Siem Reap is by and far the most visited location within Cambodia – and rightly so.  Not only is it the location of the famed temples of Angkor, but it is also home to vibrant nightlife, incredible cuisine, and all the action of a growing cultural destination.

When I decided to visit Siem Reap it was purely at a moments notice, and after scouring the internet for quite a few hours I decided to make my home base the Anantara Angkor Resort.  Having been to well over 500+ luxury hotels at this point I was unsure what to expect as Cambodia is still an evolving destination and as such its often hard to determine whether a resort will be on par with the caliber that is expected in more established locales.

Without having to skip to the end here – lets just say that my expectations were met and exceeded.

Lets start with the first thing I loved – the location.  Located less than TEN minutes from the airport, yet less than five minutes from the center of the city, the Anantara really couldn’t have been more locally situated.

The minute I grabbed my bags from the baggage carousel at the airport, a member of the hotel was there to escort and pick me up.  Upon arrival at the resort itself, I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see an old school Jeep parked in front of the resort.  Little throwback details like that are what still make me happy when I visit a new property.

The check in process is handled in the veranda of the exterior, and the service itself was 5-star in quality.  Welcome drinks along with a detailed explanation of the property along with staff already moving bags into the room before I was even handed the key made for a very simple and quick arrival process.

The property has two main areas, a grassy courtyard where three dining areas are located, and on the opposite side a large pool where most of the rooms are situated.

Lets start with the dining options – Even though Siem Reap is known for incredible Khmer Cuisine, the Anantara hotel itself is actually home to three options  – the first is a cooking experience (Yes, you can learn how to make Khmer cuisine with the chefs here), the second is an outdoor restaurant which is actually home to the number ONE ranked restaurant in Siem Reap (Chi), and the third is the main indoor restaurant which is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

The rooms themselves are gorgeous affairs, with wooden flooring, fantastically linened beds, and in my case, a suite with its own pool, outdoor shower, and dining table fit for a party of 8.  I spent a good part of the day between my private pool, the main pool, room service dining (about 3 times in as many hours), and just relaxing in the suite.

When it came to public spaces, I explored the property and was pleased to find that not only did they have a rooftop garden where all the herbs were grown for the on site restaurants, but that the spa was a gorgeous affair with stunning views of the main courtyard.

Overall, I was overwhelmingly surprised and excited by my stay here.  All the boxes were checked at this hotel.  Superb service with attention to tiny details like the way I liked my room service (with extra hot sauce!), concierge service that included a personalized tour of Angkor Wat avoiding most of the tourist trap areas, incredible location, and impeccably designed rooms that were modern, relaxing, and graciously local in feel.

If you’re going to Siem Reap, or visiting Angkor and all the surrounding cultural areas, you definitely can’t go wrong with the Anantara.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

Absolutely phenomenal, and close to everything you could need.  Not walking distance to the main town but close enough.

9/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

Attention to all the details was key here

9/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

This is a newer property, nothing at fault here, however the spa was in the middle of a renovation

9/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

As a smaller resort there were not a ton of public spaces, but with enough options of places to lounge around or relax in, this was a great hideout from the hustle and bustle of the city

8/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

Extremely attentive and kind staff, this was incredible.  Communication in English was incredibly easy

9/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

Amazing food, actually the best I had while in Siem Reap

10/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

Everything was attended to, including tours into the city, drivers and transportation, and even small details like cold towels for use during a hot day in Angkor Wat

10/10

TOTAL: 64/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• Modern yet true to the Khmer heritage
• Stunning suites that I didn’t want to leave
• Such kind and amazing staff, from the front office all the way to the wait staff

CONS:

• At this price point there really are none, just take my advice and stay here

SECRETS:

• Book your tours to Angkor through the Concierge, and also ask them about their special Jeep tours

Chances are you’ve heard of the Riviera Maya.  A stretch of rainforest and white sand beaches between Cancun and Tulum, this is the idyllic sort of place people dream of when they use the phrase “Relaxing on a beach somewhere…”.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first came to this hotel because usually when I think all-inclusive I imagine that corners are cut so that the resort can still make a profit.  Let me just start right here and say, I was VERY surprised (in a good way).

