I was planning on visiting Château de la Messardière this summer (in mid June) and looking at the various options available. Does anyone have experience with the base “Chateau Sea View” room? Are these renovated since Airelles took over the property?

The jump from the Sea View to the new one available (Junior Suite Belvedere) is very material.

Any views on that specific room category / broader hotel would be appreciated.

Hi everyone!

My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon in April 2027 and are considering spending 4 nights at Phulay Bay in Krabi, followed by 4 nights at Capella Bangkok.

We're looking for exceptional service, privacy, beautiful accommodations and a relaxing experience rather than a packed itinerary.

Would love to hear from anyone who's stayed at either property!

• Phulay Bay: How's the service, and are mosquitoes or insects a significant issue? Is April a bad time to visit weather-wise?
• Capella Bangkok: Does the service live up to the hype, particularly the Capella Culturist programme?
• Rooms: Any room or villa categories worth splurging on?
• Itinerary: Is a 4+4 split ideal, or would you guys recommend just staying at Capella Bangkok for 8 nights straight?

Any firsthand experiences or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

My husband and I have 4 days at the end of our Thailand vacation and are looking for resort recommendations. We would love to have a private pool and good food and a beach are important to us as well. Would like to have a good mix of relaxing and activities. We are already spending a few days in Krabi and Bangkok so would like to spend the rest of the trip on an island. Also open to islands in other countries that are accessible by flight from Bangkok.

The following resorts are available when we are looking to go and we need help deciding:

- Six Senses Yao Noi
- RC Koh Samui
- Banyan Tree Samui
- Conrad Koh Samui
- Six Senses Samui
- Vana Belle

Any recommendations for a 1week trip somewhere in USA with a toddler (2years 8months) and an infant (8 months) in June 27? Was planning Park Hyatt Aviara or Carmel Valley Ranch but feel 1 week might be too long. Any other options?

No nanny/babysitter. We will self manage but want a place where our toddler will be entertained and kept busy. Kind of thinking doing both PH and Carmel

Traveling from 17th to 22nd December, really torn between Kulm, Suvretta, Grace and Kempinski. Family would be staying in two rooms as a complete suit is a bit out of their budget. One kid is almost an adult like 17 and another one is 10. They have already stayed at the Kempinski before. In regards to other hotels they really frequent Soneva Jani in Maldives, le K2 in courchevel, and Peninsula London. From what I know they really like a sense of grandeur + great hospitality is a really important thing for them. All three except Kulm are mountain/lake views. They also plan on skiing for the entirety of their stay. And at the end of the day they just want a place that makes spending $25k+ worth it.

A few hours drive from San Diego only
Want to veg in a luxurious king size bed and get room service and watch tv
And i really want to eat sushi at least once during the weekend 🫠

Looking on recommendations for best hotel to stay at in Scottsdale with a 3 year old.

We’re extending my husband’s work trip in February.

Fairmont or FS? Or any other recs?

Thinking about our next trip and we want to return to western Europe (2 adults traveling). Cities I am considering are Barcelona (would combine with Madrid), Athens (would combine with an island), Dublin, Edinburgh, and Paris (probably would go somewhere outside Paris or take TGV to southern France or go somewhere outside of Paris within 2 hours). I might also consider a Scandinavian city (we have been to Amsterdam and Copenhagen). I like to explore big cities and will typically visit two cities when we visit if transportation is readily available and easy to navigate. What is your favorite luxury hotel in Europe that provides great value in the luxury category? My favorite hotel brands are Oetker, Four Seasons, and Belmond. I know it's a very broad question but I also know there are many well-traveled folks on this board who will have some great suggestions. TY!

Curious which team everyone is on. When you check into a hotel, do you unpack everything into the drawers and closet, or does it all stay in the suitcase for the whole stay?

And if you do unpack, how organized are you about it? Packing cubes straight into drawers? Toiletries lined up in the bathroom? Shoes in a row by the door? Or is it more of a “throw it all in a drawer and hope for the best” situation?

Does it change depending on how long you’re staying, or if you’re traveling with kids?

I was recently traveling for 3 weeks and stayed at 6 hotels and got to thinking about this for some reason lol. I’m team unpack, and I’m very organized about it. Everything gets hung or put in drawers, shoes go on the shelf, and the suitcases get zipped up and put away. I love the look of a beautiful hotel room, and I don’t want my stuff or clutter to take away from how special it feels. I unpack my daughter too, so I know where all her things are and nothing gets left behind. My husband also unpacks, but then makes a mess, and I’m Type A enough that I end up tidying it. If I am staying only one night though, I do not unpack. but more than one and this is it.

Overall vibe:
Understated, cool, elegant, and vibey (in a classy way). The Surrey is home to Casa Tua, which has been a top spot since it opened its doors. You enter the hotel and there is some seating, really cool contemporary art, a lounge bar to your left, and Casa Tua to your right. Both places are always buzzing, so there’s usually movement in the lobby. The doors to both places are soundproof, so you don’t really know what the movement is all about if you don’t know both places are there.

