Latest news with #travelwriter
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
This Plane Seat Cushion Is My Secret to Arriving at Destinations Pain-free
As a travel writer, I spend a lot of time on airplanes. Some of these flights are shorter, while others are hours long, or even take all night. Naturally, I've gotten quite used to finding small ways to make those often-uncomfortable flights a lot easier on my body and mind. For one, I try to get the aisle seat as often as possible on these trips, since I tend to get up often. Aisle seats have so many benefits: They make it easier to use the bathroom and disembark quickly, plus they're great for easing the closed-in, trapped feeling of being in a tight space. But these perks also come with a distinct set of potential discomforts you may not have in other seats. Sitting in the aisle seat means you'll also be asked to pop up and down more frequently to let your fellow passengers out—plus, there's no view, and the constant foot traffic of the aisle can be a pain. And, at the end of the day, you still have to deal with sitting in an uncomfortable seat. Over time and circumstance, though, I've discovered there are small changes to make and travel accessories I can add to my routine to create a more comfortable space in any seat on the plane. And, for me, one game-changer has been my Sojoy Gel Seat Cushion. While $54 may seem like a hefty sum of money, it's a small price to pay for adding an extra layer of comfort and cushioning to an uncomfortable airplane seat that often leaves me with an achy bottom. Flight after flight, I've arrived at my destination with my lower back in so much pain I could barely function navigating outside of the airport. The last thing I wanted to do was add yet another thing to my load when I fly, but since I've added this gel seat cushion to my arsenal, it's made all the difference in how I feel—both during the flight and when I arrive at my destination. As a larger girl, the memory foam cushion has helped absorb my body's weight, allowing me to maintain as much comfort as possible. The Sojoy Foldable Gel Seat Cushion is ergonomic and made with a gel-topped memory foam cushion that feels sturdy and strong—but despite that durability, it's also really easy to fold up and store between uses. An added benefit for me is that it's not limited to airplane seats. I never know when I'll be dealing with a hard or uncomfortable seat in a hotel room or cafe, and this has come in handy for those instances, as well. I've even been using it at home on my own desk chair, which after a decade of use, is weathered and pretty worn out. This lightweight and comfortable seat cushion is even approved by flight attendants. "I am a flight attendant and I use this when I am commuting to work,' wrote one shopper, giving it a five-star rating. 'It fits perfectly in my bag because it folds in half, or has a snap if you want to put it on your bag. It was my Christmas gift to myself and I use it all the time." According to the Amazon reviews, pilots—who also have to spend long hours sitting during flights—love it as well. 'A commercial pilot recommended this, and [the] dude is right,' shared one five-star reviewer. 'It's amazing. This is my companion for any flights or long road trip." Another five-star reviewer noted that it's "so comfortable," adding, "I bought one for my mom and one for me. I found out about it from a pilot who was sitting next to me on a recent flight and he swore by it." The Sojoy Foldable Gel Seat Cushion isn't the only thing I swear by for making flights more comfortable. Keep scrolling for more in-flight essentials I recommend packing before your next trip, starting at $10. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- General
- Travel + Leisure
I've Been a Travel Editor for 10+ Years, and These 12 Overrated Products Are Wasting Space in Your Suitcase
You could fill an entire checked suitcase with overly hyped-up travel products. But after spending more than 10 years as a travel writer, I've found even the most popular gear can sometimes fall short. So, how do you tell an overrated travel product from a truly useful one? The best travel essentials maximize space and solve multiple packing problems. When in doubt, remember: less is more. A few of these picks might ruffle some feathers. Good packing is subjective, and what's worth it to you might not be for another traveler. Maybe you absolutely need that travel pillow to be able to sleep on a long-haul flight. But if it's space you want (hello, carry-on-only travelers!), this travel pro has you covered. Here are 12 overrated travel products you should