The minute you enter you notice the attention to detail and design.  The doormen help you to the check-in counter where you’re sat at one of the couches in the lobby and given a welcome drink and even asked what type of candle you’d like to choose for your room scent.  I was also shown the app (YES! An App!) for the hotel, which was by FAR the most full featured app I’ve ever seen for everything from ordering room service 24/7, to having your room cleaned or turned down WHENEVER you’d like, and even allowed you to request different TYPES of pillows according to your preference in sleeping position.  I was VERY pleasantly surprised and hesitant that something like this would work in operation but more on that later…

Now onto the property itself.  This place is a VERY large.  Lets list it out – Too many pools to count (including an Adult-only pool), a Mexican, Mediterranean, AND Sushi/Teppanyaki Restaurant, along with poolside tacos and a beach front cafe.  I honestly could have spent an entire week without feeling like I was at a lack of things to do and eat.  Speaking of – it just so happened that it rained for a bit of my stay, but that didn’t ruin a single thing.  They had live music, a nightclub within the resort, TOP-SHELF liquor at the bars, and every room contains an outdoor hottub or direct access to a plunge pool.

Lets get to the food and drinks.  This is one of the biggest problems I have with all-inclusive resorts – they skimp on the quality.  Not here – as an avid “Foodie” and a food writer I have to say the quality of the dishes and selection at this resort was simply outstanding!  Particularly delicious were the poolside tacos along with the incredible Mediterranean inspired kitchen and the breakfast pastries in the main lobby’s coffee shop (yes, all you can drink coffee and pastries – highly dangerous here).

Of course, the room itself is itself enough to write an entire article about.  The interior is modern yet homey with just the right hints of stone and wood, and everything from the locally sourced soap, to the Mexican candy and all you can eat snacks were icing on the cake.

Now if you decide to leave the property (Which I highly encourage doing), they have an incredibly helpful concierge and booking service.  Through them we got locals type tours of Cenote’s (cave swimming holes), and of the local ruins of Tulum.  Seeing as how the resort is ideally located Tulum is only 25 minutes away so this is sort of the perfect place to stay without being in the hustle of the city and being able to enjoy Resort life AND Tulum life.

It is truly rare that I find something that I enjoy so fully, especially in the all-inclusive category, something is usually found wrong, whether its quality of the rooms, quality of the food, or somewhere that the property decides to cut corners on, but with UNICO, I really couldn’t find fault.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

On its own private beach, not too far from the airport, and close enough to local sights like Tulum

10/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

The app really kills it here.  They are on top of their game and its a very new property at time of writing (September 2018)

10/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Still a relatively new property, nothing at fault here

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

The Gym is one of the most full featured ones including even a yoga room.  The spa was on par with any 5-star resort, and with restaurants and bars galore along with unique spaces to just relax and read a book or just have a drink, this was high up there.

9/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

Staff were attentive and easy to speak to, concierge was great.  No personal butler here but at this price point it was incredible service.

8/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

One of the best perks of this place, the quality of food and service.

9/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

Lovely concierge service with great local suggestions

8/10

TOTAL: 64/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• Modern, refined, All-Inclusive
• Every room is a great room here with either an outdoor tub or a plunge pool
• Attention to detail with the easy to use App really made this place incredible

CONS:

• At this price point there really are none

SECRETS:

• Don’t stay in Tulum.  Although the hotels there have lots of their unique qualities, if you want a full service resort but want to explore Tulum on the side THIS is the place to go.  d

Budapest, a burgeoning city in the heart of Hungary, has long been one of my favorite destinations in Central Europe.  There are a plethora of options when it comes to luxury hotels in this city, especially with its growing popularity as a tourist destination amongst travelers from around the world.  I came across the Hotel Prestige through the app Hotel Tonight, but ended up staying an extra few days because of how much I loved the property and staff!

The hotel itself is nondescript from the outside, with just an overhead sign and two members of staff to greet you at the front door.  However, the minute you walk through the two sets of double doors you are greeted by the lobby right in the center of the hotel’s atrium, with a stunning chandelier hung from the ceiling 6 stories up.

This is definitely a boutique hotel, so don’t expect a ton of public spaces or a large property, but do expect a high level of refinement and service similar to what you’d expect at any five star hotel chain.  The concierge here was particularly helpful, setting up a house car for a day of sightseeing around Budapest, and the location of the hotel was bar none, being within walking distance to many high end restaurants, museums, and the famous ferris wheel.

English was spoken by all the staff, and requests for things such as extra water, toothbrushes, and other items to the room were handled in an efficient and kind manner.

One of my favorite aspects of this hotel was the bar and restaurant located in the lobby.  Costes Downtown is a one michelin star spot, one of the best in Budapest, and not only did they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but they also had a mixologist on staff during all restaurant hours.  The environment was cozy, relaxing, and fun.

