Beverly Hills Hotel

Calling all Los Angeles travellers seeking a Hollywood-worthy spot to stay without feeling like the chaos of the city is hindering your chance at a relaxing vacation. The Beverly Hills Hotel sits within, you guessed it, Beverly Hills in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. However, the hotel has been around since 1912, way before the city even garnered that name. Original developer, Burton Green, purchased the property from the Mexican Government and then enlisted the help of Margaret J. Anderson to design and build the exact hotel you still see standing today. The white stucco, now beige, exterior and terracotta coloured roof tiles meant to lure the wealthy Easterners at the time.

Though over a century sits between its beginnings and now, the Beverly Hills Hotel is still a sight to be seen and a place to experience. It has changed ownership a few times with each new owner adding their own flare to the original structure. A complete 3-year long restoration occurred in 1992. The rooms have housed the likes of the famous and your everyday person. Next, they could house you.

The Beverly Hills Hotel is a working time capsule. The décor features a combination of Art Deco and ‘40s-style Hollywood glamour with the entire modern amenity upgrades. You may not be a movie star by trade but you’ll sure feel and be treated like one when you book your stay here. The lobby area acts as the statement piece; the dramatic room is lit by Venetian glass chandeliers further brightened by the banana palms and banana leaf accents. The artwork you see was all specially commissioned just for the hotel. This unique style takes life inside each individual room as well.

With 210 guest rooms and suites, including 23 unique bungalows, you’ll be living in vintage luxury. Each room is equipped, at the very minimum, with an oversized closet, spacious bathroom, B&O televisions, and illuminated mirrors. Depending on the room, you may also have your own private balcony, fireplace, terrace, patio, or pool.

But, that’s not all. The Beverly Hills Hotel is more than just a place to lay your head and lounge around in style. On site, the hotel features a variety of dining and entertainment options for when you don’t want to venture the 20-30 minutes to Los Angeles or the Pacific coastline. Step foot into the infamous Polo Lounge where Charlie Chaplin had a favourite table and the Rat Pack engaged in late drinking bouts. Live entertainment is aplenty and American fare is served throughout the day. While sitting pool side, splurge on the offerings of the Cabana Café or pop into the Fountain Coffee Room complete with a vintage soda fountain and a variety of meals. Evening beverages can be sipped inside the elegant Bar Nineteen12 or on the adjacent terrace overlooking the pool.

Whether it’s the vibe or the amenities that draw you in for a visit, the Beverly Hills Hotel lets you escape all your worldly troubles. The original motto of the hotel stating that guests were “entitled to the best of everything, regardless of cost” still very much stands true today.

Address: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: +1 310 276 2251

Lincoln Plaza

Hilton hotel lovers and London travellers can rejoice together at the chance of spending your time in the city at the Lincoln Plaza.  Settled humbly in the Canary Wharf, you’ll find it quite stress-free to navigate London after exiting. A DLR Station is a mere three-minute walk away while taxis and other modes of public transportation are easily caught. Lincoln Plaza takes their position in London seriously and offers its guests a charming place to rest their heads. 

Canary Wharf holds a special place to London as one of the busiest docks in the world. Goods are constantly being transported in and out; the process is quite a sight to see. While the area is filled with giant warehouses and industry buildings, it also has modern upgrades like bars, shops, and parks. As such, Canary Wharf is a popular area for locals and visitors alike. 

The industrial theme of Canary Wharf found its way inside the Lincoln Plaza. You’ll be instantly captivated by the tasteful interior design mix of contemporary and classical featured in the main lobby and shared spaces of the facilities. The rooms are no exceptions though; you’ll notice a blend of functional and fashionable neutral tones will provide a calming environment while the comfort of the Hilton serenity bed will effortlessly lull you to sleep. Additional amenities include Wi Fi, 24-hour fitness centre, pool, sauna, and scheduled fitness classes.

After you’ve fit a great night’s sleep and your daily workout in, head to the onsite dining options to replenish your body.  Lincoln Plaza’s standout eatery is Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, a Pan-Indian—inspired restaurant headed by celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala. Smaller, casual eats can be purchased at the Food Store Grocer or the Food Store Restaurant; both fabulous for the everyday meal need. Nightlife enthusiasts can enjoy a creative cocktail at either the Food Store Bar or Jack Speak Bar. Lincoln Plaza has everything set up to ensure you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to.

