The best hotels of 2020
Chic Punta Cana and Chic Mansion
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Exclusive and all-inclusive, CHIC Punta Cana is a Five Star Luxury adults-only resort that delivers an extraordinary Caribbean getaway experience that defines excellence, inspires romance, and transforms life’s energy.
Each guest is given a VIP welcome and is instantly immersed in the natural beauty and sensual rhythms of Caribbean CHIC. Under the intense blue skies, each space evokes a discrete emotion offering tranquility or action, intimacy or engaging activities. Wherever you wander, you encounter a vibrant landscape leading to the famed Uvero Alto stretch of golden beach and the warm toe tickling waves of your dreams. Excellence in sophisticated design is a distinctive element enjoyed across all areas of the resort, from the seductive hip cache of the 320 guest rooms and suites with designer amenities, premier world class restaurant dining, brilliant lounging areas, hot spot cocktail bars and trendy entertainment. From the soothing Royal Spa retreat where body treatments, massages, facials, and salon pampering rejuvenate and invigorate, to the refreshing fantasy of the Mermaid Pool, your glass and tile designed oasis surrounded by cabana loungers and poolside refreshments, your CHIC experience is exhilarating.
Modeliste can’t help but gush over the beguiling CHIC Mansion where discerning guests appreciate an incomparable ambiance of luxury, a wealth of premier amenities, and access to the Diamond Club privileges throughout CHIC’s resort area. Whether your travel companions are your besties, your wedding party, friends or family constellation, together you will escape into a remarkable retreat. The Mansion centers around a breathtaking living area with stunning contemporary furnishings and two-story floor to ceiling windows showcasing the centerpiece private pool, hot tub, and cabana terrace embraced by six prestigious and spacious guest suites, a setting inspiring delightful connections and the ultimate mansion getaway experience.
Sophisticated and sleek in its design and decor, CHIC Mansion invites your getaway group to retreat into blissful suites ensuring maximum relaxation and sumptuous enjoyment. Your rooms are styled for elevated comfort while sleeping, sitting, or bathing. No detail has been overlooked to create a most pleasurable stay. Air conditioning and ceiling fans allow for your perfect temperature throughout the day and night. Your spacious bathroom beckons with a spa tub for two, walk-in shower and double vanities. A dedicated butler grants your whims and wishes, while tending to your premium stocked bar as desired. Snacks and 24-hour room service are available, or your party can enjoy the many resort dining, bar, and entertainment options. While relaxing poolside, your group enjoys a high-end sound system and cabana style lounging. Together you can arrange for your Private Chef Experience, plan time to use your pass to Grand Memories Splash Waterpark, coordinate your complimentary Royal Spa visit, set your tee time at the nearby Punta Cana golf course, and enjoy your game room and pool table for some friendly competition.
CHIC Punta Cana claims a fantastic setting, enticing guests from around the world. Golden sand beaches meet sparkling aquamarine waters where the waves that caress Punta Cana at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic marks the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Perhaps a magical energy is created as they merge, welcoming spectacular sunrises that usher in each day bursting with light and colors that inspire a soul-soothing vitality and renewal. Time at CHIC rejuvenates the spirit with its engaging activities and stellar internationally acclaimed dining that promotes a sense of adventure and wellness, boosting the spirit and clearing the mind. When at last you leave this coveted place of beauty, you are transformed and gladdened by the lasting memories you will be sharing… along with plans for your next visit.
The Westbury
Dublin, Ireland
The Emerald Isle is unabashedly, magically, fantastic fun! The Irish have a unique charm that captivates visitors, a bit of Blarney delivered in those lilting accents, a vibrant pub scene that invites all with lively music and a welcoming comradery, and a culture infused with a whimsical spirit through the land. Treasured folklore, shamrocks and shenanigans, leprechauns and fairies… it’s easy to become a believer once you are here. Travelers are mesmerized by picturesque landscapes in endless variants of green dotted with fairytale castles, quaint villages, and the quintessential sheep. Dramatic coastline cliffs whipped by crashing waves contrast with tucked away beaches for summer sunbathers. Breathtaking natural beauty and historic charm… Ireland is irresistible.