The rooms at the hotel were incredibly well laid out with high ceilings, beautiful wood floors that added to their warmth, and great sound insulation and modern showers and bathrooms.  Visiting Budapest near the end of Fall was a colder experience than normal and being at the Prestige Hotel really added to the trip as whenever I got back into my room I just wanted to relax and be coddled.

Overall, there are certainly larger hotels with a greater multitude of facilities, but if you’re looking for new modern rooms, impeccable service, a nice restaurant, and great location, you can’t go wrong with the Hotel Prestige.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

10/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

Maid service was great every single day

10/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Still a relatively new property, it is being kept in tip top shape

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

Unfortunately the gym was a bit lacking ,and the spa small, but as a boutique hotel sometimes space can be an issue

5/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

Staff were attentive and great to speak to, however the lack of 24/7 room service is something to be aware of.  Not a big deal for most people though.

9/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

The one restaurant that is on-site – Costes Downtown, is one of THE best restaurants in Budapest, however the selection of food may be considered a bit limited to some patrons

7/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

Every member of the hotel was essentially a concierge, giving great suggestions

9/10

TOTAL: 60/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• Modern with a bit of classic
• Exceptionally new and well mainainted
• Staff was wonderful

CONS:

• Could use more dining options and maybe more public spaces

SECRETS:

• This place is luxury at a great deal

When people think of the Maldives, what usually comes to mind is clear turquoise water, undisturbed coral reefs, white sand beaches, and the ultimate in relaxation.  Well, that’s pretty much what I experienced while staying at the Conrad on Rangali island.

For those of you who have not experienced the Maldives, it’s quite a unique destination in that it’s hundreds of miles from the nearest continent, and is composed of over 1000+ islands that span 115 square miles which makes it kind of a trek to get there. Most flights into the country will originate from the Middle East or Southeast Asia.  Once you’ve arrived in Male, where the main airport resides on a small strip of land that resembles an island aircraft carrier, you are then bussed to one of dozens of local hotel lounges where you’ll await your next ride (on a seaplane) to your resort.

Luckily, the Conrad has perfected most of this journey and made it as simple and luxurious as possible.  The minute you exit the baggage claim area of Male, a greeter picks you up and takes you in a wifi equipped van to the Conrad lounge. Here they offer you a variety of hot and cold beverages along with some simple snacks and even a shower (should you need to refresh from a long flight).

The seaplane ride to Rangali is a bit longer than to some of the other island resorts, but at only 5000 feet the view from the Seaplane of the clear ocean below is mostly serene and breathtaking.

Once you arrive at the Resort, you pull up to a dock where your luggage is quickly ushered to your room and you are checked in.  The resort itself is set on two islands, each about a mile long.  Both of the islands have their own pools, restaurants, and even spas, but the main one has a few more facilities and also the gym.  Although this was one of my only Maldives experiences, after speaking to the staff I was told that Rangali was one of the larger resorts with more space.  This proved to be a blessing as it gave me more to do an explore during my stay at the Conrad.

For my particular stay, I was given an overwater bungalow, complete with a clear bottom floor and my own private infinity pool overlooking an endless ocean vista.  The rooms themselves are immaculately kept, and for the most part the theme of the room was tropical.  The balcony was probably my favorite feature, with a large window open to the ocean.  Each villa has a set of walls that surround the residence beyond the balcony in order to facilitate an extra layer of privacy and this was welcome as I noticed many other resorts in the Maldives did not have this feature.

I mentioned it previously, but I have to mention it again, this is a VERY large resort.  To get from one island to another you can take the ferry which runs every few minutes and takes about 10 minutes in total, or you can call a “buggy”, which is essentially a golf cart.  Of course you could walk the length of either island and over the bridge but at 2 miles in total it’s definitely a stroll.  The beauty of all of this, though, is that along the way all you have are palm trees and secluded beaches, and it isn’t hard to find your own little private stretch at this resort.  I’ve heard stories of other resorts being smaller and as a result much more crowded and that’s never an issue here.

My favorite part of the property was the spa.  The spa itself is a massive complex, with its own health-conscious restaurant, and each treatment room is overwater with its own outdoor bathtub, adding to the overall experience of relaxation and serenity.

Another incredibly unique feature at this hotel is the undersea restaurant.  There’s only one other Maldives resort that has something similar, and it is the Hurawalhi (also a nice resort but much smaller).  Although a few of the restaurants at this hotel are not part of the “all-inclusive” resort price, they are worth spending the money to discover because the experience is so unique.  I had the chance to eat at each of the restaurants and the inclusive buffet, and I must say that the cuisine at a few of the restaurants was particularly exquisite, while a few experiences did lack in food quality.  This is something that apparently is under constant change so your experience may differ once you visit Rangali.  My recommendation is to try the Tepan-Yaki experience at Koko Grill, and the Chinese dining experience at UFAA.  Both of those were top notch and I would gladly pay to eat at either again.

