Whats the best hotel you've stayed in?
Jan 28th, 2004, 11:21 AM
#121
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Leona, I know where you're going with that line of reasoning, and at face value you are right on target.
I would suggest, however, that defining the term "best" is tricky at best.
In some ways I think the Golden Globes are a more useful arbiter of accomplishment than the Academy Awards because there are more categories. It's very difficult (IMO) to put a great comedy film next to a great historical drama and say which is "best". They're so different.
The development and execution of Bellagio was an outstanding accomplishment. It would still be a spectacular hotel in Chicago or LA, but it suffers from the image of the city it's in. It's not taken seriously by a lot of well travelled hotel critics.
The Georges V is so different. It's elegant, romantic, historic, amazing views, filmworthy surroundings, etc.
Bellagio and Georges V are like the great comedy and great drama film comparison for me. They are both worthy of recognition, but they can't be compared using the same types of yardsticks.
I would suggest, however, that defining the term "best" is tricky at best.
In some ways I think the Golden Globes are a more useful arbiter of accomplishment than the Academy Awards because there are more categories. It's very difficult (IMO) to put a great comedy film next to a great historical drama and say which is "best". They're so different.
The development and execution of Bellagio was an outstanding accomplishment. It would still be a spectacular hotel in Chicago or LA, but it suffers from the image of the city it's in. It's not taken seriously by a lot of well travelled hotel critics.
The Georges V is so different. It's elegant, romantic, historic, amazing views, filmworthy surroundings, etc.
Bellagio and Georges V are like the great comedy and great drama film comparison for me. They are both worthy of recognition, but they can't be compared using the same types of yardsticks.
Jan 28th, 2004, 12:23 PM
#123
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You know Leona after I posted I realized that my post was unclear. On another thread it was suggested that the yahoo for the tropicana was actually an advertisement. Same post on multiple threads by the same person in a short amount. Probably should have just left the whole subject alone anyway . Live and learn. 
?
Feb 3rd, 2004, 06:09 AM
#125
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Taina above is right about one thing - getting a spa appointment at the Greenbrier off season is easy - NO ONE'S THERE! We just returned from a two night stay there and the Greenbrier off season is desolate and an empty and uninviting place to be. And I'm giving the off-season the blame for this one, although I can't believe that it feels any differently during a peak travel time. The decor is disgusting - it's not kitschy and cool like the travel guides would want you to believe. It's garish and off-putting. Does anyone have any taste and class anymore? The vastness of the place leaves you feeling as if you're totally alone - there's no one central place where people could congregate. And the service, while in some people's estimations would be top notch, to us is was ingratiating and subservient. If you want true elegance and grace and comfort, go to the Homestead. Maybe that's where everyone was!
p.s. If you deign to go to this place, ask to speak with a manager before booking to confirm that nothing is closed or under renovation. When booking for this most recent stay, we spoke with three people, ask each one if anything was under renovation, were told "no," got there and the main dining room was closed. They set up shop in one of the conference/ballrooms - very "wedding hall!"
p.s. If you deign to go to this place, ask to speak with a manager before booking to confirm that nothing is closed or under renovation. When booking for this most recent stay, we spoke with three people, ask each one if anything was under renovation, were told "no," got there and the main dining room was closed. They set up shop in one of the conference/ballrooms - very "wedding hall!"
Feb 3rd, 2004, 06:51 AM
#126
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Ritz Carlton: Philadelphia (gorgeous public area)
Hotel do Farol: Cascais, Portugal (amazing suites and location)
Venetian: Las Vegas (huge rooms)
Gastwerk Hotel, Hamburg (very trendy and modern)
Le Soleil, Vancouver (luxurious but small rooms)
Alexis: Seattle (huge rooms larger than many NYC apartments)
Fairmont Miramar: Santa Monica (great location and grounds)
Hotel do Farol: Cascais, Portugal (amazing suites and location)
Venetian: Las Vegas (huge rooms)
Gastwerk Hotel, Hamburg (very trendy and modern)
Le Soleil, Vancouver (luxurious but small rooms)
Alexis: Seattle (huge rooms larger than many NYC apartments)
Fairmont Miramar: Santa Monica (great location and grounds)
Feb 8th, 2004, 11:59 AM
#131
Some of the best, but I don't know what best means - best hotel in boring town? Only hotel in fabulous village? Oh well..