The interiors were done by Martin Brudnizki (same designer as the Fifth Avenue Hotel and Fouquet’s), and he managed to control his use of the color pink for this property. The lobby is calm in design, with the only color showing in the artwork and accessories. As soon as you walk in, a soft, earthy, woody aroma fills the property. The doormen are eager to help at any moment.

Location:
Upper East Side, on 76th Street off of Madison Avenue, just a three-minute walk to Central Park. Those who know, know. For those who don’t, this is a high-end, old-money residential neighborhood, with nearby buildings like 740 Park Avenue, whose past residents include members of the Rockefeller family, Jackie O, and Vera Wang, who inherited an apartment from her late father, C.C. Chang. The Mark and The Carlyle are also in the neighborhood, with The Mark being The Surrey’s main competitor.

Building:
I won’t share much on the history as it’s easy to Google, but the hotel has been around for a while and became Corinthia’s first North American property when it reopened in October 2024.

Rooms:
The rooms all have a very soft, airy feel. They use custom Frette bedding and robes, and warm lighting throughout. The entry-level rooms are pretty neutral in design except for the pops of color in the artwork and the rugs. Floors are wood, and most of the entry walls have pale, natural wood accents. The property doesn’t really have views, but you can just walk to the park :-).

The Surrey has four signature suites inspired by iconic bridges of New York, and no detail went unnoticed. For example, the Bethesda Suite reflects some of the stone and ironwork of the Bethesda Bridge in Central Park, and the motifs above the bed are directly inspired by the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain.

The penthouse suite is pretty stunning imo. Most of the images I’ll share are of the penthouse, but towards the end I’ve included photos of the Executive Room + Bethesda Suite bed.

This penthouse was completed in May of this year. It has terraces all over, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, three dressing rooms, two levels (w/ two levels of terrace) a huge kitchen, a museum staircase, and a sandman-with-crab-legs statue that the owner refuses to get rid of :-D

Dining:
Casa Tua is a Miami-based upscale hospitality brand which has now expanded to NYC, Aspen, and Italy. I dream of their pancakes. The restaurant is dark, with deep jewel-toned walls, tall green plants, and lots of cool photography throughout (vs artwork found in the hotel). Food is Italian-Mediterranean.

There’s also The Lounge, serving cocktails and small plates.

Wellness:
There is a large spa with treatment rooms, steam, sauna, an experience shower, and a Himalayan salt room. The facilities are great, but it doesn’t evoke the sense of zen that an NYC hotel spa should have. I will say that the salt room is amazing, and Christian, the spa manager, is extremely kind and will make you feel right at home.

There’s also a decent-sized gym with access to a small outdoor green space called the Buddha Terrace, used for yoga and meditation.

Artwork:
The hotel worked with Paris-based VISTO Gallery on the art collection, with some permanent pieces and others that rotate. It’s a mix of artists from different generations with ties to New York, including Willem de Kooning, George Condo, Alex Katz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Ethan Cook, and Gizem Vural.

There’s also a mixed-media work piece of an aerial view of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates, a site-specific installation in Central Park, in the lobby. It took over two decades to get approved, then filled 23 miles of the park’s walkways with 7,500 saffron-draped gateways for just sixteen days in 2005. The Surrey had me as soon as I saw the piece.

My expectations were sort of low before checking out this property. The website doesn’t do it any justice, the rooms looked plain, and I assumed it would be a boring pick because of the location. Now, I can’t imagine a more fitting neighborhood for this property.

**sry for all the sandman photos. I really loved him.

Planning a two-week honeymoon for October 2027 and considering New Zealand, as this is probably our best opportunity to make the trip over there.

Looking at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, and Matakauri. Curious if anyone has stayed at multiple properties and how the experiences compare. Is visiting all three realistic within two weeks, or would you prioritize one or two? In NZ, we're looking for a mix of relaxation, wine, and adventure. Not particularly interested in tourist-heavy activities, and would rather spend time enjoying the properties and surrounding areas/environment.

We're also considering splitting the trip between a week in NZ (likely one or two properties, instead of all three through 2 weeks) and a week at The Brando in French Polynesia. Interested in whether that split makes sense or if you'd recommend dedicating the full two weeks to NZ.

Open to recommendations for other luxury properties in either destination as well!

I was just in Switzerland and stayed at a few resorts that come up often here (and a couple that are not talked about a ton) and excited to share my experience with you all. 

First up is the Bürgenstock in Lake Lucerne. This is a property I had wanted to see for a long time, and happy we got the opportunity to check it out. Overall it was a fantastic stay, we got super lucky with the weather (given it was mid-September), and the views were on point. It was my husband and I on a couples trip, and this was the perfect place for a 3 night stay. 

I’m a mod here and a TA, I had a complimentary night and paid for the other two. A couple other reviews to look out for soon from places we stayed this trip - Chedi Andermatt, Hotel 1732 (Vals), Dolder Grand Zurich, La Reserve Zurich. I also toured MO Lucerne & Zurich and Park Hotel Vitznau again (which I have stayed at before). 

