Hotels
Great hotels are more than the sum of their amenities. Those that make lasting memories also rely on the personal touch -- your favorite fruit in the room, your preferred newspaper with your morning coffee, and an of-course attitude on the part of the concierge. Celebrated Living readers selected -- and salute -- the following properties as the very best hotels. -- ELAINE GLUSAC
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TOP 20 MAINLAND U.S.
1 JW MARRIOTT CAMELBACK INN RESORT & SPA, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
In the wake of a major $45 million renovation, Camelback takes the lead among U.S. hotels. Readers rave about the new BLT Steak restaurant, the restoration of the original adobe brick lobby, and the new fire-lit outdoor lounge, ideal for cocktails under the stars. (888) 772-5809, camelbackinn.com
2 THE BROADMOOR, COLORADO SPRINGS
Proving classic and contemporary mix, the Broadmoor boasts new fairway-fronting cottages, newly resurfaced tennis courts, and music-emitting massage tables in the spa. (800) 634-7711, broadmoor.com
3 HOTEL DEL CORONADO, SAN DIEGO
This Victorian beachfront icon invested with a fresh $150 million surges onto the list with new residential-style villas and cottages featuring fireplaces, spa-style baths, and deluxe entertainment systems. (800) 468-3533, hoteldel.com
4 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CHICAGO
Extensive redecorating of this luxury hotel by Pierre-Yves Rochon now extends to the party ballroom adjoined by a new bridal lounge. (800) 332-3442, fourseasons.com/chicagofs
5 THE WALDORF ASTORIA, NEW YORK
A Guerlain Spa checks in to New York’s art-deco landmark on the 19th floor with expert skin care and panoramic Manhattan views. (800) 925-3673, waldorf.com
6 FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND CLUB DALLAS AT LAS COLINAS (tie)
A two-year, $60 million project included a new sports bar, family pool, and tennis show-court. Plus, this summer, check out the new sports club villas. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/dallas
6 THE PENINSULA CHICAGO (tie)
By midsummer, expect refurbished rooms to include plasma TVs and iPod docking stations. European meets Asian spa philosophies in multiple- treatment “ceremonies” from ESPA. (866) 288-8889, peninsula.com
8 THE PHOENICIAN, SCOTTSDALE
Delicious enticements in the desert include a new steakhouse from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. A new audio art tour examines the resort’s $25 million collection. (800) 888-8234, thephoenician.com
9 MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI
Do good while living well by participating in the Mandarin Miami’s “voluntourism” tree-planting and recycling in nearby Everglades National Park. (866) 888-6780, mandarinoriental.com/Miami
10 ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK, DALLAS
Two new fireplaces on The Mansion’s Terrace lounge have created a casual-chic dining hot spot at this A-list entry. (800) 527-5432, mansiononturtlecreek.com
11 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW YORK
The famed Midtown power lodger aims to offer a new lobby dinner concept later this year. Meanwhile, fans content themselves with L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/newyork
12 BILTMORE, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
Cook alongside resort chefs in the new Biltmore Culinary Academy. Improve your golf stroke using a 3-D analysis with the just-launched golf performance program. (800) 727-1926, biltmorehotel.com
13 ST. REGIS MONARCH BEACH RESORT, DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA
Locals and hotel guests queue up for Kate Somerville facials in the spa. A new Spa Café might extend their stay. (866) 242-3391, stregismb.com
14 MANDARIN ORIENTAL, NEW YORK
To celebrate five years in New York, the Mandarin is offering half-off premier suite stays of three days throughout the summer. (866) 801-8880, mandarinoriental.com/newyork
15 BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS
Flat-screen TVs, updated armoires, and new fabrics will check in to all rooms by year end. New in-room spa treatments aim to soothe the sleep-deprived. (800) 283-8885, beverlyhillshotel.com
16 AUBERGE DU SOLEIL, RUTHERFORD, CALIFORNIA
A water course of baths and steams now preps you for spa treatments. Later, dine under a private pavilion amid the olive groves. (800) 348-5406, aubergedusoleil.com
