Ritz Paris
After more than three years of extensive renovation, the grand palatial hotel of Paris was expected to open its doors late 2016. However, due to an unforeseen fire early this year, the opening got delayed a few more months, but rest assured that you will not be disappointed when the Grande Dame of Paris opens its doors.
The Ritz first opened in 1898, which makes it the oldest hotel in our list. The new hotel was constructed behind the façade of an 18th-century town house, overlooking one of Paris’s central squares, Place Vendome. It was reportedly the first hotel in Europe to provide a bathroom en suite, talk about luxury back in the day!
Claridges, London
Claridge’s was founded in 1812 as Mivart’s Hotel. In 1854, the founder sold the hotel to Mr and Mrs Claridge, who owned a smaller hotel next door. The hotel’s big break was in 1860 when Empress Eugenie made an extended visit and entertained Queen Victoria at the hotel. Like this story, these walls house probably the most interesting conversations among the royal family and political figures of the English history.
The Plaza Hotel, New York
The French Renaissance château-style building houses the most interesting stories any hotel could ever dream of. From Frank Loyd Wright feeling inspired for his next book, to Scott Fitzgerald wife frolicking in the hotels fountain during the wee hours. The Plaza Hotel has definitely gained the most fame from the Hollywood blockbuster movies that have been filmed here since it’s opening in 1907.
Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
Also known as “The Pink Palace”, The Beverly Hills Hotel was made famous by actors and actresses at the cusp of the glamour age of Hollywood. This was the place to see and be seen by the most influential and a who’s who of the Entertainment Industry. Today, it is as classic as ever, still serving their famous tuna melts in the Fountain Coffee Room or a ladies’ lunch at the famed Polo Lounge. Like most of the actors in Hollywood, the The Beverly Hills Hotel has aged well.
Raffles Singapore
It was 1887 when the Raffles Hotel Singapore open its magnificent doors to its first lucky guests. Since then, this luxury hotel in Singapore has become an icon that epitomizes the elegance and good taste of the East. Its fresh colonial architecture has attracted the most famous personalities, from writers to celebrities, politicians and members of royalty, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. No matter how many new luxury brands make their way into Singapore, this is and will be the place to stay for a classical and grand experience.
Waldorf Astoria, New York
Although the recent renovations have stripped the grandeur of its main lobby area, this hotel is still a landmark of New York due to its stunning art-deco architecture and elegant English country interior. Since it’s beginning, in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria gained international renown for its lavish dinner, parties and galas. A common hub for political and business conferences and fundraising events. Do not forget to stay at the Waldorf Towers, the most exclusive and chic part of the hotel.
Peninsula, Hong Kong
The grand dame of the orient. Every great lady has a history, and The Peninsula Hong Kong is no exception. The architects who in the early 1920s drew up plans for “the finest hotel east of Suez” . From the moment The Peninsula opened on 11 December, 1928, it was evident that this was going to be a hotel to swoon about. Over the years, The Peninsula has been witness to and participant in the history of Hong Kong and the world, celebrating stunning galas, enduring hard war years, military occupation and shining like a diamond. At the Peninsula Hotel myriads of stars, renowned authors, musicians and political figures have chose this to be their home away from home when visiting Hong Kong.
