7 Awesome Hotels on Our Radar This Week

1. The Horton Grand Hotel, San Diego

The upper-middle-range Horton Grand Hotel is a charming destination property, with a prime location in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter that’s a short walk to the convention center and other waterfront attractions. Its beautiful interiors, dating to 1886, feature polished marble floors, rich oak paneling, and a New Orleans-style interior courtyard. The opulent Palace Bar showcases a majestic staircase and a huge mural. It’s a lovely hotel that’s heavy on ambience, but there’s no pool or fitness center, and the valet-only parking is expensive. The 108 rooms are individually decorated with antiques and gas fireplaces; many have private balconies, and King Suites include kitchenettes. Travelers could also try the stylish Hotel Solamar San Diego nearby, which has a rooftop pool and free nightly receptions. 

2. Nature's Paradise, St. Lucia

Nature’s Paradise is a mid-range inn set in the hills overlooking Marigot Bay. The inn’s two rooms and two cottages are nestled within enchanting, garden-filled grounds, and dramatic views over the bay claim the spotlight from almost every corner. The cottages offer full kitchens, while the rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities and mini-fridges — and both have furnished terraces with picture-perfect bay vistas. The inn is for travelers seeking a down-to-earth experience away from the crowds — there’s no air-conditioning and Wi-Fi is spotty, which might make the inn a tad too rustic for some. There’s no beach, and getting to the nearest town requires navigating a jolting dirt road. Travelers could compare amenities and rates with Mango Beach Inn on the other side of the bay. 

3. Conrad London St. James

The luxury Conrad London St. James is centrally located in Westminster, across the street from the St. James’ Park tube station, in easy walking distance to major sights. The hotel’s 256 rooms have refined, modern decor, luxurious marble bathrooms with separate bathtubs and rainfall showers, and high-end amenities such as Nespresso machines, drink stations, and generously stocked minibars. The property has a sophisticated restaurant, moody bar, and bright lounge where afternoon tea is served to live harp music. Room service is available 24 hours, and the hotel has a dedicated concierge team. Bit extras like valet parking and breakfast aren’t included with the room rate. The nearby Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences offers slightly splashier decor and more wellness facilities, including saunas, steam rooms, and personal trainers.

4. Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

The 200-room Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis is a luxury property situated on the Mississippi River next on Laclede’s Landing, a revitalized historic area packed with restaurants, bars, and entertainment. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the famed Gateway Arch, and all three sports arenas can be reached on foot. Rooms and suites are luxurious, spacious, and attractive, and many have superb views of the city and Gateway Arch. The restaurant serves Italian fare, and the outdoor dining terrace is spectacular. A rooftop pool with cabanas feels almost South Beach, and the spa is lovely. For a luxury alternative, the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis makes a fine, if entirely traditional pick, though it’s far from the city’s riverfront attractions and rates are far higher.

5. The Ashok, New Dehli

A landmark hotel in Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave, The Ashok is a massive four-pearl property with 550 rooms and suites. Rooms here are classically decorated and showing their age a bit, and all suites have separate living areas and bedrooms. The on-site spa — Amatraa — is considered one of the city’s finest and is attached to a modern fitness center. The restaurants are another huge draw, and include a couple of Indian vegetarian options and another that specializes in the famous cuisine of the city of Lucknow. While it’s suitable for both tourists and business travelers, The Ashok is known as a convention hotel; those looking for something more intimate may prefer The Lodhi instead, though it’s far more expensive. 

6. Caribbean Villas Hotel, Belize

The 61-room Caribbean Villas Hotel is a two-and-a-half pearl waterfront property with a rustic tropical vibe, just a 15-minute beach walk from central San Pedro. Air-conditioned rooms and suites are slightly dated and have flat-screen TVs, fridges, and ocean or garden views. The two freshwater pools are a big plus and overlook a sandy beachfront that’s often overgrown with sea grass. The hotel restaurant serves three meals a day and has barbecue and live music on certain weekend days. El Diablo, the island’s biggest waterslide spills into a dedicated swimming area with a floating dock and trampoline at the end of the resort’s long pier. For a similarly priced hotel in the heart of San Pedro Town with simple rooms and a great restaurant, it’s worth considering SunBreeze Hotel. 

7. Corus Hotel Hyde Park London

The upscale, 389-room Corus Hotel is situated in a Georgian mansion at the top of Hyde Park. It’s a two-minute walk to Lancaster Gate tube station, with most major attractions reachable within 20 minutes. A conservatory-style restaurant and bar overlooks Hyde Park and serves an extensive breakfast buffet (fee) along with lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. There’s also an Italian restaurant on the ground floor with an opera-singing waitstaff. The major disappointment here are the standard-level rooms — tiny, with lackluster decor and limited amenities. Upgraded rooms are better and include extras like mini-fridges and espresso machines. Travelers could also consider the nearby Lancaster London, which has comparable rates, a Thai restaurant, and a nicer fitness center.

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