17 OMNI LA MANSIÓN DEL RIO, SAN ANTONIO
La Mansión’s Las Canarias restaurant boosts its appeal under recently appointed executive chef John Brand, who dishes Texas Hill Country chow. (888) 444-6664, omnilamansion.com
18 THE PLAZA, NEW YORK
After three years and $400 million, the iconic New Yorker has turned debutante, with 282 rooms and suites, Champagne Bar, Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa, Warren-Tricomi Salon, and the Radu Fitness Centre. (888) 850-0909, fairmont.com/theplaza
19 THE RITZ-CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO
Keeping pace with today’s palates, small bites from head chef Ron Siegel and a 111-item half-bottle menu raise the bar fare. (800) 241-3333, ritzcarlton.com
20 THE ST. REGIS, NEW YORK
Interior designer Richard Mishaan recently redesigned the Presidential Suite to evoke a Manhattan pied-à-terre with quintessential Central Park views. (888) 625-5144, stregis.com/newyork
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TOP 10 HAWAII
 1 RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA, MAUI
Repeat champ Ritz Kapalua continually reinvents. Since its $180 million reopening, the resort added a program from environmentalist Jean- Michel Cousteau and opened a spa featuring whirlpools in volcanic grottos and a taro garden plus indoor/ outdoor lounge areas. (800) 241-3333, ritzcarlton.com
2 FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI AT WAILEA
Say aloha to gemstone spa treatments, an upcoming third pool with a swim-up bar, and cabanas wired with HDTVs and Internet access. (808) 874-8000, fourseasons.com/maui
3 GRAND WAILEA RESORT HOTEL & SPA, MAUI
Updates everywhere: in the rooms (new décor, flat-screens, Hawaiian artwork), at the pools (retiling and refreshing), and at the gym (new fitness equipment). (800) 232-4604, grandwailea.com
4 JW MARRIOTT IHILANI RESORT & SPA, OAHU
Souvenirs from paradise: the Ihilani’s new beauty line based on the indigenous mountain apple. Experience it on-site in spa body scrubs and nail services. (800) 626-4446, ihilani.com
5 GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT AND SPA
Seek sanctuary in the resort’s new garden spa area. Solar panels atop employee parking ingeniously energize the resort. (800) 554-9288, kauai.hyatt.com
6 PRINCEVILLE RESORT, KAUAI
In July, the Princeville will bow as the St. Regis Princeville Resort with an island- luxe look, a restaurant from Jean- Georges Vongerichten, and a new spa. (877) 787-3447, stregisprinceville.com
7 HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT AND SPA
You’ll never want to take your eyes off the beautiful sea while dining at the new Umalu restaurant or visiting Spa Moana. Get out on the water via just-launched luxury catamaran sailings. (800) 633-7313, maui.hyatt.com
8 FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI
New residentially styled suites with steam showers and a soon-to-open spa garden with a walk-through stream win this Big Islander big love. (888) 340-5662, fourseasons.com/hualalai
9 HALEKULANI, OAHU
Boosting Waikiki’s best, The Orchid Suite now supplies spa treatments and interactive cooking lessons with chefs in an oceanfront abode, plus a luxury car is available for getaways. (800) 367-2343, halekulani.com
10 KAUAI MARRIOTT RESORT & BEACH CLUB
Snorkel the Napali Coast, zip-line through a rain forest, or ride a horse to a waterfall in the latest eco-adventures offered through the resort. (800) 220-2925, kauaimarriott.com
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TOP 5 U.S. CASINO RESORTS
 1 BELLAGIO, LAS VEGAS
Winner of Celebrated Living’s debut best gaming hotels category, Bellagio now welcomes suite guests with a limo at the airport and a private registration lounge at the resort. In the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, exhibits include Lichtensteins and Warhols. (888) 987-6667, bellagio.com
2 WYNN LAS VEGAS
The Wynn checks in with a just-opened companion resort next door. Encore hosts sunlit corridors and indoor gardens, a steakhouse filled with Fernando Botero artwork, a 37-treatment-room spa, cabana-fringed pools, and more than 2,000 spacious suites. (877) 321-9966, wynnlasvegas.com
3 THE VENETIAN RESORT - HOTEL-CASINO, LAS VEGAS
New at the Venetian: Restaurant Charlie Trotter (newly Michelin-starred), SushiSamba, Lavo Restaurant and Nightclub, and David Spade on stage. (877) 857-1861, venetian.com
4 MANDALAY BAY, LAS VEGAS
