The Palace in Montreux, CH

I am normaly more the youth hostel traveller, so in that category
The Youth Hostel in
Montreux, CH
and in
Regensburg, D, lol http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

I'll second the recommendation up above for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, AZ. I was there earlier this month and I'd describe both the complex and the service as "magnificent".

And to add another hostel recommendation at the other end of the price range I'll mention the Margaret River Lodge in the middle of Western Australia's Margaret River wine country. Cheap dorm living, but also inexpensive private rooms, friendly people, good wine and a big swimming pool.

Four Season George V - Paris
Mandarin Oriental - London
The Dorchester - London
Hayman Island Resort - Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Ritz Carlton Millenia - Singapore
Hotel De Paris - Monte Carlo

We just returned from a stay at The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. I won't tell you that I got an unbelievable deal purchasing it from a luxury website where it is no longer available. I will tell you of our experience there. I didn't know what to expect, not knowing if I had gotten a great deal or been taken for a ride. I quickly found out. We arrived at the property and did not immediately know where the main building was. This is a resort with individual casitas and we wanted to check in. We drove up the desert road and saw a gentleman. We stopped to ask where to check in. He asked our names and suggested we just leave the car and to our right, down a few steps was the lobby. He accompanied us down and as we arrived at the desk the woman already had our names and in moments, calling us by name, welcomed us and handed us our keys. Charles, our escort, suggested taking my husband, who is somewhat handicapped, by golf cart and suggested I follow with the car so as to see where our casita was. We agreed. I followed him to what seemed like a small house. He opened the doors and took us on a tour of our accommodations. A huge living room with a fireplace, a 32 inch TV, huge dining room that had two walls with shutters that opened up to a full view of Camelback Mountain. There was a full kitchen with coffee maker and refrig and a magnificent patio with lounges and chairs overlooking the mountainside off of the bedroom. We were duly impressed. He then took the car keys, brought in our luggage and advised us he had turned the car around so that if we drove out the car would be facing in the right direction! He proceeded to go get us a bucket of ice and then went to retrieve my husband's rental scooter which was at the main lobby. This welcome lasted about 30 minutes. After unpacking, we decided to go see the pool. This too was an experience. Each lounge at the pool is already covered with a plush lounge cover and has a rolled towel on it. Each lounge had an umbrella opened next to it. By the time you reach a lounge and take off your beach coverup, a waiter arrives with glasses of ice water with lemon. The pool was one of three pools and was an infinity that was beautiful. There was a jacuzzi a few feet from the pool. The property was magnificent. Strolling through the grounds you experienced the pure natural beauty of desert blooms and boulders, soft lights guiding you around the property. Lots of privacy and a lot of personal attention to everything. While out for dinner, turndown service was provided in addition to fresh towels and a cleanup and lit candles providing fresh scents. The stay included breakfast in their restaurant and I thought "well breakfast is breakfast!" I was wrong. I ordered sour cream peach pancakes that were served with Blackberry butter and I have never tasted anything quite like it. Having already said all the food was exquisite, I will tell you that three people doted on you in the restaurant and every morning you were greeted by name and you ate while viewing the beauty of the area through glass walls. All in all I was quite impressed with the peacefulness, the beauty and most importantly the service at this resort. It is a "must try once" hotel.

Hotel Sofitel on W44th St, NYC

Stayed here in May - surpassed all my expectations (and I usually have a few!!)

Fabulous suite, great service, central to everything. Couldn't fault it.

Al Bustan Palace - Muscat
Gleneagles - Scotland
The Ritz - Paris

Bahia Principe Akumal in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico, is a great resort, and you can get it for cheap by going through a vacation package.

If you really are interested in a vacation, PM me the details ie Ages of travelers, departure city, theme (romance, family fun, winter fun, adventure travel, ect), dates (2 weeks? What month?), and what hotel/resort details are important to you (ie food, rooms, service, pools, activities...).

So, PM me if you're interested.

Thanks.

Canada Flyer

If you were to go to the Rockies, the FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT would be a best-bet. I was there about 2 weeks ago, actually, and it was very nice. I'd recomend it over Banff.

CANADAflyer

Duke's Hotel London
Chateau d'Audrieu Normandy France
Hyatt Newport Rhode Island Spectacular views, but Hyatt could do more with this property
Borgo San Felice near Sienna Italy
Kempinski Munich Airport best service ever in an airport hotel

I'm intrigued that you rate it so highly. I stayed at Bahia Principe in Dec 1999 and found it to be pretty average -- though certainly cheap as well. It was all-inclusive (except for alcoholic drinks, IIRC), and the food quality was mediocre as a result. I found much better value for money elsewhere in the Yucatan.

Of course, this was just over six years ago, so perhaps things have changed substantially. Has anyone stayed there recently?

- Michael

Hotel St. James, Paris
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
The Pierre, New York City

Bonjour, Michael.

6 years ago was quite different. At that time the hotel was new, and the Gran Bahia Principe chain only 4 years old. This meaning the staff were likely un-familiar with the standards set (which explains the food sector). Are you sure you stayed at AKUMAL and not TULUM? Alcoholic drinks are included in the price.

I stayed there 1/2 a year ago, and found it completely enjoyable. If you'd like a review, feel free to PM me.

Crazy to look back and see what I thought made a nice place 4.5 years ago. :o

The Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas...now that was a fun place.

Very old thread but worth reviving.

Hotel Le Bristol, Paris, France
The Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA
The Cloister, Sea Island, GA
The Palace Hotel, NYC
The Ritz-Carlton Central Park South, NYC
Trump International NYC
La Mirande, Avignon, France
Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, France