6 Exquisite Luxury Hotels For A Stay You Won't Soon Forget
Whether one prefers the hallowed aura of a centuries-old inn, or the sophisticated glamour of a metropolitan hotel, many destinations around the globe offer luxury accommodations to satisfy all tastes. In no particular order, here are some hotels offering unforgettable stays and indulgent amenities for the discerning traveler.
Kicking off the list at #1 is Baccarat Hotel. The New York City establishment was designed by Paris-based Gilles & Boissier, and features luxury salons, social spaces, rooms, and suites. Each is decorated with Baccarat crystal, as well as the brand's iconic shade of red. Elsewhere, guests may view the curated private art collection, which spans from the 18th century to the present day.
Baccarat Hotel offers several amenities, including a stylish car service, a relaxing spa licensed by La Mer skincare, and a heated pool surrounded by cabanas that feature comfortable daybeds. Meanwhile, guestrooms and suites blend contemporary design with a traditional French aesthetic. Many on-site dining options are available, from Alsatian-inspired cuisine at The Grand Salon, to afternoon tea service offering specialty blends paired with canapes and petit fours.
At #2, Hotel Viking is located in Downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Built in 1926, the location is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Guestrooms reflect the building's historic character, combining old world style with modern amenities. The Mansion Suites feature examples of Gilded Age decor, such as Chippendale and Queen Anne furnishings, as well as fine art and tapestries.
One Bellevue, the Hotel's main restaurant, serves American bistro fare from locally sourced land and seafood ingredients. The Cocktail Club, meanwhile, offers a mixology class and dinner where guests learn to craft original cocktails from select tasting spirits. Hotel visitors may also take advantage of the myriad attractions around the historic region, including sailing excursions, classic car tours, museums, and Newport's iconic Victorian mansions.
Coming in at #3 is Boringdon Hall. Situated in Devon, England, the manor became crown property in 1539. It has since been restored and outfitted with 42 decorated rooms and suites, a well-stocked bar, and two restaurants. The hotel boasts a variety of private event spaces, fire-lit lounges, manicured grounds, and comfortable nooks. Guests may also relax at Boringdon Hall's Gaia Spa, which offers everything from hot stone massages to salt and oil scrubs.
The area around the property features a multitude of activities, like clay pigeon shooting and golfing. More adventurous visitors may take an aerial tour in a hot air balloon or ride horses at Cheston Farm. In the afternoon, guests can take tea in a 16th-century setting, with scones, finger sandwiches, and other pastries served on signature 3-tiered stands.
Next at #4, The Royal Portfolio's La Residence hotel is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and plum orchards in South Africa's Franschhoek Valley. The 30-acre estate provides an opulent and tranquil setting within the Cape Winelands. Rooms are designed by hotelier Liz Biden. Each has its own color scheme and theme, from the exotic Tibetan Suite, to the Chambre Bleu with its Provencal antiques, velvets, and silks.
The Great Hall, La Residence's dining area, serves a lavish breakfast spread, as well as an a la carte lunch and dinner menu that features seasonal, local ingredients. Meanwhile, the Chef's Table offers an interactive evening with Executive Chef Lennard Marais that begins with produce selection from the property's private gardens, and continues through a four-course meal and expert wine pairing.
Entering the list at #5, Hotel Nelligan claims to blend modern elegance with timeless style, offering luxurious amenities throughout, and expert concierge services designed to meet every need. Located in Montreal, Canada, the Hotel comprises four historic buildings that date back to the 1850s. Spacious rooms and suites offer views of the atrium or the historic streets of Old Montreal.
Guests may receive customized treatments at Spa William Gray, or enjoy a massage in the comfort of the hotel room. The establishment also houses a variety of restaurants, like the Verses Bistro for coffee and creative French dishes, and the Mechant Boeuf Bar-Brasserie, known for its quality aged beef. Right outside the Hotel Nelligan, meanwhile, one can explore Old Montreal's shops, attractions, and landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Lastly, at #6 is South Place Hotel. The London-based establishment, designed by Conran and Partners, features a contemporary aesthetic inspired by the city's historic quarters and East End. With 80 guestrooms, five bars, and several event spaces, the Hotel is ideal for family, leisure, and business travelers. From sixth-floor lofts to spacious studios, suites, and apartments, rooms offer modern decor and furnishings.
An array of dining options are available at South Place Hotel, including British comfort food and Michelin-starred cuisine. The Angler Restaurant, for instance, serves an ever-changing menu, utilizing fresh seafood and seasonal produce, with dishes designed to celebrate the tastes and textures of each ingredient. Finally, the Hotel's convenient metropolitan location allows guests to easily explore nearby destinations, like the O2 Arena, which regularly hosts major entertainment events.