2013 Top 5 Favourite Hotels
Next up in my 2013 Top 5’s is a look at the hotels I stayed in during the last year.
50 nights I spent in hotel rooms in 2013, some were functional, some were funky, some were a little flash but the following were my Top 5 Favourite Hotels:
1. Mukul Resort and Spa, Nicaragua
I can’t say enough good things about the Mukul. It was a stunning property with no attention to detail left unturned. Although when we were there the service was a little work in progress, what the staff lacked in aptitude they more than made up for in charm. All local, the staff were superb, and I don’t think I have ever met a manager so attentive and absorbed by his guests.
Website: Mukul Resort
2. SLS, Miami Beach
A fun weekend treat for a mate and I. The hotel looks like it’s an old art-deco building that has been upgraded but in fact it was built from scratch and Starck, Kravitz et al have done a very good job with the space. Brimming with false boobs and big heels, there were many eye-popping moments.
Website: SLS Miami
3. St Regis, Bal Harbour, Florida
Fancy and elegant, guests are made to feel like royalty which is tough trick to pull off. It also has a great bar and restaurant.
Website: St Regis Bal Harbour
4. Ocean Club, Bahamas
This is a beautiful hotel set in immaculate grounds including the terraced steps of the Versailles Gardens. A little tired in places, I would be careful which room you picked, but despite the fire we had to endure, we still have great memories of our stay.
Website: One & Only Ocean Club
5. Hilton Tower Bridge, London
This was a brilliant find. Cool and classy with a great locale bang on the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge on the south side. Great for work, great for avoiding work!
Website: Hilton Tower Bridge
Honourable mention: St Regis, Buckhead, Georgia.
I remeber this from last year… raved about the Peace Hotel in Shanghai then and still love it. Earlier this month was my 10th time staying – upgraded to a very comfortable suit.
But this year got off the beaten path – looking for boutique hotels when I travel, A couple that are worth mentioning are in Hong Kong, The Lan Kwai Fong Hotel (http://www.lankwaifonghotel.com.hk/gallery-en.html) which is smack bang in the middle of party central and a short cab ride from Soho… location location location. It’s all very Chinese decor which I like, so many Asian hotels seems to lose their heritage for a western brand these days, but the rooms are small and bathrooms tiny…
The next place, which is the funkiest hotel I’ve stayed in is the QT in Sydney (http://www.qtsydney.com.au/), all done out in old wood, fluffy pillows, deep shag rugs and a bar to be seen in (and of course great for people watching) make this a really voyeuristic place to stay – even getting a bacon sarnie in the morning was an experience. I chose this one over another $500 per night at the westin… get some great deals on agoda.com and get to travel in style
You actually mentioned the Peace Hotel to me in 2011! How time flies! The QT looks ridiculously cool. Thanks for keep coming back to read the blog Matthew.