After my entire experience at Rangali, I can wholeheartedly recommend a visit.  With just a few things lacking, such as the cuisine at a couple of the restaurants, there isn’t much to spoil a vacation in paradise.  Between the stunning views, secluded beaches, incredibly attentive service, and white glove treatment from arrival to departure – a visit to Conrad Rangali will leave you in smiles wanting to visit again!

Sri Lanka is a land of many things, from gorgeous beaches, to abundant rainforests, to bustling cities, its a fairly sizable island that shares just as much with South Asia as it does with it’s Eastern neighbors.  After spending time at most of the major tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, and feeling a bit run down from sightseeing, I found myself needing what one might call a “vacation from the vacation”.  I found just that at Tri Lanka.

The Tri Lanka is a boutique hotel, with 11 Villas and a very personal touch.  The property is set far back from the main road on the precipice of Koggala Lake, and was built by Photographer Rob Drummond.  Rob’s background shows everywhere, as the property has a certain je ne sais quoi about it.  Everywhere you look, the combination of modern architecture set against the organic background creates a feeling of tranquility and awe.  I was told that many parts of the hotel were built around the “golden ratio” which is a mathematical formulae that can be applied to architecture to create aesthetically pleasing results.  The outcome, in layman’s terms, is a subconscious calming effect, as if nothing is out of place.  There’s also a feeling of tranquility as a result of the golden rule & golden ratio.  As a guest, it was something different and new, as I thought I had seen it all after staying in over 300+ hotels.

The infinity pool looks out over the lake and is the perfect place to relax with a book and a drink

Although a small property, everything here was what you would come to expect from a full service 5-star chain hotel. Meals were delicious and catered to your personal food preferences, the maid and turn down service was impeccable, and the property offered many local activities including a guided bicycle ride around the neighboring forest, romantic boat rides across the lake, and spa/fitness classes with seasonal menus.

It tasted as good as it looks.

My favorite parts of this property, however, were the public spaces.  There’s a library that is open 24/7 that overlooks the lake – the perfect place to lose track of time and read a book or just relax, an infinity pool with gorgeous vistas where I spent hours at, and a water tower replete with a rooftop honor bar and 360 degree vistas.  There was obviously a lot of thought placed into developing this property, and I would say of all of the properties that are available in Sri Lanka this one was the most modern of them all.  It would be a shame to visit Sri Lanka and miss out at an experience at Tri Lanka.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

9/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

Not a single thing out of place here.

10/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Still a relatively new property, it is being kept in tip top shape

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

This hotel has so many spaces to explore for what is essentially a boutique property.  Also with only 11 rooms there’s no shortage of peace and quiet.

10/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

Staff were attentive and great to speak to, however the lack of 24/7 room service is something to be aware of.  Not a big deal for most people though.

9/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

The food was incredible and their attention to food preferences or allergies was impressive.  The staff was attentive enough to notice items you ate more or less of and catered every meal to that preference.

9/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

Every member of the hotel was essentially a concierge, giving great suggestions

10/10

TOTAL: 67/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• The setting is stunning
• The use of the “golden ratio” to build the property made this an experience in itself
• Absolutely tranquil and serene

CONS:

• Only recommendation would be some in-room dining options or a refrigerator for the late night munchies.

SECRETS:

• This place books up quickly so be sure to plan accordingly!

The Four Seasons in Johannesburg is a unique property, built into a hillside right in the middle of Johannesburg, and ripe with colonial inspired architecture. As a newly remodeled property (as of this writing in 2017), it is absolutely gorgeous, and is very much in line with other top Four Seasons properties throughout the world.

Nestled into the side of a hill, this expansive property does not fail to impress
My stay here was just for one night, and if you are in South Africa for one of the famed safaris, this should be your preferred hotel while you’re waiting for transfer to your next destination.

Johannesburg is a bustling city, and unfortunately, it also has one of the highest crime rates in South Africa, and in the world. This shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting, but it should be of concern when selecting a property.

When you enter, you’ll notice that there is armed security at the front entrance of the hotel, and diligent staff ensuring the safety of the premises. Once you are inside the gates, the hotel amazes at once.

The hotel is a large complex, and it spans multiple buildings in the side of the Westcliff hills, encompassing two pools, a massive spa complex, and rooms with some incredible views of the surrounding city.