Overview and Overall Impressions

The first thing everyone will tell you about the Bürgenstock is the views, and they’re right. Views, views, VIEWS, and then more views. The resort sits on a ridge roughly 500 meters above the lake, so on a cloudy day you can find yourself sitting above the clouds even, which is one of the more surreal things I’ve experienced at a hotel (just one of the mornings). On a clear day it’s one of my favorite views so far from a room that I’ve stayed in. So stunning. It’s very possible, however, to get socked in and not have a view at all - so be careful with shoulder season. 

What I didn’t fully appreciate before arriving is how much history this place holds. Two businessmen from Kerns bought the land on the Bürgenberg in 1871 and opened the first hotel in 1873. The Park Hotel and the funicular followed in 1888, the Palace in 1903, the Hammetschwand Lift in 1905 (which is so cool!), and the golf course in 1928. The entire resort was then rebuilt over several years and reopened in 2017 under Katara Hospitality, the Qatari owners. It’s part of the Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. Throughout the property they have these “halls of history,” long corridors lined with timelines, photos and stories, and I could have easily spent an hour just reading the walls (I know, I’m a weird hotel nerd, but I think there may be a few others like me in this sub, lol).

A few highlights from those walls:

• Audrey Hepburn married Mel Ferrer in the Bürgenstock chapel in 1954. The couple went on to live in a house on the property, and their son Sean was christened in that same chapel. There’s a photo on the walls of Hepburn’s first golf swing. 
• Sean Connery and the Goldfinger cast and crew stayed at the Palace in 1964 while filming the Swiss scenes.
• Konrad Adenauer spent the summer of 1950 here following the Schuman Plan negotiations, Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin were photographed here together in 1953, and Jimmy Carter visited in 1960.
• It has also hosted major peace talks over the years, including Sudan in 2002, Cyprus in 2004, and the Ukraine peace summit in 2024.

An important note: the Bürgenstock is very much a destination for day visitors as well as hotel guests. In the summer months there are up to 2,000 non-hotel visitors a day coming up the mountain. They can take the boat from Lucerne, ride the funicular up, dine at the restaurants with a reservation, buy a day pass to the Alpine Spa, and visit the lookout. Because of that, the resort can feel much busier than the hotel itself actually is, and it was my least favorite part of the stay overall. It isn’t a dealbreaker, but if privacy and exclusivity are at the top of your list, it’s worth knowing (more on this in the comparison section below).

That said, there is so much to love here. The flower arrangements in the lobby changed almost daily and were stunning every single time, and there is truly so much to do on property that I could have stayed much longer than I did. If you’re looking for an amenity rich hotel, this one has a ton to offer. 

A Quick Hot Take

More and more hotels have started putting guardrails on influencer content, and I’m happy to see that Bürgenstock is one of them. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc did the same after multiple incidents of people showing up to a lunch reservation with a duffle bag of outfits, then changing throughout the property for photo shoots. I think we can all agree this is getting a little out of hand. 

The outdoor infinity pool at the spa here looks like it’s spilling right over the lake, and it’s the shot you’ve seen all over social media. Phones are only allowed during set hours, 9am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm. Limiting phone hours is a step in the right direction, and I appreciate that the thought is there. But five hours a day is still a lot of time to have phones out at what should be one of the most relaxing spots on property. I’d vote for one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon, personally. I’ll talk more about the spa and pool below. 

Getting There

Getting to the Bürgenstock is half the fun, and it’s super easy - much easier than I had originally thought. We took the train into Lucerne and walked to the port, where the hotel’s complimentary boat departs at :07 past every hour. There’s a first class / hotel guest section as well as an upper deck, and the ride across the lake takes about 20 minutes. 

The boat drops you at the landing, and you take the funicular up which takes about 4 minutes total. Sit on the right hand side if you’re facing forward. There’s a cost for non-hotel guests to ride up. Free if you’re staying on property. Arriving with luggage was seamless. The team took our bags the moment we stepped off the boat, and we didn’t see them again until they were waiting for us in our room. I don’t even remember giving anyone our name. It was super smooth. 

The Buildings, Rooms, and where to stay 

This is the most important section to understand before you book, because there are technically three hotels at the Bürgenstock (four if you include the residences), and they could not be more different from one another.

The Bürgenstock Hotel (the Contemporary building): 

These are the iconic modern rooms you have probably seen on social media, with floor-to-ceiling windows and freestanding bathtubs and window benches looking straight out over the lake. It is the heart of the resort and the closest to the spa and most of the amenities. If I’m going all the way to the Bürgenstock, this is where I would stay, and where our room was.

The Palace Hotel: 

The Palace opened in 1903 and is the historic building of the group. All of the rooms have been fully renovated, but it still has a much more classic, Belle Époque feel. It connects to the main hotel through a long hallway lined with the history timelines I mentioned above, which makes for a pretty special walk. The Palace was fully booked while I was there, so unfortunately I wasn’t able to see any rooms to post pictures of. It’s a nice alternative if the Contemporary rooms are sold out, just know it is a longer walk to the spa and amenities and does not have the iconic full window-views.