drop—and what to pack instead. Sure, over-ear headphones look cool. But they're bulky, take up valuable space, and aren't great for side sleepers trying to nap on planes. The AirPods Pro 2 deliver excellent noise cancellation in a compact, palm-sized package that fits easily in your carry-on or pocket. They pair seamlessly via Bluetooth. Packing cubes are all the rage for organizing clothes, but they often add volume and weight without saving space. I pack about the same with standard cubes as without. Instead, invest in compression packing cubes like Bagail's, which actually reduce bulk by flattening clothes, making it easier to fit more in your suitcase, especially paired with a roomy, well-designed bag. Unless you need serious neck support, skip the bulky travel pillow. They take up a lot of room, and you only really use them twice per trip. Airlines often provide basic pillows anyway. I prefer wearing a cozy sweater on the plane and folding it for support. But if you simply must have a pillow, try The Tube. The stuffable pouch can hold up to three days' worth of clothes and packs down small when not in use. Duffels are cumbersome and offer little organization. A structured weekender like the Béis Weekender Bag stands upright, has multiple compartments including a shoe section, and keeps gear tidy and accessible. The Etronik Weekender offers similar features, along with a USB charger at a fraction of the cost. Organization helps maximize packing efficiency and saves time searching for items on the go. Travel bottles often claim to be leak-proof but rarely deliver. I learned this the hard way when my last bag flooded. Cadence Capsules changed the way I travel with more ease and less stress. They're sturdy, truly leak-proof, and magnetic for neat stacking while keeping your bag organized. The modular design helps you customize the size for everything from shampoo to sunscreen, making packing a satisfying game of Tetris. Backpacks are roomy but can make maneuvering in crowded spaces awkward while making you an easy target for pickpockets. After friends had their backpacks robbed twice while traveling, I switched to a smaller crossbody. The Baggalini Anti-theft Sling Bag is slash-resistant, RFID-blocking, and has locking zippers. Swing it to your front to keep an eye on your valuables. Inflatable footrests look fun but are bulky and tricky to inflate mid-flight, and are banned by some airlines. Instead, consider a compact lumbar support pillow like Tempur-Pedic's. It fits in your carry-on, supports your back, and takes up far less space. I love Birkenstocks, but if space is tight, I opt for versatile white sneakers like Adidas Sambas or Veja V-12s. They go with sundresses, athleisure, and casual looks, while protecting your feet during city walks. Add foldable ballet flats for dressier occasions. They pack small and polish off any outfit. Bright statement dresses are often one-note, hard to style multiple ways, and take up precious packing space. Neutral matching sets like this Sampeel duo can be mixed and matched with separates for several looks with less bulk. Simply dress the pieces up by pairing the top with a skirt, or the bottoms with a flowy blouse and fun jewelry. Water bottles are a travel must-have, but many popular stainless steel ones are heavy and awkwardly sized. The Larq water bottle is lightweight, insulated, and self-cleaning with a built-in UV-C light—no more musty smells or bacteria buildup. It fits well in cup holders and has a handy clip, making hydration effortless on the go. Travel hair dryers—even foldable ones—take up space and often perform worse than your at-home model. Voltage differences abroad can also fry them. Most hotels provide dryers anyway. Instead, save time and space while protecting your hair from heat damage with heatless curlers like Kitsch's Satin Curlers. Simply put them in overnight and wake up to blowout-esque waves. Towels are bulky and are usually provided at hotels and pools anyway. If you're camping or hitting the beach, opt for a quick-dry microfiber towel like Rainleaf's. It's super compact, soft, and fast-drying. Many travelers also love Turkish towels, too. They roll up small and double as stylish wraps or scarves. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
14 Effortlessly Stylish Amazon Dresses on Sale That I'm Eyeing Ahead of My Trip to France—Prices Start at $14