My single most favorite part of this property was the spa, which I spent half a day at

The rooms are classically Four Seasons, luxurious and modern but with refined touches that will age well. Nothing was amiss in my room, and the bed was especially comfortable (dare I say, more so than any other Four Seasons bed i’ve slept in!).

I loved the newly decorated rooms and enjoyed an amazing night of rest here!

At the top of the hill is the premier restaurant on the property – Flames – which offers stunning views, and some pretty awesome local cuisine.

Flames restaurant has impressive decor, amazing views, and delicious cuisine
I had the pleasure of both dining there for brunch and dinner, and am happy to report that it is definitely the place to eat at if you’re staying here.

There is a lot to like about this property, including the welcoming and warm staff, the impressive spa, and the beauty of the gardens and architecture. If I were to visit Johannesburg again, transit or otherwise, I wouldn’t think twice about staying at the Four Seasons here!

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?)

It’s right in the center of Johannesburg, so if you’re looking to get around town, it doesn’t get any closer

10/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean? How good is maid service here?)

Extremely well put together, and very well maintained

9/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Just remodeled, this is the time to come to this new property!

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

Great public spaces including a hillside terrace, rose gardens, multiple pools, and relaxation spaces

9/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

Wonderful service, representative of Four Seasons

9/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

Great food on site, I highly recommend the in room dining as well!

8/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

The concierge service did a great job helping me handle some personal errands including shipping packages back to the US

10/10

TOTAL: 65/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

Lovely spa spaces
Just remodeled!
The views from Flame restaurant are outstanding
CONS:

It is sort of tough to get up the hill unless you can find a golf cart to take you, but just consider it the exercise!
SECRETS:

Be sure to check out the free spa relaxation area near the gym

The Four Seasons in Singapore is not the newest hotel, nor is it in the famed “Raffles” district of the tiny city-state, but after a quick stay at this property, I realized that none of that matters.

For a property that is over 10 years old, the Four Seasons in Singapore is in impeccably great condition.  There is a great attention to detail in keeping everything clean and well-maintained, from furniture that looks like it was just installed this last year, to bathrooms that have been re-grouted to keep up their appearance, I was very surprised that this property looked and felt like it was just built.

Furthermore, with staff that were incredibly attentive and polished, I can’t help but recommend the Four Seasons to anyone looking to spend a little time in Singapore.

Oh, and the issue of location?  Well the city is so small, that honestly it doesn’t matter where you stay, because you’ll  be only a few minutes ride away from where you’re trying to go.

The hotel itself has one exceptionally nice feature, which is the rooftop pool.  I personally didn’t get to spend much time here, but watching the sun set over the city from this vantage point was a highlight of being at this property.

The rooms themselves are large and luxuriously appointed, and as per usual, the bed was incredibly comfortable.  The colors and decor are nothing that will blow your socks away, but what the rooms lack in singleness they make up for in luxuriousness.

I would recommend spending some time in the lobby bar, because that is probably my second favorite space in this property next to the rooftop pool.  It is a well put together space, and in a city like Singapore where business is being done everywhere, this is one of those bars you would want to spend some time in while either 1.dealmaking or 2.relaxing.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

It’s not next to some of the major hawker markets or raffles, or the gardens, but Singapore is small so it’s not out of the way either

7/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

Not a single thing out of place here.

9/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

For being a property over a decade old, this Four Seasons has been kept in tip top shape

9/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

Not a lot of them, but the few that are there are great places to spend time in

8/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

From in-room check in to personalized greetings for every guest, along with very well trained local staff, I couldn’t have asked for more

9/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

The food was incredible, but Singapore has such great food everywhere that it’s hard to just recommend someone eat at the hotel

7/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

The concierge service was impeccable

10/10

TOTAL: 55/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• Great rooftop pool
• Well maintained
• Service was impeccable

CONS:

• The hotel needs some updating, not that it looks worn in because it doesn’t, but because it’s getting a little long in the tooth

SECRETS:

• This hotel has a light breakfast service in the pool area that is free for guests.  Be sure to take advantage of it!

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA:

Check out the Singapore in 24 hours guide!

This was my second experience at a Ritz Reserve, with the first being at the Dorado Beach Property.  If you’re not familiar with the Reserve chain, it is the top tier of hotels within the Ritz-Carlton family, with only three current offerings, and a handful more in the works.  The Ritz Reserve Mandapa is special, however, in that it is the first property in the Reserve line to be built entirely from scratch.

