Travelers no matter how wealthy or budget-oriented, seem to be attracted the most by luxury experiences. And today luxury travel has a little in common with what was once considered high-end, exclusive, and ultra-expensive. Nowadays, many brands labeled “luxury” or “five-star” are simply offering their guests costly unique experiences and strangely designed accommodations, with no trace of true luster and sparkle. However, we know about a range of hotels that have remained luxurious beyond any doubt.
When it comes to luxury traveling and one-of-a-kind hotels, one brand name instantly pops into the mind, Hilton. Of course, there are numerous hotel chains, but Hilton Worldwide manages some of the highest-end accommodations that offer impeccable service, no matter which distant part of the world you are wish to explore. A selection of five most luxurious hotels by the Hilton-managed Conrad and Waldorf Astoria illustrates best what you can expect.
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
The Waldorf Astoria Phoenix’ premier resort features astounding opulent style and upscale amenities that have been bringing comfort since its opening in 1929. At the lobby, guests enjoy piano music every night surrounded by stained-glass skylights, wrought-iron pilasters and cozy sitting alcoves. Rooms, even regular ones, are spacious, furnished in Mission style and Southwestern-print fabrics. The Ocatilla boutique hotel, where guests find privacy and exclusive services, is within the resort, too. The Arizona Biltmore is one of America’s most iconic and storied resorts. Hollywood stars discovered the resort in the 1940s and have been coming ever since – from Marilyn Monroe sunning at her favorite pool (Catalina Pool) to Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli giving impromptu concerts at the lobby piano to Bruce Springsteen vacationing with his family. Today, travelers come to savor its variety of innovative dining experiences, experience award-winning spa treatments, tee off on two 18-hole championship golf courses, relax at eight pools, and play on seven tennis courts.
Conrad Bali
A memory for a lifetime! This is a luxurious beachfront resort, the best one in Indonesia, with access to the beautiful white sandy beach and with a huge outdoor pool, which is open to guests 24 hours. Located near Nusa Dua in Bali, it offers large rooms, several restaurants, spa and special wedding facilities. Conrad Bali is the best place to stay if you want to explore the ancient temples, unique traditions and vibrant life of the “Island of the Gods”. It is favored by billionaires and ultra rich from all over the world in particular for romantic experiences.
Conrad Maldives
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been twice selected “Best Hotel in the World”. It is set on two separate islands connected by a bridge and offers luxurious, private villas and exotic beach and water suites. Here guests can meet whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles while dining at one of the 11 restaurants and bars, including the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. The resort offers an exclusive range of services, excursions, and activities, the most unique of which are maybe the submarine trip or the underwater wedding ceremony.
Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Surrounded by large Mediterranean gardens, Rome Cavalieri is a luxury hotel that offers opulent interiors, exceptional cuisine, and beautiful views of Rome and the Vatican from its hilltop position in Montemario. It amazes with a large art collection of antique furniture, magnificent paintings, precious tapestries, statues and artifacts exhibited across its suites and public spaces. The spacious, luxury rooms have special seating area, marble bathrooms, and balconies that overlook either the gardens or Rome’s historical center.
The Roosevelt New Orleans
Opened in 1893 as The Grunewald, today The Waldorf Astoria-line hotel is an iconic to the city of New Orleans. It provides exceptional service, upscale accommodations and historic surroundings in addition to the one-of-a-kind lobby, which is actually a tribute to the hotel’s 120-year history and recent restoration. Sparkling crystal chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, intricate reclaimed mosaic flooring, as well as the famous 1867 Signature Clock, one of the largest known conical pendulum clocks in the world – all this is just a fraction of the breath-taking beauty of the lobby.
Contrary to many modern hotels that focus on attracting a larger number of guests by offering cheaper and lower quality services, the hotels across Hilton Worldwide chain stay true to their dedication to luxury and ever-first-class experience. If you have never been to one of these hotels, 2014 may be the perfect time to explore the pleasure of staying at a 5-star accommodation. Explore more of the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria’s hotels bellow:
