Hotels

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…

Petco Park in San Diego. Photo by Jill WeinleinThe newly renovated Omni San Diego Hotel is the ultimate hotel for San Diego Padres fans. Located next to Petco Park, Charles Cho, the General Manager of the Omni Hotel said, “Omni San Diego Hotel is thrilled to unveil an enhanced guest experience, providing visitors and locals with a relaxing and rejuvenating place to stay while they immerse themselves in everything the city has to offer." Even though this season is over for the Padres, the hotel showcases new amenities and baseball theme decor throughout the public areas and guest rooms. When the season returns,…

Columbia HillenA chubby dog created from orange plastic, a giant white globe standing in the middle of the lobby and eclectic paintings hanging high above are among the first things to catch one’s eye upon entering the Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas.  Columbia HillenThe result of the hotel’s ongoing collaboration with local art gallery, iX! This esoteric collection creates an explosion of color and intrigue, a striking impression enhanced by an abundance of light flooding through the hotel’s modern glass floor-to-ceiling entrance. Such quirky furnishings also feature in an open leisure room overlooking the lobby, a space that is also used…

Casetta Group's Casa CodyOne of the most popular hospitality groups in California for travelers seeking hotels that tell a story is Casetta. Their team has been providing Californians and those visiting the Golden State, with personalized leisure experiences, elevated service, and appealing design elements. Their ultimate getaway properties include Casa Cody in Palm Springs, The Pearl Hotel in San Diego, and The Surfrider in Malibu. With their success, they have been taking over other iconic properties to install new life into the structures. They are building new dining concepts and renovating the grounds. With an art-focus approach, the Casetta team…

Omni La CostaOmni La Costa Resort & Spa provides a perfect getaway for golf lovers, spa enthusiasts, families, couples and anyone wanting to enjoy stunning beaches, perfect weather and luxurious accommodations. Located just 2 hours from Los Angeles in the secluded charming Carlsbad, the resort houses more than 600 guest rooms, suites and villas.  Guests can enjoy eight swimming pools, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a Kidtopia kids’ club, a huge fitness center, six food venues, an exceptional spa and 17 tennis courts. The resort just completed a multi-million dollar renovation taking its signature appeal to new heights. This highly-anticipated…

Image courtesy of Casa PolancoFor luxury travelers seeking an intimate and artistic holiday escape in Mexico City, Casa Polanco offers a unique blend of modern elegance and rich heritage. Located in the heart of the chic neighborhood of Polanco, this stately boutique hotel provides a serene retreat amid the vibrant urban sprawl of one of Latin America’s most culturally rich cities. The perfect holiday getaway, it exudes a sense of timeless sophistication, making every guest feel as though they’ve stepped into a carefully curated world of art, design, and comfort. Image courtesy of Casa Polanco The Ultimate Location Casa Polanco’s…

Photo by The Grand HyattThe Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is more than just a hotel, it's a portal to a world of relaxation, luxury, and vibrant culture. Nestled on the pristine shores of the Mexican Caribbean, this beachfront oasis seamlessly blends modern sophistication with the laid-back charm of Playa del Carmen. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, the Grand Hyatt offers an unforgettable experience with its impressive amenities, prime beachfront location, and proximity to the bustling Avenida Quinta shopping district.   Photo by The Grand HyattDesigned by the renowned Sordo Madaleno, this…