Let me start by saying, there is NOTHING average or normal about this property.  One immediately notices something special is going on when they enter the 5.5 acre Reserve.  It’s hidden in a 300 ft long alleyway behind some nondescript businesses and a temple.

Once you reach the end of the alley, you’re greeted by two guards who greet you with smiles and open the gates to, what I would call, one of the most beautiful resort properties that has ever been built.  The small alley opens up to a wide courtyard, and a beautiful lobby suspended over the Mandapa valley, overlooking the valley forest and Ayung river below (which the staff told me is the longest running river in Bali).

Every Ritz-Reserve has less than 100 rooms, and this one is no exception.  This means that service is at a premium beyond anything you’d normally experience at even your top 5-star resort.  Upon checking in you’re introduced to your butler and personal concierge.  Any wish desired is taken care of immediately.  The attentiveness to perfection is so beyond any expectation that it only takes a few minutes before you begin to realize just how special the property is.

Golf carts take you everywhere, and the staff are there to assist you with a ride, often anticipating where you’ll go next!  I believe that this is the true difference between the Ritz-Reserve properties and other resorts, the service is not just responsive, but proactive.  Combine this with the kind spirit of the Balinese people, and you have some of the most top notch hospitality i’ve ever experienced.

The rooms are split evenly between villas on the river’s edge, and large suites on the upper floors.  They are all BEAUTIFULLY appointed with custom finishes, high ceiling roofs, and luxurious amenities.  The devil is in the details here, the toilets are high end electronic bidets which open and close for you with the help of motion sensors, while the individual sinks are hand carved teak bowls which are re-varnished after every stay.  No expense was spared in the development of this Mandapa resort, and it truly shows.

I did not get a chance to visit one of the restaurants at the resort (Kubu), which happens to be the #1 ranked restaurant (at the time of this writing in March 2017), but it sits right at the river’s edge.  Sawah Terrace served incredibly fresh and local cuisine for breakfast and dinner, while the library served some of the most refreshing libations i’ve experienced in my travels.

Rounding out the experience was a multitude of experiences in and around the property, from an educational tour of the rice fields right in the middle of Mandapa, to personalized cultural events that the hotel changed on a seasonal basis.

Of the hundreds of luxury hotels that i’ve had the pleasure of staying at, the Ritz-Reserve in Mandapa ranks near the very top.  Kudos to the chain and all the staff for making this hotel an experience to remember.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

Ubud is a great city if you’re looking for something more low key than nearby Seminyak, and you want to experience the rainforest and lush rice fields.  This resort is set right in the middle of the city, but hidden in its own valley

10/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

Not a single thing out of place here.

10/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Still a relatively new property, it is being kept in tip top shape

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

This hotel has so many spaces to explore and is set in such a serene and beautiful setting that it doesn’t get much better

10/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

From in-room check in to personalized greetings for every guest, along with very well trained local staff, I couldn’t have asked for more

10/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

The food was incredible, but the menu could have offered just a little more variety at the pool area.  However, it was still well above and beyond.

8/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

The concierge service was stunning here, all Reserves assign a butler to each guest, and they really do look after you.  For example, the minute I was done with breakfast, they knew I needed to get to the lobby to take a car into the city, and had everything from the golf cart to the driver arranged without my even asking.

10/10

TOTAL: 68/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• The setting is surreal its so beautiful
• The service at a Reserve is beyond reproach
• The rooms are absolutely stunning in build quality

CONS:

• Only recommendation would be a revamp of the menu at the pool, or the addition of a few more items

SECRETS:

• Do take the time to make a reservation ahead of time with the concierge before you arrive, so that you can eat at Kubu, and so that you can plan for some of the local cultural events held by the hotel

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA:

Check out the Ubud guide!

Ok, so saying that a hotel is the best in the world is sort of like saying “Pizza is the best food in the world”.  However, if there was a list of top properties this one would definitely make the cut.

The first part that we’ll have to get out of the way, is that the Ritz in HK is indeed the tallest hotel in the world, occupying the 102nd to the 108th floor of the ICC building on the Kowloon side of the city.  As such, the views you get are completely superior to almost any other building or establishment in the city of Hong Kong.  Combine this with the fact that the hotel is on the Kowloon side, and you end up seeing the gorgeous Hong Kong side skyline (which is world famous and rightfully so).

To get to the hotel, you start with an elevator ride from the lobby.  Staff are there to assist you and it’s rare that you even have to push the “up” button for the elevator banks.  When the Ritz says that they’re a full service hotel, they really mean it here.  Once you’re up in the main lobby you have the option of going up to the rooftop bar, or taking a separate bank of elevators to your room.