Dublin is your pot of gold, Ireland’s capital and number one destination. First in excitement, attractions, entertainment, shopping and fun, Dublin is the pulse of the country, guardian of its history and the promise of its future. Famed Grafton Street pedestrian hub is the renowned heart of this boisterous city, only steps away from the secluded prime location of The Westbury, the Doyle Collection’s iconic Five Star boutique luxury hotel. Nearby, the Creative Quarter, the cultural center of Dublin boasts the theatre district, art galleries, and museums along with Dublin Castle, Gaiety Theatre, lively bars and restaurants, luxury shopping, and famed Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green are conveniently in walking distance.
Entering the beautifully appointed lobby of The Westbury, a sense of pride in its rich Irish heritage prevails. A contemporary revisioning of traditional elements of decor are accented by a stellar collection of original paintings by famed artists, Sir John Lavery and Louis le Brocquy. Elegant guest rooms and suites offer comfort and luxury in rooms brightened with natural light, warmed with custom wool carpet, enhanced with the ultimate in pillow-top mattress and sumptuous bedding for sleeping delight, marble modern baths with heated flooring, chic furnishings designed for comfort and amenities including high end toiletries, plush robes and towels, flatscreen TV, Nespresso machine, free WiFi and AC. Suites have separate living areas, some feature a free standing bath tub and many surprise with four poster contemporary beds.
Families traveling with young children are greeted with the Little Bear family package delighting with a designer teepee for a cozy sleep adventure, surprises including cuddly teddy bear, coloring book, bedtime milk and cookies, and special treats at their Irish breakfast each morning and evening. Complimentary breakfast is served at the Westbury restaurant, Wilde, where the dining experience in its luxurious setting is renowned for exceptional Irish and international cuisine, an award winning extensive wine list curated by their Head Sommelier, locally sourced seasonal produce headlining Irish favorites artfully presented. Wilde salutes Ireland’s famed poet and playwright, Dublin’s own Oscar Wilde, in its historic chic 1930’s inspired style. Casual dining on the terrace offers small plates, appetizers, afternoon teas, and long relaxed lunches. The Westbury cocktail bar and brasserie mirror elegance and exquisite fare.
Irish hospitality resonates throughout The Westbury with friendly service, helpful, knowledgeable concierge, valet parking, and 24 hour room service. A fully equipped Fitness Center and meeting space are included. The Westbury lives up to its stellar reputation as a Five Star Dublin destination welcoming the savvy international traveler with a wonderful experience.
The Clarence
Dublin, Ireland
On the banks of Dublin’s River Liffey, The Clarence Hotel, is in the center of the action of Temple Bar’s boisterous Irish revelry, known as the original rock’n’roll hotel where famed U2 has performed. Cobblestone streets flanked by shops and pubs, where bars and restaurants welcome Dublin tourists, colorful buskers adding to the ever present entertainment. Walking distance to Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and many other favorite tourist sites, the hotel is conveniently located in this lively center where Irish culture flourishes. The popular Clarence riverfront hotel offers a chic, youthful vibe in an array of options of 50 spacious guest rooms and one bedroom suites with a comfortable living room seating area. The Clarence crown jewels are the optimal world famous Penthouse with baby grand piano and the Rooftop Terrace Suite with spectacular views of the meandering Liffey, Dublin’s beautiful cityscape, and its mountains looming on the horizon. A favorite of musicians and actors, a romantic hideaway or family friendly getaway, the suite’s 700 square foot terrace presents comforts in seating, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and unrivaled panoramic viewing.
The boutique Clarence Hotel, owned by U2’s Bono and The Edge, also offers choice River View rooms and suites, some with balconies, and the favorite Garden Terrace suite. All accommodations are tailored for simplicity with Shaker-style furnishings designed primarily by Irish artisans, massive super king beds or two twins dressed in fresh white linens, with vibrant pops of color to accent the calming earth tones in luxe leather seating, rich carpets, and modern baths with Paul Costelloe Toiletries. All rooms are flooded with natural light and have amenities including flatscreen TV, a mini fridge, Nespresso machine, and free WiFi. At the heart of the Clarence is the Octagon Bar under the octagon shaped dome’s warm glow. Guests gather in comfort for cocktails, famed Irish whiskeys, or a local pint on tap. Known as a welcoming meeting place, friends enjoy the music and relaxed ambience. Cleaver East is the Clarence Hotel’s popular dining venue with fine Irish and European cuisine and a Michelin star chef, all at affordable prices.