In May, The Lion King becomes the resort’s new permanent show. Cocktail post-curtain at Minus 5 Ice Lounge -- made entirely of ice, even the glasses. (877) 632-7800, mandalaybay.com
5 CAESARS PALACE, LAS VEGAS
Indulgence rules here. The spa applies body crystals, celebrities flock to stylist Michael Boychuck’s salon, and the ultimate diva, Cher, rocks the house. (800) 634-6001, caesarspalace.com
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TOP 5 CANADA
 1 THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE
Setting (near a glacier), service (adventure concierges), and history (back to the northern Rockies’ frontier days) distinguish this longtime readers’ choice in Canada. Guests’ best friend Sonny, a yellow Lab and former guide for the blind, now works the lobby and accompanies families on lakeside strolls. (866) 540-4413, fairmont.com/lakelouise
2 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO
Fans favor this Yorkville neighborhood with top French eatery Truffles. Expect a new edition to break ground across the street in the next few years. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/Toronto
3 THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER
This winter’s debut of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola means Fairmont guests have ski-in/ski-out access to 8,000 acres on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. (866) 540-4424, fairmont.com/whistler
4 RITZ-CARLTON MONTREAL
Lovers of this Sherbrooke Street grande dame won’t be able to visit until its 2010 reopening, featuring rooms as well as residences. (800) 363-0366, ritzmontreal.com
5 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL VANCOUVER
A two-year, $25 million renovation plan culminates this spring. Catch Olympic fever with $20.10 menus featuring one bite per competing continent. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/Vancouver
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TOP 5 NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA/SOUTH PACIFIC
1 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SYDNEY
CL travelers Down Under champion Sydney’s Four Seasons, fresh from a residential room redesign with a tech upgrade including LCD screens, DVD players and WiFi. Sodashi massages in the spa use crystals sourced locally to healing effect. In the restaurant, a 26-item water menu lists hydration from around the world. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/Sydney
2 PARK HYATT SYDNEY
Three new Executive Suites include three balconies each above Sydney Harbor. Deep-sea fishermen can have chef Alessandro Pavoni cook their catch. 011-61-2-9241-1234, sydney.park.hyatt.com
3 BORA BORA LAGOON RESORT & SPA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
The over-water bungalows now offer even more exotic extras. An impressive business center keeps guests of the castaway resort connected. (800) 860-4095, boraboralagoon.com
4 THE WESTIN SYDNEY
A new live-jazz brunch draws guests as well as locals. Business travelers appreciate extensive audiovisual upgrades in the meeting rooms. 011-61-2-8223-1111, westin.com/Sydney
5 INTERCONTINENTAL RESORT & SPA, MOOREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Recently Green Globe-certified for eco-achievements in recycling and water-saving, the resort also donates all proceeds from its dolphin center to wildlife research. (888) 424-6835, ichotelsgroup.com
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TOP 10 MEXICO/CENTRAL AMERICA/SOUTH AMERICA
 1 JW MARRIOTT CANCUN RESORT & SPA
The perennial CL readers’ favorite goes green. JW Marriott Cancun now features a sustainable seafood menu personally overseen by executive chef Richard Silvester. In the spa, organic ingredients come from the local Mayan community. (888) 813-2776, jwmarriottcancunresort.com
2 THE RITZ-CARLTON, CANCUN
Nuevo at the Ritz: a beach club with cabanas and full-moon bonfires, Yucatecan cooking classes, and special tennis lessons for kids. (800) 241-3333, ritzcarlton.com
3 ONE&ONLY PALMILLA, LOS CABOS
This Cabo champ grows with 16 new beachfront casitas and Market restaurant from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in Adam Tihany-designed digs. (877) 472-5645, oneandonlyresorts.com
4 LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO, A ROSEWOOD RESORT, LOS CABOS
