As you step into the gilded lobby, you can see the property’s design inspiration—the hotel’s architects modeled The Pierre after King Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles. Since then, numerous renovations have kept The Pierre up to the standards of modern travelers, but the hotel’s historic opulence remains—right down to the friendly old-fashioned elevator operators. 

In 2005, The Pierre was acquired by Taj, an iconic hotel group, and now the property is officially known as The Pierre, a Taj Hotel. 

The Location

The Pierre Hotel occupies prime real estate on the Upper East Side, directly across from Central Park. Its convenient and central Manhattan location puts guests just steps away from many of New York City’s most famous landmarks and attractions. 

The Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, and Rockefeller Center are all within easy walking distance. Numerous subway stations are within a few blocks of the hotel should you wish to explore further afield, or the courteous doorman is always happy to hail guests a cab. 

Dining

The Pierre has two eateries onsite, Perrine and Two E Bar and Lounge. If you’re feeling indulgent, room service is also available for hotel guests.

Perrine, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This upscale spot serves a farm-to-table menu that changes depending on what’s in season.  

The Rose Terrace, Perrine’s open-air terrace, is the place to be in warmer months when guests can dine and people-watch on the busy Manhattan streets. 

For lighter fare and drinks, guests can visit Two E Lounge (named for the hotel’s address at 2 East 61st Street). The elegant bar offers cocktails, light bites, and small plates and is open in the late afternoon through the evening. 

Reserve a table at Two E Wednesday through Saturday between 6 – 9pm, when The Pierre offers free jazz performances by the artist-in-residence Antonio Ciacca and other notable musicians. 

Although it’s not open to the public for dining, make sure you take a peek inside the Rotunda, The Pierre’s private event space. This circular room has garden scenes hand-painted across the walls, a vibrant blue-sky fresco-covered ceiling, and a grand winding staircase that would be perfect for a wedding or big celebration. 

Amenities

The Pierre charges a daily facility fee of $34.43 which covers the following amenities: 

• Press reader access to electronic newspapers and magazines
• Complimentary tea and coffee service in the lobby from 7 am to 9:30 am
• Free WiFi
• Bottled water

Other available amenities at The Pierre include:

• Les Clefs d’Or Concierge
• Valet parking
• Laundry and dry cleaning services 
• Overnight shoeshine
• Turndown service

A fairly well-sized gym is located on the third floor of The Pierre and is fully stocked with cardio equipment, free weights, and chilled bottled water. 

The Pierre welcomes pets up to 15 pounds and will provide dog-friendly amenities for any canine guests. A daily fee of $75 per dog applies, and dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in rooms. The concierge can arrange pet-sitting services if needed. 

The Rooms

Accommodations at The Pierre range from superior rooms to grand multi-room suites, all featuring the hotel’s signature comforts: Etro toiletries, Bose speakers, plush bathrobes, and custom slippers. 

We stayed in a Pierre Deluxe room, which was surprisingly spacious for Manhattan at 300 square feet. This room type has an interior view overlooking city buildings, high ceilings, Turkish marble bathrooms, and (in another uncommon New York City hotel amenity) windows that actually open for a bit of fresh air. 

If you’re looking for a view of Central Park, book a Park View room, Signature Park View room, Metropolitan Suite, or Deluxe Grand Suite, Park Suite, Getty Suite, Tata Suite, or Hutton Suite.

Grand Suites are the most luxurious in the hotel and are designed to feel like a residential apartment, with multiple rooms and custom furnishings. 

Groups traveling together may want to consider the Tata Suite. This suite can be connected to four additional park view rooms and suites, making the 39th floor completely private and offering up to six bedrooms over 4,786 square feet. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at around $850 per night for superior guestrooms and can be booked on Expedia. Packages are available that include continental breakfast at Perrine.

Book Now

Editor’s Note: The Pierre Hotel hosted the writer of this story. 