Dublin has so much to offer, its beauty and history and signature culture to be enjoyed day and night. The Clarence Hotel offers a delightful stay with attentive service for business and leisure travelers in the bustling center of the famed Temple Bar area. Enjoy!
St. James’s Hotel and Club
London, England
Superlatives always accompany any description of the posh and prestigious Mayfair neighborhood of London. Brilliant…the most affluent… home of the elite of London… finest world class fashion center with unrivaled Saville Row and Bond Street designers… best of high end boutique shops… shopping excellence in Burlington Arcade and Shepherd Market… and, quite importantly, the very best of London’s traditional pubs. Mayfair is iconic, where bespoke elegance and sophistication prevail and where the dignified refined culture of previous eras is reflected in its pristine Georgian townhouses and Victorian architecture. Only a short walk away, the royal splendor of Buckingham Palace and the beauty of Hyde Park, its lake and walkways, favorite carousel and attractions beckon tourists and locals throughout the year.
In the heart of Mayfair, near the entrance to famed Green Park, stands the venerable St. James’s Hotel and Club, with Michelin-star dining and inspired 1840’s style Afternoon Tea. Ensconced in the lush park greenery, St. James’s Hotel and Club claims its primacy in the quiet cul-de-sac of Park Place, with its timeless Victorian grandeur and club intimacy. Your arrival will be hailed by a doorman decked in top hat and tails welcoming guests into its enchanting splendor. The recent complete renovation of the hotel has brought a carefully curated ambience harmoniously blending contemporary style and historic charm in its refurbished interior. Sophistication in design and decor remains the hallmark of St. James’s Hotel and Club, led by the award-winning international team of AMJ Design of Berlin. Their attention to detail in every aspect is evident, from state-of-the-art technology for modern traveler needs to choose luxurious furnishings, wallcoverings, and lighting. Chandeliers handcrafted of Murano glass create exquisite color patterns in lighting, black lacquer furnishings accent rich natural woods, and silk wallcoverings, custom designed and handmade, enhance the beauty and luxury that defines the St. James’s boutique panache.
The select 60 guest rooms and suites offer guests priceless views over St. James’s Hotel and Club’s historic district of Mayfair, some from the best terraces or balconies in London Stylish and sleek interiors with high end amenities pamper guests in all accommodation options. Each space offers plush sleeping areas with king size Hypnos beds with designer linens, modern baths with beautiful sinks and fixtures, distinctive toiletries, polished natural stone floors, spacious seating, and desk work areas for business travelers. Families are welcomed with their own Kid Concierge to direct guests to sites of interest to younger travelers. The Assistant Head Concierge, Tony O’Connell, will delight kids and parents alike with his expertly chosen suggestions, interactive attractions, TV offerings, activities and excursions to London’s center and beyond. The family style connecting room options where Kids Go Free make family travel easy and convenient. Of course, Green Park is steps away for energetic youngsters to enjoy after walking museums and cathedrals.
Michelin-star restaurant, Seven Park Place, is the showcase of talented Executive Head Chef William Drabble, whose innovative vision of French cuisine flourishes with local sourced farm fresh ingredients. His vision invites diners on a culinary odyssey capturing every heart and taste bud with his artistry. The menu is seasonal and designed for sophisticated palates with beautifully presented a la carte selections or choose a 7-course Gourmand dinner menu with exquisite wine pairings and cocktails to delight. At home in its newly remodeled space, celebrating its 10th Anniversary in its stylish modern space, Seven Park Place also welcomes guests to its popular Bar and Bistro for casual and family dining. Chef Drabble has created a memorable themed Afternoon Tea that is the talk of the town with its presentation of an 1840’s Victorian era style, elegant savories and sweets, teas, champagnes, and cocktails. The St. James’s Hotel and Club is a 5 Star boutique luxury at its finest for all business and leisure travelers, couples and families. Offering guests its stunning accommodations, premier dining venues, convenient location, in room massage and beauty treatments, and its posh Wellness Center partnership with nearby Black Label by Perfect 10, St. James’s Hotel and Club will become your treasured London memory.