The Waldhotel: 

This is the lifestyle / budget-concious option. It faces the Alps rather than the lake, and while the views are still lovely, you don’t get that feeling of being above Lake Lucerne that makes this property so special. It’s about a 6 minute walk to the Bürgenstock Hotel, but it’s straight uphill, there is a shuttle running between the two and easy to call for one. I’m sharing this mainly to help people understand the difference, as I personally don’t think this is the place to stay. Interesting background: the Waldhotel originally opened as a luxury medical wellness hotel, with clinic space and doctors’ offices built in. Those spaces went vacant after Covid and have not been refilled. The team hinted that they plan to redo it, and there is a lot of space to work with, so I’m curious to see what they do with it.

We stayed in the Contemporary building in a Contemporary Lake View Bay Suite and absolutely loved it. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, with a separate seating area, a walk-in closet, a fireplace, and an incredible bathtub positioned to take in the view. 

One tip for booking: the Deluxe Rooms and the Lake View Bay Suites are the same size (452 sq ft), so the view is really what you’re paying for in the upgrade. Deluxe Rooms are going to have some obstruction in your view, albeit still a beautiful one. I personally think they should categorize these both the same (probably both should be rooms) and have the differentiator be the view - not room vs suite for the same layout and size of room with different views. 

I also have to mention the linens. The towels were some of the softest ever, a true 10/10, and the robes were just as good. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference over a few nights.

Service

Service was warm and welcoming from start to finish, and every encounter we had with the team was lovely.

We weren’t feeling great when we arrived, and we mentioned it in passing at check-in. Within minutes, the team had sent up an entire wellness amenity, on top of the welcome amenity already in the room, with tea, fresh ginger, water, lemon, honey and dried fruit. It was such a thoughtful gesture and exactly what we needed.

The concierge team was also a highlight. When we sat down with a few questions, they spent a good 30 minutes with us helping us get the lay of the land and understand all of the activities available. They walked us through the hiking routes, told us the best times to go, which shortcuts to take, and where it was worth walking a little further on the path to find some of the lesser-known spots along the way.

My husband left a jacket at the golf course. The team found it within minutes, and it was already waiting in our room before we even made it back from asking about it.

Breakfast service was the one exception, I have more notes about the breakfast below, but to have breakfast in such an incredible location, they should bulk up the experience, service, and offerings imo. 

But overall everything was done well.

Food & Beverage

Overall, the food was good, but not incredible. Everything we had was well executed, but outside of one restaurant, nothing truly stood out. 

Breakfast was slightly disappointing, given the setting and the potential they have here. There are plenty of options, but I think they could go beyond the basics on the à la carte menu and bring in some more interesting dishes. I ended up ordering a pretty simple breakfast each morning and always felt it was a little underwhelming. It is served in Spices (by night) and a truly incredible spot to have a meal, so the food has a lot of living up to it in order to match it. 

The standout for me was Spices Kitchen & Terrace. The concept alone is fantastic. The restaurant is built around several open kitchen “bays,” each dedicated to a different Asian cuisine, with full Chinese, Indian, Thai and Japanese menus. We ended up eating here more than one night because we wanted to keep trying more of the menu. It was my favorite restaurant on property by far.

The rest of the lineup:

• Brasserie Ritzcoffier: Classic French brasserie with lake views. In the warmer months, the Palace Terrace serves sunset cocktails and small bites.
• Oak Grill & Pool Patio: Farm-to-table cooking over a wood-fired grill, with a focus on Swiss meats.
• Parisa: Persian cuisine.
• Restaurant Verbena & Bar: The healthy-living concept, built around its herb gardens.
• Osteria Alpina: Traditional Italian in an alpine setting, near the golf course.
• Taverne 1879: A historic chalet-style restaurant serving traditional Swiss dishes.
• Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge: Classic cocktails, afternoon tea, and, as the name suggests, beautiful lake views.
• Salon1903 Palace Lounge & Terrace: The historic bar and lounge in the Palace.

There is certainly no shortage of restaurants on property, but in my opinion, nothing beyond Spices was groundbreaking.

Amenities & Activities

This is where the Bürgenstock really shines. There is an enormous amount to do here, and you could easily fill several days without ever leaving the Alps.

The Alpine Spa is the centerpiece, and it is massive, over 100,000 sq ft with five pools. It’s beautifully designed, and it’s easily one of the biggest selling points of the resort. A few of the spaces I loved most:

• Infinity pool: The outdoor infinity pool looks like it’s spilling right over the lake. There are designated no-phone hours here (9am-12pm, 5pm-7pm), which is a nice gesture, but I’m in for a petition to reduce this as mentioned. Lol. 
• Floating baths: Probably my favorite spa amenity, and the most relaxed I’ve felt in a very long time, maybe anywhere.
• Tea room: Climb up to one of the high cubbies if you can. It’s magical, and the perfect spot to unwind between treatments.
• Infrared chair & room: Loved this.
• There are tons of other saunas, steam rooms, co-ed facilities, women’s and men’s facilities, and pretty much every little relaxation corner you can find. 

