Hotels

(credit: Engadin Tourism)There’s something magical about the holidays in Europe, where visitors (and locals alike) can savor the wonder of the holidays. With backdrops of snow-capped mountains and twinkling lights, the wonder of Christmas is brought to life around the country, from big capital cities to small towns. For seekers of fairy tales, Kempinski’s guide to the best Christmas Markets in Europe showcases the most luxe experiences in the most charming destinations. (credit: Kempinski Hotels)Budapest, Hungary As Hungary’s capital, Budapest is a charming city which comes to life in the winter. From a soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, enveloped…

Visit Park CityPark City, Utah, delivers stunning mountain scenery, endless outdoor adventures, and an unforgettable après-ski culture. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or exploring Main Street’s charm, here are the top hotels in Park City for luxury, convenience, and unique amenities. YOTEL Pads Located in the heart of Canyons Village, YOTEL Pads Park City offers a tech-savvy, minimalist approach to mountain lodging. This unique hotel concept features modular “Pads,” complete with kitchenettes, smart storage, and Murphy beds to maximize space. Communal spaces like the lounge, heated outdoor pool, and hot tub make it easy to unwind and socialize. With ski-in,…

Columbia HillenOpening our balcony doors at Lisbon’s Bairro Alto Hotel during the day, my companion and I enjoyed the excited hustle and bustle below on the iconic, tree-lined Praça de Camões square.  Closing them at night, we enjoyed undisturbed silence, the perfect recipe for sound sleep. Columbia HillenOccupying an entire block of four buildings that was partly derelict, this 87-room, 5-star hotel stands at the border between two historic neighborhoods - the elegant shopping district of Chiado and the bohemian bars-and-cafes Bairro Alto.    Though refurbished at a cost of over 32 million euro with all the mod-cons and reopened…

33 Hotel, NYC, Seaport Signature Suite furnished terraceNew York City’s South Street Seaport is unique for its rich history and vibrant waterfront. It is one of the city’s oldest areas and it showcases its maritime heritage amidst stunning views of the East River, the Manhattan skyline, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. There is a sense of authenticity here, where locals and their dogs seem to outnumber tourists. Cafes, book stores, and intimate restaurants line the cobblestoned streets—a mix of old and new that contributes to the neighborhood’s burgeoning popularity. This region is more than just a pit stop on a…

Courtesy of The Inn at English HarbourWith cold winter temperatures fast approaching, it’s time to start planning your next warm-weather escape. Thankfully, The Inn at English Harbour has come to the rescue. Nestled on Antigua’s white sand beaches in Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, the beachfront hotel will be unveiling its newly built Hillside Suites available for a stay after December 15 with their very own plunge pools. Designed for two guests, the king suite offers a living area, a luxury bathroom with a rainfall shower, and an outdoor covered lounge. Courtesy of The Inn at English HarbourFor the ultimate toes-in-the-sand…

Nov. 2nd, 2024 2025 is set to become a landmark year for luxury hotels and we start our global New Hotel and Resort Openings series in Africa and the Middle East. Poised to redefine luxury and architectural grandeur and combine with sustainability and unique offerings, here is a look at 9 properties which have been confirmed to open next year in Africa and the Middle East. Photo Credit: courtesy of Saruni BasecampBasecamp Samburu Opening January 2025 Basecamp Samburu affords guests the opportunity to discover Kenya’s wildlife in the hidden northern landscape of Samburu. Get off the beaten path at this…

Columbia HillenMere steps from the imposing National Bank of Romania and numerous restaurants, museums and art galleries in the heart of historic Bucharest, the Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town could not be better positioned.  Opened less than a decade ago after two years of renovation by a Lithuanian-based group, the 7-storey building has housed many tenants during its 150-year existence including being an insurance company, cheese shop, bakery, tailor, stockbroker and a fur company. It also survived a major earthquake in 1977 which destroyed part of the structure. Columbia HillenArriving after a tiring 5-hour drive through undulating Romanian countryside,…

Thompson Palm Springs Photo by Jill WeinleinAfter years of construction, the Thompson Palm Springs is finally open to the public and taking reservations for low-rise tower guest rooms and suites. What makes this hotel extra special is its epicenter in the creative Uptown Design District. Amid a destination rich in art and culture, the bright white exterior displays a colorful collection of curated artwork inside. The hotel's partner HALL Group commissioned long-time partner Virginia Shore of Shore Art Advisory to select the diverse, contemporary and eclectic works displayed. Shore sourced from local and international artists with varied backgrounds and perspectives. These…

Crowne Plaza HY36I find myself in Manhattan a couple of times a year, so I’ve tried quite a few hotels around the city. There is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to places to stay, but that list gets a lot shorter if you're looking for a hotel that feels new and fresh and is in the heart of all the action. Enter the Crowne Plaza HY36 in the trendy Hudson Yards neighborhood. Central to Crowne Plaza’s reimagination of the brand, the hotel was designed by NYC architecture firm Stonehill Taylor and opened in 2017. Even today, it…

Courtesy of SofitelUshering in a new era of French-inspired luxury and understated grandeur, the five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Sofitelsydney.com.au has officially unveiled its $70 million refurbishment, with final completion set for November. The rebirth of this Sydney, Australia icon coincides with the Diamond Jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of embodying French art de vivre all over the world. Created by Qantas Airlines in 1966, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a storied history. Central to the hotel's new vision was to reignite the hotel’s original jet-set glamor when it opened as Australia's premier five-star hotel for an international…