2011 Top 5 Hotels

One day I am going to stay in a hotel and not leave it. Just move in. For real. One of my few fanciful splurges is on hotels and these were my favourite five from last year.

1. St Regis, Atlanta
Buckhead in Atlanta has a ridiculous amount of quality hotels, but this one would not look out of place in Paris. The majestic hotel has a southern charm with Roman accents like it’s pool piazza (photo)
Hotel website

2. The Biltmore, Coral Gables
The Biltmore has a spectacular history of filmstars, politics, royalty, gangsters, ghosts and even Tarzan! Pre-fame Johnny Weissmuller was a Biltmore swimming instructor, and later after finding fame in the jungle he broke a few world records in the hotel pool.
Hotel website

3. Hotel Granduca, Houston
This tranquil oasis in the middle of the Galleria district resembles a 16th century Tuscan villa with plenty of old world Renaissance charm. A strange addition to this oil town but I loved it.
Hotel website

4. Four Seasons, Denver
I nearly called my shippers to move my stuff here. This was a cool place. Beautiful rooms, loads of amenities and superb service. Not a lot to see nearby but I wouldn’t see a need to leave this place after I moved in!
Hotel website

5. Little Nell, Aspen
The renowned Little Nell sits right at the foot of the Colorado mountain and our massive room (we got upgraded) was so well appointed it was like looking out of the window at a gigantic snowball.
Hotel website