This Week's Luxury Travel News: June 15, 2012

Palazzo Sasso, Amalfi

Palazzo Sasso, Amalfi

 

As compiled from Andrew Harper’s twitter feed, @HarperTravel. Please note that news about upcoming properties does not constitute endorsement from Andrew Harper.

The Persian Room at the Plaza, 1934: http://goo.gl/qgpM5

New @La_Residence (Hue, Vietnam) video: http://goo.gl/XJ3Qd

LVMH opens an 8-room boutique hotel in  Saint-Tropez: http://goo.gl/iHUJy

Mandarin Oriental Milan coming 2013, names GM: http://goo.gl/300CK

Langham Hotels bought The Observatory from Orient-Express.

@Silversea announces 5 new Med itineraries, business-class airfare included: http://ow.ly/bBIEj

Who buys hotel condos? All sorts of people: http://goo.gl/tlv1k

London Bulgari Hotel slideshow from @Telegraph: http://goo.gl/HwejL

Warren Buffet bets big on luxury travel – NetJets makes major investment in @Bombardier, @fly_cessna: http://goo.gl/zwQrB

Amalfi’s @palazzosasso changing its name to Palazzo Avino in 2013 due to legal issues: http://ow.ly/bAcLo

Interesting. @kempinskihotels opening a hotel in Accra, Ghana later this year: http://goo.gl/dFYqz

@SixSensesSpas coming to the Alpina Gstaad: http://ow.ly/byPMY

@OrientExpress is selling Sydney’s @observatoryhtl: http://ow.ly/byOTg

Congrats on the Green Globe certification @RWTuckerspoint: http://goo.gl/3pAzS

@RWMayakoba announces new managing director: http://ow.ly/byOsP

Chef Angela Hartnett partnering with @limewoodhotel for new restaurant: http://ow.ly/byOit

Remarkable. “Bookings at London hotels for the Olympic period are down by around a third on last summer”: http://ow.ly/byO2c

India’s Sahara Group set to buy @ThePlazaHotel for $570 million: http://goo.gl/69svD

@MO_HOTELS Middle East debut will be in Doha, late 2014.

@ZoetryResorts Paraiso turtle release photos: http://ow.ly/byNzq

“We predict that by 2020, more than 330 cities in China will have the same level of disposable income that Shanghai had in 2010.” BCG Study.

“Opportunities in Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo.” Kempinski Hotels.

New Bangkok luxury hotel The Siam opens: http://goo.gl/Nj5ie

Rosewood Hotels Names Jennifer Cooke as Area Director of PR for The Carlyle & Tucker’s Point: http://goo.gl/dqlRb

Who’s looking at Burma? Who isn’t? Aman, Six Senses, the list goes on: http://goo.gl/7oKGW

Here come the new suites: Dorchester, Le Meurice, Plaza Athenee: http://ow.ly/bwPSo

Robert De Niro bringing a Nobu Hotel to Las Vegas: http://goo.gl/z37Vs

Remarkable. iPads account for 86% of @FourSeasons mobile revenue. via @barbdelollis http://goo.gl/baAfy

Bernard Lackner, New Fisher Island CEO: http://ow.ly/bwNPG

Kempinski hotels appoints new VP: http://goo.gl/ZXQ8N

Nice concept image for @RosewoodHotels Abu Dhabi: http://ow.ly/bvsw3

Very clever @FSSantaBarbara wedding shot: http://ow.ly/bvsgv

Press release for the @FourSeasons Encantado take-over: http://ow.ly/bvs3g

Will the ill-fated Temenos project on Anguilla rise again? http://goo.gl/jfiYf

Excellent @FinancialTimes piece on the upcoming Antiquarian Map Fair in London: http://goo.gl/1v3oi

New resort Seri Chenang opening in Langkawi at the end of the month: http://goo.gl/W3gJU

Four Seasons has taken over Auberge Encantado in Santa Fe.