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: The Pierre Hotel, a Taj Hotel Review appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The recent opening of The Weston in the charming village of Weston, Vermont, changes that, adding an intimate five-star hotel option for discerning vacationers. From the outside, The Weston looks like a grand old house, much like any other nearby. However, once you step inside, you know you’re somewhere special.

The Weston is run by the Sharp family, seasoned hoteliers involved with iconic properties like New York City’s The Carlyle and California’s Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The Sharps bring an attention to detail that’s noticeable in the small touches around the property like the oil diffusers delicately scenting the air or the hand warmers offered by staff after a guest mentions plans to go skiing.

The Location

Perfectly situated in the middle of Weston’s Main Street and right down the street from the famous Vermont Country Store, The Weston places guests in the heart of this storybook Vermont village. 

The Weston provides a convenient home base for adventurous travelers looking to get outside. It’s a short drive from four of Vermont’s best ski resorts (Bromley, Magic Mountain, Stratton, and Okemo) for snowy vacations, and it’s also near countless hiking trails for warmer weather trips.

The Weston Theater Company is a short drive away for guests seeking a taste of Vermont culture. 

Dining

The Weston is home to one of the best new restaurants in Vermont, The Left Bank. Helmed by executive chef Bretton Combs, who previously worked with famous chefs Emeril and Cat Cora, The Left Bank draws as many locals for special occasion dinners as hotel guests.

The dining room retains the original charm and warmth of the historic space, with rich wood beams and stone hearths contrasting crisp white linens and gleaming silver. Historic photos offer a peek into the hotel and town’s past, establishing a firm sense of place. The menu draws inspiration from French cuisine, with flavors enhanced by fresh regional produce and proteins sourced from the area’s farmers, cheese makers, and orchards. An expertly curated wine cellar offers unique, hard-to-find wines worldwide, selected specifically to complement Chef Combs’ seasonally evolving dishes. Many of the wines are available by the glass, allowing guests to sample from under-the-radar regions like Slovenia.

The Rooms

Although The Weston retains the charm of a traditional bed and breakfast, the amenities here are firmly of the five-star variety. Rooms are stocked with high-end amenities, including generously sized Lafco Feu de Bois and Diptyque toiletries, Dyson hairdryers, clothes steamers, Frette robes, and Frette slippers. 

With just eight rooms (five standard rooms and three suites), The Weston feels like an intimate country estate. Each guest room features carefully curated furnishings like four-poster beds, plush lounge chairs, and cozy rugs.  Modern necessities aren’t left out, with iPad controllers, Nespresso machines, and fast WiFi available in every room. 

The property’s crown jewel is secreted away in the historic Mill Building just next door to the main hotel—suite eight. This spacious suite measures 845 square feet and feels more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room. Inside, a separate sitting room beckons travelers with a roaring gas fireplace outlined with whimsical hand-painted tiger tiles, rich rugs, a desk, and a comfortable chaise.

In the next room, the grand master bedroom has a second gas fireplace at the foot of the four-poster bed, his-and-her closets, and windows overlooking the peaceful Vermont scenery. Continuing onward, you’ll find a custom wet bar fully stocked with an assortment of full-sized liquor bottles, a mini fridge with wine for a nightcap and local cream for your morning cocktails, and a variety of local snacks. The opulent bathroom is one of the largest we’ve ever seen, with two marble vanities, a soaking tub, and a wet room with dual rainfall showers. 

The Fitness Center

The Mill Building also houses The Weston’s fitness center, which is open 24 hours a day. This small but well-stocked gym features free weights, cardio equipment, mats, and complimentary bottles of Smartwater and fresh fruit. A separate yoga studio can be booked for private classes. 

The Spa

After a long day on the slopes or trails, The Spa at The Weston provides a welcome place to unwind. The spa’s extensive treatment menu offers indulgent massages conducted on a heated table and customizable facials utilizing luxury European skincare brand Natura Bisse. Continue the relaxation after your treatment with a session in the cedar-lined sauna. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates at The Weston start at around $400 per night and can be booked on Expedia.

Book Now

Editor’s Note: The Weston hosted the author of this story.