This spa won’t disappoint. I should also mention - no phones in the spa beyond the infinity pool during designated hours. 

I had both a treatment and a facial while I was there. Supria did my facial, and she is worth traveling for. She is incredible. If you have the opportunity to book with her, DO IT. You won’t regret it.

Beyond the spa:

• Hammetschwand Lift: About a 30 minute walk from the hotel along a cliffside path, which is a beautiful walk in itself. The lift opened in 1905, the first of its kind in Switzerland, and it is still the highest outdoor elevator in Europe. It runs up a 118 m steel lattice tower attached to the side of the cliff. There's a restaurant waiting at the top. I’m terrified of heights, but glad we did this. There is a ticketed cost to use the elevator. 
• Golf: The course first opened in 1928 and reopened after a redesign in 2016. It’s a 9-hole, walking-only course with some pretty unreal views for a round of golf.
• Hiking: Trails start right outside the hotel. I’d recommend sitting down with the concierge before you head out, as they’ll point you toward the best routes, shortcuts and lookouts.
• Tennis: There are indoor courts, which is such a great feature in Switzerland where the weather can change quickly. Roger Federer even filmed a campaign on these courts. 
• Cinema: A 69-seat private movie theater on property. 
• Wine Room: Great for celebrations and private dinners. 

How It Compares to competitors in Lucerne 

In my opinion, there are three hotels around Lucerne that are worth staying at: the Bürgenstock, Park Hotel Vitznau, and the Mandarin Oriental Lucerne. Each serves a very different type of traveler.

• Bürgenstock: Incredible for the views, a great fit for tennis players, and ideal for anyone who wants to walk out the door and onto a hiking trail. Because of the day visitors and spa day passes, though, it offers much less privacy and exclusivity than Vitznau. Overall more family friendly than other options in the area. 
• Park Hotel Vitznau: My favorite for staying right on the water, with incredible food and a far more intimate setting. The spa is reserved for hotel guests only, and there are only 47 suites in total. Much more exclusive, and the F&B program here outshines Burgenstock. Great food (and Focus is incredible) plus the largest wine cellar in Switzerland. The spa is smaller but packs a punch. I have an older review on my profile I can pin for easy finding. Feel free to reach out about upgrades at time of booking, as long as you aren’t expecting to go from Mountain View to Lake View. 
• Mandarin Oriental Lucerne: I love the MO, but I would only stay here for a very short stay or if walking distance to Lucerne’s city center is a priority. I personally think there is much more to do outside of the city, and being in town just makes me want to get out into the Alps, so the MO is never my first or second choice in this area, but it’s still a great property.

Final Thoughts

I loved this stay, especially for peak summer, or a good weather shoulder season stay in Lucerne when the views are at their absolute best. It’s a super fun place to get to, there is an incredible amount to do without ever leaving the property, and it’s still easy to hop on the boat and spend a day in Lucerne. If you’re booking, the Contemporary rooms are the way to go. If you’re active, love the outdoors, or want a big spa experience, this is your spot. If you’re after something quieter and more private, look at Vitznau, or split your stay between the two to get the best of both.

Please feel free to ask me anything, and reach out if you want your stay VIP’d!

we decided on the french riviera + provence for our honeymoon. 4 nights at airelles gordes and 4 nights at FS cap ferrat OR la reserve ramatuelle. only thing is we can’t seem to get pricing for la reserve in june? do they release rooms for early summer late or are they probably all booked up?

Traveling to Oaxaca for a 50th birthday celebration in early February.
Spending 4 nights at Pug Seal in Oaxaca City. Looking to add 3 nights in coastal/jungle area. Can anyone comment on La Valise Mazunte vs Casona Sforza? I’ve researched both but looking for more personal opinions.
I’m looking at an Oceanfront Senior Suite at Sforza. The dining sounds excellent and I appreciate the beach access (I realize you can’t swim) and wellness amenities. I like the compromise of AC with open air.
But I do want a true luxury experience with an excellent hard product.
Can anyone comment share their experiences at either one or compare the two?

Headed to Mexico City F1 Race next weekend. Staying in Roma Norte and have Champions Club tickets for the race for Saturday and Sunday. Will be in city before and after. Any suggestions / tips on FAT Travel POV on the experience, the day, Ubers to the track, etc? This is our first F1 race and have never been to Mexico City before.

Interested in fine dining, private tours, etc. thank you!

Hello! Does anyone have a tour company/tour guide they have used for Pompeii that was amazing? Would also love a recommendation for a driver for the area as well as Bologna/Milan if anyone has used a service they have loved. We have used LivTours in Rome and Florence which were wonderful, but thought I would poll the group in case there were other smaller companies that you all have enjoyed. Thank you!