The Nadler Liverpool
Liverpool, England
A visit to Liverpool is often viewed as a pilgrimage. This is evidenced in the continuing flood of fans young and old, international tourists and Brits, who come to Liverpool to honor the birthplace of The Beatles, visiting sites of their earliest performances and places included in their music. Yet another set of pilgrims head from across the world to Liverpool to enthusiastically support their favorite football team, the renowned champion Liverpool FC, which has captured generations of loyal fans and celebrants with a relentless fervor. Their anthem, borrowed from Rodgers and Hammerstein famed musical Carousel, is a steadfast emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, sung boisterously in stadiums, homes and locker rooms, wherever diehard Liverpool fans congregate. The new stadium offers fan tours and attending a game is a thrill for those who come from near or far decked in Liverpool Red.
Whether Liverpool beckons you as famed home of The Beatles or famed home of Liverpool FC, or perhaps both, or as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of maritime and shipbuilding fame, or for its distinguished museums and cathedrals, The Nadler Liverpool welcomes guests to its homey boutique contemporary accommodations in its converted 1850’s warehouse. With its central location close to the fashionable Ropewalks district, main train station, the revived Albert Dock and historic riverfront area with its rich maritime past, the world famous Cavern Club of Beatles renown, The Beatles Story museum, the Tate Liverpool, and beautiful cathedrals, The Nadler Liverpool is popular with frequent visitors, business and leisure travelers from across the world.
The Nadler Liverpool offers fresh casual comfort and friendly helpful service, convenience with microwave and fridge in a mini-kitchenette, super king beds, modern baths, room seating, desk, HDTV, free WiFi, AC. Its prime location is central, and to ensure guests feel part of the Liverpool community, the hotel provides access to a number of exclusive offers, discounts and experiences courtesy of local partners including nearby eateries, restaurants and pubs, nightlife, and shopping, only a short walk away. Whatever brings you to Liverpool, your stay at The Nadler Liverpool will ensure satisfying comfort with a helpful staff to guide you to popular sights, events and tours and make your stay most enjoyable.
The Royal Horseguards
London, England
When in London, inescapable echoes of history resound at every corner, wherever you walk, in the buildings that surround you, the squares, monuments, and cultural icons of the city and nation. Embracing that rich history from its earliest beginnings as a Roman outpost takes us through a succession of monarchs, through Empire and wars, through the allure of pomp and pageantry, to its modern presence on the world stage in business, the arts, politics and science. London is an exciting destination with an overwhelming must see and do list for world travelers to experience.
Buckingham Palace, of course, tops the list with the ceremonious Changing of the Guard and the impressive daily Royal Horse Guards Parade in colorful formation through Hyde Park to the Palace. Imagine the allure of a stay at the historic Victorian Royal Horseguards home, originally built in 1884 now a five star hotel with a dashing, once secret, clandestine past as headquarters of the renowned M15 and M16 domestic and foreign services of Whitehall. The Royal Horseguards distinguished hotel is truly amazing in its heritage steeped in military tradition and in its modern transformation. Consider World War II and Winston Churchill and think of all the James Bonds, an intersection of fact and fiction, a who’s who of famed and infamous figures who have walked these halls, determined history, met and stayed here in times of war and peace. And imagine the labyrinth of “secret” tunnels that lie far beneath the stunning lobby. If walls could talk, oh, the stories The Royal Horseguards Hotel could tell.
Your own London story can begin with your arrival for a five star stay in one of the 282 guest rooms and suites of this award winning hotel overlooking the River Thames on the Embankment, just across from the London Eye. Within easy walking distance, guests will enjoy the proximity to Trafalgar Square, the heart of London flanked by the imposing National Gallery, with famed Nelson’s Column, statues and lovely fountains, as well as a picturesque walk to Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
Guest rooms, from twin to king to extraordinary suites, ensure comfort in every detail. Heated floors, elegant bathrooms, robes and slippers, Hypnos beds and luxe bedding, flat screen TVs, desks and international outlets, AC, Elemis bath amenities, minibar, Nespresso and tea await with views and restful settings for relaxation after bustling days. Fairytale suites include a two storey Tower Suite with panoramic city and River Thames views extending from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf and beyond, from the turret 2nd floor living room and 1st floor master bedroom – lush and plush in every regard, perfection for honeymooners or a select private function. The top floor Waterloo Suite impresses with its contemporary decor, river views and deep free-standing roll-top bathtub. A-list authors and playwrights who have frequented the hotel are saluted in the Library Suite, impeccably in elegant red and gold decor throughout with stunning living and dining room, master king and separate guest bath.
