If you're the type that's always up-to-date on the latest celeb gossip, or if you have the bucks to travel like an A-lister, you probably aren't interested in hearing about the hottest hotels from two years ago. You want to know all about the hottest hotels around the world right now, where celebrities have been spotted recently (within the last year at least). We totally understand. Trends fade; cool hotels become less cool. That's why we did some sleuthing to find out which hotels are still scorching hot -- in cities from NYC to Paris to Istanbul.
Trump SoHo, New York City
Celebs Spotted Recently: The Kardashian clan (Kourtney, Kim, Kanye, and Kris Jenner); Jada Pinkett-Smith; Jessica Alba; Kendra Wilkinson
The Oyster.com offices are located just around the corner from the Trump SoHo, and we can confirm first-hand that it is one of the most star-studded hotels in NYC. We spotted the Kardashian clan only a month or so ago way back from lunch; in fact, and it feels like paparazzi are permanently camped outside the hotel entrance. The first Trump hotel in downtown New York has the attention to detail and hands-on service you’d expect from a Trump property, but the hipper vibe and great SoHo location cater to a younger set. The luxurious spa and seasonally open pool are the hotel’s main features. Koi (which draws plenty of celebs all on its own) serves Japanese food in a sleek space.
Langham Hotel, London
Celebs Spotted Recently: Justin Bieber, Victoria Beckham, Elle Fanning
Oh, Biebs. He just can’t stay out of trouble, even at a joint as classy as the Langham; just a couple months ago he got into a fight with the paparazzi while leaving the hotel (where he has also stayed on previous occasions). While Biebs may be a mess, the 380-room Langham is luxurious, stately, and composed. For a certain quintessentially English air of prestige without the usual pretension, and a premier location for West End shopping, this is a good place to be. The ultra-luxurious Chuan Spa, 16-meter pool, and salt sauna don’t hurt its high-end credentials either.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles
Celebs Spotted Recently: Angelina Jolie, Robert Pattinson
The Hollywood Roosevelt has maintained its status as one of the hottest L.A. spots to see-and-be-seen — no mean feat in one of the most celeb-heavy cities in the world. Angelina stopped by Public for lunch with friends (and without Brad!) on Valentine’s Day this year, and Robert Pattinson showed up at Teddy’s to party in late March without K-Stew (smart move, Rob). The secret to this hotel’s success? This 300-room Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, literally an L.A. landmark, combines the shimmer of silver-screen history with a cutting-edge party scene centered around its multiple bars and massive pool. A terrific casual restaurant is open 24 hours, and service is surprisingly good. The rooms are well designed, if smaller than average for L.A.
The Merrion, Dublin
Celebs Spotted Recently: Paul Rudd, Judd Apatow, Rihanna, Danny Devito
This exclusive, utterly discreet hotel is a haven for public figures who value their privacy. Rihanna (who stayed on vacation before her March tour), Paul Rudd, and Danny Devito are the most recent VIPs to hole up here — and those are only the ones we know about. The Merrion is Dublin’s most exclusive luxury hotel, and has a convenient location across from the Government buildings in four 18th-century townhouses. It has fewer rooms than the nearby Shelbourne and feels more intimate and private, though its list of features is still extensive: The hotel has a full-service spa, lovely Roman-style indoor pool, and well-equipped fitness center. The impressive restaurant offering includes Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, the only restaurant in Ireland to receive two Michelin stars, as well as the casual and atmospheric Cellar Bar, housed in the original 18th-century wine vaults.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul
Celebs Spotted Recently: Madonna, Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes
Madonna proved she knows how to treat a man right when she shacked up with 25-year-old boyfriend Brahim Zaibat at Ciragan Palace’s uber-luxe Sultan Suite (pictured) last summer while in Istanbul for her MDNA tour. The rack rate on that room? A mere €30,000/night. It was hardly the first time Ciragan Palace has hosted A-list celebs; the hotel got plenty of attention when it hosted a big Skyfall press conference in April 2012 before shooting for the film began in the city. The list of other VIPs that have graced the hotel’s halls is so long that the hotel has a dedicated “Wall of Fame” off of the lobby. One would expect no less from a hotel that was formerly the palace of an Ottoman sultan.
Bellagio, Las Vegas
Celebs Spotted Recently: Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Britney Spears, Adrian Grenier
Las Vegas’ City Center hotels may be newer, but this Las Vegas classic is still drawing its fair share of famous faces. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were spotted dining with friends here in late March, and Adrian Grenier hosted a party at the hotel’s Hyde nightclub in February. The Bellagio is the embodiment of Las Vegas luxury, with an extravagant five-pool courtyard; formal room service; a superb fitness center and spa; the best buffet on the Strip; and attractions like the indoor botanical gardens and the famous dancing fountains.
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Celebs Spotted Recently: Penelope Cruz, Simon Cowell
Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados — indeed, it’s one of the most luxurious resorts in the world — known for unparalleled service and distinct touches. No wonder a pregnant Penelope Cruz chose to vacation here in the spring with the fam! And in December, Simon Cowell threw a massive holiday party here for 100 friends. Access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf course, a Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style hotel apart from the rest.
The Greenwich Hotel, New York City
Celebs Recently Spotted: Ashley Olsen, Taylor Swift, Katie Holmes
This virtually flawless 88-room TriBeCa hotel (opened in 2008 by Robert de Niro, among others) offers large, homey rooms, breathtaking design, and very attentive service. Even better: free Wi-Fi; free minibar snacks; and free Wii video games by request. Better still: an underground pool; Shibui Spa; premier gym; and the homestyle Italian Locanda Verde restaurant. It’s a magnet for celebs: Ashley Olsen, Taylor Swift, and Katie Holmes are just some of the VIPs who have been spotted here this year.
Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris
Celebs Recently Spotted: Nicole Richie, Zoe Saldana, Natalie Portman, Mariah Carey
The world-renowned luxury hotel Plaza Athenee — a part of the Dorchester Collection — is synonymous with Parisian elegance and good taste. Iconic red awnings and chestnut trees welcome guests to the historic setting, on the upscale Avenue Montaigne location with direct views of the Eiffel Tower. The avenue is lined with high-end shops such as Christian Dior (guests have access to the Dior Institute for a full range of quality beauty and spa treatments), Prada, and Chanel. And inside, the 146 rooms and 45 suites are decorated in classic Art Deco style with modern touches like flat-screen TVs and marble baths. Nicole Richie and Zoe Saldana were both spotted here in March while in town for Paris Fashion Week, and Mariah Carey famously renewed her vows here with Nick Cannon in December.
RELATED LINKS:
All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.