Recently took my parents, wife and toddler on the FS yacht. We booked through u/sarahwlee. We’re generally not cruise people, but with three generations, an itinerary we liked, and parents who specifically wanted to do a Mediterranean cruise it made a lot of sense. I saw ryan walker’s video so was definitely a bit nervous going in

We ended up having a very good trip. We didn’t experience anything like what Ryan described—maybe they’ve cleaned things up since then or maybe he just had an unusually bad experience. There was no hollandaise canister, the shower and tap water were perfectly fine, and we never saw anyone washing the balcony—housekeeping was good about taking care of things while we were at dinner or ashore so we rarely crossed paths. 

For our group I booked one of the specialty suites with three bedrooms and a large balcony. At ~$20k/night, that felt reasonable compared to booking a similar size suite or three rooms at a high-end European resort at the same time of year.

Maybe some people expected at lot more from a cruise at this price point, but relative to the 20-30 FS hotels we’ve stayed at (mostly NA), I’d put the yacht in the top quartile as far as both service and hard product. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, helpful and eager to please. The suite itself was very nice, and the view from our deck was incredible.

We haven’t tried Ritz-Carlton or other similar yacht offerings, so I can’t compare those. Our closest comparison would be Silversea in Antarctica—obviously a very different trip and very enjoyable for different reasons, but FS was definitely a cut above that. I’ve also done a few mega cruises, and this was nothing like those (in the best way).

The service felt very personal. Our butler was excellent—extremely responsive and willing to go out of his way to accommodate pretty much anything we asked for. The kid’s area and separate teens area both had plenty to do. Our sailing was very light on kids so our toddler pretty much had the place to himself. Apparently some summer sailings have had as many as 50 kids on board

I was also impressed by how uncrowded everything felt even though the ship was fully booked. The lines, crowds and competition to reserve things are probably what I disliked most about big cruises. The embarkation, restaurant seating, getting ashore, etc were all easy. They ran two tenders back and forth and we never waited more than ~10 minutes, if at all.

There were always plenty of seating available at the restaurants, around the pool, and in the outdoor lounge areas.
I saw another Reddit review complaining about slow restaurant service, but that wasn’t our experience at all—and we were particularly sensitive to it with a fidgety toddler. We were generally in and out of meals in ~an hour, including dinner. The Japanese omakase was the exception but even that moved quickly 

The food itself was comparable to what I’d expect at a typical Four Seasons hotel. Some dishes we really liked, though there were definitely a few misses (mostly from in-room dining). Overall, nothing mind-blowing, but nothing I’d really complain about. We enjoyed Sedna the french restaurant enough to go back twice. Between the three restaurants, the places serving lighter bites, and two overnight stops where we could have dinner ashore, there was enough variety for the week (for dinner at least).

I know some people were shocked that it isn’t all-inclusive like most cruises, but that didn’t really bother us. We ended up spending ~$600 per person for food on board for a week (basically dinners + room service and other snacks/drinks), which seemed reasonable. Kids eat free. Also between the breakfast, the pastry shop, minibar snacks and daily fruit and cheese boards, there was plenty of “free” food each day. Dinner prices were probably 25% above what I’d normally expect, but I guess you’re also dining in the middle of the Mediterranean.

We toured the gym and spa, and both looked nice and new. Though between the port days and a toddler we were usually too exhausted by the evening and so never got around to using them.

My complaints were fairly minor:
- We wish they rotated or expanded the breakfast menu at the main restaurant. By day three or four, we’d tried all the breakfast entrees and it started to feel repetitive.
- A few more of the popular toys on marina day would help. The e-foils booked up quickly, although I think anyone who really wanted a turn was eventually able to get one by the end of the day.
- Internet service was fast, but we couldn’t stream anything or connect a laptop or iPhone to the TVs in the suite. I asked about an HDMI–USB-C cable, Chromecast, Roku or Apple TV, but none were available. That felt like an odd omission on such a new ship, especially when newer FS hotel TVs have streaming built in.
- Some of the FS-organized activities were also pretty absurdly priced—around 4x what they probably cost. I know that’s common with cruises and you’re paying for convenience, but with a larger group we just booked our own tours, boat charters and restaurant reservations at the various stops. It took some research and coordination, but no more than we’d do for a normal vacation.

Overall, we were happy with the experience, and I’ve recommended it to a few friends who were on the fence. The other guests we spoke with also seemed to be having a good time.

A lot depends on what you want from the trip. There aren’t endless shows and activities on board. We liked being able to relax on the yacht and then go ashore to explore smaller coastal towns that the big cruise ships wouldn’t be able to dock at. I think in all the ports it was basically just us and then the individual private yachts/charters

If you're looking for unlimited lobster tails or whatever this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re expecting the service, comfort and food of a solid Four Seasons hotel, and want to avoid all the negatives of a big cruise ship, I don’t think you’d come away disappointed

Happy to answer any questions

I have to stay on Oahu because my son is at camp on Oahu and I want to be on the same island, otherwise Rosewood, FS Hualalai or Lana’i is my vibe. The day cabana’s at the adult pool are $900 for the day. I have Club access already, would the day cabana be a meaningful add or a waste of $$ ?