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: The Weston appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Location

The Sofitel is just a block from the White House, placing the property in the middle of all of Washington DC’s best tourist attractions. The National Mall, Washington Monument, and many Smithsonian museums are all within easy walking distance. 

Located less than a five-minute walk from the McPherson Square Metro stop, the hotel is near several subway and bus lines, making it easy to explore the city without needing a car. 

Amenities

Washington, DC is a city on the move. Keep up with the many fitness-focused amenities available at the Sofitel. The hotel’s fitness center is stocked with Peloton bikes, treadmills, weights, and everything you’ll need for a full workout. Free classes and guided runs are available upon request. 

The Sofitel charges a $34.79 nightly “urban experience fee,” which includes:

• Self-serve coffee and tea in the lobby until 11 am
• Complimentary afternoon beverages
• Free WiFi
• Guided runs
• Yoga classes
• Daily $10 laundry or dry cleaning credit 

Valet parking is available, with rates starting at $65 per night.

The Rooms

The Sofitel offers rooms fit for celebrities, dignitaries, and heads of state—all of which the property has hosted throughout its history. Rooms are modern, with Art Deco-inspired touches that bring a bit of the past into the present.

Rooms feature luxurious amenities, including cozy robes and slippers, Balmain Paris toiletries, Bose sound systems, and Sofitel’s trademarked MyBed—a distinctively plush feather-top mattress designed to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Even standard rooms are spacious at the Sofitel, with the smallest rooms measuring a palatial 370 square feet. 

For even more room, opt for one of the suites, which offer separate living and sleeping areas perfect for working trips or family vacations. 

Dining

The Sofitel’s French influence is most notable in the onsite dining. Opaline Bar & Brasserie is open daily for breakfast and dinner, as well as for Saturday afternoon tea and weekend brunch. 

Classic French dishes like French onion soup and ratatouille are served alongside local cuisine, like the First Ladies Cocktail menu, which features drinks inspired by presidents’ wives. On this menu, you’ll find fun aperitifs (and learn a little about the historical figures who inspired them). Don’t miss the Helen Taft, made with Kyoto Cherry Rose Tea infused vodka, sake, kumquat oleo elixir, and marasca cherry essence, named after the woman who brought the cherry blossom trees to the city. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start around $179 per night and can be booked on Expedia.

Book Now

Editor’s Note: Sofitel hosted the author of this story.

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: Sofitel Washington DC appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Put yourself in the best position to tackle the hike by staying at Las Torres, a hotel at the start of the Mirador Las Torres trail. Las Torres sits on a reserve surrounded by Torres del Paine National Park and is located past the entrance to the park—so you can cut a bit of mileage off the trail—and start the hike before the park opens, allowing you to beat the crowds to the iconic viewpoint at the end. 

The Location

Las Torres is ideally situated at the entrance to the famous W and O trekking circuits within Torres del Paine National Park. Although the hotel is not actually located within the park (it’s on a privately owned ecological reserve), it feels like it is.

Las Torres is surrounded by pristine wilderness and has the benefit of offering access to several trails without needing a car (a rarity in Patagonia).

Sustainability 

It’s important to preserve an environment as precious as Torres del Paine National Park, and the Las Torres team works to minimize tourism’s impact on the area. The hotel partners with several nonprofits on various ecological initiatives—for example, working with ConservationVIP to help support trail maintenance around the park and within the reserve and AMA Torres del Paine on reforestation efforts.

The hotel has eliminated single-use plastics in favor of sustainable items such as the copper reusable straws found in the bar. 

All-Inclusive Program

You can book just a room at Las Torres or purchase the all-inclusive package, which includes:

• Transfers to and from Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, or Calafate
• Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee
• All meals and drinks (excluding premium alcohol)
• Guided tours and transportation
• WiFi
• 20 percent off of spa treatments

The Rooms

Two types of rooms are available at Las Torres: Junior Suites and Superior Rooms. We stayed in a Superior Room, which overlooks the Base Towers trail, so you can watch as hikers begin and end their journey just outside your window.

