Favorite Hotels (Well, Some of Them)

$ = Under $100

$$ = $100 - $200

$$$ = $200 - $300

$$$$ = $300 - $500

$$$$$ = $500 plus

I am often asked what my favorite hotels are. It is a tough question – “Chacun a son gout” as the French say, and what is heaven to some is hell to another. There are so many fabulous hotels; it really depends on your mood. Foie gras? Burgers and fries? Or a simple grilled fish? And who are you traveling with? Girls weekend, elderly parents, family reunion…

Here are a few highly biased examples of hotels I return to again and again:

Europe - $$$ - $$$$

Paris – The Victoria Palace. Low-key, huge rooms, and in a decidedly non-chic cul-de-sac. Great service, very personal, family run, and in the heart of the most desirable area of Paris – the 7^th in the Left Bank. I love the Meurice, L’Hotel, Duc de Saint Simon, The Four Seasons Georges V, but I come back to the VP every time I am in town. $$$$

Rome – La Posta Vecchia. Nothing to do, nothing to see – just a world class hotel on a rocky promontory with great food in a Roman villa owned by the Getty Oil family and filled with priceless antiques. You will never sleep more soundly. $$$$$

Amalfi Coast, Italy – There are so many spectacular options here – an embarrassment of riches, really. However, my heart belongs to Le Sirenuse – I was married here and it combines familial hospitality with a crack managerial team and historical memorabilia from the 15^th century. The Sersale family has owned the property for what? Three or four hundred years? and is very much a presence. Kind of like staying in a private villa if they had room service and were related to Popes. Perched vertiginously over the Positano Coastline, it is a tiny jewel. $$$$$

Florence – It doesn’t get better than this – the hotel situation in Florence, that is. From The Lungarno Hotels to The Savoy to The Helvetia and Bristol, everyone is as good and as unique as its neighbor. However, JK Place feels like home to me. Located across from Santa Maria Novella Church, one of my favorites, it feels like home if your partner was a world class interior decorator, no check in, no lobby, doesn’t even have great views - but when you walk in you are handed seamlessly a prosecco or a scalding cappuccino when it is raining. The general manager was the youngest Clef D’or concierge around (the highest possible accolade) so any possible wine tasting or private tour can be arranged. $$$$ - $$$$$

UK – Stafford Hotel – London – Again, throw a rock in London and you will break the window of a fabulous hotel. Whether boutique, traditional, or modern, London has superlative accommodation to fit all tastes. I love the Stafford because the staff is idiosyncratic – they tell you what they think – and are so welcoming that I have the illusion of owning a historical home in London. A two minute walk from Green Park, this is the kind of hotel that greets you by name, remembers what you drink, and is not above bringing a cup of tea unannounced and unsolicited to a chilled guest on a typically blustery London afternoon. Close enough to walk to the theatre, with a killer bar frequented by The Royals. Add to this the most lauded concierge team in London, multiple winners of awards by Frank Laino and his staff. $$$$$

Mexico -

Cabo Surf Hotel. Just what it sounds like – great surf at a family owned hotel on a decent swimmable beach, a rarity in the Cabo San Lucas area. Fabulous local seafood, very plain but clean rooms, and a surf shop with waves easy enough to learn on. A cheap spa, really tasty margaritas, and water warm enough and safe enough to walk right in. No design, no renaissance frescos, just all the necessary elements. $$

The Inn at Monzanillo Bay. A room above a good restaurant with a view of the surf, hammock, and a patio at $100 a night? Check. Bungalows down by the beach for 2-3 at $130? Check. Tide-pooling and great surf? Yep. Salty margaritas around a pool with a waterfall and tropical landscaping – DID I MENTION THE SURF? Yep, point break out front. Great for families, surfers and budget travelers who like a more “luxe” vibe. Fly into Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast and cab or drive 40 minutes worth. $ - $$.