Wonderful overview of Southeast Asia’s heritage hotels (Raffler, Strand, Metropole, etc) from @CNN: http://goo.gl/KKpIy

Rickshaw rides in London this summer compliments of @MOLONDONhttp://goo.gl/hk9dh

Banyan Tree VP Arthur Kiong departs: http://goo.gl/E5rZz

3 @thesavoylondon myths: Harry Craddock started the American Bar, Richard D’Oyly Carte was Irish& the hotel is haunted: .http://goo.gl/ohiyd

Austria’s first @RitzCarlton opening this summer: http://goo.gl/9pZDJ

This Week's Luxury Travel News: June 8, 2012


Hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

Hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

As compiled from Andrew Harper’s twitter feed, @HarperTravel. Please note that news about upcoming properties does not constitute endorsement from Andrew Harper.

The Hanoi Sofitel Metropole opens its old air raid shelter: http://ow.ly/bsrjH

Has the Plaza been sold? http://goo.gl/DYfBQ

@FSBoraBora How do you get 64K facebook likes? Post a photo like this: http://ow.ly/bsq1h

Lovely new @TierraPatagonia video: http://goo.gl/7hzhQ

Remarkable concept image for upcoming @MO_HOTELS property in Chengdu, China: http://goo.gl/3XSW0

@cntraveller: A stylish new resort opens up Borneo’s little-known Pulau Gaya: http://bit.ly/KRcGTq

Nice new video for @Singita_ Sweni: http://ow.ly/bsmoA

Fisher Island CEO is out: http://goo.gl/EdDqX

Recent Member Comments: @TheDorchester@PlazaAtheneeNY@HotelBelAir @TheGreenwichNYhttp://goo.gl/GIAlW

“The vast majority of our new projects are coming outside of North America.” interview with @FourSeasons CEO: http://goo.gl/U7Td9

Harper favorites Wolgan Valley & Southern Ocean Lodge spotted in the new Tourism Australia ad: http://goo.gl/oOPqG

RT @luxurysociety: Chinese buy 30% percent of Swiss watches: http://goo.gl/hx9y3

FAA clears @virgingalactic Spaceship Two for test flights: http://goo.gl/fY3OW

Top 5 Paris restos, according to new Zagat/Google guide: Taillevent, Pierre Gagnaire, Savoy, Grand Vefour, Le Cinq.

@Banyan_Tree has a new CEO: http://ow.ly/bmgJx

@Flying_Emirates now flying from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City: http://ow.ly/bmgDT

 

 

Recent Member Comments: Tucker's Point, The Meridian Club, Amangiri and More

Tucker's Point, Bermuda

Tucker's Point, Bermuda

Tucker’s Point, Bermuda

“Our stay at Tucker’s Point & Bermuda was fabulous. Bermuda has finally recovered from years of lackluster service and average accommodations at a high price. We thought Tucker’s Point fabulous and the price was definitely commensurate with the service and quality of the hotel. We loved it and will probably go back next year!”

The Meridian Club, Turks and Caicos

“My 8th visit, and it keeps getting a little better each year. Very warm, welcoming staff. If you cannot relax here, you cannot relax! But don’t go if you need ‘activities.’ ”

Casa Manni, Rome

“Casa Manni is a unique opportunity to rest and feel like a native ‘Roman.’ The personal attention by Armando Manni and his knowledge of Rome is unique and he shares this knowledge freely. Anyone looking for a unique spot, great location & personal attention this is a great spot.”

Amangiri, Utah

“What a treat for my  birthday. Three couples, six wonderful friends enjoyed 5 days at Amangiri. We have all stayed at various Amans in the past. Amangiri is our new favorite. We’re giving it all the STARS we saw in the desert sky. Brilliant.”

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, New York

“The staff is friendly and seemingly eager to please and does not appear to take a frequent guest’s loyalty for granted. An upgrade on arrival is not infrequent. The concierge (Rick) is a peach. He has even arranged to chase me down with a forgotten package as I leave town.”

Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles

“Superb job. This was my 12th time and I was very worried 18 months renovation would ruin the charm but it was superb. Food service best it has ever been. Unique among American hotels.”

The Greenwich Hotel, New York

“The Greenwich Hotel has a remarkable cosy-and-yet-opulent feel. The staff was gracious and helpful. And the view of NYC from our floor-to-ceiling window was amazing.”

