Elite Traveler Winter 2020

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, The Royal Suite PARIS, FRANCE Found in the Golden Triangle, steps from the world’s best boutiques, Hôtel Plaza Athénée celebrates French fashion’s long history with elements of haute couture woven throughout the interiors. The French craftsmanship continues in the hotel’s most opulent suite, the Royal Suite. Boasting the title of largest suite in Paris, the 4,850-sq-ft suite houses up to 10 guests, with four king-sized bedrooms, two living rooms, a spacious dining room and kitchen, and a private entrance with two security lobbies. Designed by interior designer Marie-José Pommereau, the suite has been decorated in classic Parisian style and showcases a range of Louis XV and XVI antiques, as well as original artworks. Sophie Killip Best feature Balconies overlooking Avenue Montaigne and the Eiffel Tower From $25,000 per night. Contact François Delahaye, chief operating officer, reservations.hpa@dorchestercollection. com, +33 187 164 468, dorchestercollection.com

Four Seasons Hotel George V, The Penthouse PARIS, FRANCE

Ritz Paris, Suite Impériale PARIS, FRANCE The Ritz Paris has been the epitome of high fashion, style and service for over a century and, after a lengthy renovation, it continues to delight guests from around the world. The 2,300-sq-ft Suite Impériale, found on the first floor of the hotel and overlooking Place Vendôme, was inspired by the palace of Versailles. It includes a bedroom that is identical — from the furniture to the decor — to Marie Antoinette’s old quarters at the palace. Adding to the imperial grandeur are the almost 20-ft ceilings, a collection of exquisite antiques and a very unique, regal bathroom that has been designed entirely in carved wood. Sophie Killip Best feature Replica of Marie Antoinette’s private quarters From $21,000 per night. Contact Laurent Herschbach, director of operations, reservations@ritzparis.com, +33 143 163 030, ritzparis.com

Bringing new meaning to the phrase ‘sightseeing,’ the one-bedroom Penthouse at the George V offers panoramic views of some of Paris’s most awe-inspiring and towering architectural feats. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower, the American Cathedral and the Sacré-Cœur while sipping a glass of bubbly in the living room, or watch the city lights come to life from the sanctuary of the four-poster daybed on the master bedroom’s balcony. You can’t talk about the George V without mentioning its storied position as a five-Michelin-starred establishment: Its three restaurants hold an incredible total of five stars between them, so you’ll have choices to make at dinnertime. Thea Halstead Best feature The marble bathroom with a one-ton marble bathtub From $27,300 per night. Contact Gaelle Houdusse, reservations manager, reservation.paris@fourseasons.com, +33 149 527 100, fourseasons.com

Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Palladio Suite VENICE, ITALY There is nowhere in the world quite like Venice. But at times, it feels like there is nowhere quite as busy as Venice. Belmond Hotel Cipriani is a tranquil escape just five minutes from St Mark’s Square by boat. Naturally, the views of Venice are stunning. The Palladio Suite showcases Venice in its best light through floor-to-ceiling windows. The large living room flows out to a large private terrace, where you can watch speedboats whiz by. The views extend into a sumptuous master bedroom, which is stylishly fitted with antique furniture. Wake up to the site of Venice’s glittering lagoon and enjoy breakfast in the plush king-size bed. Alex Martin Best feature Stargazing from the private plunge pool From $8,300 per night. Contact Federica Vitali, area reservations manager, federica.vitali@belmond.com +39 041 240 801, belmond.com