The pampering innovator now offers proposals orchestrated via helicopter, novels available pre-publication, and waiters snipping fresh herbs over your meal. (888) 767-3966, lasventanas.com
5 LAS BRISAS ACAPULCO
Las Brisas’ $20 million renovation, including enlarged sky-lit bathrooms in the rooms and rockers for sunset oglers, has moved the pink icon into the top five once again. (800) 223-6800, brisas.com.mx
6 LE MERIDIEN CANCUN RESORT & SPA
Channeling St. Tropez with a Mexican flair, Le Meridien Cancun treats guests to a European-style spa with massaging hydro-tubs, clay tennis courts, and cocktail-hour bellinis. (800) 543-4300, cancun.lemeridien.com
7 ESPERANZA, AN AUBERGE RESORT, LOS CABOS
Esperanza enthusiasts can now move into three- and four-bedroom whole-ownership homes. On the resort side, guests in each casita are assigned a personal concierge. (866) 311-2226, esperanzaresort.com
8 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BUENOS AIRES
The marble-and-frescoed Belle Epoque mansion that adjoins the hotel’s contemporary tower was just restored, now hosting the city’s most atmospheric Sunday brunch. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/buenosaires
9 COPACABANA PALACE, RIO DE JANEIRO
Caipirinha central: Copa’s new Lounge Bar installs bling on the scene with a bronze-brick path that leads to the golden dance floor. (800) 237-1236, copacabanapalace.com.br
10 ALVEAR PALACE HOTEL, BUENOS AIRES
Look for a new cigar bar at this Argentine awardee, offering premium smokes along with fine cognacs and ports, plus a menu of global chocolates. (877) 457-6315, alvearpalace.com
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TOP 10 CARIBBEAN
 1 ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS
Who can compete with 35 restaurants and bars plus 20 million gallons of pool? Atlantis rules the sea, say CL readers. Get behind the scenes among the resort’s 50,000 marine animals with its new “Sea Keeper” program, or train dolphins for a day. (800) 285-2684, atlantis.com
2 THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN
Help preserve endangered blue iguanas by feeding and tracking them with the resort’s environmental program. Then make your own underwater movie with rental cameras. (800) 542-8680, ritzcarlton.com
3 FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS, WEST INDIES
Sadly, this perennial Platinum choice was hurricane-damaged and closed last fall. The bright side: reopening in November. (869) 469-1111, fourseasons.com/nevis
4 THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Catamaran sailings to neighboring St. John, beachfront cabana rentals including reflexology sessions, and Amazon Kindle rentals downloaded with stateside newspapers should all be on your must-do list. (800) 241-3333, ritzcarlton.com
5 EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT AND GOLDEN DOOR SPA , PUERTO RICO
As one of the most recent additions to Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Collection, the property sports $120 million in improvements including completely redesigned guestrooms and a renovated Golden Door Spa. (866) 317-8932, elconresort.com
6 CANEEL BAY, A ROSEWOOD RESORT, ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Blessed by seven beaches, Caneel Bay now boasts two beachside massage cabanas overlooking breathtaking Hawksnest Beach. (888) 767-3966, caneelbay.com
7 THE RITZ-CARLTON, SA N JUAN HOTEL, SPA & CASINO, PUERTO RICO
Celebrated on the San Juan dining scene, the updated Ocean Bar & Grill now offers a dedicated sushi bar. Attractive new packages make the Caribbean Ritz-Carlton properties a perfect summer destination. (787) 253-1700, ritzcarlton.com
8 HALF MOON, MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
Original over-the-ocean spa treatment cabanas allow you to see the sea through floor slats from the face cradle at Half Moon. (876) 953-2211, halfmoon.com
9 ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY, VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The spa steals the scene this year with a new Asian-Caribbean menu, yoga and Pilates classes, plus “Poolates” -- Pilates performed in the pool. (888) 767-3966, littledixbay.com
10 ONE&ONLY OCEAN CLUB, PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS
One&Only aims to keep you bikini-fit with a new Technogym virtual training system including equipment and nutritional advice. (888) 528-7157, oneandonlyresorts.com
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TOP 10 EUROPE
