Supreme Indulgences: 5 Luxurious Hotels

A trip to a world-class hotel, resort or restaurant is truly a journey to another world—one where anything and everything is possible. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, discerning travelers not only expect a heightened level of service that caters to every need and want, but they desire an experience that transcends all expectations of comfort and luxury. Here are some of our favorite places where you can relax, unwind and dine in pure bliss…

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
New York City, New York

Voted the “#1 Best Hotel in New York City” and #7 in all of the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers the elegance of a private home in the heart of New York City. With 259 lavish guestrooms, including 47 suites, the hotel is an easy walk to Fifth Avenue, Broadway, Rockefeller Center and Lincoln Center. Accommodations feature 400-thread-count French sateen linens, marble bathrooms and Etro bath accessories. Additional hotel features include an on-site fitness center, wireless Internet access, The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge, and La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton Spa. Unique culinary experiences await guests at BLT Market where Chef Laurent Tourondel provides the perfect breakfast and dinner. For an unforgettable social venue, The Star Lounge highlights the cocktail creations of the Ritz-Carlton hotel’s legendary New York bartender, Norman Bukofzer.

Hôtel De Crillon
Paris, France

Regally housed in an 18^th century palace commissioned by Louis XV, the historic Hôtel de Crillon reigns along the world-famous Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris. The renowned hotel has hosted the illustrious likes of King George V, Sir Winston Churchill, President Theodore Roosevelt and the Dalai Lama. A bastion of Parisian glamour, the hotel touts 103 sumptuous guest rooms and 44 suites recently restored in the Louis XV style. Luxe accommodations feature rich furnishings and the latest modern conveniences such as marble bathrooms, Wi-Fi access, and flat-screen televisions with satellite channels. For exceptional dining, the hotel’s Restaurant L’Obé is a choice gathering place for divine Parisian cuisine. Should gourmet snacks and global cocktails be preferred, the Crillon Bar hosts a chic and subtle atmosphere for soaking up the joie de vivre.

Les Ambassadeurs, Hôtel de Crillon
Paris, France

Located in one of the oldest and most enduring luxury hotels in the world, the one-Michelin-star Les Ambassadeurs lavishes a gastronomic experience unlike any other. The restaurant’s setting—formerly a ballroom—is grand and majestic, impressive in its scope as well as in the splendor of its Louis XV decoration. This inspiring ambience is adorned in marble marquetry, sparkling crystal chandeliers and ceiling frescoes. Les Ambassadeurs has received numerous awards and is acknowledged as one of the best dining venues in all of Paris. Menu high points include French imperial caviar with cucumber aspic and blinis; and roasted squab with tiny glazed squab’s leg in a filo pastry. Decadent desserts such as soft hazelnut biscuit with “Jivara” chocolate mousse and passion fruit sorbet; and citrus fruit baba with yuzu sorbet and light rhum mousse are certain to please every taste.

La Samanna
St. Martin, French West Indies

Cloaked in lush tropical foliage on 55 pristine acres of secluded beachfront, the world-class La Samanna luxury resort offers a superior level of accommodations with 83 rooms and suites, and 8 sumptuous new villas. Guests can partake of three championship tennis courts, a Pilates studio, two fresh-water swimming pools, an array of water sports, and restorative therapies at La Samanna Spa. Complementing La Samanna’s luxe amenities are exquisite dining options that incorporate fresh island flavors at Le Reserve, delectable casual fare at the Poolside Grill, and specialty cocktails and lobster barbeques at the Beach Bar. At La Cave, guests dine amongst 12,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines while enjoying some of the Caribbean’s most acclaimed food. Just outside of La Samanna, art museums and attractions are only 10 minutes away by car in the capital city of Marigot.

Paradisus Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

In November 2011, Paradisus Resorts unveils two new resorts in Playa del Carmen. The adults-only Paradisus La Perla will host 394 elegant suites, including 60 swim-up suites. Along with daily activities, guests will enjoy challenging golf nearby and life enriching activities such as tango dance classes and sushi making. The resorts will share 10 restaurants and eight bars, including the signature Gabi Club located in the Zócalo. At the family-friendly Paradisus La Esmeralda, families will have the opportunity to choose from 512 elegantly appointed suites, including 56 swim-up suites. Paradisus La Esmeralda is certain to keep everyone entertained with a spectacular 57,000-square-foot pool, Hydro Grill and Kid’s Zone. Both resorts will also share a YHI Spa and Health Club, while each presenting their own dramatic free-form pools and artful landscapes.