The rooms themselves are incredibly well put together, with impeccably beautiful furniture, and small luxurious touches such as ipods with custom playlists pre-loaded for the guests.  These are the things that make a hotel experience that much better, and really show off the attentiveness of a property.

I should mention that there are some incredible restaurants in the main lobby.  The staff calls it the “360 degrees” of dining.  This is because there’s multiple restaurants on all sides of the 102nd floor, including TWO 2-Michelin star restaurants, a caviar bar, and an incredible breakfast/lunch/dinner buffet restaurant.  I had the pleasure of dining at Tin Lung Heen which I highly recommend trying out – it’s elevated Cantonese cuisine.  Cafe 103 serves daily buffets for all three meals, and frankly speaking – it’s one of the best buffets i’ve been to – where they don’t cut corners just to give you more variety.  Between all the restaurants, the pool and hottub on the top story, and the Ozone bar also on the rooftop of the property, you can more or less stay in the hotel all day and not have to leave.

And that is where I have to admit – that this property was so nice that at times it made me not want to leave.  Don’t get me wrong, Hong Kong is such an incredible city, full of vibrant life, cuisine, and culture.  However, you know you’re staying at a near perfect property when you make excuses to stay just a little bit longer.

If you’re staying in Hong Kong there are a LOT of luxurious hotel choices, but you’d be making a mistake if you didn’t spend at least one of your nights at the Ritz-Carlton.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

Mong Kok is nearby, but if you want to go to Hong Kong side it’s only a short cab or MTA ride away

9/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

When the maid service noticed I had left the “busy” sign up but thought I was out of the room, they went as far as emailing me to ask if I needed service

10/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Still a relatively new property, it is being kept in tip top shape

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

Stunning property, with the added advantage of being so high up that the views are incredible from every public space available, including the club lounge, the pool, and all of the restaurants

10/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

From in-room check in to personalized greetings for every guest, this Ritz-Carlton is being run like a VERY tight ship

10/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

It’s tough competition in Hong Kong, but the restaurants on site left almost nothing wanting.  Only 1 point deducted for the price

9/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

Other than some minor language gaps, the concierge service was accommodating and extremely helpful.  They planned my short trip in Hong Kong perfectly.

9/10

TOTAL: 67/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• The views are absolutely breathtaking
• The restaurants at the establishment cannot be beat
• The service is top notch and impeccable

CONS:

• This is really nitpicking, but it does take two elevators to get to your room – however they make it as seamless as possible, and come on – you’re in the tallest hotel in the world!

SECRETS:

• Do take the time to make a reservation ahead of time for the restaurants on property as they get booked up VERY quickly

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA:

Check out the Hong Kong guide!

Every now and then there’s a boutique hotel that surprises me.  The Redbury in Hollywood is one of those hotels.

The Redbury is located in the heart of Hollywood.  You would choose this hotel because of its location, but upon staying you’d realize you had also found a little gem.

The lobby of the hotel is split between the bottom floor and the second floor.  The look is moody, dark, and sensual.  The 70’s-style-meets-dutch-manor is unique and luxurious but unpretentious.

The check-in process mimics that of a small boutique, there’s a single check-in desk where you’re given your keys and whisked away to one of a few unique suites.  There was a lot of dedication to details in the guest rooms.  They have poles (which you are free to hang from), working record players with lots of groovy jams, and in some of the rooms – great balconies which overlook the busy Hollywood scene just outside.

There’s something different about the decor, which even goes as far as using linoleum floors, but combining it with distressed leather couches and artwork befitting of an exhibition at Art Basel.

The public spaces on the second floor, and the restaurant Cleo round out the property.  There’s plenty of lounging to do at the hotel lobby bar, and the outdoor patio enclosed by the building is a great way to spend some quality time in the (usually) beautiful Los Angeles weather.

If you’re looking for a quaint little hotel in the heart of Hollywood, the Redbury is your place.

– RATING –

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?)

9/10

–Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

8/10

–Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

8/10

–Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

7/10

Soft Product:

–Service (How good is the service here?)

8/10

–Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

10/10

–Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

8/10

TOTAL: 58/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• It’s got style in spades
• The restaurant within the hotel is incredible for Mediterranean cuisine
• Prices are usually very competitive for some large rooms

CONS:

• It’s a small boutique hotel, so don’t expect a ton of offerings outside of the room, a restaurant, and a nice bar

SECRETS:

• Ask for an exterior facing room, or you might be left with one facing a literal brick wall (of the neighboring buildings)

New York, the city that never sleeps, the Big Apple, the capital of the world.  The metropolis that many consider to be the premier urban center of the US is one of the greatest places to stay, not only because of the cornucopia of activities, but because of the diverse range of hotels available.