Las Brisas, Acapulco - ultimate romantic place;
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City - most impressive building;
St James Court, London (when it was run by Raj - now a Crowne) - best in London, used in filming Enchanted April hence my wife's idea of heaven;
Hotel Richard Löwenherz, Durnstein, Austria - converted medieval convent (but with a pool) on the bluff overlooking the Danube;
Shah Abbas Hotel, Isfahan, Iran - probably a shadow of its former self nowadays, pity;
King David Hotel, Jerusalem - best veggie burgers on Earth - I asked for the recipe and the waiter said the chef had been asked before and that he politely recommended that guests stick their requests where the sun don't shine;
Four Seasons Huntington, Pasadena CA - grand old place no. 1. Most beautiful grounds;
Peabody Hotel, Memphis - grand old place no. 2. Best ducks in the fountain;
Now don't laugh - we stayed at the JW Marriott outside Las Vegas over Christmas and it makes the list. Best great hotel with a low-rollers casino.
Las Brisas, Acapulco - ultimate romantic place;
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City - most impressive building;
St James Court, London (when it was run by Raj - now a Crowne) - best in London, used in filming Enchanted April hence my wife's idea of heaven;
Hotel Richard Löwenherz, Durnstein, Austria - converted medieval convent (but with a pool) on the bluff overlooking the Danube;
Shah Abbas Hotel, Isfahan, Iran - probably a shadow of its former self nowadays, pity;
King David Hotel, Jerusalem - best veggie burgers on Earth - I asked for the recipe and the waiter said the chef had been asked before and that he politely recommended that guests stick their requests where the sun don't shine;
Four Seasons Huntington, Pasadena CA - grand old place no. 1. Most beautiful grounds;
Peabody Hotel, Memphis - grand old place no. 2. Best ducks in the fountain;
Now don't laugh - we stayed at the JW Marriott outside Las Vegas over Christmas and it makes the list. Best great hotel with a low-rollers casino.
Feb 15th, 2004, 02:11 PM
#133
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Amgoing to the BURL-al-ARAB FOR 5 NIGHTS IN APRIL THE SUITES ARE 2 STORY AND APPROX 1700SQ.FT. i am told it is spectacular, I HOPE SO FOR $1700.00 PER NIGHT. The price includes admission to WILD WADI WATER PARK that is supposed to be great
Feb 16th, 2004, 05:37 AM
#134
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The K Club, Co. Kildare, Ireland. The first Irish vote! And I could be biased about this place because I got married here, but I will never forget it. Best 5* I've stayed in, by some distance.
Anna
Anna
Apr 28th, 2004, 07:09 AM
#135
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I can't believe the old but reliable basics haven't been mentioned
Paris - the Ritz - which sera toujours Le Ritz.
London - the Dorchester - best scones ever
Bermuda - Cambridge Beaches - heaven in pink
Nantucket - the Wauwinet - heaven near Boston
New York - the Carlyle - elegance and friendliness
Zurich - the Dolder Grand - impeccable - especially the tower suite
Lugano - the Villa Principe Leopoldo - it would charm Fellini.
These are basics - you can't go wrong - they have quirks - but they all offer something truly individual.
Paris - the Ritz - which sera toujours Le Ritz.
London - the Dorchester - best scones ever
Bermuda - Cambridge Beaches - heaven in pink
Nantucket - the Wauwinet - heaven near Boston
New York - the Carlyle - elegance and friendliness
Zurich - the Dolder Grand - impeccable - especially the tower suite
Lugano - the Villa Principe Leopoldo - it would charm Fellini.
These are basics - you can't go wrong - they have quirks - but they all offer something truly individual.
Apr 28th, 2004, 08:28 AM
#137
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The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. A truly lovely, gracious, serene, beautiful place. Elegant, restful, awesome food, friendly, classy service. The rooms are very comfortable and the setting on the beach is always there to greet you in the morning. A true "getting away from it all" kind of resort.
Apr 28th, 2004, 10:24 AM
#138
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1. Ashford Castle - Cong, Ireland
2. Chateau de la Chevre d'Or - Eze, France
3. Hollywood Renaissance (okay, I've stayed at hotels that are a lot more posh, but I loved the blue fish in the room - it really did add to my harmony and serenity - smile)
2. Chateau de la Chevre d'Or - Eze, France
3. Hollywood Renaissance (okay, I've stayed at hotels that are a lot more posh, but I loved the blue fish in the room - it really did add to my harmony and serenity - smile)