The Royal Horseguards Hotel presents excellence in Whitehall dining at 1212, known as One Twenty One Two, with an eclectic international menu that will delight every palate with its fresh, innovative versions of traditional favorites. An understandably popular breakfast buffet entices with a mouth watering display of morning wonders, a selection that will energize the start of each day. The quintessential British institution of Afternoon Tea is presented with a memorable aristocratic style and finesse in an ambience complemented by a background of classical music under dazzling chandeliers worthy of Victorian refinement. The Equus Bar is inviting for cocktails and nightcaps, romantic interludes and gatherings of friends and colleagues.
Attention to the varied needs of travelers is reflected in the Spa and Wellness Center that offers a full menu of body treatments, Jacuzzi, and professional staff, a Fitness Center with gym, indoor pool, tennis court, and relaxing sun terrace. The Royal Horseguards Hotel offers a unique step into history refurbished with the modern traveler in mind. Awarded Trip Advisors 2019 Certificate of Excellence, Royal Horseguards offers perfection in hospitality, accommodations, amenities and location, along with a past to intrigue your imagination.
Hotel Cafe Royal
London, England
Echoes of London’s history resonate everywhere in iconic monuments, stately buildings and throughout the famed streets and walkways of London, both humbling and inspiring to locals and visitors alike. There is a sense of wonder when we walk where once a veritable who’s who of prominence in society and celebrity walked, royals and regals and rogues, the elite who led English culture to thrive in creativity within the arts and sciences, voices in literature and theatre, politics and law, and those who influenced and determined the course of history in war and peace.
For over a century, these movers and shakers of London, of Great Britain and Europe have gathered, to see and be seen, to converse, discuss and debate the topics of the times in the historic hallowed halls of Cafe Royal. The distinguished architectural facade of 68 Regent Street has witnessed waves of continuous change since its infamous beginnings in 1865 to the present. Commanding a presence and prominence at its vibrant Piccadilly location, the Hotel Café Royal dominates its prestigious corner at this intersection where the elegance of Mayfair, the energy of Soho and sophistication of St. James meet in London’s West End. Its premier location is near Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the British Museum, National Gallery, the Theatre District, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
Accepting the challenging demand for forward thinking in hospitality and functional design, the architectural firm of David Chipperfield was tasked with restoring and transforming Cafe Royal into the finest luxury hotel in London, a modern hotel for the future, while preserving and protecting its rich architectural heritage. This new chapter began in 2008 and its re-opening in 2012 continues to be celebrated as a highly awaited revisioning of the sophistication of past and present, its illustrious stature as preeminent London host remains a significant part of the city’s story. Once a favorite haunt of Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Cafe Royal has welcomed The Beatles, Princess Diana, David Bowie and, more recently, Wimbledon champions, the Williams sisters, and the British Fashion Awards hosted by Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
The grand entrance opens into the stunning lobby, a gathering place for guests and visitors where all are welcomed into Five Star luxury. The hotel’s restoration transformed the 160 guest rooms and suites, an array of dining rooms and bars, private members club, meeting rooms, ballroom, and made way for the acclaimed Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Spa and its 80 meter swimming pool. The revisioned design has brought the hotel into the 21st Century with spacious accommodations featuring rich woods and fabrics, marble and local stone, contemporary furnishings, luxury beds and linens, baths with free-standing tub and shower, and exceptional amenities. There is a special joy in retreating to the comforts of your choice in stylish guest rooms or suites after a day of sightseeing, business meetings, an evening at the theatre or elegant dining at the Oscar Wilde Lounge or Laurent. Hotel Café Royal offers premier dining at this namesake of famed French chef Laurent Tourondel, whose curated international cuisine, Grill and Sushi Bar, has made a splash in the gourmet dining scene with a fresh, innovative seasonal menu and impressive wine list to delight the most discerning palate. From breakfast through lunch and dinner, to late night cocktails and desserts, Laurent makes dining a pleasure throughout your stay.
