There are more and more truly incredible hotels popping up all over the world that take luxury, innovation and Insta-worthy aesthetics to the next level - and then there are the iconic favourites. Hotels that have stood the test of time with their oppulence and grandeur. Here we look at some of the favourites.
Hôtel Ritz Paris
Head for…Ritz Escoffier School, where budding chefs of all ages and experience levels can take classes and workshops – from the art of the perfect macaron to favourites on the menu at the Ritz.
Located in the heart of Paris on Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris is quintessentially French, combining elegant tradition, opulent contemporary comforts and innovation. Restored to its legendary 19th century splendour, the iconic hotel opened in June after a meticulous four-year renovation.
Claridge’s London
Head for…Award-winning afternoon tea in the magnificent 1930s inspired Foyer. Served on fine china, it’s English tradition at its finest.
The most iconic 5-star hotel in Mayfair, Claridge’s opened its doors in 1856. After a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it soon became a favourite of heads of state and European royalty. Perfectly situated for the West End, Claridge’s is London’s art deco jewel, perfectly designed in the 1920s with many of its original features remain impeccably in place.
The Plaza New York
Head for…Eloise – one of the hotel’s most famous residents with her own outrageously fun suite!
When it opened in 1907, The Plaza was described as the greatest hotel in the world. No expense was spared in its creation with the purchase of 1,650 crystal chandeliers and the largest single order in history for gold-encrusted china. Dine in the iconic Palm Court or shop in a collection of New York’s finest shops where you can create a custom-made fragrance at the Krigler perfumer.
Raffles Singapore
Head for…its signature cocktail - the Singapore Sling.
Originally built as a privately-owned beach house in the 1830s, Raffles was converted into a 10-room high-end hotel in 1887, and recognised as a National Monument in 1987. Famous as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, the drink was concocted in 1915 in the Long Bar and was a favoured drink of notable clientele such as Alfred Hitchcock, Rudyard Kipling and Ernest Hemmingway.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Head for…guided Tai Chi classes on the hotel’s spectacular sun deck, overlooking Victoria Harbour.
The oldest hotel in Hong Kong, the ‘Grand Dame of the Far East’ opened its doors in 1928. Offering a blend of the best of Eastern and Western hospitality, The Peninsula Hong Kong enjoys an atmosphere of classical grandeur and timeless elegance. It’s famous for its record-breaking fleet of luxury vehicles for day-to-day transport including fourteen Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase vehicles painted in the signature Peninsula Brewster Green.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Head for…the year-round outdoor recreational activities and the scenery.
Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is in Canada’s Banff National Park. Originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists, it began life as a one-story log cabin in 1890. It grew into its present building in 1911, where it became a luxury mountain resort that has welcomed royalty and hundreds of stars for filming or holidaying.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Head for…the swimming pool which features underwater music, playing famous movie soundtracks.
Affectionately known as the ‘Pink Palace’, The Beverley Hills Hotel is the place to see and be seen in Los Angeles. For over a hundred years, guests have enjoyed the timeless glamour, relaxed resort-feel and seamless service of this iconic hotel. Famous guests in the ultra-exclusive bungalows include Vivien Leigh, Marilyn Monroe and JFK, while Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were frequent residents, and honeymooned there.