 1 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V, PARIS
Reigning European title holder Four Seasons George V doesn’t just cosset guests in opulence, it gets them there in style too: a Rolls Royce Phantom personalized by Hermès is available for transfers and day trips. New executive chef Eric Briffard was a protégé of Joël Robuchon. (800) 332-3442, fourseasons.com/paris
2 THE RITZ LONDON
Eat, drink, and be merry: The Terrace Restaurant and Garden Bar opened in May, and the chef’s “masterclasses” invite guests into the kitchen to help prepare their dinner. (877) 748-9536, www.theritzlondon.com
3 HOTEL RITZ PARIS
Teak decks and canvas canopies set the stage for alfresco tippling at the new Terrace Lounge. Indoors, chef Michel Roth earned his second Michelin star. 011-33-1-43-16-30-30, ritzparis.com
4 THE DORCHESTER, LONDON
Debuting in May, The Dorchester Spa eschews minimalism for 1930s glamour. Amenities include scented steam rooms, a gentleman’s barber, and a cafe dispensing champagne and cocktails. 011-44-20-7629-8888, thedorchester.com
5 ST. REGIS GRAND HOTEL, ROME
Through the new St. Regis Aficionado program, the regal Roman offers visits to jeweler Fabio Salini, Brunello winemakers, and Fendi fashion-design studios. (877) 787-3447, stregis.com
6 HOTEL CIPRIANI, VENICE
Fortuny fabrics, Murano glass, and Carrara marble highlight room renovations (10 now completed) at the Cipriani. In the spa, there’s a new sauna and hammam. (800) 237-1236, hotelcipriani.com
7 THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH , SCOTLAND
Suites here include complimentary movies and a local cell phone. Italian marble, English lighting, and pictures of Scotland’s Sean Connery decorate new bathrooms. 011-44-131-556-2414, thebalmoralhotel.com
8 HOTEL GRITTI PALACE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, VENICE
The Gritti guest list reads like a who’s who from literature (Hemingway) to music (Pavarotti) to stardom (Robert De Niro). (888) 625-5144, luxurycollection.com/grittipalace
9 PALACE LUZERN, SWITZERLAND
A Michelin star was awarded to restaurant Jasper at Lake Lucerne’s landmark Palace Luzern. Book a table outdoors on the newly opened lakefront terrace. 011-41-416-16-16, palace-luzern.ch
10 TURNBERRY, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT , AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND
After phase one of a $45 million upgrade to rooms and public spaces, Turnberry reopens July 1, just prior to hosting the Open Championship. 011-44-1655-331-000, luxurycollection.com/turnberry
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TOP 5 ASIA
 1 THE PENINSULA HONG KONG
Respect for tradition and a flare for the contemporary distinguish the Peninsula Hong Kong, Celebrated Living’s top Asian pick. After turning 80, the hotel opened trendy Salon de Ning, an intimate Shanghai-in-the-30s lounge with lacquered art-deco cocktail tables and “Ning Slings” at the bar. (866) 382-8388, peninsula.com
2 PARK HYATT TOKYO
Men are the focus of new facial and body treatments in the spa from Australian company Aesop. Package deals include “East Meets West,” with overnight stays in Kyoto. 011-81-3-5322-1234, tokyo.park.hyatt.com
3 MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG
Hermès china graces the tables at the new Krug Room, tucked away in the kitchen. More fodder: a Michelin star for restaurant Pierre. 011-852-2522-0111, mandarinoriental.com/hongkong
4 RAFFLES HOTEL, SINGAPORE
Famous faces spotted here include Diane Von Furstenberg, former presidents, and Formula 1 Grand Prix drivers, the latter mixing Singapore Slings with head bartender Jimmy Lim. (800) 768-9009, raffleshotel.com
5 INTERCONTINENTAL HONG KONG
Following an extensive multiyear renovation, the resort boasts two top suites with terraces, a feng shui-inspired spa, and Alain Ducasse’s restaurant Spoon. 011-852-2721-1211, www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
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TOP 5 AFRICA
1 CAPE GRACE, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Proving the best never rest, Cape Grace just unveiled a complete redesign, sparing no expense on hand-painted curtains, museum-caliber antiques, and local arts and crafts in 121 individually designed rooms. The new restaurant, Signal, feeds on Cape history in French, British, Dutch, and Asian flavors. (800) 223-6800, capegrace.com
2 FAIRMONT MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB, NANYUKI, KENYA
