We Love Hotels
Confession: I swipe hotel stationery. A glance in my desk drawer reveals notepads from Boca Raton Resort & Club, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, The St. Regis San Francisco, and Waldorf Astoria Park City. It’s a little thing, really, and I swear I don’t pilfer robes or ashtrays. But with their luxe logos and inviting locales, these pads glam up any to-do list and, for a moment, transport me from, say, the grocery store or the dry cleaner to fond memories of hotel stays that pamper with possibilities: Cuddle up on that plush bed with its mountain of pillows? Order room service? Raid the minibar? Hit the pool, or maybe the spa? Yes, it’s all decadently frivolous and indulgent, but that’s part of the fun – and the appeal – of checking in.
The May/June issue of Virtuoso Life celebrates a few of the many reasons we love hotels – and with nearly 1,100 hotels in the Virtuoso portfolio, there’s a lot to love. Senior editor Justin Paul and associate art director Korena Bolding Sinnett spearheaded the project, collaborating with colleagues, Virtuoso travel advisors, and hotels around the world to compile a slate of services, staffers, and special touches that we remember long after checkout. And because cruise ships are essentially floating hotels (except with ever-changing settings), we also highlight our favorite reasons to set sail. Read the article on page 83.
One of the newest hotels we love: the brand-new Baccarat in New York. Art director Melanie Fowler and I were among the very first guests to stay there as the hotel was polishing up the crystal and putting on the finishing touches for its grand opening. It’s one of the glitziest I’ve seen, contemporary, yet sparkling with an incredible collection of Baccarat crystal – including 17 crystal chandeliers (and Baccarat glassware in the guest-room minibars and bathrooms). The hotel is featured on the cover and elsewhere in this issue – but it’s even more impressive in real life, so add it (and definitely a drink at its bar) to your to-do list. I have a notepad if you need one.
Elaine Srnka
Editorial Director
esrnka@virtuoso.com
A few outtakes from our photo shoot on location at the new Baccarat Hotel in New York. We love hotels that welcome pets (like our cover pooch, Jake). What do you love? Tell us at editors@virtuoso.com.
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