My Favourite Hotels

After 3.5 years of doing this crazy job, I’ve seen a few hotels. Make that a few hundred hotels. From the exquisite to the cockroach infested, and everything in between. So often I have people ask, ’so what’s your favourite hotel ever?’. Truth is, there’s a few that I’d gladly spend my hard earned cash to go back to. I have not included any photos on this page due to the contract with my employer (I get in trouble if I do that!) but will include links and reviews of why I loved them.

I will resist the urge to make a sister page to this one of my least favorite hotels as it would probably get me fired. LOL.

The Hempel, London England.
http://www.the-hempel.co.uk/
One of the most distinctive boutique hotels I’ve ever stayed at or seen. The decor Asian influenced- minimal and highly stylized. The rooms feature beds directly on the floor, entertainment systems built into hidden cupboards and closets, and beautiful marble bathrooms. The only downside was that I was there in August, and there was no air-con. Luckily the windows in the rooms do actually open, which is a plus. In the hallways, there are no door handles, so it can be tricky to find your room and get into it, lol. There is a restaurant in the lower level, terrific Thai food.

The Savoy, London England.
http://www.savoy-group.co.uk/
The Savoy is historical and renowned in London for being one of the most expensive hotels to stay at. Luckily I didn’t have to pay to stay there, and I have no idea what my room rate was. I seem to remember it in the 500 Pounds range, but I could be mistaken. This hotel is also home to a theatre which features musicals and large production plays. I loved staying here at this hotel.

The Great Eastern, London England.
http://www.great-eastern-hotel.co.uk/
This is just a cool hotel, period. The lobby and public spaces are modern and chic featuring contemporary art. There’s an old-school pub on the first floor which looks like it’s 200 yrs old, and a STUNNING restaurant and bar downstairs called the Aurora (from the original 18th century building, fully restored). It’s also located right next to Liverpool St. Station so you’re never more than a few minutes from anything in the city.

The May Fair, London England.
http://www.radissonedwardian.com/londonuk_mayfair
Loved the art collection and decor. The mattresses apparently cost 3,000 POUNDS each (that’s a $9,000.00 mattress yikes) and I have to say are worth it. While I was suffering from jet-lag while I stayed here, there was no better place to crash out when I needed it, which was often. The food is quite good, and the afternoon tea is simply to die for. The bathrooms are all marble and huge.

The Sherlock Holmes Hotel, London England.
http://www.parkplaza.com/londonuk_sherlockholmes
Another cool boutique hotel. Stylish rooms, lots of leather and old English style with a modern twist here and there. Great location. Not nearly as ‘hokey’ as you’d excpet it to be, ha.

The Rookery, London England.
http://www.rookeryhotel.com/home.cfm
This place is so cool! It’s several old mansions joined together- every room is different and unique in shape, style, and decor. Old-fashioned claw tubs in the bathrooms, exposed beams and old wooden rafters, and Victorian furnishings. I love love love this hotel.

Radisson SAS, Dublin Ireland.
http://dublin.radissonsas.com/cs/Satellite?cid=1053434520124&pagename=RadissonSAS%2FPage%2FrsasHotelDescription&language=en&hotelCode=dubzh
This is stunning. They’ve added on a modern wing to the old castle which I remember as being from the 17th Century. The modern wing is lovely, but it’s the old part which I love best. The restaurants and bar overlooking the 16th Century gardens are elegant and rich.

The Morrison, Dublin Ireland.
http://www.morrisonhotel.ie/
Cool place! Lots of interesting artwork, dramatic dim hallways (can be hard to find your room if you indulge in too many pints) and chic decor. Pretty close to Temple Bar area, all the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs just over the bridge on the other side of the river.

Hotel Hana Maui, Maui HI.
http://www.hotelhanamaui.com/
My top pick for romantic getaways. No televisions or clocks in the rooms, and no a/c- but there are packs of fresh coffee, grinders, and coffee pots. I was fortunate enough to stay in one of the cabins, which start at $700 a night- but are totally worth it. The slatted windows are open to the night air- the breeze off the ocean couldn’t be more perfect. The views from the cabins are beautiful. Next door there are horses roaming around and can be rented out for those rides on the beach. The pool is very cool- especially at night, when they light this huge torch and everything is fire-lit. Top notch fitness facilities. They also have the most delicious granola in the restaurant- with a half of papaya and lime, black Kona coffee, and soy milk- the best breakfast I’ve ever had and I still daydream about it.

The Phoenician, Scottsdale AZ.
http://thephoenician.com/pages/index.html
It’s worth just going for a visit to this hotel to look at the grounds and the view from the lobby and bar area. They have an entire pool made out of mother of pearl tiles. The golf course is massive. If you’re ever in the Scottsdale area, it’s definitely worth checking out. The rooms are HUGE with private decks and loungers, massive bathrooms.

Grand Hyatt, Santiago Chile.
http://santiago.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
This hotel will always be close to my heart. Not only was it a really great shoot, but my contact and all the staff at this property made it amazing. These people are so friendly and cheerful I would go back just for them. The hotel itself is quite impressive- amazing lobby. The pool has a giant man-made waterfall, and there are incredible views of the Andes. If you’re gonna splurge get a Club room- the Club Lounge offers free breakfast and cocktails/appies in the evening- and more spectacular views to enjoy. There are lots of wineries close by, definitely worth taking a tour and sampling what Chile has to offer.

Park Hyatt, Buenos Aires Argentina.
http://buenosaires.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
This very exclusive property is located in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires. There are two buildings joined by a garden and an underground art gallery- one is an old palace, and the other is a modern building. Each one hosts different decor and room types. Again, impressive artwork to be seen here by local artists. The Vinoteca is unique- a wine library and a cheese cellar next to the main restaurant. The spa is very pretty, features an indoor pool and top of the line fitness centre.