My summer calendar is filling up fast, with long-haul trips to France and weekend getaways to Fire Island and Montauk on the horizon—and I'm already planning the vacation outfits. Amazon just dropped major markdowns on summer dresses for the long weekend, including flowy sundresses, breezy maxi dresses, and other versatile options starting at just $14. As a travel writer, I'm always searching for pieces that are lightweight, easy to pack, and stylish enough to go from a day of exploring to an impromptu dinner. Whether I need a wrinkle-resistant wedding guest dress, a casual midi dress for a beach day, or a throw-on-and-go look for sightseeing, travel dresses are the easiest way to pull together an outfit with zero effort. Right now, Amazon has tons of travel-ready options discounted during its Memorial Day sale—some up to 62 percent off. So, these are the 14 styles I'm eyeing ahead of my upcoming summer getaways. This floral maxi practically begs for a stroll through a European market. The fitted bodice balances the flowy, tiered skirt, and the open back with a bow detail adds an airy, romantic flair. Style it with espadrilles and a straw tote for a picnic, or slip on flat white sandals and a denim jacket for a day of exploring cobblestone streets. At just $14, this breezy V-neck shift is the most affordable—and versatile—piece on this list. It's ideal for travel days, sightseeing, or casual dinners thanks to its comfortable T-shirt dress-style fit and pockets. Try it with minimalist sneakers and a crossbody bag for daytime, then switch to wedges and gold jewelry to head out at night. The ruffled bust and square neckline give this A-line midi a polished, vintage-inspired feel. Perfect for summer weddings, rooftop dinners, or stylish afternoons at a vineyard. Add kitten heels and a structured bag for an elevated look, or keep it relaxed with flat sandals and oversized sunglasses. With its smock bodice, fluttery straps, and flowy silhouette, this sundress is the definition of effortless. Dress it up with lace-up sandals and statement earrings, or throw on sneakers and a cropped cardigan for a casual, travel-friendly look. The high waistline also makes it incredibly flattering in photos. If you love a coastal-inspired look, this striped button-front dress fits the bill. The adjustable drawstring waist flatters without sacrificing comfort, and the cotton-blend fabric keeps it light and breathable. Add white sneakers and a raffia bag for a relaxed daytime outfit, or swap in leather sandals and a red lip for an evening out. This breezy maxi dress has all the elements of a great travel piece: smocking for a comfy, secure fit, roomy pockets, and a shape that works for everything from dinners on the beach to cruise ship cocktail hours. A reviewer raved that it's 'super comfortable for all-day wear,' and we love that it comes in tons of color options. With subtle stripes and smocked detailing, this midi dress walks the line between tailored and bohemian. Wear it with a cropped blazer for meetings, or lean into its relaxed vibe with crochet flats and a woven crossbody. The linen-like texture makes it a travel win, especially if you're heading somewhere warm. Puffed sleeves, dainty front bows, and a floaty skirt make this mini one of the most romantic options of the bunch. It's also incredibly packable, and shoppers rave about its comfort and cute fit. Wear it with ballet flats and a bold lip for a no-fuss outfit that still turns heads—one shopper said it was their go-to dress for Europe. Equal parts stretchy and structured, this ribbed knit dress is ideal for transitional weather or flights. Add a denim jacket or oversized blazer when it's chilly, or go solo with sandals and sunglasses in warmer weather. One reviewer who packed it for Italy said it folded down small and didn't wrinkle, calling it 'perfect for travel.' Another traveler who wore it on a cruise noted, 'It was so comfy, I'm buying more.' The halter neckline and bold floral print make this sundress a standout. Great for dinner dates or beachside cocktails, it also gets high marks from shoppers for being wrinkle-resistant and suitcase-friendly. Pair it with platform sandals or throw it on over a swimsuit for a stylish cover-up moment. This lightweight tiered maxi dress has vacation written all over it. Made with a breathable linen-like fabric, it drapes beautifully and catches the breeze without clinging—perfect for warm, sunny destinations. The subtle ruffled sleeves and square neckline dress it up just enough for dinner or a beach wedding, but it's just as easy to throw on with flat sandals and a sunhat for sightseeing. This short-sleeve babydoll dress is a year-round staple that fits just about any travel itinerary. The soft, breathable denim makes it ideal for warm weather, while the tiered silhouette and button-front detail give it a polished edge. Toss it on with sneakers and a tote for a