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Isolated on its own, 20-acre island off the coast of funky Coconut Grove, the Grove Isle offers big rooms (each with a balcony and a stunning view), a spa, 12 tennis courts, an open-air restaurant, a superb fitness center, and a marina. But there’s no beach, just a patch of sand on some concrete by the pool, some rooms and public areas need updating, and the remote location means there’s not a lot to do (an upside for those in search of tranquility).
A-list rockers have been flocking to the Sunset Marquis, located steps from the Sunset Strip, since it opened in 1963 as a cheap motel for musicians. It offers 152 sleek, spacious rooms featuring up-to-date amenities — including large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and Molton Brown toiletries. Hotel highlights include a top-notch restaurant, a cozy bar, two pools, and a wonderful spa.
Located in New Jersey, across the river from New York City, this 225-room W struggles to feel sceney in a fairly clean, quiet neighborhood that most New Yorkers ignore. Its plush rooms, exceptional gym, so-so spa, overpriced restaurant, and less-exciting nightclub compare to more expensive Ws, but there are other, equally comfortable hotels in NYC for the price.
The 319-room Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf is an upscale hotel in a central location within walking distance of major attractions such as Pier 39, North Beach, and Coit Tower. Contemporary rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and Hyatt’s signature mattresses. The many 24-hour facilities — including the fitness and business centers, a small market with a few basic items, and room service — cater mostly to business travelers, but the outdoor heated pool is a hit with families. The attached restaurant serves a tasty seasonal menu made with locally sourced ingredients, and has a popular daily happy hour. Neighboring Pier 2620 Hotel has lower rates, but no pool.
From the entrance, the Le Merigot Santa Monica looks like a typical upscale chain hotel, but it has one unexpected perk: fast beach access from the swimming pool. The location is also walkable to a plethora of restaurants and shops, including the popular 3rd Street Promenade. Features include a full spa, modern fitness center, breakfast buffet, and French-inspired lunch and dinner restaurant. The 175 rooms are classic and contemporary, and some have balconies with ocean views. Note that there’s a daily Destination fee (to cover beach gear and Wi-Fi) and valet parking also costs extra. Overall, this is an excellent and straightforward beach hotel. For something with a bit more character and social scene (but higher rates) check out Casa del Mar Hotel, just down the street.
Small, intimate, and beautiful, this Santa Monica boutique hotel more than compensates for its lack of on-site features — no spa, a long walk to the beach — with a welcoming atmosphere cultivated by personal service and elegant design and ample amenities (50-inch flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, Frette sheets) in its 70 rooms, which, starting at 450 square feet, are some of the biggest in the area. Plus, Oceana Beach Club has a relaxed, low-key vibe unmatched by its luxury rivals Fairmont Miramar, Shutters on the Beach, and Hotel Casa Del Mar.
The Puntacana Hotel’s 170 suites are steps away from the beach, on a giant property that includes three golf courses, including La Cana, Six Senses spa, a nature preserve, eight restaurants, horse stables, and more. La Romana’s Casa de Campo is nearly identical, unless you’re a pro golfer — Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog beats La Cana.
This 187-room Meatpacking District hotel is more than its lauded rooftop pool — guests also score luxe 400-thread-count bedding and cool Cutler toiletries, plus free Wiis, HBO, and Wi-Fi. The nightly parade of clubhoppers outside the door can grow tiresome — but if that’s your scene, the proximity to so many excellent restaurants and bars is hard to beat.
The upscale Hotel Vitale has a great location on the Financial District waterfront, surrounded by fine dining and across the street from the famous Ferry Building. Its 200 rooms are warm and spacious, with a soothing neutral palette, free Wi-Fi, and upscale amenities such as Bose sound systems, LCD TVs, fully stocked minibars, and limestone bathrooms. Americano Restaurant & Bar is known for its popular happy hour, which spills over to its cute outdoor terrace, and the spa offers a serene bamboo patio with soaking tubs. Rates are average for location and style, but there is a steep fee for valet parking, and the mandatory “Urban Fee” (which includes basic Wi-Fi, daily 10-minute massages, and Nespresso machines) may make some guests feel nickel-and-dimed. In this price range Le Meridien San Francisco offers a comparable experience.
The upscale Art Deco Sunset Tower has drawn A-list celebrities since it was a luxury apartment building for stars like Marilyn Monroe. In 2005, the hotel opened as it is today (though it was renovated again in 2018), a Sunset Strip landmark with a glamorous and buzzing bar, gorgeous pool with city views, and a full spa. The 81 rooms and suites feature more of the Old School Hollywood style found in the public areas, plus they have floor-to-ceiling windows and Nespresso machines. The hotel’s location on Sunset Boulevard is conducive to clubs, restaurants, and shops. Since this is a historic property, some of the room layouts are awkward and the pool is on the small side. For something more modern, The Jeremy West Hollywood opened down the street in 2018.