Summer is in full swing, and with almost two months left, you know what that means: vacations will be on deck the rest of the summer (and fall) long. As the temperature and humidity continues to heat up, our minds have already started to wander at all of the destinations we need to add to our travel bucket lists.
But what’s the most important part of travel planning? The accommodations, of course. And at these hotels, you won’t ever want to go home (even though you’ll have to). From idyllic islands and remote mountainous regions to bustling metropolises, you’ll get your life at each of these hotels.
Four Seasons Baltimore
Baltimore has certainly come a long way from what we envision when we watched The Wire. As more people add this to the list for this ever increasingly popular travel destination, the city’s hotels have stepped up their game too. But as “oldie but a goodie” to Baltimore’s elite, celebrities and travelers alike, The Four Seasons is the city’s first and only five-star luxury hotel. Located in the trendy and ever-expanding Harbor East, the hotel offers an onsite spa, two restaurants, a premium coffee shop, meeting and banquet space, in addition to a promenade and incredible views of the East Harbor. The hotel offers fourteen different styles of rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, which open up the living space. You never know who you’ll spot in the lobby, as it’s a city favorite for those looking to experience world-class amenities and services.
SLS Baha Mar
For those who have traveled to the Bahamas over the years, it seems like we’ve been patiently waiting for Baha Mar to open up for ages. Thankfully, we have to wait no longer as the time is finally here! A luxurious blend of sophistication, contemporary & playfulness, the SLS at Baha Mar offers the world-class amenities that we’re used to of the SLS brand, with an island touch. Giving Atlantis at Paradise Island a run for its money, you can expect to find award winning restaurants, sprawling pools, access to the entire Baha Mar comp0und, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a lobby to take your breath away, modern amenities and accommodations, and the best of it all: the friendliness that the Bahamas offers.
The W Atlanta Buckhead
We all know Buckhead is where the “who’s who” of Atlanta resides. But amid Buckhead’s upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife, is the W Atlanta Buckhead, the place you’ll want to go to rest your head while experiencing all that Atlanta has to offer. Whether an out of towner, or simply looking for a staycation retreat, the hotel features all the luxury that you can imagine and is located in the heart of Buckhead. When you’re not checking out the hotel’s amenities, step outside and peruse the seemingly endless options at Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, and The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.
Embassy Suites Midtown Manhattan
With so many hotel options to choose from in New York City, your first question is probably, “where do I start?” But at the Embassy Suites Midtown Manhattan, you have to look no further. Offering affordability, with modern and contemporary accommodations, and also a close proximity to Times Square with a free daily breakfast and hosted evening cocktail reception, the only question you should be asking is, “when do I book?” The property also features the SkyLawn Terrace, which hosts movie nights and rooftop drinks, along with a lobby bar if you’re looking for a late night cocktail. Not to be confused with your typical Embassy Suites, this property is unique to the hotel brand, as it features studio suites, offering more space than a traditional hotel, but not the one bedroom format that you may be used to. Either way, you’ll be in for a treat when you touch down in the Big Apple!
The Confidante Miami
Like Will Smith said, bienvenidos a Miami! With many options to choose from on South Beach, it’s always hard to decide what’s the best choice for your beach vacation. But at the Confidante Miami, you no longer have to wonder. The hotel, which is situated in the heart of the action, is perfect for those looking to be “in the mix,” but still experience the luxury, yet affordability that is often rare when it comes to high-end Miami hotels. Designed to make you feel like you’re in a friend’s fancy beach house, the decor of Confidante Miami are reminiscent of Miami’s golden era (Minus the cocaine and trap houses, of course) With direct beach access, you can be dipping your toes in the Atlantic — or alternatively, laying poolside within minutes.
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
There are many reasons why you should stay at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Is it because the hotel was featured in the box office hit, “Girls Trip?” No. Is it because the General Manager of the hotel is a black man? No. Is it because it’s located right next to the Mercedes Benz Superdome? No. Well, actually, yes to all of the above! But in addition to those things, the Hyatt Regency is an award-winning hotel, that is as big on style and amenities as it is customer service. It’s guaranteed to be one of the best parts of your visit to the Big Easy? Won’t take our word for it? See for yourself.
Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills isn’t just for the rich and famous. Well, it kind of is. But you don’t have to be rich and famous to experience the Beverly Hills 90210 lifestyle. Tucked away at the edge of Beverly Hills, the well positioned hotel is popular for celebrities, TV stars and influencers of the such. Not to mention, the Four Seasons Los Angeles is just minutes away from Rodeo Drive, where you can experience some major retail therapy – or if you’re like me – window shopping. The hotel which has over 285 opulent guest rooms are outfitted with chinoiserie headboards and Frette linens, a walk-in wardrobe, sunken tub, private balcony overlooking the always stunning Beverly Hills and an iPod equipped with hundreds of fitness classes. A stay here is a splurge, but at least guests get their coin’s worth.
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland may be cold, but the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik is the hottest thing on the block. Sleek and modern, the hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Reykjavik, which makes it perfect for exploring Iceland’s quirky capital city. If you were lucky enough to catch a flight deal here, have no worries that this hotel won’t be another price tag that you’ll have to worry about (though the city is quite pricey), since you’re getting amazing bang for your buck with its contemporary guest rooms, chic and elegantly designed communal spaces, a standout spa and award-winning restaurant and bar. Pro tip: Make sure to get the buffet breakfast – you’ll be surprised that it may be the best meal of your trip.