casual day of walking tours, or add a leather belt and boots for a more structured, transitional look. The black piping detail against the crisp white fabric adds a sophisticated touch to this midi dress. It's perfect for travelers who like a neutral base but still want a little flair. Go full minimalist with black flats and a structured bag, or add a pop of color with red shoes and matching accessories. This A-line dress is a chameleon—simple enough to style any way you want, but detailed enough to feel elevated. It has adjustable straps and side pockets (a must when sightseeing), and works just as well with espadrilles and a woven tote as it does with slides and a linen shirt tied at the waist. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Former Lululemon Employee, and These Are 15 'We Made Too Much' Finds I Refuse to Miss This Memorial Day
My fiancé likes to say that I'm a kid in a candy store when I'm shopping the Lululemon "We Made Too Much" section. He's not wrong. I love Lululemon so much that when I was hired to work in one of its brick-and-mortar stores several years ago, I cried tears of joy. I also cried the day I handed in my resignation letter, even though it freed me up to pursue my career as a travel writer. Fortunately, traveling calls for a wardrobe filled with athleisure apparel, and I've been refreshing the Lululemon site to see what's new for the holiday weekend (I may no longer be on the company's internal communications list, but I know it beefed up the "We Made Too Much" section in anticipation of Memorial Day). If you're a fan of the brand, too, I got you. Below are my top 15 Lululemon Memorial Day finds—most of which I either currently own or recently bought, and will be running to the mailbox to get on delivery day. From the famous Align leggings to the oh-so comfy Love Tank that goes with everything, each piece checks the travel-friendly box with its comfortable fit, high-performing technology, and packable, versatile style. Note: Sizes and colors are limited, so don't leave them in your cart for a nanosecond longer than necessary. I got my first Align Tank Top—a best-seller that boasts more than 4,700 five-star ratings— around seven years ago at a Lululemon outlet store in Sydney, Australia. To this day, it's still my favorite purchase from the Land Down Under. Choose from 32 colors, including a gorgeous cerulean blue that would be great for a trip to the Greek Islands and a 'hot heat' that looks ready for a Miami Beach rave. This versatile tank is made of Lululemon's unbelievably soft and lightweight Nulu fabric and features a built-in shelf bra with removable cups. Pair it with low-rise shorts for a slight crop top look or with high-rise leggings to elongate your waist. Lululemon Hotty Hot shorts have been in my travel rotation way before they were offered in high-rise. Nearly 10 years later, they're still going strong. The built-in liner doesn't even have a single hole in it (which is where my shorts usually start to show wear and tear). These shorts are designed for running, but I mostly wear them hiking here in Montana and plan on wearing them while sightseeing in Nairobi next month. Like most Lululemon shorts, they have hidden pockets big enough to stash your smallest valuables. Currently, the Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short has more than 3,300 five-star ratings. 'Awesome travel shorts,' wrote one shopper who lives in Hawaii and wears them on 'adventures around the islands.' Lululemon's Swiftly Tech collection is ideal for active travelers like me who can't get through a day of sightseeing without sweating. This best-selling lightweight layer with nearly 2,000 five-star ratings is made of the brand's proprietary X-Static fabric, which prevents static cling and the growth of stinky bacteria. One shopper who said it 'washes and travels well' described it as 'a favorite for casual or running on cooler days, layering or when you want extra coverage against the sun.' Choose from more than a dozen colors, all of which feature thumbholes and chafe-free seamless construction. Thanks to the paparazzi, it's no secret that A-listers (and royalty) love Lululemon's Align collection as much as we plebeians do. With nearly 12,500 five-star ratings, these high-rise pants featuring a hidden waistband pocket are one of the brand's top sellers. They're made of a super breathable and stretchy nylon and Lycra elastane blend that feels like a second skin yet offers full coverage. Choose from more than 10 colors and several inseams ranging from 23 inches to 31 inches to ensure a perfect fit. Cropped pants don't get any more comfortable than these straight-leg pants made of Lululemon's Softstreme fabric that the brand bills as 'peach fuzz soft.' That said, they feel smooth and cool to the touch, making them ideal for summer, and despite the weighty drape, look sleek enough to pass as business casual. One of the hand pockets has a hidden sleeve that's ideal to stash a credit card, and while these pants don't have belt loops, the shock cord makes it easy to adjust the waist. 