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Club debuted Zebar lounge, where waiters cross the equator to bring you your sundowner. Precious gems garnish the martinis. (800) 257-7544, fairmont.com/kenyasafariclub
3 THE TABLE BAY HOTEL, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Refurbished rooms, an herb garden supplying the restaurant, a new pool deck, and a couples spa treatment room trim The Table. 011-27-11-780-7878, suninternational.com
4 MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE, NAIROBI, KENYA
Even the president of Kenya visited Mara Serena last year to witness the wildebeest migration. Between game drives, head out for a canoe safari or hot-air balloon ride. 011-254-050-22253, serenahotels.com
5 SINGITA SABI SAND, SABI SAND RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
Live well in the wild at Singita’s original Sabi Sand Reserve, where a new wine boutique offers 200 labels to drink here or ship home. 011-27-21-683-3424, singita.com
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 TOP 10 U.S. BUSINESS
1 PARK HYATT CHICAGO
Celebrated Living readers again elect Park Hyatt Chicago their favorite place to do business. After work: loaner bicycles for city touring and one of only 160 master sommeliers worldwide in the restaurant. (800) 233-1234, chicago.park.hyatt.com
2 THE PENINSULA CHICAGO
New chefs at Avenues (contemporary cuisine) and Shanghai Terrace (Chinese) make the Pen powerful for the palate, spanning Western and Eastern tastes. (866) 288-8889, peninsula.com
3 HOTEL DEL CORONADO, SAN DIEGO
The historic beamed Crown Room, multiple events lawns, and team activities like beach Olympics and boatbuilding put sense of place in business travel. (800) 468-3533, hoteldel.com
4 THE WALDORF ASTORIA, NEW YORK
Direct-link satellite broadcasting and video conferencing provide tech support to the classic hotel. The Midtown location is hard to beat. (800) 925-3673, waldorfastoria.com
5 LAS VEGAS HILTON
An impressive 221 new “resort club” rooms offer free WiFi, plasma TVs, in-room printers, and access to complimentary food and drink in a private lounge. (888) 732-7117, lvhilton.com
6 FOUR SEASONS RE SORT AND CLUB DALLAS AT LAS COLINAS
Updated guestrooms feature a “smart wall” unit enclosing a flat-screen TV, desk, and connectivity devices. Confer casually on the redesigned TPC golf course. (972) 717-0700, fourseasons.com/dallas
7 ROSEWOOD CRESCENT HOTEL, DALLAS
The dining club on the 17th floor hosts meetings with views of the Dallas skyline. Tune up for them with the gym’s new Power Plate exercise system. (214) 871-3200, rosewoodcrescent.com
8 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO
Newly renovated rooms now include Eames desk chairs on the business end of things. Break from group meetings to play Guitar Hero or Wii. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco
9 WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
The business of play rules here with 27 holes of golf, golfer massages in the spa, and Johnnie Walker beverage carts on the greens. (800) 354-5892, kierlandresort.com
10 WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Upgrades include a new Scotch bar, expanded lobby, and Red Door spa. A work-week package bundles breakfast, Internet access, and business center discounts. (888) 424-6835, willarddc.com
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TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
 1 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V, PARIS
Favored by business folk as well as leisure travelers, the George “Cinq” earns commerce-minded raves for its multilingual staff, central Right Bank address, and meeting planners who offer entertaining extras such as a private visit to Versailles. A new Hermès-designed Rolls Royce is available to ferry guests to meetings impressively. (800) 332-3442, fourseasons.com/paris
2 THE DORCHESTER, LONDON
Indulge off-duty in a personal mixology class with the bartender. Impress execs with an invitation to the now two-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant. 011-44-20-7629-8888, thedorchester.com
3 THE PENINSULA HONG KONG
Guests laud the business center, which offers everything from Chinese typing to mobile phone rentals. Function rooms offer panoramic harbor views. (866) 382-8388, peninsula.com
4 HOTEL RITZ MADRID