W Washington D.C.
If you’re as familiar with DC as I am, you’ll know that this hotel has come a long way, in its conversion to the W Hotel brand. Once an old, historic hotel, this now modern meets renaissance hotel has one of the best views in the city, so even if you can’t stay here, it’s definitely worth a visit. Being the closest hotel next to the White House used to be a bonus, but you still can’t deny the property’s central location to everything that is relevant in the city. The Park? The Hamilton? The Lincoln Theater? Yup, all within walking distance. Guests can also easily access the Smithsonian Institute, National Geographic Museum and Corcoran Gallery, which are also within a mile of the property. After you’re done sightseeing, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar, P.O.V. which has terrace views of the Washington Monument, White House, Pentagon, and Potomac River.
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas
Who doesn’t want to experience paradise on Paradise Island? Overlooking Nassau’s picturesque harbor and Atlantic Ocean inlet, this all-inclusive intimate resort combines a strategic position to enjoy the best of the Bahamas’ colorful capital with an attractive beachfront setting. For those looking for seclusion, but still want to have access to all the beauty that Nassau has to offer, look no further than the Warwick Paradise Island. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the staff who will greet you at every turn, the strong drinks in the lobby bar, and the plush accommodations, that make staying in an all-inclusive all worth it. Several on-site specialty restaurants also offer warm buffet-style breakfasts and varied dining options daily together with a weekly BBQ held on the resort’s exclusive beach and a poolside grill. So you can dine local, while also enjoying some of your favorite traditional dishes. Be sure to get the conch fritters too! It’s an island staple.
Royal Lancaster London
Wonder what it’s like to live like a Royal (or in this case, Meghan Markle). Well wonder no longer at London’s Royal Lancaster, which is looking sleek and shiny after its recent refurbishment, which offers accommodations as incredible as London views. To the south, the vast expanse of stunning Hyde Park with its lakes, immaculate gardens and year-round activity stretches below, while London’s skyline and the City of London are spread out impressively to the east. Staying here, you won’t be far from much, as it’s the perfect location for dining, nightlife, tours and the such. The hotel also offers amazing dining options (which can often be bleek in London) such as its Island Grill and the award-winning Nipa Thai restaurants.
W Bogota
If you’re in search of a trendy, fun and comfortable hotel in Bogotá, the W Bogotá is all you need. At the center of Bogotá’s nightlife scene, expect to always find a full lobby when you walk through the doors, and be greeted by the classic standards of W that you’re used to. A brand you know and trust, this hotel is an excellent choice, thanks to delicious food, chic decor and infused Colombian culture. Located in the Usaquén/Santa Barbara section of the city, the hotel was in an affluent and safe area that’s home to many offices and businesses. But if you don’t want to go too far in exploring – no need to fret! The hotel offers highly popular experiences such as its on-site restaurant (Market Kitchen), bar (W Lounge) and nightclub (Au Room).
Four Seasons Downtown New York
You may remember the Four Seasons Downtown for being one of the locations of Tristan Thompson’s cheating romps (sorry Khloe), but outside of that, it’s the best you can come, as far as New York City hotel brands can go. I mean, it is the Four Seasons, after all. At the crossroads of Tribeca and the Financial District, you’ll be greeted to luxury, honey. The sleek and chic hotel has 24 floors of an 84-floor building, that features a pool, spa, steam room, and 28 suites (if you want to splurge) and they’re all designed by the legendary Yabu Pushelberg. The hotel is also home to the only New York City outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s Cut brand, serving fresh fruit and upscale takes on egg sandwiches by day and steaks by night. If you’re hungry late and like me and hate to roam the NYC streets at a late hour, the hotel also offers 24-hour in-room dining is available with several clicks on the iPads.
Conrad Cartagena
Cartagena is having a moment, y’all. It seems like every week, you’re seeing colorful photos of all the melanin that’s been dripping on this city lately. And in the middle of that moment is a stunning property that will take your breath away. The Conrad Cartagena, which is as new as this travel awakening to the destination, takes seclusion, luxury, and glamour to new heights in this sprawling resort, just North of the airport and the city. The hotel is a $20 USD cab ride *or 25 minute ride) from the heart of the city, and is well worth the drive, as the property sprawls over a few coastal acres encompassing more than half a dozen pools, tennis courts, a handful of restaurants and cafés. Don’t get it twisted, this is a resort – not a hotel, so you can spend a few days, or even a few weeks here, and get all the benefits that Colombia has to offer.
Hilton Miami Downtown
Yes, South Beach is great. But downtown Miami, features some of the best cultural, shopping, dining and entertainment experiences in the world. Next time you’re in South Florida, take some time to stray away from the beach and see what all the hype is about the Hilton Miami Downtown. It’s no secret that the hotel has been bringing high-style, service, and value to Miami’s Performing Arts District with its re-imagined guest rooms, meeting space, restaurant, and lobby. But in addition to those features, it’s not your typical “Hilton.” What sets this hotel apart from the franchise is the people, and that’s not something that you can mimic at just any hotel. Hilton Miami Downtown is the best option for visitors and a focal point as downtown revitalization continues.