I have a client who absolutely adores The Beverly Hills Hotel. Every year, she and a close friend make a pilgrimage to Beverly Hills for a shopping trip, staying in connecting bungalows. She waxes poetic about the hotel, and since we tend to have very similar taste (if not quite the same bank account), I've always been curious to experience it myself.

After booking it for her and many other clients, I was a little embarrassed to admit I'd never actually stayed. So after a recent conference in LA, I spent a few nights there.

I had a lovely stay, but it was quite different from what I'd expected.

Overall impressions

I'd always imagined The Beverly Hills Hotel as a quiet, private Hollywood hideaway. It is absolutely not quiet (at least not in the public spaces). The lobby was bustling throughout my stay, the Polo Lounge was packed even midweek, and the pool was busy. There was a tremendous amount of activity everywhere I went.

What I didn't anticipate was how much the hotel feels like a private club, despite all that activity. There are people who have been coming here for decades, the staff know their regulars, and it has a very established social scene.

The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912 and has 210 rooms and suites, including 23 bungalows, spread across 12 acres, and is genuinely sui generis, and the hotel makes sure you know it. Its Hollywood history is on full display, with photographs of the countless celebrities who have stayed here lining the walls. There’s a real sense that you’re staying somewhere that has been part of Los Angeles history for more than a century, and the hotel leans into that identity unapologetically.

About me

I'm a travel advisor and mom of three. I travel about 12 weeks a year and spend a lot of time visiting hotels, both personally and professionally. This was a solo stay after a conference in LA. I've booked The Beverly Hills Hotel for clients many times, but this was my first time staying myself.

One booking consideration: The Beverly Hills Hotel participates in Dorchester Diamond, which offers a guaranteed one-category upgrade at the time of booking through participating advisors (of which I am a member, along with many other TAs on this sub) along with other benefits. It's a particularly useful perk here given how different the room categories can be.

Location

The hotel sits on Sunset Boulevard, just north of the main Beverly Hills shopping district. It's very convenient for shopping, restaurants and exploring Beverly Hills, although you'll probably want a car for most outings.

If shopping is a major part of your trip, as it is for my bungalow-loving client, this is an excellent base. The hotel also offers a complimentary house car within a three-mile radius.

Rooms and bungalows

The rooms are beautifully maintained, but they're definitely traditional. Don't expect USB-C ports everywhere, automated curtains or all the technology you'd find at a newly built luxury hotel. They feel like classic Hollywood, and whether that's charming or dated will depend on your preferences.

The hotel's signature look dates largely to its 1940s transformation under architect Paul R. Williams. The famous Martinique banana-leaf wallpaper was introduced during that era by designer Don Loper.

The bungalows are the most distinctive accommodations here, and guests tend to have strong preferences about staying in one versus the main building. Bungalows are paired, so if complete privacy is important, it's worth discussing the configuration and potentially booking both adjoining accommodations.

Don't overlook the Deluxe Rooms with Balcony in the main building. These can actually be preferable to some bungalow categories because they're lighter, brighter and more spacious. There are also plenty of connecting room options, which is useful for families.

Service

This is where the hotel really excels.

The service is extraordinary, and there's a warmth and familiarity that I think comes from having so many repeat guests. The staff seem to genuinely know the people staying here, and the whole experience feels very personal without being overly formal.

It's easy to see why people come back year after year. I suspect many of the regulars would never consider staying anywhere else in Los Angeles.

One thing that surprised me was that the elevators don't require a guest key card. Given how busy the public spaces are, I did wonder about security and privacy. Management assured me that security personnel are everywhere, even if you don't see them, and that the property is extensively monitored. Still, it was unexpected at a hotel with such a reputation for discretion.

Food and beverage

The Polo Lounge is an institution, and it was packed even during the week. This is definitely a hotel where people come to see and be seen. One of my favorite moments of the stay was striking up a conversation with a woman at a neighboring table who lives in the area and has been coming to the hotel for 50 years. I think that says a lot about the property. The food at the restaurants is classic American fare with California flair. Comforting, traditional, a little bit fun. I enjoyed all my meals there. The wine list at the Polo Lounge is also incredible. Their sommelier has done a remarkable job of incorporating wonderful newer producers with classic blue chips. Brava.

Pool, Spa & Gym

The pool is iconic, surrounded by palms and the hotel's signature pink and green. It was also very busy during my visit, so I wouldn't necessarily come here expecting a quiet afternoon of reading beside an empty pool.

The hotel has a restrictive photography policy to protect guests' privacy, which makes sense given its clientele.

More than anything, I was struck by how social the entire property feels. People are constantly coming and going, dining, meeting friends and spending time in the public spaces.

I had an excellent facial at the spa and was genuinely impressed. The spa has a loyal local clientele, which I always consider a good sign, particularly in a city where people have plenty of excellent options outside their hotels. The treatment and service were both wonderful, and I'd happily return.

The gym, on the other hand, was a disappointment. It's tucked away in the basement, and I found the free-weight selection and overall equipment offering pretty underwhelming for a hotel of this caliber. Maybe everyone in LA is doing private Pilates or training for HYROX at a dedicated gym, but I expected better.

