The concept of grand hotels originated under American and European auspices. In many cases celebrities have immortalized certain hotels, and their names are inextricably linked. Cesar Ritz is certainly first among equals when it comes to famous hoteliers. Conrad Hilton, Mimi Sheraton, Isadora Sharp, Biltmore, Mayfair, Astor, and many other names also come to mind. Martin Luther King conceived his famous speech at the Willard in Washington D.C. Many hotels with great historic significance have fallen to hard times, while others struggle to recapture past glories. Famous does not necessarily mean luxurious or expensive, but most people tend to expect these attributes from famous lodgings.
Famous hotels tell the story of modern civilization. The Fairmont in San Francisco on trendy Nob Hill survived the great earthquake of 1906 and the devastating fire that followed. The Hay Adams in Washington D.C. has housed presidents and world-famous diplomats and heads-of-state. France has many famous hotels from Paris to the Cote d’Azur. Hotels along Lake Geneva are famous for five-star luxury, but many modern travelers take their car rentals and hotel bookings to the Caribbean, where the modern tourist industry has created resorts so comprehensive that vacationers never need to leave the grounds. Travelers should strive to book a room at the most famous hotel they can afford when vacationing or traveling on business. The top hotels in the world would certainly include these five institutions.
The Savoy, London, England was built in 1889 and has a storied history. Cesar Ritz was the first general manager and he introduced Auguste Escoffier to London society. This chef revolutionized kitchens all over the world by introducing a codified system of station preparation still employed today by the finest restaurants. Historically, the Savoy Hotel was the location of Winston Churchill’s Other Club and Oscar Wilde’s London address. It has recently received a £100 million facelift for modern convenience, while retaining Edwardian and Art Deco interior design. With spectacular views of the Thames, the 268 guest rooms offer easy access to museums, theatre and other central London attractions.
Four Seasons George V, Paris, France
The Four Seasons is the world’s largest luxury hotel chain, and the George V in Paris is their flagship operation. Carefully restored to elegance, the hotel offers vacationers elegant rooms with private terraces and is located a few steps from the famous Champs-Elysées Boulevard. The Le Cinq restaurant has earned two Michelin stars in a city famous for cuisine. Paris is the City of Lights and boasts two thousand years of historical attractions, famous art, and influential architecture. The Hotel George V Paris offers easy access to the Seine, Arc de Triomphe, or Eiffel Tower. Visitors can hire a car and enjoy incredible shopping experiences within a 15-minute drive.
Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin, Venice, Italy
Venice is a historic symbol of the Dolce Vita, and the Hotel Cipriani offers quick access to the splendid romance of Venice, but retains a bit of independence because the hotel is located on the Giudecca Island. The hotel provides access to Saint Mark’s Square by private launch within minutes. This hotel provides stunning views of Venice and provides guests a modern resort atmosphere. Venetian hotels only provide views of the lagoon, but Hotel Cipriani gives tourists views they really paid to see. Guests can enjoy leisurely private walks or jogging trails. The hotel offers one of the few swimming pools in all of Venice. The fitness and wellness center is named after Casanova, who once roamed the beautiful gardens seeking romance.
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, California
The Beverly Wilshire is also a Four Seasons Hotel and offers the quintessential movie star treatment to guests. Located on Wilshire Boulevard and famous Rodeo Drive, the hotel is the perfect venue for shopping at the world’s most famous destinations. Nearby are famous plastic surgery facilities, making it a great choice for recuperative rest after a facelift or tummy tuck. The hotel has perfected service for temperamental guests and offers classical elegance with all modern amenities. Car hire allows guests to visit nearby Hollywood attractions and the canyons and hills of Los Angeles, where celebrities own multi-million dollar estates. Dining options feature casual dining at Blvd or celebrity-chef Wolfgang Puck’s Cut Restaurant, which is a classic steakhouse with a modern twist. Elvis Presley and Warren Beatty once called the Beverly Wilshire home, as did John Lennon after separating from Yoko Ono. Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton lived there during the last unfortunate years of her life. Previous guests include Barrack Obama, Elton John, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Walter Matthau, and Japanese Emperor Hirohito.
The MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is known for luxury hotels and the MGM Grand tops the list because it is world-famous and accorded five-star status. MGM refers to historic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio, which was a staple during the golden age of Hollywood. The MGM Grand is the largest hotel in the world with over six thousand rooms and suites. Guests have access to 24-hour butler service, in addition to traditional concierge and maid services. Spectacular windows provide floor to ceiling views of the Las Vegas strip and all the amenities one could desire. Multiple pools and spas, celebrity-chef cuisines, and sumptuous buffets characterize this unparalleled resort. There is also a replica of the infamous Studio 54, the hedonistic club experience of the 1970s, and management claims it is wilder than the original.
Hotels may be famous for their historical impact, their luxury and amenities, or the people who have been guests during the hotel’s history. Many entrepreneurs have developed outstanding properties and lent their names to their hotels. Many of these properties meet luxury standards and have rich and famous guests, such as many Donald Trump properties. True fame, however, to the select few hotels that have met all historical requirements for fame and are still providing guests with luxury accommodations is limited
Author: Steven Hampshire