Top 10: luxury hotels loved by celebrities

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Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (August 18, 2014): Top 10 luxury hotels that are loved by celebrities.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a celebrity, especially when you are staying at the same hotel. And when it comes to holidays, it should come as no surprise that celebs have a preference for the most luxurious hotel brands in the world. So, if you’re dying to spend your precious holiday time in the same place as the stars (or at least want a chance to see one), then read my recommendations for the 10 best luxury hotels to spot celebrities.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel to spot celebrities in the comments section.

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10. THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, LOS ANGELES, USA

Most celebs come to this elegant and dignified Dorchester Collection hotel with 12 acres of gardens to hide away in one of the secluded bungalows. The hotel’s guest list of celebs of the past and present is endless and includes Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Barack Obama, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba, Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Dep, Vince Vaughn, Nicolas Cage, John Mayor and even everyone’s favorite royals, Will and Kate. However, recently, the Dorchester properties – and the Beverly Hills Hotel in particular – are under fire and boycotted by most celebs since their owner, the sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, has enacted Sharia law in Brunei, which calls for homosexuality and adultery to be punishable by death by stoning.

Hotel website: The Beverly Hills Hotel

THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, LOS ANGELES, USA

9. PARK HYATT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

This luxury hotel is a favorite among the star-studded crowd: Elton John, Bette Midler, Jerry Seinfeld, Nicole Kidman, Jamie Oliver, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones all have checked in here. No doubt they come here for the spectacular harbour front views of the surrounding landmarks, the discrete atmosphere, the day spa with rooftop pool and the palatial 350-sqm two-bedroom Sydney suite (said to be the most expensive in the city) featuring panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Opera House, harbour and bridge. As for that premium view, mere mortals can savor it simply by booking one of the hotel’s lovely Opera View Rooms.

Hotel website: Park Hyatt Sydney
Other top 10 accolades: The Park Hyatt Sydney also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Australia, the world’s most spectacular rooftop pools, the world’s best luxury hotels, and the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, $100 USD spa credit, early check-in and late check-out).
Review: click here to read my review of the Park Hyatt Sydney.

8. THE WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK, USA

The Waldorf Astoria, the iconic New York luxury hotel in midtown Manhattan and flagship of the Hilton hotel group, is the embodiment of luxury and splendor. An official New York City landmark since 1993, this legendary Art Deco treasure occupies an entire city block on fashionable Park Avenue, and has completed renovations totaling in excess of $300 million. When the U.S. President travels to New York, he always stays at The Waldorf Astoria, and it’s also the first choice of heads of state and dignitaries from around the world. Other illustrious guests include Douglas MacArthur, Will and Kate, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who all resided on the hotel’s top floors (the Waldorf Astoria Towers). And of course, Paris and Nicky Hilton practically grew up here.

Hotel website: The Waldorf Astoria New York

7. THE LITTLE NELL, ASPEN, COLORADO, USA

With the city of Aspen at their front door and Aspen Mountain in their backyard, The Little Nell is Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond property, and the only hotel with ski-in, ski-out access to historic Aspen Mountain. From the finest in haute cuisine to the 20,000 bottles of wine in their cellar, from the concierges in the lobby to the concierges on the mountains, and from family adventure to après ski, this hotel is, guests have said, ‘the Aspen of Aspen’. No wonder it is a winter magnet for the stars of film, food, music and more. Regular guests include Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner, Kate Hudson, Felicity Huffman, Elle Macpherson, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Aniston and Mariah Carey, who has reportedly bought out the penthouse in prior years for a view of Aspen Mountain.

Hotel website: The Little Nell
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).

6. PARROT CAY BY COMO, TURKS AND CAICOS

Parrot Cay by COMO is an award-winning Turks & Caicos hideaway set on its own private island of 1,000 unspoilt acres with a mile-long powdery soft beach. This exclusive hotel delivers foot-in-the-sand luxury with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies, yoga, diving and world-class cuisine. And consequently, it attracts star power. Some celebrities have chosen to buy one of the COMO villas here, such as Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, Christie Brinkley and Keith Richards. Barbara Streisand, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, and Janet Jackson are among the resort’s rumoured past guests. Parrot Cay by COMO also hosted the romantic weddings of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner in 2005.

Hotel website: Parrot Cay by COMO
Other top 10 accolades: Parrot Cay by COMO also features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and the world’s most exclusive private island resorts.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
Review: to read my review of Parrot Cay by COMO, click here.

5. GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL, NEW YORK, USA

Gramercy Park Hotel was the decor of Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday. And Anna Hathaway, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Halle Berry, Donald Trump and many more have hold celebrity studded parties here. So, what’s the fuss about? Well, the Ian Schrager designed hotel is a modern, sexy and hip take on a traditional grand New York Hotel, with custom-designed, handcrafted furnishings and a rotating collection of 20th century artwork, including masterpieces from Schnabel, Warhol and Basquiat. The theme continues in each of the 185 guest rooms, that feature imported Italian linens, exquisite artwork and richly-hued velvet drapery. And with a rooftop terrace providing stunning views and a key to Gramercy Park, Manhattan’s only Private Park, its clear celebrities have access here to the very best of New York City.

Hotel website: Gramercy Park Hotel

4. METROPOLITAN BY COMO, LONDON, UK

When it comes to celebrity spotting, London offers stiff competition for Hollywood and New York these days. And while favorites such as the Langham, Lanesborough and the Savoy still attract star power, it seems that most A-listers are drawn to the Metropolitan by COMO hotel, a sibbling of the Parrot Cay resort that features on our number 6 spot. The guest list (so far) features Madonna, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. They all come for the cool, contemporary design, combined with accurate service, discrete athmosphere and a vibrant Park Lane location. There are 144 rooms and suites as well as 19 long-stay apartments (most of them overlooking Hyde Park and the London skyline), Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, a lively Met Bar and Asian-inspired therapies from COMO Shambhala Urban Escape.

Hotel website: Metropolitan by COMO
Other top 10 accolades: Metropolitan by COMO also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in London.

3. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES

This is one of the most luxurious beach resorts in the Indian Ocean and a favorite of A-list celebrities. And it’s easy to see why. Supreme and private luxury amid nature’s tropical magic, the resort is a jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons, and white sands. Set on a large private island, it offers 130 private resort villas well separated along the shore, either on the beach secluded by lush tropical greenery, or set above the clear, protected waters of the lagoon. Designed in an elegant contemporary style, these are among the largest resort villas in the world. The 12 sugar white beaches are the epitome of a tropical paradise. David Beckham, Mariah Carey, Danni Minogue and Novak Djokovic all stayed here, and the resort was the honymoon decor for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes (now divorced).

Hotel website: One&Only Reethi Rah
Other top 10 accolades: One&Only Reethi Rah also features in my top 10 lists of the best resorts in the Maldives, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and the world’s best hotel spas.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso, such as villa upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and exclusively designed Reethi Rah Kaftans, coupled with a One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah Signature Organic Candle. With a minimum stay of 7 nights, guests booking through Virtuoso also receive a complimentary ‘Secrets of the Thila’ excursion or a complimentary dinner for two in the Reethi Restaurant excluding beverages.
Review: to read my review of One&Only Reethi Rah, click here.

2. ST REGIS PRINCEVILLE, HAWAII, USA

With awe-inspiring scenery and gorgeous beaches, it should come as no suprise that Hawaii, especially Kauai, is one of the world’s most beautiful islands and a Hollywood favorite. Blockbusters such as ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘South Pacific’ were all filmed here. The 252-room St. Regis Princeville lays claim to Hawaii’s most stunning location – a cliff overlooking dramatic Hanalei Bay – and it has a celebrity guest list to match: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Munn, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Ben Stiller, Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys all enjoyed the St. Regis’ signature butler service, the Asian-influenced fare at chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s casual Kauai Grill and that killer view, visible from every guest room, of jungle-clad volcanic mountains, the Pacific Ocean and the cinematic sunsets.

Hotel website: The St Regis Princeville
Other top 10 accolades: The St Regis Princeville also features in my top 10 lists of the most amazing hotel lobbies in the world, the most fabulous hotels in Hawaii, and the best luxury hotels in the USA.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
Review: to read my review of the St Regis Princeville, click here.

1. LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO, LOS CABOS, MEXICO

At Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, guests feel like celebrities. And often are! The hotel has redefined pampering and luxury in Los Cabos – only a 2 hour flight from Los Angeles – with unparalleled service, exquisite accommodations and unwavering attention to detail. Celebrities come here for the privacy, views and suites. JLo, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, Robin Williams, Simon Cowell, Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba, Sheryl Crow, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Chelsea Handler are regular visitors. Need we say more? Oh yeah, keep in mind that those in-room telescopes are for gazing at the stars up above or the spouting whales in the Pacific Ocean, not spying on the stars in the suite next door.

Hotel website: Las Ventanas Al Paraiso
Other top 10 accolades: Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, also features in my top 10 lists of the most amazing beach hotels in the world and the world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms.
Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).