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This 1,499-room business behemoth ideally straddles SoMa, the Financial District, and Union Square, and clearly caters to meeting attendees with its multiple restaurants, huge fitness center, and comfortable, if unexciting, quarters. The public spaces can get so overwhelmed by the suit-and-tie set, however, that it often feels more like a convention center than a hotel.
The 96-room Hotel Emblem is a quirky, literary-themed boutique hotel located in downtown San Francisco, two blocks from Union Square. The stylish property has a sceney vibe and a fun style that pays tribute to the Beat Generation (think throw pillows that read “Pot Is Fun” and William Carlos Williams quotes embedded on custom carpeting). The attractive rooms have funky, midcentury-inspired decor, as well as flat-screen TVs and glass decanters by the bedside (each floor has a station with filtered water and afternoon fruit and cookies). Perks include a hip lobby bar with excellent cocktails, a billiards room, and an outpost of the Brooklyn-based Bluestone Lane coffee shop. However, there’s no full-service eatery, and no fitness center. All in all, it’s a cooly mellow spot for couples or solo travelers; for something a bit more buttoned-up, consider The Inn at Union Square – A Greystone Hotel.
Wedged between East Carson Ave and Fremont Street, The D is one of the best values in Downtown Las Vegas. The upper-middle-range, 629-room property features contemporary rooms, a multi-level casino, three on-site restaurants including a steakhouse, and a handful of popular bars. It’s also home to the world’s largest Keno board. While its fitness center is pretty lackluster, The D Las Vegas draws many repeat guests for its unfussy, fun atmosphere. Those looking to spend any time on The Strip should know the heart of the action is a 15-minute drive away. Travelers looking for a more exciting pool scene downtown should consider the nearby Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, though its entry-level rooms are pretty dated.
Gracious service makes the towering, austere 804-room Hyatt Regency feel almost cozy. The big-for-San-Francisco rooms — all renovated in 2014 — feature 42-inch flat-screen HDTVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, iHome alarm clocks, and wonderfully comfortable Hyatt Grand beds. This is largely a business hotel, though its location near the scenic Embarcadero and bustling commercial artery of Market Street is convenient for leisure travelers exploring the city. Le Meridien, four blocks away, offers hipper rooms and a more happening restaurant, for similar rates.
This hotel was significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in September 2017, and is currently closed for repairs until June 2018. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. The four-pearl Westin St. John Resort Villas is the largest resort on tiny St. John. The decor is typical of the Westin brand, with meticulous landscaping and modern, upscale interiors. Features include a soft sand beach, a large pool, two beachfront restaurants, and a full-service spa and salon. There’s also plenty for kids. The 226 contemporary, homey villas come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and kitchens or kitchenettes — some even have private pools. Unfortunately, upcharges like a hefty daily resort fee can grow tiresome. Those looking for something a bit more intimate should consider the nearby Gallows Point Resort, which has sharp villas that include full kitchens at similar rates.
The upper-middle-range Room Mate Grace is a stylish, modern boutique with a central setting in Times Square. The 139 rooms have patterned wallpaper, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs, but entry-level units are tiny. Given the busy location, noise can be an issue. Although lacking a full restaurant, an excellent healthy breakfast buffet spread is available for a fee, while all guests get free access to a sauna and small 24-hour gym. A small indoor pool with a swim-up bar is a rarity for this area, but it’s reserved for pool parties on certain evenings. Overall, this is a great value for the area, but travelers wanting something a bit quieter should consider the nearby Kimpton Muse Hotel.
A Marriott Vacation Club property with 442 studio, one-, and two-bedroom villas, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Lahaina & Napili Towers primarily appeals to families with kids. The property’s three massive pool complexes feature kid-friendly amenities, like water slides and climbable pirate ships, and the hotel’s beachfront location means guests have easy access to Maui’s famous Kaanapali Beach. Most villas are equipped with full kitchens and in-unit laundry, and feature separate living and sleeping spaces. The resort has one full service restaurant, a poolside grab-and-go, and a Starbucks, but on-site dining is mediocre at best. It’s worth comparing rates at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas, a similar (though much newer) property with nicer rooms.
With its 787 spacious suites and relaxing pools, this mellow, off-the-Strip time-share hotel might have you thinking you’re not in Vegas at all. The upper-middle-range Wyndham property is a bit removed from all the action, since the Strip is about a 15-minute walk away (the hotel offers a free shuttle service). Highlights at this massive hotel include three attractive outdoor pools, four hot tubs, two fitness centers, activity rooms packed with arcade games, pool tables, and organized activities. Suites are large and have full kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, and washers/dryers. Dining options aren’t great — there’s a cafe, lobby and poolside bars, and a Starbucks cart. Wi-Fi incurs a fee. For something with a more central location, check out the Jockey Club, which also offers spacious suites with kitchens.
Small standard rooms and a location 10 minutes from the beach are drawbacks, but the Courtyard offers solid service, a pool, Jacuzzi, spa, and a relaxation room at affordable rates.
This three-and-a-half-pearl, 369-suite hotel by Hilton has a family-friendly vibe and prime location on Waikiki Beach Walk. It’s surrounded by numerous shops and restaurants, and the beach is only a two-minute walk away. Suites are a bit dated, but include separate living spaces plus microwaves and refrigerators, while some add furnished lanais with gorgeous ocean views. There’s an outdoor pool with a sundeck, hot tub, and kids’ pool, plus a modern fitness center and 24-hour business center including meeting rooms. The all-day restaurant serves American and Asian cuisines, plus a free breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelettes. The lack of resort fees is a nice surprise, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. For something with a bit more, check rates at the Marriott Waikiki instead, which adds a spa and Italian restaurant.