Grace Beijing
Set in the city's renowned 798 Art District, the Grace Beijing is an interesting alternative to staying near downtown or the Olympic Village. Formerly known as the Yi House — a moniker that's now used for the excellent on-site restaurant — this luxury hotel offers 30 rooms and suites, each featuring its own contemporary design and artwork. Also on-site are a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor garden, and a killer cocktail bar named after the district in which it sits. But the biggest amenity might be its location, which puts you within walking distance of some of the best bars, restaurants, and art galleries in the city.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Most "grottos" you find at hotels (or in the backyard of certain notorious mansions) are man-made additions to already spectacular pools. At Grotto Bay Beach Resort, they're the real thing. This waterfront resort features massive subterranean caves filled with crystal-clear water. Of course, it also offers beach access via its three private beaches and an outdoor pool, as well as non-aquatic amenities like two dining rooms, the Rum House Bar, a Spa, tennis courts, diving, sailing, and nearby golfing. As for the accommodations, they don't disappoint, with 201 ocean view or oceanfront rooms and 11 cozy cottages for a more secluded stay.
Dunton Hot Springs
Telluride is gorgeous, but it's also fairly busy. If you're looking for seclusion without missing the views, head to Dunton Hot Springs. Just over the ridge from the renowned resort down, Dunton is a reclaimed ghost town that's been transformed into a serene luxury getaway. The accommodations include 13 restored log cabins built in a circle around a saloon — itself restored, serving up fantastic food — and a dance hall, and just steps from the bath house. Just down the river are eight luxurious canvas tents, and you'll also an open air chapel, library, and, of course, natural hot springs on site.
The Inn of the Five Graces
Started as a personal project for designers Ira and Sylvia Seret, The Inn of the Five Graces is now considered one of the top stays in the country. It's located in the historic 17th century Barrio de Analco — the oldest inhabited block in the United States — and sits near the oldest house and the oldest church in the US. The history continues inside the 24-suite hotel, as it's filled with countless examples of ethnic antiques, gathered during the couple's travels. Each room also features a wood-burning kiva fireplace, bathrooms featuring hand-laid tile mosaics, and separate showers, many also include private balconies and patios. Add in the 315 Restaurant and Wine Bar next door, the included made-to-order breakfast, and a dedicated High-Mountain Tibetan treatment room for spa services, and you have yourself a world-class experience.
Adare Manor
As accommodations go, it's pretty tough to beat a castle — especially one as charming as Adare Manor. Built in the mid-1800s by the Dunraven family, this interesting piece of architecture is laid out as a Calendar House, with 365 stained windows and 52 chimneys to mark the days and weeks, and interior references to the 7 days of the week and 12 months of the year. There's 62 bedrooms to choose from, including the original quarters of Lady Caroline Dunraven, as well as an 18-hole Championship Course — the last major golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. — a cottage spa, two restaurants, and a cellar-style bar with live-music. [via]
The Boxer
Formerly known as the Bullfinch Hotel, The Boxer is a newly renovated hotel that mixes historic charm with modern amenities. Each of the 80 custom-designed rooms feature slate blue walls, open frame wardrobes, ergonomic work areas, and Calcutta marble bathrooms, and range in size from traditional full-size to junior suites. Also on site is an updated fitness center and the Finch restaurant, which serves up modern American fare as well as refreshing libations. And when you're ready to venture out, you'll find the the TD garden, the North End, and Beacon Hill all just steps away.
Motu Teta
Forget the remote beach resort — if you want the ultimate in isolation, you need to rent out your own island. Motu Teta should do nicely. Located in French Polynesia, this islet features two houses — a three-bedroom main house and a one-bedroom guest house — both of which were constructed in a classic local style and sport large verandas just steps from the lagoon. There's also a staff on hand to help with meals, excursions and activities like kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more, and, as you'd imagine, plenty of private, pristine beach to enjoy — bathing suit optional.
Hotel les Armures
It might be small, but you'll feel anything but during your stay at Hotel les Armures. Set in the heart of the city's old town district, this 32-room hotel is housed in a former residence that was built in the 17th century, with traces of 13th century walls and foundations visible in the rooms. It's also home to a popular restaurant offering Swiss and French specialties both indoors and on its roomy patio, and is just minutes from the lake, shops, and business district, making it an ideal spot no matter why you're in town.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Think a trip to Walt Disney World means a stay in the cuddling bosom of Mickey (or Minnie) Mouse? Think again. Surrounded by the resort, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers refined accommodations with many of the benefits of staying at a Mouse-owned hotel. On-site amenities include a world-class spa, luxury guest rooms and suites, gorgeous pools, a championship golf course, many of the renowned restaurants and bars from the NYC original, killer views of Epcot, and, when you're ready to head to the parks, complimentary luxury motorcoach transportation.
Bunk Beyoglu
Just because you're staying in a hostel doesn't mean you have to forgo things like style, cleanliness, or small luxuries. #Bunk Beyoglu — yes, there really is a hashtag in the name — offers clean, affordable rooms with contemporary design and upscale amenities. Those include marble bathrooms, bespoke beds, fluffy white towels, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security. With a choice between mixed and female-only dorms, twin rooms, and private doubles — plus a rooftop hot tub and top-floor lounge — #Bunk has more than enough to satisfy the budget-conscious traveler.
Hacienda del Sol
Founded in 1929, Hacienda del Sol has been a Foothills favorite for years — and for good reason. Set on 34 acres, its 30 guestrooms run from charming historic spaces to the home-away-from-home Tracy-Hepburn Casita Grande, named after the pair of stars that used it as a private getaway. Also on the grounds are two restaurants — including award-winner The Grill — a full-service spa, a secluded pool, an organic garden, and even a wine gift shop. But perhaps the best part is the surrounding Sonoran Desert, which provides views that make it easy to stay longer than you'd planned.
Fairmont Acapulco Princess
The name sounds more like a drink — or maybe a tasty strain of a particular illicit substance — but in fact, the Fairmont Acapulco Princess is one of the most prized hotels in Latin America. Set on 480 acres of lush land, the Princess includes a 15-story Aztec pyramid hotel, five free-form swimming pools ands a saltwater lagoon, multiple restaurants, a full-service spa, an open-air lobby complete with bar, and, of course, plenty of oceanfront sand.