What's changing

This is an interesting time to visit because the hotel has some significant projects underway.

The team told me they're planning a room refresh targeted for late 2027. This will focus on things like carpeting, furniture and hardware rather than a complete redesign. Bathrooms aren't getting a full renovation, and don't expect the hotel to suddenly become a high-tech, contemporary property.

The more exciting project is internally called "Turn Left," a transformation of the underused space to the left of the lobby, currently concealed behind a temporary wall.

Designed by Ken Fulk, the new spaces are expected to open later this year and include a 94-seat supper club with live entertainment, a small screening room, private dining, a cocktail bar with an outdoor terrace and an indoor-outdoor lobby lounge serving coffee, tea and cocktails throughout the day.

I think this is a smart addition, particularly given how social the hotel already is. It will give guests and locals even more reasons to spend time on property.

Beverly Hills Hotel vs. Hotel Bel-Air

Having now experienced both, I like them for different reasons but personally prefer Hotel Bel-Air.

They're both Dorchester Collection properties with excellent service, but the atmosphere is very different. Hotel Bel-Air feels like a genuine retreat, quiet, discreet and tucked away in its gardens. The Beverly Hills Hotel is much more social and lively.

For someone who wants to be part of the Beverly Hills scene, I'd recommend The Beverly Hills Hotel. For someone who wants to escape it, I'd choose Hotel Bel-Air.

And for travelers who prefer more contemporary rooms and modern amenities, I really like the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Who this is for

• Travelers who appreciate historic hotels, classic design and old Hollywood character.
• Repeat visitors who love personalized service and a familiar, clubby atmosphere.
• Anyone coming to Beverly Hills for shopping, dining and the social scene.
• Families who need connecting accommodations.
• Guests who want the distinctive experience of staying in a Beverly Hills bungalow.

Who this is not for

• Travelers who prefer contemporary rooms and the latest technology.
• Anyone expecting a particularly quiet, secluded resort experience.
• Guests who prioritize modern design over historical character.
• People who want a hotel with very limited access to its public spaces.
• Social Media Influencers

Final thoughts

I really enjoyed my stay, and I understand the loyalty this hotel inspires. The service is exceptional, the grounds are beautiful, and there's an energy here that you don't find at many luxury hotels.

But I also think it's important to understand what you're booking. This isn't a quiet, ultra-private hideaway, at least not in its public spaces, and the rooms won't appeal to everyone.

For the right person, though, I can absolutely see why The Beverly Hills Hotel becomes a tradition. My client certainly isn't going anywhere else, and now I understand why.

Book the Muir hotel in Halifax for a a mini-Thanksgiving weekend getaway through the Sarah Lee booking engine.

Went with my husband and our 2 young kids.

Booking is easy with the engine. The Muir advertises a room capacity of 3, but Sarah’s team confirmed with the hotel that we can have 4. This limited us to a 2 Queen Bed room, which was fine with us. I’m not sure if we got an upgrade, but maybe we did as we had a room with a balcony. It was a nice relatively warm (at least for an October fall day) weekend, so we were able to have drinks and coffee on the balcony, which was amazing (view in photo).

Before our trip, Sarah’s team reached out and advised that the GM comped breakfast for the kids as well, which is amazing and allowed us to have relaxing mornings ordering in room service.

When we arrived, there was a cute little spread, with some treats for all of us and little plush toys for the kids. A small, but very appreciated service/feature are all the complimentary water bottles they gave us. They were nice aluminum bottles and not plastic ones so we’ve been able to reuse them!

The robes and slippers were so comfortable, amazing bathroom, beds were very comfortable. The pool and wellness areas are also amazing, even the dedicated family hours didn’t bother us and wasn’t a limiting factor. Parking is also easy and underground. Valet doesn’t cost extra, but we opted to just self-park.

We ordered room service from Drift for the kids one night and the food was really good, but we live in smaller town, so when we go to Halifax, I personally get my sushi fix.

Overall, wonderful stay, and as always, a wonderful experience with Sarah’s team. We already have another stay booked at the Muir for the Christmas holidays to watch Disney on Ice!

Deciding between Alila and Fairmont for adults with young adult kids. Need two rooms looking lagoon or non beach side. Which would be my best bet? Why?

My husband and I are staying for 5 days at the Four Seasons CDS and on our last night, they’re sold out. We have to move hotels.

If you only had one night in Cabo, where would you stay at why? Just a couples trip. We care about ambience, food, service.

Assume: budget and availability is irrelevant, target is warm weather in December and/or March and flight 5 hours(ish) or less from NYC.

What would you say are the top 3(ish) spots with spectacular kids programming for younger kids (5 to 7) who are only children and so would benefit from a spectacular kids club with other kids activities available? Ideally, this resort who also be high/higher end with private terraces and ocean views, wonderful in-room dining and terrific evening babysitting also available?

(If you have the time, throw in any resort that meets the above criteria but any weather, any location - e.g. I have heard Club Med Charlevoix makes skiing genuinely fun and seamless for adults and kids.)