The Dorchester, London

“The Dorchester has the best concierge service. There was never a request they didn’t satisfy. Stuart Aubrey was the most gracious and helpful Concierge. We were treated so well, in such a warm and friendly manner, that we will return on our next trip to London. The service is impeccable, with nothing too stiff and formal.”

The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island

“The experience at The Sanctuary was wonderful! Each day we kept extending our stay until we HAD to return home.”

Château de Bagnols, France

“We recently spent four nights living like a duke and duchess at this authentically restored castle. To us, this is one of the prettiest areas of France and the views from our room were like Cezanne landscapes.”

The Swag, North Carolina

“Not for everybody. Rustic elegance in a remote location. Beautiful and tranquil. Food, while very good, could be improved upon. Owners and staff provided a wonderful and welcoming experience.”

 

This Week's Luxury Travel News: June 1, 2012

Meadowood Napa Valley

Meadowood Napa Valley

 

As compiled from Andrew Harper’s twitter feed, @HarperTravel. Please note that news about upcoming properties does not constitute endorsement from Andrew Harper.

@Meadowoodnews 12 Days of Christmas line-up announced: http://ow.ly/biiqc

Nice bit of hotel tipping advice from @travlandleisurehttp://goo.gl/JMbyS

Ducati to be featured at this year’s Dana Point Concourse (June 23/24): http://goo.gl/kBiq9

Quick profile of Milan-based Frette linens: http://goo.gl/9FpUQ

“It is something you would expect if you were in New York, L.A., or even South Beach. ” @EnchantmentAZ‘s new reno: http://goo.gl/WyTtT

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon leaving NYC Four Seasons: http://goo.gl/HFvwa

If you’re thinking about Aspen this summer you should book soon: http://ow.ly/bh5wO

@SanctuaryRets Nice Okavango Delta video: http://goo.gl/1VVPa

The Google Zagat Trainwreck & the importance of maintaining accurate travel information via @Eater: http://goo.gl/sOStA

Agreed. @thelittlenell: Looking at the list of speakers for the 2012#Aspen Ideas Festival, June 27-July 3. Wow: http://goo.gl/r6EhE

Classic hotels in this week’s Harper Auctions: Merrion Hotel, San Ysidro Ranch, Hotel Fasano, Domaine de Verchant: http://goo.gl/wIUBw

Hidden Pond, Maine: http://instagr.am/p/LQzcV6OsLW/

The lonely, quiet death of the hotel room directory via @USATODAYhttp://ow.ly/bfBI6

Here’s a suggested Left Bank Food & Wine Stroll from my new Paris app: http://ow.ly/bflCV

@RitzCarlton opens its first Japanese resort on Okinawa: http://ow.ly/bdRXh

Nice @WaldorfAstoria round-up from @HotelChatter (Jerusalem looks interesting): http://goo.gl/wJk42

“After the Lehman collapse, sales dropped 40 per cent year-on-year, and we thought the end was nigh.” Rocco Forte: http://goo.gl/8ka9L

@Firmdale_Hotels is on a roll: http://ow.ly/bdQVP

Notable June Events: White Nights Festival, Aberdeen Highland Games & More: http://goo.gl/4RbWn

My free Paris app is now available for the iPhone: http://goo.gl/jZ98P

Luxury Hotel Auctions: San Ysidro Ranch, The St. Regis Deer Valley and More

Harper Auctions are some of the best in the business; various packages can offer savings of up to 80% of retail value. Click on a hotel photo to view this week’s auction details (all of these auctions close this Tuesday at 4 p.m. CST.)

Merrion Hotel, Dublin

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin

Gracious 142-room hotel (19 suites) occupying four beautifully restored Georgian townhouses in a fashionable downtown district. Guest rooms, furnished with Irish fabrics and antiques, include comfortable armchairs, writing desks and spacious marble baths with twin vanities, large tubs and separate showers. Most rooms have views of the parliament buildings or the hotel’s gardens. Irish art adorns the elegantly appointed Drawing Rooms and No. 23 bar, as well as Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud gastronomic restaurant and revamped Cellar, serving simple Irish cuisine. Attractive garden terrace for summer dining, weather permitting. A health/fitness spa includes a steam room and an infinity pool. Dublin’s prestige address for discerning travelers.

Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro

Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro

 Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro

Boutique hotel offering magnificent ocean views from an ideal location at the Copacabana end of Ipanema Beach. Designer Philippe Starck has employed natural materials — such as an impressive oblong of Amazon wood for the front desk — that provide a warm counterpoint to the rough-hewn granite block walls. Not the usual stark Starck: The property may be contemporary, but it also offers a high level of comfort. The 89 spacious accommodations have hardwood floors, dark wood accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto large private balconies with panoramic views. Generous white marble baths provide separate walk-in showers. The fashionable Fasano al Mare restaurant serves excellent seafood. A spectacular rooftop pool affords unforgettable views; also casual dining, small spa, fitness center and hammam. The Fasano may be a chic “designer” property, but it is also very hospitable and relaxing.

St. Regis Deer Valley, Utah

The St. Regis Deer Valley, Utah

The St. Regis Deer Valley, Utah

New 181-room ski-in/ski-out resort with the main building reached via a 230-foot funicular. The structure is done in handsome lodge style with stone floors, soaring ceilings, wood accents, stone walls, a large open fireplace and towering windows that offer full views onto the ski runs and peaks. The best rooms offer vistas of the slopes, and suites come with the attentive service of a St. Regis butler; also ski butlers and ski valets. The two-level free-form pool has mountainside views, and the 14,000-square-foot Remède spa features treatments to counter the effects of cold, dry air. The J&G Grill is under the direction of star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Jack's Camp, Botswana

Jack's Camp, Botswana

Jack’s Camp, Botswana

Unique, extremely well-run camp at the edge of the Kalahari’s Makgadikgadi salt pans, an hour by air southeast of Maun. Enormous canvas main tent, filled with a treasure trove of fossils, skulls, spears, books and maps, is lined by a voluptuous canopy of pale raspberry-pink cotton. Sisal mats and Persian carpets cover the dark wooden floor; easy chairs come with kilim-covered cushions. The 10 guest tents share this nostalgic décor but are now very comfortable, with en suite baths, indoor and outdoor showers, and spacious verandas. Delicious food and a good selection of wines. Splendid swimming pool set in a tented pavilion. A nearby water hole ensures wildlife sightings year-round; also walks with the local San Bushmen. A second, dry season camp sits immediately adjacent to the salt flats. For those of a romantic and adventurous spirit, Jack’s Camp cannot be recommended too highly.

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara

Sophisticated 500-acre cottage-style resort in the leafy foothills of Montecito just outside Santa Barbara. A new owner has recently invested $100 million to restore the historic property. Landscaped grounds contain 41 handsome lodgings in 18 peaked-roof cottages, many with generous sitting areas, working fireplaces and private patios, some with hot tubs. Dining venues include the award-winning indoor/outdoor Stonehouse restaurant and a bistro-bar. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness studio and in-room massage and spa treatments.

Domaine de Verchant, Montpellier

Domaine de Verchant, Montpellier

Domaine de Verchant, Montpellier

Lavishly renovated 19th-century limestone manor set amid vineyards and century-old trees in Castelnau-le-Lez. Twenty-two individually styled rooms feature contemporary décor, offering a charming contrast with the old house’s traditional architecture, exposed beams and stenciled terra-cotta tile floors. Modern baths, some with whirlpool tubs and separate rainfall showers. All rooms equipped with high-tech fittings such as electrically operated curtains and Bose DVD/CD players. Casual restaurant, opulent spa and beautiful indoor pool, as well as small outdoor pool.

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

Famiglia Pizzinini of Rosa Alpina

The Pizzinini Family of Rosa Alpina

Rather than deluge you with brunch offers, we thought we’d take a moment to salute a few Harper-recommended properties that are owned or managed by mothers.

This is most certainly a very incomplete list; please feel free to add more suggestions in the comments section!

A very happy Mother’s Day to the following:

Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina, the Dolomites (the Pizzinini family is pictured above)

Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia

 Hôtel de Toiras, France (its new sister property, Villa Clarisse, is named after the owner’s daughter!)

