Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

THE CARLYLE, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL, PRESIDENTIAL SUITE NEWYORK

A New York classic for close to a century, The Carlyle has achieved near-legendary status in its home city. There are its long-standing celeb connections, of course — Marilyn Monroe supposedly took a secretive route through the hotel to meet with John F Kennedy here, and it’s always a base for Met Gala grandees — but there’s also the allure of its classic Bemelmans Bar, one of the best in the city. Spread over the entire 26th fl oor, the three-bedroom Presidential Suite matches the grandeur and glamour of the rest of the property. A private elevator opens to a landing where intricate hand-etched Art Deco-style murals are fi nished in shimmering gold leaf. The wraparound views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline really are breathtaking too. One of the fi rst things you see as you enter the suite: a grand piano, which sets an upbeat tone and is ideal for entertaining (the concierge team can, of course, secure an accomplished pianist for any last-minute parties). Best for Views From $40,000 per night. Contact Elie Kik, director of sales and marketing, elie.kik@rosewoodhotels.com, rosewoodhotels.com

THE BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, WILSHIRE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE LOS ANGELES Beverly Hills was a much humbler neighborhood when its visionary owners established this hotel in the 1920s. Where the immensely fancy Wilshire Boulevard meets Rodeo Drive’s glitzy boutiques, the hotel now occupies one of the most desirable real estate plots in the country. It’s a magnet for Hollywood glitterati, of course, with stellar service and absolute discretion assured. The most privileged guests — which is saying something — book this elegant two-bedroom suite. With a restrained, old-money feel rather than being fl ashy, its rooms feature a muted parade of silver and ivory palettes set over dark-wood fl ooring. Everything is of impeccable quality; sunny views of the hotel’s prestigious surroundings amplify the sense that for anyone lucky enough to stay here, life is probably as good as it can possibly be. Best for City From $20,000 per night. Contact Caitlin Johnson, associate director of sales, caitlin.johnson@ fourseasons.com, +1 310 385 3931, fourseasons.com

THE CHEDI ANDERMATT, GOTTHARD SUITE ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND A Jean-Michel Gathy-designed masterpiece, The Chedi Andermatt is one of Switzerland’s most aesthetically arresting hotels. Stark granites, leather details and Alpine woods glow under fl attering amber lighting; lined by elegant daybeds, a glossy, emerald-tiled swimming pool is the spa’s centerpiece. The premiere address on the property, the hotel’s fi ve-bedroom Gotthard Suite caters exceptionally well to families: Two large kids’ rooms feature cute bunk bed-style sleeping nooks, while a spruce well-equipped kitchen means prepping a quick snack is easy. Though whether guests ultimately take advantage of that amenity is another thing entirely: The 24-hour room service features lots of indulgent dishes that will likely prove irresistible on snowy evenings, like proper Swiss rösti loaded with mushrooms, bacon, egg and local mountain cheese. Best for Wellness Price on request. Contact reservations@chediandermatt. com, +41 41 888 74 88, thechediandermatt.com

THE CONNAUGHT, THE APARTMENT LONDON One of London’s most reliable addresses for top-class service and privacy, The Connaught is a long-established favorite of celebrities, royalty and dignitaries. Many of them elect to stay in The Apartment, which, as the name suggests, aims to provide guests with a home-away-from home sanctuary where they can settle in and feel fully at ease; long-term residencies are common. David Collins Studio’s interiors contribute greatly to the two-bedroom suite’s appeal: the living room fi replace; two ultra-plush, velvety cobalt couches; a pretty standalone dining room for in-suite entertaining. Each reservation includes a complimentary martini or pastry master class (led by expert Connaught mixologists and pastry chefs, respectively), so you’ve every excuse to invite friends over for a little soirée. Best for City From $26,477 per night. Contact Rachel Louis, senior

Photo Durston Saylor, Marco Sieber [Fotogra fi e]

director of sales, ralouis@maybourne.com, +44 020 7107 8830, the-connaught.co.uk