'Stunning Pants," exclaimed one shopper, adding that the "fit, fabric, and style are perfect." Sure, you can find more affordable base layers out there. But I guarantee they won't be as comfortable. For starters, Lululemon's Love Tank—which has more than 1,300 five-star ratings—is made of ultra-breathable Pima cotton. Among fabric aficionados, pima cotton is famous for its silky fibers. This top also features a touch of Lycra, so it offers four-way stretch. Personally, I love the slightly relaxed fit and how the subtly curved hem instantly elevates the look. 'They pack well, dry easily, and feel amazing,' wrote one shopper who takes these tanks on vacation. Their only complaint? They wish they came in racerback, too. These lightweight wide-leg pants were made for summer nights when you want to be cool and comfy without having to bare your legs. They're made of Lululemon's ultra moisture-wicking (and flattering) four-way stretch Swift fabric. You can't iron them without ruining them. But rest assured, they travel well, and unless you scrunch them up, you shouldn't have to worry about wrinkles. After dubbing them a 'vacation staple," a Lululemon shopper said they're 'a must for travel," adding that they "got so many compliments on the pants.' One of the hand pockets has a hidden card sleeve, and the drawcord waist comes in handy for that time of the month. Every travel capsule wardrobe requires a racerback tank top you can wear for a workout at the hotel gym or under a cardigan for cocktails at the hotel bar. This particular tank, which hits at the waist and has more than 1,500 five-star ratings, is from Lululemon's Align collection—i.e. it's buttery soft but built to last. 'There's nothing like it," a shopper said of the top-rated tank. "It lasts. I have had these tanks for years with no issues.' Lululemon's Dance Studio joggers have been a huge hit ever since they debuted more than a decade ago. The best news is you don't need to know the difference between a plié and relevé to fully appreciate them. In fact, forget ballet entirely; I think they're great travel pants because they're stylish, lightweight, and practical. While they don't have belt loops or cargo pockets, they do have an adjustable drawstring waist and front hand pockets featuring a hidden card sleeve and secret zipper pocket. If you like a longer length and tighter fit, consider these Fast and Free High-rise shorts I just purchased in the trending desert red color. Unlike other biker shorts I own, these don't have seams on the inner thighs, so I won't have to worry about chafing. But these shorts' biggest selling point—for me at least—is the five pockets. The largest are big enough to fit my phone and passport, and the smaller pockets are perfect for a wallet, hotel key, and lip balm. That said, don't expect me to get rid of my Everywhere Belt Bag any time soon. I get most of my travel dresses from Amazon, and usually recommend going that route to my friends. But even I'll admit that Amazon's travel dresses don't look as polished, or as luxe, as this slim-fit dress made of Lululemon's soft-as-butter Nulu fabric. It's basic enough to be considered casual, but the fine ribbed texture adds a subtle, elegant flair. I can easily see myself wearing it with a jean jacket and sneakers or a blazer and heels. For a sportier, shorter dress, also from the Align collection, you can't go wrong with this versatile piece featuring a built-in shelf bra. But the best feature, in my opinion, is the breathable shorts liner with side drop-in pockets large enough to fit your phone or a couple of tennis balls. While I like the current colors in the "We Made Too Much" section, I'm almost willing to pay full price for this dress in 'pool party'—a beautiful robin egg blue. Game, set, match this tennis skirt with almost any top in your suitcase. Despite being designed for tennis, it works well for an array of activities, ranging from running on the beach to souvenir shopping in the city. I love the built-in shorts and the Luxtreme liner's drop-in pockets where you can easily stash a credit card or hotel key. Lots of shoppers who left five-star ratings also praise the silicone grippers on the hem, which keep it from riding