The Peninsula House, Dominican Republic

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Vancouver

Cashel House Hotel, Galway

El Castell de Ciutat, Catalonia

Le Mas de Peint, Arles

Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa, Venice

Family-Friendly Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point Lodge hides in plain sight; it sits squarely in the middle of a happily buzzing national park with glorious San Francisco views, yet manages to feel very peaceful and removed. The property occupies a serene warren of former officers’ quarters at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, and is managed as a joint venture between the park and Passport Resorts, which also runs Post Ranch Inn and Sea Ranch Lodge.

Murray Circle was packed for lunch on a recent Sunday afternoon, but I was happy to sit at the counter with its fancy version of fish and chips (Lagunitas-battered rock cod) and a glass of crisp Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Though the contemporary lodgings here have the best bridge views, I opted to stay in one of the officers’ residences on the parade ground. It was a relaxing, light-filled suite with vintage flourishes and a particularly comfortable leather reading chair. I woke to the mournful horns of passing cargo ships before enjoying an early-morning soak in the spa.

Owing to its extraordinary location, Cavallo Point is probably my most family-friendly recommended property in the Bay Area. There is plenty here for kids to enjoy: kite-flying on the parade ground; exploring the old battery at Horseshoe Bay; or hiking the Chapel Steps Trail, an easy-to-moderate venture that affords spectacular views of the bridge (which also happens to be celebrating its 75th birthday this year). The property is also steps away from the superlative Bay Area Discovery Museum, a sprawling compound of art studios, playgrounds and nature exhibits.

-A.H. 

A Weekend at The Lowell

Room at The Lowell, New YorkA classic New York hotel on the Upper East Side, The Lowell offers the convenience of a city apartment and the luxury of an around-the-clock hotel staff — all comfortably tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. The Lowell is located just steps away from some of the best shopping in the city and is equally close to Midtown Manhattan offices, the theater district and Lincoln Center, making it an ideal place to stay while visiting New York.

We had the chance to sit down with John Mark Hopkins, chef concierge at The Lowell, to discuss the perfect weekend in New York, including recommendations for the best things to do, sites to see and places to eat within a five- to 10-block radius of the hotel.

Tell me about The Lowell. What sets your hotel apart from other luxury options in the city?

The Lowell is a small, independent hotel with only 72 rooms and suites; we’re also the only hotel in New York City with woodburning fireplaces in several of our suites, and many of our suites have recently been redesigned by Michael Smith.

The property itself is special, but I think our best asset is our staff; a lot of my colleagues have been here for many years and take great pride in the service they provide. Our owners and general manager recognize and value the hotel’s unique character, and we strive for service that is warm, gracious and personalized. One frequently experiences a cookie-cutter, highly scripted version of guest service in larger hotels, but we are very proud of not doing that at The Lowell.

Discretion is one of the first words that come to mind when speaking about The Lowell. We have many very high-profile guests who prefer to keep a low profile when they’re with us, and they love being able to slip in and out of the hotel without a lot of attention. We don’t have a huge lobby filled with people hoping for a glimpse of a celebrity; our guests know that The Lowell’s opulence and luxury are discreetly waiting for them upstairs.

Would you say The Lowell is best suited for the experienced or first-time New York visitor?

I think it is perfect for both. We’re ready to provide as much assistance as a first-time visitor needs, and our small scale means that a guest will feel at home very quickly. We’re also in a very exclusive, primarily residential, neighborhood; you can get to Midtown in a very few minutes, but East 63rd Street feels miles away from the commotion of Midtown.

Experienced visitors love us as well; I’ve noticed during my eight years at The Lowell that most of our first-time visitors become regulars. One very quickly begins to feel like an Upper East Sider here, and The Lowell becomes a second home.

What experiences are unique to The Lowell?

Curling up with a book next to the fireplace in your suite; the opulence of our Michael Smith-designed Penthouse Suite with two or three bedrooms (your choice), four private terraces, three bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen — we can even arrange for a private chef and butler for you if you like; being welcomed home by our staff members who think of you as part of their extended family.

Sticking to a five- to 10-block radius, what would you recommended as the best place to …

… shop for the afternoon?

