IF your client walked in and told you they wanted a week of full-on luxury in the US – anywhere as long as they were treated like royalty – where would you start?
We’ve listed five hotels that excel in their field of luxury – you just need to find out what your client’s idea of five-star living is all about…
Where
Just a few blocks from the centre of the city so clients can trot from the hotel to the shops, theatres and galleries in a couple of minutes. They can also take a cable car to the famous Fishermen’s Wharf or to the swanky and instantly recognisable district of Nob Hill.
Why
Because guests can enjoy truly magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Service is also legendary at the Mandarin Oriental so clients should expect butlers and maids to attend to their every whim.
Who goes there
Celeb fans include leggy modelling legend Jerry Hall and Australian comedian Barrie Humphries, but lesser mortals who appreciate attention to detail will love it too.
Sample product
ITC Classics offers seven nights at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco staying in a deluxe king room from £1,585 per person room only, including flights and transfers.
On the web: Official site of the Mandarin Oriental
Where
Located close to the Santa Monica pier, staying at the beach-house style Shutters will have you well and truly rubbing shoulders with the hip while the utter luxury means you can combine boho with bling.
Why
When the weather’s good (and that’s most of the time) guests can sit on their balcony and do some serious people watching while sipping the hotel’s classic cocktails. When it rains, guests can have the staff light a fire in their suite and lie in the four-poster bed enjoying the hotel library’s collection of DVDs. Hand-knotted Tibetan wool rugs and oversized whirlpool tubs add to the plush factor.
Who goes there
Jude and Sienna chose to stay here to shut themselves away and try and patch up their rocky relationship. Those with cash to splash and a penchant for privacy will love it too.
Sample product
Elegant Resorts offers seven nights from October 5 in a city view double on a room-only basis with return flights from Heathrow and private transfers, from £1,565 per person twin-share.
On the web: Official site of Shutters on the Beach
Where
On the Strip – where else? It’s on the northern section, to be precise, opposite the Fashion Show Mall.
Why
The Wynn is the brain child of Steve Wynn, would-be king of Vegas and creator of the famed Bellagio, so he knows a thing or two about luxury. The hotel has an outdoor pool complex with Jacuzzis and a pool bar.
There’s also a fitness centre and a spa with 45 treatment rooms. And when clients fancy a bite to eat there’s need to leave the hotel – there are eight restaurants all serving a variety of international cuisine to an exceptionally high standard.
A round of golf? Guests can try the Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf course. They’ve fallen in love? There’s a wedding chapel too. And, of course, there’s the casino, art gallery, an aquatic display called Le Reve plus designer boutiques, the Lure Ultra Lounge and the Tryst nightclub. Enough already.
Who stays there
Kings of bling.
Sample product
Virgin Holidays offers seven nights at The Wynn in October at £1,239 per person twin-share.
On the web: Official site of The Wynn, Las Vegas
Where
In Midtown, two blocks from Fifth Avenue and Carnegie Hall, with fantastic views over Central Park.
Why
Jumeirah has taken this well-known feature building in Manhattan and sprinkled a little of its luxury dust on it, turning it from a tired hotel to a must-stay property for movers and shakers. The Art Deco surrounds are a sight to behold and it’s worth hanging around here for dinner, too – clients will adore the Alain Ducasse at Jumeirah House Hotel restaurant. Clients feeling flush should book the gorgeous Executive One Bedroom Suite with its wonderful park views.
Who goes there
Only taken over by Jumeirah at the start of this year, the hotel is already attracting corporate leaders, politicians and a smattering of celebrities. But mere mortals can book in at surprisingly good rates as the hotel management is waiting until it has completed renovations before charging the same top-level prices commanded by its New York rivals.
Sample package
Kuoni offers seven nights’ room-only at the Jumeirah Essex House New York including flights from Heathrow in October for £1,509 per person twin-share.
On the web: Official site of Jumeirah Essex House
Where
Sitting regally on prestigious St James Avenue, the hotel is just metres from historic neighbourhood Beacon Hill, Copley Place, the shopping at Newbury Street and The Freedom Trail (the walk that takes in the Old South Church, Paul Revere House, Bunker Hill, Faneuil Hall, Old State House, Old South Meeting House, Dorchester Heights and the Granary Burying Ground).
Why
Because, like the city, the hotel is steeped in history and has been a Boston landmark since 1912. But there is no faded glory here. A recent renovation has brought it right up to date while retaining all its period charm. For special treats, book a client onto the Gold Floor which offers a swish private lounge and a dedicated concierge.
Who stays there
Anyone who’s anyone who’s visiting Boston. Every US president since Taft and celebrities too countless to list have called the Grand Dame of Boston home at some point.
Sample product
Carrier offers seven nights’ room-only at the Copley Plaza with British Airways World Traveller return flights and private transfers this autumn for £999 per person.
On the web: Official site of The Fairmont Copley Plaza