up. A relaxed-fit knit overshirt will never go out of style, making this highly-rated top (it has a 4.8-star average rating) a smart investment for the traveler who appreciates the collared look and likes to layer. It's made of a moisture-wicking high high-quality Pima cotton blend that shoppers say 'doesn't wrinkle much,' and the length is long enough to cover your bum, which makes it perfect for pairing with biker shorts or leggings. Last week, I went on a multi-generational baseball-themed family vacation where we spent almost every day in Seattle's T-Mobile Park, and I definitely could have used this clear version of Lululemon's best-selling Everywhere Belt Bag. This stadium-friendly bag is water-resistant, and while it comes in just one size, the belt is adjustable. Wear it around your waist or as a crossbody bag. With one liter of space, it can also double as your TSA-approved toiletry bag. Shoppers say it makes going through security 'a breeze.' If you don't need a clear bag, consider the City Essentials Mini Shoulder Bag, which is also water-repellent, just big enough to hold your passport, phone, wallet, keys, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. The pink color and style are a throwback to the '90s, but it's really a classic look that will never go out of style. The internal and external pockets make it easy to keep contents organized. While this bag only has 130 ratings, it has an impressive 4.9-star average rating, and shoppers say it gets them tons of compliments. They also love that the adjustable shoulder strap can be reconfigured to turn this mini bag into the perfect wristlet. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Times
21-05-2025
- Times
10 of the world's most famous hotels
There are hotels, and then there are hotels, those grand, world-renowned establishments that have stood the test of time and become famous in their own right. They're known for their exciting, exclusive locations, impeccable service, opulent decor, enigmatic histories, not to mention an evolving guest list of typically deep-pocketed clientele from royalty to film stars. Most in this league will have ensured their legacies live on, too, catering to every modern traveller's whim while staying true to their heritage by refreshing the design with a nod to the original and incorporating modern amenities. In my 15 years as a travel writer, I've visited hundreds of hotels, many for my book Grand Hotels of the World. When exploring a destination, I find it fun to seek out a famous hotel for a snoop, as I would a department store or gallery, and wander around the common spaces. Often I'll stay for a drink in the bar or book in for a spa treatment for entry to those less open-armed to nosy tourists. There's something endlessly exciting about escaping into these worlds of dazzling lobbies, uniformed bellboys, and jet-set guests. Especially, of course, if you're lucky enough to be staying in one. These are my favourites. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue £££ | SPA | Best for city glam New York has the lion's share of glitzy, big-name hotels, so picking out one isn't an easy task. There's the screen-famous Plaza and the rock 'n' roll Hotel Chelsea — but, for a taste of old New York high-society glamour, it has to be the Waldorf Astoria, which opened in its Park Avenue location in 1931 (the original site was razed for the Empire State Building). The gleaming Midtown property has been closed for eight years and is soon set to emerge from an epic revamp. The scale and beauty of the original art deco architecture has been retained, but refreshed with contemporary furnishings that pay homage to its heritage, including brass light fixtures and fluted columns. The hotel reopens with fewer but more spacious rooms — 375 down from a whopping 1,400, which will be some of the largest in Manhattan (now taking reservations from September) — along with 375 private residences on its upper floors. Guests and residents alike are invited to unwind at the sumptuous Guerlain spa, throw parties at a new opera-inspired grand ballroom that is set to become the crown jewel of the New York society scene, and dine on creative, seasonal American classics at the two-storey, pastel-hued restaurant Lex Yard. • Read our full guide to New York £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for impeccable service Check into this five-star landmark in London's Mayfair for a taste of timeless elegance, sophisticated luxury and faultless service. Entering through its famous revolving doors is a thrill: Claridge's is one of the world's grandest heritage hotels and has remained a magnet for