Elite Traveler July-August 2016

INSPIRE TOP 100 SUITES

Grandes Dames by Minty Clinch

EGYPT AGATHA CHRISTIE SUITE, THE OLD CATARACT, ASWAN The Queen of Crime wrote Death On The Nile, published in 1937, during an extended stay at The Old Cataract. Her 1,500 sq ft suite is lushly colonial, with elaborate drawing and dining rooms, though the balcony doesn’t compare with Winston Churchill’s sweeping terrace on the floor below. Built in 1899, the hotel has dramatic views over the great Nile bend. From $6,000 sofitel-legend.com

SINGAPORE THE SIR STAMFORD RAFFLES SUITE, RAFFLES, SINGAPORE The British statesman, historian and zoologist who founded modern Singapore in the early 19th century would surely appreciate the mother-of-pearl inlaid tables and the prints taken from his The History Of Java on the walls of his namesake two-bedroom suite. The Singapore Sling cocktail was invented in the Long Bar and theWriters Bar is still a haven for passing novelists. From $5,208 raffles.com

US ELOISE SUITE, THE PLAZA, NEW YORK

This is a riotous celebration of six-year-old Eloise, the heroine of the children’s books written by Kay Thompson in the 1950s. Like her creation, the author lived at The Plaza. Fashion designer Betsey Johnson has gone to town on the decor for the 18th floor suite and the rooms are a blaze of pink candy stripes. The adjoining Edwardian Suite provides overflow space. From $2,043 theplazany.com

FRANCE EIFFEL SUITE, HOTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE, PARIS

Magnificent views of the eponymous tower, but with a choice of decor: Art Deco or French Regency, touched with brocade, velvet and rare wood. Both guarantee a realistic feeling of yesteryear Parisian highlife, with welcome additions that include airport transfers and Krug champagne. Plus there's the added bonus of Michelin cooking courtesy of the legendary Alain Ducasse. From $13,600 dorchestercollection.com

“From this suite overlooking Central Park, it’s easy to imagine Holly Golightly

shopping at Tiffany just round the

IRELAND REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, ASHFORD CASTLE, COUNTY MAYO Named after President Reagan's visit in 1984, this suite offers the ultimate in traditional Irish hospitality. There are spectacular views of Lake Corrib, plus a George III four post bed. The suite can be teamed with the neighboring Kennedy Suite to create a private wing. The castle, partly dating back to 1228, stands in elaborate formal gardens. From $3,400 ashfordcastle.com

JAPAN JAPANESE SUITE, TAWARAYA RYOKAN, KYOTO

UK STERLING SUITE, THE

US TIFFANY SUITE,

LANGHAM HOTEL, LONDON A 4,845 sq ft penthouse within a city center palace. With space for up to 12 guests, a drawing roomwith a piano, a media room and a butler, this is the perfect hideaway for groups seeking business or pleasure. Opened in 1865, Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’ celebrated its birthday in 2015 with a makeover. It’s been welcoming royalty and celebrities for 150 years. Time to join them? You bet. From $35,500 langhamhotels.com

THE ST. REGIS, NEW YORK From this suite overlooking Central Park, it’s easy to imagine Holly Golightly shopping at Tiffany just around the corner. Starwood Hotels' designer Caroline Rippeteau teamed up with the iconic store to decorate the rooms in its trademark turquoise blue, with jewel-inspired accessories. The hotel is home to the King Cole Bar, which claims to be where the Bloody Mary was invented. From $7,676 stregisnewyork.com

corner” Tiffany Suite, The St. Regis, New York

This mid-18th century inn has eight suites, each with a private zen garden. Understated tranquility means futons on the floor and shoji paper screens concealing modern amenities. Dating back to the Edo period, Tawaraya offers a sense of tradition appropriate to a city where geishas may still be glimpsed flitting through the maze of streets. From $1,072 japanican-com