For more information contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Opulence Defined: 5 Luxe Getaways

Today’s discerning travelers expect much more than just the run-of-the-mill hotel service and amenities—and rightly so.  Fortunately, many properties are vying to capture their attention with cultural are programs, family-friendly packages, multi-million dollar refurbishments, incredible tennis and golf facilities, and so much more.  Now, choosing where to stay may come down to simply selecting which features you find most appealing.  To start, check out these hand-selected luxury hotels and resorts…

The Fairmont Beijing · Beijing, China

                One of China’s most sought after hotels, the Fairmont Beijing welcomes guests to the heart of the capital’s bustling business district.  Surrounded by Fortune 500 companies and premier office towers, the hotel is located across from renowned shopping at the local Pearl and Silk Market.  The hotel’s gate-form-architecture showcases natural light-filled interiors accented by contemporary Chinese artwork.  Guest rooms and suite interiors blend traditional and contemporary Chinese style with floor- to-ceiling-windows and state-of-the-art amenities.  Original dining concepts and dishes include the chic Lunar 8—serving renowned crispy Peking Duck—to delicious Wagyu beef at The CUT and outstanding bubbly at the seductive Champagne Bar.  Spanning three levels on the sky bridge, the Willow Stream Spa provides a tranquil urban getaway complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness facility and yoga studio.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel · Santa Monica, California

                With its sunny beachfront setting and stunning ocean views, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel pairs laid-back luxury with contemporary Southern California comfort and gracious hospitality.  Located in the heart of Santa Monica, the hotel has 32 rooms, including 15 one-bedroom suites and four custom-designed luxury suites.  Hotel features include an ocean view pool, direct access to Santa Monica Beach and close proximity to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade.  At Ocean & Vine, experience contemporary Californian cuisine which highlights locally-caught seafood, Farmers’ Market vegetables and expertly paired wines.  Visit Papillon Lounge to enjoy a stellar selection of Loews Signature Cocktails while soaking in a magnificent sunset over the Pacific.  For ultimate relaxation, the hotel’s Ocean Spa & Fitness has recently undergone a complete transformation to feature eco-friendly design elements to keep you feeling relaxed… naturally.

Hotel Negresco · Nice, France

Individually decorated to reflect the most significant periods of French art and history, Hotel Negresco’s 125 pet-friendly rooms and suites feature the latest technology, a wide collection of furniture from Louis XIII up to Art Déco, and warm colors.  Fresh from an extensive six-month renovation, the Negresco features a new business center and a new executive 5^th floor with private access and check-in, lounge area, new rooms and suites, and exclusive servies.  The Façade and Gustave Eiffel glass dome of the Salon Royal (listed as a historic monument) have also been completely refurbished.  For superb dining, the hotel’s Chantecler restaurant, decorated in a Regency style with 18^th-century woodwork, is one of the finest in Nice.  And Brasserie La Rotonde, an informal brasserie, has been redesigned with a new terrace overlooking the Promenade des Anglais.

The Setai · Miami Beach, Florida

Nestled in the heart of Miami’s effervescent South Beach, The Setai presents 85 rooms and 45 suites highlighted with Dux beds, Illy espresso machines, Bose surround-sound entertainment systems, flat-screen televisions, high-speed Internet access and more.  The Setai’s Grande Suite features over 3,500 square feet of grandiose living space; and the penthouse exhausts superlatives with over 10,000 square feet of space complete with a private butler.  The Spa and the Setai transports guests to the Pacific Rim with soothing treatment suites specifically outfitted to ensure guests receive a tailored therapeutic experience with tranquil views of the pool and ocean.  Whether dining at the trademark Restaurant, with its enticing Asian cuisine, or The Grill, with its rustic environs and fine offerings and wine, guests will experience miami’s most spectacular cuisine at any of the Setai’s superb dining venues.

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park · Chicago, Illinois

A style icon, the Fairmont Chicago rests near legendary Grant Park and vibrant Millennium Park, the Art Institute and Michigan Avenue’s shopping playground.  Accommodations show off contemporary furnishings in earthy shades accented with colorful throw pillows.  Marble-tiled bathrooms offer separate tubs and showers with cascading rainfall showerheads.  Rooms include a 42-inch flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, dressing area with a large closet, high-speed wireless internet access and stunning lake-front views.  Fairmont Gold, a hotel within a hotel, offers exclusive service with a private lounge.  At mySpa, personalized therapies and treatment rooms include a wide array of music choices plus iPod docks.  The hotel’s restaurants feature local and organic ingredients.  Aria serves luscious New World Asian cuisine; While Eno offers nearly 500 wines and 35 different cheeses accompanied by dried fruit, honey and nuts, and handmade chocolate truffles.

For more information contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.