royalty and celebrities since it opened in 1856. Even after its recent multi-million-pound mega refurb, which involved the addition of a subterranean spa, Claridge's still feels firmly grounded in the Jazz Age, when it was transformed into an art deco icon with a new entrance, 80 more rooms and a striking ballroom. Recently refreshed, pastel-coloured rooms remain true to the original style and come beautifully furnished with velvet chairs, period dressers and marble bathrooms. Meanwhile, its celebrated Foyer & Reading Room is a hit for breakfast, lunch and Claridge's Afternoon Tea — a London institution with more than 20 flavours of tea to choose from, freshly baked scones and Claridge's signature strawberry and vanilla jam, not to mention a delicate array of handmade pastries and dainty sandwiches. • Read our full review of Claridge's £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for old Hollywood charm This gigantic Californian pad, perfectly positioned where the world-renowned shopping street Rodeo Drive meets Wilshire Boulevard, is most famous for being the Pretty Woman hotel. Despite its short amount of screen time — only the exterior and historic brass lift inside it featured, with many interior scenes filmed elsewhere — the Beverly Wilshire has become an essential stop for fans of the 1990 film. It became a Four Seasons hotel in 1992 (though the brand's management is set to end in December), and is renowned for its exemplary service, destination spa and showstopping display of fresh florals atop a round table in the marble-floored main lobby. Less well known is that its Mediterranean-style pool is modelled after the one at Sophia Loren's private villa in Italy. Inside it's a cosy, polished and tasteful affair, with a contemporary-design-meets-old-Hollywood feel. Elegant rooms in light greys are spread across two buildings: the 10-floor Wilshire Wing and the 14-floor Beverly Wing, split by a private driveway — El Camino Real — where uniformed car valets help illustrious guests make a discreet entrance or quick getaway. • Read our full guide to Los Angeles £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for literature lovers and cocktail connoisseurs Few hotels are more rich in history than this 115-suite grande dame surrounded by tropical gardens. It occupies an entire block of Singapore's historic civic district, and has attracted the rich and famous since it opened in 1887. The white-fronted hotel counts writers Joseph Conrad, William Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling among its storied guests, all of whom have suites named in their honour. Impressively refurbished with respect for its colonial heritage, elegant rooms blend high ceilings, ivory white walls, and dark teaks with historic features such as ceiling fans and oriental rugs. The hotel's Long Bar is a popular spot: many visitors come simply for a taste of its Singapore Sling, the cocktail said to have been invented here in 1915 to resemble fruit juice for ladies who weren't allowed to be seen drinking alcohol in public. • Read our full review of Raffles Singapore £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for people watching A stay at this opulent five-star next to the Casino de Monte-Carlo gives you one of the city's best locations, right on the F1 Monaco Grand Prix track. The hotel was built in 1864 by the French entrepreneur François Blanc, whose vision was to create a decadent centre of high-class gambling and entertainment. It's been modernised over the years and in 1909 was entirely renovated in the distinctive style of the belle époque era, with a new façade and arched doorways. A multi-phase revamp between 2014 and 2019 added two of the most lavish suites in the world: the Prince Rainier III and the two-floor Princess Grace, each costing upwards of £30,000 a night. They are decorated with the couple's personal objects and ornaments, including the Princess's favourite books and poems. There's fine-dining galore, too: panoramic views impress at the Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant Le Grill, with its retractable roof, while Le Louis XV — Alain Ducasse a l'Hôtel de Paris shines with three Michelin stars. • More of Monaco's best hotels £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for atmosphere La Mamounia opened in the 1920s — in the upmarket Hivernage area of Marrakesh, not far from Djemaa el-Fna square — and it's been a beacon of luxury and Moroccan hospitality ever since. Outfitted doormen welcome you in through grand Moorish doors into the decadent, low-lit lobby lounge, on to a plush red-velvet sofa where a steaming hot towel, glass