Shopping is one of the more universally popular activities in this neighborhood. All you have to do is walk out our front door and turn left, and you’re on Madison Avenue in about 30 seconds. Don’t worry too much about whether to turn left or right, because you’ll want to shop in both directions. And don’t worry about how much you can carry; everyone around here delivers.

If you time your visit right, you can be here during one of the many art and antique fairs held throughout the year at the Park Avenue Armory at Park Avenue and 67th Street — a five-minute walk from The Lowell.

And if you’ve done all of the Madison Avenue boutiques and are still in the mood for shopping, try some of these unique places:

Tender Buttons: Open since 1964, this is the only shop in the United States devoted entirely to buttons. It’s amazing. 62nd between Lexington and Third avenues.

Just Bulbs: The only light bulb store you’ll ever need, on 60th between Second and Third avenues.

Katagiri: Need to stock up on okonomiyaki mix or miso paste? How about frozen cod roe or gyoza? The oldest Japanese grocery store in the United States is on 59th between Second and Third avenues.

Dylan’s Candy Bar: Yes, there are several of them now, but this is the original flagship store and a very popular destination: 60th and Third Avenue.

Kraft Hardware: This has been the place to go to for decorative hardware, plumbing and accessories for more than 70 years: 62nd Street between First and Second avenues.

Mrs. John L. Strong: Wonderfully old-fashioned bespoke stationery since 1929, on Madison Avenue between 62nd and 63rd streets.

(more…)

Recent Member Comments: Las Alamandas, Rosewood Mayakoba and More

Las Alamandas

Las Alamandas

 

Las Alamandas, Mexico: “Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The property is right there with Il Pellicano, Le Sirenuse, and Inverlochy Castle. We loved it!”

Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico: “This resort is so special and luxurious that even when something goes wrong, they go to extreme levels to make it right for you. We had a bad experience with room service breakfasts and they took all of them off our bill. This was much more than required.”

The Peninsula Beverly Hills, California: “Peninsula Bevery Hills is possibly the best hotel in terms of service that I have ever stayed at anywhere in the world. Everyone was friendly, efficient and went out of his or her way to make sure even the slightest request was taken care of. Simply outstanding.”

Caneel Bay, St. John: “One of our checked bags did not arrive on the Miami-to-St. Thomas flight with us, and the Caneel Bay staff person was SO helpful. She made a copy of the airline ‘lost luggage’ document, and when the bag did arrive, the staff picked it up and brought it to the resort. It was in our room when we came back from dinner!”

Hotel Le Toiny, St. Barths: “Privacy was amazing. Didn’t see anyone all week.”

The Greenwich Hotel, New York: “The Greenwich Hotel has a remarkable cosy-and-yet-opulent feel. The staff was gracious and helpful. And the view of NYC from our floor-to-ceiling window was amazing.”

Haymarket Hotel, London : “We LOVED the Haymarket – now have stayed there 5 times.”

Huka Lodge, New Zealand: “Huka Lodge continues to be the finest of them all. Although expensive, it is well worth the cost.”

Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica: “Seems that they are trying scale back due to cost. To me, that is not Harper!”

Single Ladies at The Imperial, New Delhi

The Imperial, New Delhi

Recognizing that more and more women are traveling solo, The Imperial in New Delhi has unveiled a new program specifically catering to ladies staying at the hotel on their own. Named “Eliza” in honor of Queen Elizabeth I, this program ensures that female guests feel like royalty from the moment they arrive at the airport.

At a special airport pick-up facility, ladies from The Imperial meet a single traveler and escort her to the hotel, where she checks into her room in the “Single Lady Corridor.” The 12 Eliza Rooms in this secure corridor include unique amenities such as a welcome basket of cosmetics and hair products, manicure set, specially designed bathrobes, pink-hued upholstery and women butlers and housekeeping staff.

The Single Lady Corridor also provides a range of enhanced security features so that solo travelers feel completely safe and relaxed. Cameras monitor the hallway, and each room has its own camera watching the door. Special doors allow guests to check the other side before opening, and all telephone calls go through a screening process before being transferred to the room.

All these security measures and amenities are included at no extra cost to the traveler; she need only request an Eliza Room to take advantage of these benefits.