The power-stay in the Spanish capital hosts elegant Old World banquet rooms. Multilingual secretaries in the business center bridge communication gaps. (800) 237-1236, ritzmadrid.com
5 GRAND HYATT SHANGHAI
Eight floors of club-level rooms come with dedicated concierge service, a private lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails, free Internet access, and boardroom use. 011-86-21-5049-1234, shanghai.grand.hyatt.com
6 THE PENINSULA BANGKOK (TIE)
An appropriate mix of business (a staffed business center) and pleasure (a new wellness package bundling massage and other revitalizers) distinguishes this contender. (866) 382-8388, peninsula.com
6 ST. REGIS GRAND HOTEL, ROME (TIE)
The setting for Rome’s most regal occasions, the original ballroom has been restored with marble columns and a ceiling frescoed by Mario Spinetto. (877) 787-3447, stregis.com
8 THE STAFFORD, LONDON
Guests like the home away from home vibe imparted at the elegant St. James address. A newly formed green team aims to shrink its eco-footprint. 011- 44-20-7493-0111, thestaffordhotel.co.uk
9 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MILANO
WiFi comes to the former 15th-century cloister. When slow food’s inconvenient, diners cheer the three-course box lunch in the bar. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/Milan
10 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TOKYO AT CHINZAN-SO
All affairs are handled with care here including a complimentary airport greeter for first-time guests using a private car transfer, and a bath drawn after a long flight . (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/tokyo
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TOP 10 FAMILY RESORTS
 1 DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT AND SPA, LAKE BUENA VISTA
Family travelers rave once more for Disney’s Victorian-designed lakeside resort. Five restaurants, an arcade, beach, power boat rentals, and pools keep the kids entertained. On the service side, parents love the loaner Pack ’n Plays, free transport to the theme parks, and caregivers-for-hire to help on park trips. (407) 934-7639, disney.com
2 ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS
New dining plans at this water-park-mega-resort allow kids under 7 to eat free. Kids applaud: The Jonas Brothers perform here often. (888) 528-7155, atlantis.com
3 HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE, BIG ISLAND, HAWAII
Returns on $100 million invested: a sustainably built learning center at the dolphin pool, kids club staging scavenger hunts and hula lessons, refurbished pools with slides. (800) 445-8667, hiltonwaikoloavillage.com
4 GRAND WAILEA RESORT HOTEL & SPA, MAUI
Some $50 million in renovations included restoring and rebuilding the famed activity pools’ waterslides and caves. (800) 888-6100, grandwailea.com
5 HYATT REGENCY HILL COUNTRY RESORT AND SPA, SAN ANTONIO
Camp Hyatt programs go country (explore Texas wildlife) as well as cultural (arrowhead hunting). Parents with infants can preorder diapers, food, etc. (800) 233-1234, hillcountry.hyatt.com
6 BROADMOOR, COLORADO SPRINGS
Junior visitors are warmly welcomed with children’s menus in each restaurant, an on-site movie theater, waterslides, and special spa treatments for teens and tweens. (800) 634-7711, broadmoor.com
7 DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE, LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA
Evoking the African savannah, this lodge cohabits a 33-acre preserve with giraffes, zebras, and assorted wild things outside many guestroom windows. (407) 939-6244, disney.com
8 JW MARRIOTT CANCUN RESORT SPA
Kids have all the requisite pool- and beach-play here, plus cooking classes in which tiny hands whip up authentic Mexican dishes. (888) 813-2776, jwmarriottcancunresort.com
9 GRAND HYATT REGENCY KAUAI RESORT AND SPA, HAWAII
The surf at the beach can be rough, but kids are safe kayaking and snorkeling in the hotel’s separate sheltered lagoons and riding the waterfall-fed river pools, one with a 150-foot waterslide. (800) 554-9288, kauai.hyatt.com
10 HILTON LOS CABOS BEACH & GOLF RESORT, MEXICO
The Hilton offers special family cooking classes and fiestas during holiday weeks, as well as a free kids club. (800) 445-8667, hiltonloscabos.com
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FOR A HANDY COMPILATION LIST OF THE RANKINGS AND TO CHECK OUT THE EDITORS’ CHOICES, SEE
“PLATINUM LIST” | |
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