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To set the mood for this post, I’m going to need to throw it back to my dons Cassidy, R.Kelly and Pitbull. Any time I know I’m going to be staying in a hotel these songs infiltrate my mind, so why not press play whilst you read about the top 10 favourite hotels I’ve stayed in.
In no particular order, here goes:
The Quin, New York, USA
I can’t describe how much I loved this hotel, from the décor, to the huge room to the Fresh cosmetics toiletries in the bathroom, The Quin will always have a special place in my heart. Inspired by art, fashion and nature, this hotel is not your average NYC hotel in the slightest. With regular art installations from and minimally designed rooms, you’ll never want to leave. I miss waking up to this view and abusing the Nespresso machine everyday. Best of all, the rooms are huge by NYC standards; if you’re travelling with a friend (or a group), I’d recommend booking the ‘Premier Queen’ room as it can sleep up to 4 people. Sounds great for a girl’s trip if you ask me.
Central Park is literally around the corner and Times Square is only a few blocks away, so in terms of location, The Quin is perfectly situated. If you wanna stock up on food and drink too, there is a Duane Reade just across the street as eating out in NYC can be pricey.
There are a plethora of hotels in NYC to choose from depending on your tastes and budget but if you’re after something boutique yet luxury, The Quin is for you.
Also do check out my NYC adventures here:
- The NYC Diaries – Part One
- The NYC Diaries – Part Two
- The NYC Diaries – Part Three
- The NYC Diaries – Part Four
- The NYC Diaries – Part Five
- The NYC Diaries – Part Six
- Empire State of Mind
The Venetian, Vegas, USA
My first time in Vegas was an experience; I wouldn’t recommend going in mid-August (42C and upwards) but I would recommend staying at The Venetian. It can only be described as opulent, decadent and entirely luxurious in every way possible. From the lobby to the seven pools to the huge rooms, The Venetian has it all. I loved the bathroom (which is bigger than my London bedroom) but what I loved more was the decor in the lobby. If you’re in love with all things Venetian, you may just be able to cross that off your bucket list after staying here. Ironically, I’m heading to Venice next week as I’m not sure I can do a 4th Vegas trip. Pricewise, the 5* hotels are relatively cheap compared to other areas of the globe but you’re never spoilt for choice in the City of Sin, so take a gamble.
I also stayed at The Mirage last year and whilst it was lovely and was in brilliant location, it didn’t make it to this list. I think once you’ve experience staying at a 5* hotel in Vegas it’s hard to go down. That’s probably the boujiest sentence I’ve ever typed BUT my take on travel is affordable luxury. You can check out my bouji on a budget hacks here.
The Grand Palladium, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Grand Palladium in Puerto Vallarta exceeded my expectations and more. I’m always wary of booking a resort hotel as the scenery is usually amazing but the service isn’t. However, The Grand Palladium was absolutely amazing, from check in to check out, the staff go above and beyond in every single way. My favourite moments were ordering room service which is included in your all-inclusive offering and of course watching the sunset every night.
I wrote a post about why I fell in love with Mexico here and I’m sure you will be if you take a trip too. Book your stay here.
Crowne Plaza, Milan, Italy
Ah Milan will always have a place in my heart as my first solo destination. I decided to stay at the Crowne Plaza in the Business District because it was right by a metro station, a 5-minute walk away from the bus station as I hate spending ages trying to find my hotel after a long day. The Crowne Plaza Milan was perfect for me as a solo traveller with gorgeous decor and a comfy bed, I would definitely stay here again. Check out my solo yolo travels in Milan here:
The Bonnington Jumeriah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE
Ah sunny Dubai. I still don’t know how I feel about this city but it’s all the more reason to go back. The Bonnington is the epitome of a 5* hotel in Dubai with a rooftop pool, amazing views of the Jumeriah Lakes and the Dubai skyline. I remember ordering room service at 3am and it literally came within minutes. Not only that, the bathroom was my favourite part of our room as it had a bathtub and a separate door for a shower meaning me and my friend could get ready at the same time. You can read about Dubai adventures here: Du-Bye to Dubai?
Book your stay here.
The Beverly Hilton, LA, USA
Famous for hosting the Golden Globes and plenty of other star-studded events, The Beverly Hilton is nothing short of iconic. The rooms are a little (just a tad) outdated, but the hotel itself and staff are absolutely lovely. Not only that, in terms of location, you are right by The Beverly Hills sign and a 10-15 minute walk to Rodeo Drive. Luxury at your doorstep right?
I stayed in a Double Deluxe room in the Wilshire Tower and it was definitely roomy enough for two people. I was in LA a few months ago, staying in Downtown LA (The Biltmore) and if I’m honest it was too far out for my liking. Anyway, you can check out my LA series here:
Book your stay here.
A special mention goes out to all the Travelodge hotels I’ve stayed at in the UK as although all these hotels may be budget the beds are comfy and exactly what you need for a trip in the UK. Check out my Cornish adventures here where I teamed up with Travelodge on the #SeaAndTheCity campaign encouraging Londoners to get out of the city for the weekend.
This year, I want to attempt staying in a hostel and Temi from The Palateport’s post here might just tempt me.
What are your favourite hotels you’ve stayed in? Let me know by commenting below or tweeting me here.
Char xo
*So when I went to Vegas in October 2016, I stayed at the Trump and my room got upgraded. I would have included it in this list BUT you know why. Anyway feel free to peruse my Vegas adventures here if you’re intrigued as to what staying in a hotel made of gold is like.
Temi. A says
That Vegas hotel tho😍😍😍 looks amazing!!
Thanks for the shout out xx
memoirsmusings (Char) says
You’re so welcome Temi 🖤✈️
csaradar says
Love that you put those videos. I have always loved that first song. I also loved the Venetian! Thanks for some good recommendations here!
kad8585 says
Wow!! These hotels look so amazing! I can see why you would choose these. To be honest, I don’t think I could ever afford any of these places but would love to see their decor inside.
michelle says
I have never stayed at the The Venetian but I always go there for the Bouchon macarons! You have stayed at so many cool places, hope I get to the the same one day =)
hellowithmichelle says
I have never stayed at The Venetian but I always go there when in Vegas to get the Bouchon Bakery macarons! You have stayed at so many cool places, I hope I get to do the same one day! =)
memoirsmusings (Char) says
Fingers crossed you do Michelle!
Jade Mercedes Fraser says
This is sooo helpful, bookmarking this for when I next go away! Gosh you’ve stayed in SUCH cool places, thanks so much for taking the time to share your experiences with us. The Venetian is top of my list – 7 pools – whaaaat?!?! If you’re ever in Barcelona the Princess Hotel there is really nice and affordable, rooftop pool, floor to ceiling windows in the rooms etc. highly recommend!
My ‘Luxe for Less’ Blog: Jade With Envy | My YouTube Channel
Tarnya says
My husband and I are planning on going to Vegas for our 30th next year, so your Vegas recommendation was good! I need to start researching cool places to visit etc.
Tarnya xx
http://www.sweetallure.co.uk