I’ve stayed at about a dozen properties just in New York alone over the years, but one of that I keep on coming back to because of its location and simplicity is the Sixty LES (formerly known as the Thompson LES).

Now my general rule about finding a hotel in New York is that it’s all about neighborhood.  You first choose where you want to spend the majority of your time, and then you figure out where to stay based on that.  I just so happen to love downtown Manhattan.  The neighborhood bodegas, the small corner stores, and the patchwork of buildings that resembles a “Where’s Waldo” picture makes me happy.

The Sixty LES is situated in an ideal corner of lower Manhattan, right on the corner of Allen and Houston (pronounced How-Sten for all you locals).  It’s contemporary, simplistic, and oozes of style.  Keep in mind, this is not your regular luxury hotel, this is hip, young, and edgy.

The rooms are bare concrete, and some might argue that it feels a bit cold, but here in lower manhattan, it just feels right.  The lightboxes above the beds feature the work of Lee-Friedlander, and the bathrooms are just plain cool looking.

Many of the rooms have views as well, which is tough to find in Manhattan given that every other building is just as tall as the one you’re in.  However, in lower Manhattan, the height of the Sixty LES helps it rise above the neighborhood.  The property takes full advantage of this benefit through the rooftop patio, named Tiki Tabu.  During the summer months it’s open to the outside, where you can lounge on the grass patio while sipping on a tropical drink.

Overall, this is a great place to stay and the neighborhood could keep you occupied for hours.  So if you’re looking for a downtown Manhattan spot right in the middle of hipster central, then the Sixty LES is calling your name.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?)

10/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

8/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

8/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

9/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

8/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

9/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

7/10

TOTAL: 59/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• Wonderful location if you enjoy the neighborhood of lower manhattan
• Interior decor is really unique and contemporary

CONS:

• Could use a bit more upkeep, rooms seem to get a lot of use

SECRETS:

• This hotel has many different room types.  Ask for a cheap upgrade once you get there and are checking in.  More likely than not they can accommodate you.

Aspen is one of those fabled ski destinations that every snow aficionado yearns to visit at least once in their lifetime.  Home to legendary Ajax mountain (Aspen), along with Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass, it’s a historic town with both history and character by the spades.  There’s only a few luxurious accommodations that you can actually rent here (if you don’t count the numerous multi-million dollar mansions scattered throughout the slope-sides).  One of the only ones that ranks high on the luxury list, yet offers the amenities and laissez-faire attitude of a rental condominium unit – is the Gant.

A simple property located just on the edge of town, the Gant Aspen possesses three tiers of condos for rent.  All three are plenty fine accommodations but if you want modern, definitely go for the Premier.

Differences in materials aside, all of the units have real fireplaces, full kitchens, and all the amenities you would want in a ski-worthy condominium.  That includes a washer/dryer in most units, a heated room for you ski gear, and great living room spaces to relax and spend some quality apres-ski time in.

The property also just underwent a $5 million renovation in its common area building, which houses a full gym, a small restaurant and bar, and a lovely fireplace and sitting area for when you need to rest those sore legs from a day of hitting the slopes.  In the summer a rooftop terrace houses another bar and hosts live events.

There’s a few qualities which I especially loved about this property.  One, the service was impeccable.  Everyone who worked there knew you by name, things were delivered in a timely manner when requested, and of course there was the ever omnipresent Gant shuttles.  You see, Aspen is a decent sized town, and sometimes when it’s 5 degrees out you really don’t want to walk too far.  The Gant Shuttles run from morning until 11PM and they will pick you up from anywhere in town and will even take you to the airport.  More surprisingly, I never had to wait more than five minutes at any point for a shuttle.  This was by far one of the most impressive features of the property.

Although this isn’t a full service resort (no room service), it is certainly a full-service condominium property.  Maid service was on par with what i’ve experienced at most five-star resorts, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and recommend this as one of the top properties to stay at when visiting Aspen/Snowmass.

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?)

10/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

9/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

9/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

8/10

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

8/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

5/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

9/10

TOTAL: 58/70

(35/70 is average)

PROS:

• Incredibly polite and efficient service
• Maid service was impeccable
• Units were in great shape

CONS:

• Although not a truly full service hotel, it would’ve been nice to have had a full service restaurant on site

SECRETS:

• Be sure to opt for an upgraded suite if you want something more modern