisco’s Palace Hotel is the embodiment of everything the City by the Bay was and continues to be: elegant, sophisticated, chic, contemporary, and inclusive. Few hotels in the nation can claim such significant relevance within their cities, but by gracefully marrying its rich history with current comforts, the Palace (part of Marriott Hotels & Resorts Luxury Collection) has maintained San Francisco hospitality icon status for nearly 150 years, racking-up more than just a few notable moments and achievements. Here are…

Pixar Place Hotel. Photo by Jill WeinleinThe reimagined colorful Pixar Place Hotel celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 30, 2024, as the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. The 15-story hotel located directly across the street from Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, also overlooks Disney California Adventure Park. Filled with the artistry of beloved Pixar characters developed at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, CA, guests will enjoy an immersive journey about how their favorite Pixar movies and short films were created. Every room of the hotel and areas outside are filled with color, design and sound.   …

Hotel CalifornianIf you’re looking to relax and recharge this winter, look no further than a sunny escape at the pristine Hotel Californian in charming Santa Barbara. Perfectly situated a stone’s throw from the beach in the famed Funk Zone, the 121-room boutique hotel oozes designer elegance thanks to its striking decor by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The notable designer counts Kourtney Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Cher, and The Osbournes among his famous clients, so it’s no wonder that every detail at this property is perfectly appointed with Moorish-inspired furnishings that feel both glamorous yet grounded in history.    Hotel CalifornianAfter all, the elegant…

Courtesy of Grand Velas Boutique Los CabosThere’s a seemingly endless array of luxury options for indulgent Los Cabos, Mexico getaways, but none are as lavish as the Billionaire Buyout offered by the stylish oceanfront sanctuary, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. The brand new, adults-only 79-suite property has curated an unforgettable three-night stay for two for the tidy sum of $600,000.  Limousines are too pedestrian for billionaires, so after landing at San José del CaboInternational Airport, a private helicopter will fly Billionaire Buyout guests to the Grand Velas Boutique hotel for a soaring VIP experience before checking into their ocean-view accommodations…

Photo courtesy of Dom Pedro LisboaSometimes it’s the little things that make the difference during a hotel stay, mine at the 5-star Dom Pedro in Lisbon was when friendly sales director, Paulo Almeida, kindly organized baggage in my absence at late notice easing my stress following travel difficulties. Not to mention long-time staff member and maître d', Carina Torres, who has worked at the hotel for the last twenty years, never failing to have a warm smile on her face when I appeared for breakfast at Bistrot Le Café and engaging me in interesting conversation. Photo courtesy of Dom Pedro LisboaWhile…

Even before its stunning new refresh, the Inn at the Presidio qualified as one of San Francisco’s best hospitality secrets. Tucked within the bucolic and pastoral national park site, with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the Inn has served as my R&R “go-to” for nearly a dozen years. It offers a serene escape surrounded by 1,500 acres of enchanting forests, miles of hiking and biking trails, stunning beaches, restaurants, and an 18-hole public golf course. Whenever I crave a San Francisco “fix,” the Inn at the Presidio and its environs serve as my north star, refueling and restoring my sense of…

Columbia HillenGazing at groves of beech and oak and garden paths ablaze with flowers while water trickled melodiously in a nearby fountain and pigeons swept after breadcrumbs I’d tossed them created one of my many memorable moments on Madeira's Quinta da Bela Vista. Columbia HillenNestled quietly in a historic setting on two acres of verdant land overlooking the island’s capital, Funchal, and the vast stretches of the Atlantic, this centuries-old quinta (Portuguese word for ‘country estate’) is a captivating paradise, far removed from the hurly-burly of city life. Columbia HillenSo exotic are the hotel’s botanical gardens, they feature species from…