Not to be missed, the Oscar Wilde Lounge is a true jewel, home to the most celebrated High Tea in London. It is extraordinary in its historic setting, presentation, and the specialties that crown this Tea with its sweet and savory essence including an array of teas, fine Champagnes, and a live pianist. Recognizing the 200th Anniversary of Queen Victoria has been a creative journey featuring dishes, ingredients and presentation inspired by the Monarch and the era that bears her name, which will extend into 2020.
Ziggy’s Bar is a tribute to the talents of favorite David Bowie and the talents of the mixologists who continue to be inspired by his contributions to the cultural scene at Hotel Café Royal.
Your stay at Hotel Café Royal will be exceptional from beginning to end, the friendly and gracious staff welcomes all with helpful concierge services, planning for special events, conferences, and romantic interludes, even conspiring to create an enchanting time for families with a tent for sleeping on request and popcorn and kid friendly movies for a relaxing evening in after a busy day. Five Star luxury is the mission of The Set Hotels and it is realized at the landmark Hotel Café Royal in unrivaled style.
Z Ocean Hotel
South Beach Miami, Florida
The Z Ocean Hotel South Beach is an IHG luxury all-suite boutique hotel located in the heart of South Beach on 14th Street between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, steps from the Atlantic Ocean. The property is a short 20-minute drive to Miami International Airport and a 10-minute drive to the Port of Miami, the largest cruise port in the world. This contemporary all-suite hotel offers lavishly designed suites boasting a king bed, marble floors, floor to ceiling windows, spacious balcony, two TVs, Bose entertainment system, kitchenette, separate seating area with a sofa bed, Keurig gourmet coffeemaker and an oversized bathroom with separate vanity area and Aveda bath amenities.
Z Ocean Hotel South Beach is an intimate retreat surrounded by South Beach’s most popular designer stores, fine dining restaurants, attractions and nightlife. Onsite, guests can enjoy the culinary delights of the famous Front Porch Café, a Miami favorite for over 20 years, serving breakfast all day and a variety of delicious lunch and dinner selections. Enjoy Latin inspired cocktails at the Breezeway Bar, holistic spa treatments in the comfort of your suite or sunbathing at the pool with a unique glass floor featuring peep holes into the Breezeway Lounge.
In addition to standard suites the hotel offers suites with private hot tubs on the balcony, with privacy curtains, and suites with a terrace overlooking the unique glass bottom pool. The premium rooftop suites feature either a city view, or partial ocean view. Each private balcony showcases a spiral staircase that leads to an amazing rooftop terrace features a hot tub for 4, wet bar, surround stereo system, seating area, double chaise lounge and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and South Beach.
Abundant amenities are included in the daily resort fee such as unlimited yoga classes at a local yoga studio, weekly in-house activations such as Aqua-Zumba classes, glass of champagne at the Breezeway Bar, 20% off dinner at the Front Porch Café, wireless internet, free admission to local museums, designated area of beach that includes beach lounge chairs and umbrella, bottles of water daily in suite, 24 Hour access to Fitness Center, poolside popsicles throughout the day, various games throughout the Breezeway Lounge such as chess and pool, local and long distance phone calls (domestic USA), Keurig gourmet coffeemaker with unlimited coffee pod and daily newspaper.
Hotel Maya
Long Beach, CA
The Hotel Maya, showcase of the Doubletree Hilton Brand, defines casual luxury for business travelers, families, and special events with its picturesque Long Beach Harbor waterfront location, home of the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Parkers Lighthouse, Harbor cruises, and Ocean Walk Shops at Shoreline Village. The stunning lobby welcomes guests to the ultimate Long Beach getaway with its unique contemporary design punctuated by a dynamic blend of bold Latin American and California color and style. Enlivened by harbor views across to the downtown skyline and lush tropical gardens boasting over 400 palms swaying in the gentle ocean breezes, Hotel Maya captures the essence of an urban beach resort with sparkling pool, poolside bar serving up tropical creations, cabanas and sun lounges, firepit seating, and a sundrenched SoCal indoor outdoor vibe.