of almond milk and plate of dates await the weary traveller. It's especially atmospheric arriving at night, when the historic 20-acre garden is magically lit by strings of fairy lights and hundreds of candles in lanterns. The garden is worth exploring by day, too, with hundreds of olive trees — some over 900 years old — as well as orange trees, jacaranda trees, cacti, bougainvillea and delphinium. Each of the 209 spruced-up rooms gives a sense of place, with arched headboards and mosaic tiling, and some have balconies overlooking the gardens. With four excellent restaurants dishing up varied cuisine, you'll be well fed here. • Read our full guide to Marrakesh £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for a party Affectionately named 'the Copa', nothing epitomises Brazilian glamour like the flawlessly beautiful art deco Copacabana Palace, Rio's oldest luxury hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach. Its impeccable service and lavish facilities — including a Michelin-starred restaurant and a rooftop tennis court — have lured everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Princess Diana since its arrival in 1923. The hotel evokes the grandeur of the early 20th century, with vast chandeliers and copious amounts of marble. Polished Brazilian wood is everywhere, from the grand lobby to the rooms. • Read our full guide to South America £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for A-list nostalgia Perched on a cliff overlooking the popular hilltop Sicilian town of Taormina is the enchanting, peach-exterior San Domenico Palace, the spectacular setting for season two of The White Lotus. Fans will love the ridiculously photogenic, screen-famous pool, sun-drenched terrace and piano bar — all as dreamy in real life as on the HBO show. Set in a former convent, the hotel has welcomed the elite since it opened in 1896, including stars such as Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. It captures everything that has made Sicily a timeless destination, with many of its original features restored during a grand facelift in 2021 when it reopened as a Four Seasons hotel. This includes immersive gardens in the old cloister and a fragrant courtyard. Of the 111 sophisticated rooms, the Princess Cecilie suite is among the most coveted, with its views of Mount Etna. • More of Sicily's best hotels ££ | SPA | Best for stately surroundings Vienna's Hotel Sacher has remained an independent, family-run five-star — and Austrian landmark — since it opened in 1876. It recalls old-world Vienna, with heavy, old-fashioned decor: a wood-panelled jewel box of creams, deep reds, dark greens and vivid blues, embellished with 19th-century paintings, crystal chandeliers and silk damask furnishings. The hotel has been meticulously refurbished several times during its 150-plus years in operation, yet there's a real warmth that's rare in high-end hotels. Expect to see tourists queuing up along the street for a slice of the original Sacher-Torte — invented in 1832 by the father of the hotel's founder, and served at its quintessentially Viennese coffeehouse, Café Sacher. • Best ski resorts in Austria ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for waterside opulence The Taj Lake Palace is a hotel like no other, set inside a former 18th-century white marble palace that floats on a four-acre island in the middle of manmade Lake Pichola in Udaipur. It's a dream to behold, let alone check in to. No matter who you are, all guests are treated like royalty here (expect to be showered with rose petals on arrival). Surrounded by manicured gardens, fountains and landscaped courtyards, there are striking features at every turn, from the weathered carvings of Hindu gods in the sculpture garden to the floating spa, located on a tugboat. The 83 rooms and suites feature a palette of rich reds, greens and golds, Indian textiles, and ornate furnishings. As for food, take your pick from four restaurants including Neel Kamal, serving wood-fired Indian specialities, and rooftop Bhairo, dishing up juicy cuts of steak. Alternatively, a butler can set up a private table at a spot of your choice on the island. The hotel's moment in the limelight came in 1983, when it played a starring role in the James Bond movie Octopussy, as the temptress-in-chief's home. It comes as no surprise that Vivien Leigh, Jackie Kennedy and the late Queen Elizabeth II all stayed here. • Best cities to visit in India Discover more about the world's most famous hotels in Grand Hotels of the World by Ellie Seymour (Luster, £45). To order a copy go to Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members.