But, if you do happen to have an urge to get out into London, which is definitely recommended, Lincoln Plaza can help you plan your destinations. The hotel sits in a very convenient location: 15 minutes to the city centre via train, walking distance to the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, and more. Location is everything and the Lincoln Plaza has it. Whether business, tourism, or just sheer fun is the reason for your travels to London, allow Lincoln Plaza to be your host.

Address: 2 Lincoln Plaza, Isle of Dogs, London E14 9BD
Phone: 020 7987 1157

Hotel Café Royal

A London legend continues to stand and serve people many years later. In 1863, the original Café Royal was secured by a French wine merchant. As time went on, Café Royal grew in great fame with the notion it contained the world’s greatest wine cellar. By the 19th Century, wine wasn’t the only selling point; Café Royal had established a reputation for excellent hospitality, dining, and entertainment right in the epicenter of fashionable London. Many big name authors, rock stars, royalty, and athletes have come to stay.

Not wanting the social landmark to lose its status, this London icon gained a new face as the Hotel Café Royal. Keeping the history of the building in mind, all changes have been made sensitively with each space paying tribute to its glamorous spirit. The reincarnation now features 160 contemporary guestrooms and a diverse selection of restaurants and bars.

Each room encompasses a serene vintage yet tastefully contemporary atmosphere. All details are carefully thought out and purposely placed to compliment the space. Choose from a spacious guestroom, extravagant suites, or remarkable signature suites. With your stay, you receive a generous offering of services and amenities including a spa and gym to make your stay more enjoyable and relaxing.

With eight total dining choices within one hotel, you will never go hungry. Choose from informal dining to bars with extensive cocktail menus to formal and private dining to afternoon tea to in-room options! Café Royal certainly has all the bases covered when it comes to cuisine.

Between the history, the location, and the facilities, Café Royal should be at the top of your list.

Address: 68 Regent Street, London W1B 4DY
Telephone: +44 20 7406 3333
Website

The Courthouse Hotel, Shoreditch

Right smack dab in the middle of the ever lively and bustling Central London sits The Courthouse. This is no place for practicing law rather The Courthouse is a five star luxury hotel located in the heart of vibrant Shoreditch, within mere walking distance from the finest shopping streets, tourist attractions, and just a short tube-ride from theatreland. The hotel itself is situated in an old Grand II Listed Magistrates Court. While still retaining much of its historic charm, The Courthouse does incorporate many modern updates to keep guests comfortable and happy.

With a total of 128 spacious bedrooms and suites, each room comes equipped with stylish décor in order to maximize relaxation. In the rooms you’ll find a writing desk, telephone, satellite TV with flat screen TV, high-speed data port, minibar, entertainment system, and safes to keep your valuables protected.

The Courthouse also boasts fabulous facilities. You’ll find their bespoke jail-themed bar in true Shoreditch fashion, teeming with art-deco and whimsical design elements. Late night bowling and cocktails? Not a problem. Check out the private 2-lane bowling alley situated in the basement floor, or perhaps the private members club will tickle your fancy? During summer months be sure to exclusively book and thoroughly enjoy a private BBQ on the roof terrace whilst overlooking the London skyline. Whether after a lovely meal, a hectic day of shopping, or an intensive meeting, head on down to the Spa to relax, rejuvenate, and regenerate your wellbeing.

The Courthouse has plenty to offer all types of travellers to help them fulfill their London visit fantasies.

Address: 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HL
Telephone: + 44 20 7297 5555
Website

Duane Street Hotel

Families, professionals and lone travellers alike will be enticed by the sophistication and worldliness offered by the extraordinary eats and comforting beds at the Duane Street Hotel. This hotel is part of The Independent Collection; a cluster of boutique establishments in residential neighbourhoods that deliver guests an authentic experience in whichever city they are visiting.

With 43 rooms, a grab-and-go breakfast station and a delicious restaurant featuring Indian flavours, the Duane Street Hotel appeals to both international guests and locals looking for respite from their busy lives. Young lodgers will delight in the complimentary iPad service. With two delicious restaurants and an in-room mini-bar, guests will be grateful for the gym passes at Equinox, located right across the street. Bicycles are available for loan giving you easy access to Tribeca, which was a hot spot for artists in the 1960s and ‘70s and is now one of the most desired addresses in New York. With each suite equipped with eleven-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and oversized windows however, it may be hard to tear yourself away from your room.

Address: 130 Duane Street New York, New York 10013
Telephone: 212 964 4600 
Website