Articles Mentioning Upscale

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

An upscale resort that seamlessly blends business savvy with family-friendliness, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a solid option for all kinds of Orlando travelers. Located midway between Disney World and Universal Studios, the JW Marriott appeals to families, and its massive lazy river pool is great for kids. With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel also attracts business travelers, and is a popular spot for conventions. The nearly 1,000 guest rooms are tastefully decorated and include mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. Varied dining options, Starbucks, a lovely spa, and an 18-hole golf course are other standout features, and guests are welcome to use all amenities at the adjoining Ritz Carlton. Expect to pay a resort fee and extra for parking. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rooms aren’t as upscale. 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Part Neverland (totem poles and a Peter Pan kids’ club) and part Hawaiian resort (nightly luaus and a Volcano Pool), the crowded, 853-room Polynesian remains one of Disney’s most popular Deluxe-category resorts for families, thanks to its especially large rooms that sleep five and ideal location on both the Monorail and the beaches of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Caribe Royale Orlando

A five-minute drive from Disney World theme parks, this 1,335-room convention hotel is a great value for budget-minded families. The trade-offs for those who can overlook the dowdy decor include large suites, ample dining options, and features like an enormous pool and a two-story fitness center. Travelers looking for more modern rooms (with private balconies) might prefer Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress — where the pool’s waterslide is 50 feet longer than Caribe Royale’s — though rates are higher.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

Following extensive 2016 renovations, this upscale Hilton (formerly a Radisson) stands as an icon of modernist architecture with chic surroundings on Aruba’s popular Palm Beach. Its 357 rooms are spacious, comfortable, and handsomely appointed, with furnished balconies or patios and a choice of views. Highlights include two lovely big pools, immaculate tropical garden grounds (complete with caged Macaws), a top-notch spa and fitness center, and beachfront dining, although kid-focused activities are surprisingly lacking. The Hilton is a popular hub for couples and families seeking an elegant backdrop to their Aruba vacation. A major plus is the prime location — right on popular Palm Beach — perfectly calm for swimming and floating; with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightlife within walking distance. Travelers seeking an upmarket vibe for adults only could try Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. 

Rockhouse Hotel

The 34-room, four-pearl Rockhouse Hotel is a lush, laid-back haven with a stunning cliffside setting in Negril. An ocean-view infinity pool, well-regarded spa, and daily morning yoga (fee most days) offer relaxation, while snorkeling equipment (fee) and cliff jumping get the heart pounding. Rooms vary between simple garden-view hotel-style units to more upscale cliffside villas with outdoor showers, but all have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, free mosquito repellant, and minibars. There are no TVs in rooms, nor any kids under 12, helping to create a peaceful environment. The beautiful, eco-minded design and delicious food at three dining spots are also top-notch. Reasonable rates make this is a popular spot for getaways and weddings, so if it’s booked, consider the similar Tensing Pen Resort, though it allows children. 

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa

Casa Colonial Beach and Spa is a swish, four-pearl property located on Playa Dorada beach. The hotel’s 50 rooms exude timeless style, featuring decor inspired by colonial-era aesthetics. Amenities, which include a spa, two restaurants and a pair of bars, plus a rooftop pool, are equally chic — most are on the smaller side, but this mainly just enhances the hotel’s intimate feel. While you might hear some noise from the busy resorts nearby and service is sometimes a bit off, Casa Colonial is by far the most luxurious option in Puerto Plata. Guests may want to compare rates and amenities with Blue JackTar, but it’s not as fancy.

Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown

Located in the small West End area adjacent to Georgetown, the 415-room Fairmont is an upscale hotel known for being home to one of D.C.’s best fitness centers, complete with top-of-the-line equipment, an indoor saltwater lap pool, free group classes, and personal trainers. Although its location and services cater mostly to business travelers, the comfortable, large rooms with 49-inch HDTVs, fully stocked minibars, and coffeemakers, and its solid American restaurant with outdoor seating and seasonal menus make it an enjoyable pick for tourists as well. There are a sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool, but the hotel lacks a full spa. Those looking to get pampered may want to compare rates at the Mandarin Oriental Washington DC.

Boston Marriott Copley Place

Boston Marriott Copley Place is a giant convention hotel situated in the heart of the Back Bay with direct access to a shopping mall and convention centers. The upscale hotel has an unmistakable chain-hotel feel, but it also offers the familiar comforts guests expect from a Marriott. There’s a sports bar and a lounge, both serving food and drinks, a wellness center with a gym, pool, and hot tub, and massive business and conference facilities. The hotel’s 1,148 guest rooms start at a nice 265 square feet and feature 55-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers. The biggest drawback? Extra daily fees for parking, breakfast, and in-room Wi-Fi add up. Guests looking to stay in the same complex might compare rates with The Westin Copley Place and the Sheraton Boston Hotel.

Gild Hall A Thompson Hotel

Gild Hall is far hipper than your average Wall Street business hotel. Friendly service, a hunting lodge-like lobby, and 126 attractively designed rooms with 55-inch flat-screen TVs, Sferra linens, and D.S. & Durga bath products make this a top choice for stylish financiers. But there’s not much after-dark action in the Financial District. Another hip business hotel worth considering is the Andaz Wall Street, which features a striking Rockwell Group design and freebies like lobby snacks, barista coffee, and minibar items.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

This hotel was impacted by Hurricane Irma and is currently closed. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. A huge (though relaxed) beachfront resort with reliable service, a great pool, a top-notch spa, and a modern fitness center, the Ritz offers more for the money. Less crowded than its hip, style-focused boutique neighbors, the family-friendly Ritz is still in a prime position to explore SoBe.