2018 was a busy travel year for us with a focus on SPG/Marriott properties to maximize my Ambassador status and lockdown Lifetime Platinum Premier. Fortunately we really didn’t have lows.

TRULY SPECIAL

Domes of Elounda
Our first Amazing Marriott stay that wasn’t at a legacy Starwood property. Our 2 BR Villa came with a large heated private pool and bespoke Haute Living service that was exceptional. The property and views of Spinalonga are stunning.


Grande Bretagne
We stayed there twice on our trip and loved it even more on our second visit when they upgraded us to one of the best suites in the hotel on the 6th Floor with a huge private view terrace.


Mystique
We were very pleased with our stay at Mystique— with both the service and the breathtaking views. The Mystery Villa came with a private heated pool and stunning views.

President Wilson
President Wilson exceeded our expectations with luxury service in a great city hotel. We had the larger Junior Suite with Léman Lake View.

Prince de Galles
This was our 5th visit to PdG and our nicest Suite thanks to the hotel upgrading us one up from the standard SNA suite to a Macassar Suite.

Schloss Fuschl
We dreamed of returning to Schloss Fuschl after our last visit and this stay did not disappoint. We were able to stay in one of the 2 BR lakefront cottages and it was as wonderful as we dreamed. One of our favorite properties. Will definitely visit again.

St Regis NYC
We finally had a chance to visit this iconic hotel last March and will stay there again this spring. Hotel upgraded us from the typical SNA upgrade (Astor) to the 800 SF Deluxe Suite.


St Regis SF
We have stayed at the StR SF several times before but this was our favorite visit thanks to an upgrade above the standard SNA suite (the Rubin suite with blackout curtains

W Verbier
We didn’t expect to fall in love with this hotel but it’s our favorite W ever. Gorgeous rooms, gorgeous location and exceptional service. We were upgraded on our points stay to an amazing suite with a private view deck.

GOOD

In the Marriott thread I categorized these as Very Good- as Luxury I would consider them Good but not exceptional.

Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
We just visited here for the first time and were impressed with both the property and the service. The 2013 renovation could use another refresh. Our 1000 SF cottage/suite reminded us of the Bungalows at Chateau Marmont and the grounds at Belmond Encanto. Epitomizes the Rancho Santa Fe vibe.


Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
Another Staycation spot for us. This hotel has a lot of potential. They upgraded us to a decent upper floor ocean front room with private terrace. Still have never received a Suite Upgrade at this hotel.


W Seattle
This was a return visit for us. This time the hotel upgraded us to the Extreme Wow Suite.

US Grant
We have probably stayed here 20 times over the years as it’s our best downtown option for cultural StayCations (opera, theater, shows) Back in the day the hotel used to give us amazing upgrades to the Presidential Suite, which understandably doesn’’t happen now with record occupancy and $6000 a night rates. We still enjoy staying here.

1 BR Penthouse Aria SkySuites
After trying many options in Vegas including the Wynn, Bellagio, MGM Skylofts etc. we have decided that Skysuites works for us with a comfortable room, airport transportation, proximity to restaurants and decent service.

Belmond Encanto
This was a relaxing 3 day stay for us, booked through FHR. We took the train up from San Diego. We found the grounds and room very pleasant.


Honorable Mention

As has been noted before in this forum it is hard to call a rustic cabin with no running water or power and an outhouse “Luxury” but we absolutely loved our August visit to Camp Denali. Since Alaska has so few Luxury options this place deserves HM 😊