The recently renovated Hotel Maya elevates special events, weddings, receptions, holiday parties, and business conferences with its commitment to excellence in planning, service, and presentation. Creating spaces that energize, soothe, and inspire with natural elements, accommodations provide the ultimate in cozy comfort in an atmosphere of modern luxury in guest rooms and suites suiting romantic couple getaways, families with children, and colleagues needing tech support and meeting space. Sweet dreams beds and designer baths are inspired with calming Aroma Actives aromatherapy products, plush robes, duvets and down or non allergenic pillows, areas for relaxation balanced with a work station with ergonomic chair, 37” HDTV and private balconies open to fresh ocean air, bay or garden views. Choices abound with suites providing additional amenities, separate living and sleeping areas, and meeting space.
Guests relax on a floating pool cabana, energize at the Fitness Center, reconnect at the Bar Lounge and dine at Fuego, a taste fiesta of cuisine driven by Latin American cultures with organic garden fresh locally sourced produce, tantalizing spices, and a nuanced menu from starters to desserts. Only 30 minutes from LAX, a complimentary shuttle ride to town and the Long Beach Convention Center, and walking distance to Harbor destinations, Hotel Maya is the perfect place to call home after busy days of meetings or sightseeing, to enjoy Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks, the Long Beach Marathon, celebrate holidays, sports, concerts or cultural events.
The Villa Sophia
Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent and historic Old Hollywood Estate with an Italian Villa aesthetic in the Los Feliz Hills.
Guest House is a nightly ($395/night) rental for those of you coming in from out of town. Guest House was named LA Weekly’s “The Best Place to Pretend You’re a Celebrity for a Day” in Los Angeles. “The Villa Sophia” can be used as a hotel, restaurant, cafe or mansion for purposes of filming. Home of English film director James Whale during the making of his four classic films: Frankenstein (1931), The Old Dark House (1932), The Invisible Man (1933) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Director Whale was the subject of the 1998 Academy Award winning film ‘Gods and Monsters”.
A 200 year line of English literary, theater and film history runs through “Historic Old Hollywood Tuscan Villa”. The classic and definitive monster/horror film of all time, director James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931), the screen version of Mary Shelley’s Gothic 1818 nightmarish novel of the same name was made while director Whale was living at the Villa.
Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818 at the age of 21. The idea of the legendary novel was conceived of when she was only 18 years old and in the company of friends and major English literary figures Percy Shelley (her later husband), Lord Byron and John Polidori (credited by some as the creator of the vampire genre of fantasy fiction). Director James Whale’s revolutionary film interpretation of Shelley’s Frankenstein, arguably the most iconic horror film in history, was followed by his own “Bride of Frankenstein”, one of the few sequels to a great film which is considered even better than the original film on which it is based. Both films were conceived of and made by Whale while living at the Villa.
The dreamy 1998 film “Gods and Monsters”, based on a novel originally titled “Father of Frankenstein”, is a daring biographical interpretation of the inner life and imaginings of Whale at the end of his life. English actor Sir Ian Mckellan as James Whale, circa 1957, in vivid dream sequences, recounts haunting memories of various events in his life including an entertaining account of his glamorous life in Hollywood during the 1930’s and reconstructions of the filming of Bride of Frankenstein. Both McKellan and Lynn Redgrave, of the English acting dynasty, received Oscar nominations for their work on the film.
Whale disliked being identified with horror films only. His personal favorite film Remember Last Night (1935), “a tale of bright young things drinking and partying fast enough to keep despair at bay” is a reminder that Whale belonged to the same “Lost Generation” of artists formed by World War I who produced works of art with a similar theme such as Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. James Whale retired from making films in 1941.
The Villa Sophia is located on a hilltop at the edge of 4300 acre Griffith Park with views of city, ocean, mountains and the Griffith Observatory was designed by noted architect Henry Harwood Hewitt in 1925. Extensive lush gardens with both tropical and Italian influences. Terraces on three levels for dramatic filming effects. Location for many film and photography shoots.