The superior rooms are spacious and comfortable, with radiator heating and windows that open. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. 

Excursions

Las Torres offers 11 full-day and 10 half-day tours around the national park area. Not all excursions are available every day, so you’ll begin your trip by meeting with an excursion guide and choosing the activities you want to do during your stay. 

There are a variety of options to choose from, including hiking, horseback riding, and driving tours. 

Dining

There are two dining options at Las Torres. The Coirón Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast in the morning and leisurely multi-course dinners in the evening. For a quicker bite to eat or a celebratory post-hike cocktail, the loungey Bar Pionero serves more casual food for lunch and dinner. 

Helmed by award-winning mixologist Federico Gil, Bar Pionero continues Las Torres’ commitment to sustainability. Gil recycles glass bottles and turns them into glassware for the bar. The hotel even makes its own gin and beer from locally sourced ingredients. 

Both restaurants utilize food from the hotel’s on-site greenhouses, which grow a variety of vegetables and herbs. 

Price and How to Book

Rates for the all-inclusive program start at $1,960 per person for a two-night package (based on double occupancy) and can be booked through Las Torres’ website. Room-only rates start at approximately $790 per night and can be booked on Expedia.

We arranged our tour through Journeysmiths, a custom tour operator, which handled the hotel booking and trip arrangements for a seamless trip.

Editor’s Note: The author of this story was hosted by Las Torres and Journeysmiths.  

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: Las Torres Patagonia Hotel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You don’t have to leave the views on the trail either—lined with picture windows, Rio Serrano offers a stunning vantage of the Paine Massif from every spot on the property. As you soak in the heated pool, dine on a three-course gourmet meal, or wake up in the morning, you’ll watch the mountains as they change with the light throughout the day. The famous Patagonian horses grazing outside the windows only add to the appeal. 

The Location

Nestled on the banks of the Serrano River, the hotel overlooks Torres del Paine National Park but is not actually on parkland. The entrance to the park is a quick five-minute drive away. 

The hotel’s location is peaceful, with sweeping views of the mountains and river, and well positions guests to explore nearby Lago Grey. Other popular trailheads are within a 30- or 45-minute drive. 

All-Inclusive Program

Guests can either book a room (with breakfast included) at Rio Serrano or participate in the hotel’s all-inclusive program. The all-inclusive program includes:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Beverages including juices, water, soft drinks, house wine, and alcohol (some premium alcohol is excluded)
• In-room minibar stocked with snacks and drinks

Excursions

Visit the in-house excursion center at Rio Serrano to plan your day of adventure. The hotel offers a number of full and half-day guided tours, which include transportation and lunch. Rio Serrano’s guides are knowledgeable and engaging, and the hotel goes above and beyond to make every expedition memorable—after returning from an all-day hike, our group was surprised with a charcuterie picnic before the drive back to the property.

Spa

Rio Serrano’s spa is the best in Torres del Paine. Walk down the hallway lit by candles and emerge in a heated oasis where you can relax and recover from a tough day in the mountains. The spa’s perfectly heated pool features a wall of windows overlooking the mountains, waterfall massagers, and jacuzzi chairs to help soothe tired muscles. 

Two saunas (one wet and one dry) provide the perfect place to warm up from Patagonia’s notoriously bone-chilling wind. 

Treat yourself to a facial or body treatment, massage, or pedicure for a truly indulgent end to your vacation. 

The Rooms

Decorated in calming earth tones that blend into the environment, the Rooms at Rio Serrano are almost as relaxing as the spa. Three room types are available: superior, standard plus, and standard. 

All rooms feature regional touches like bedframes made from local wood and leather that firmly ground the hotel into the surroundings. 

No matter which room you choose, you’ll wake up to stunning mountain views—the superior and standard plus categories overlook the Paine Massif, and the standard rooms look out on Mount Balmaceda.

Dining

Rio Serrano offers two options: Kaienk, located upstairs, which serves fine dining amid white tablecloths and a backdrop of the Paine Massif, and a downstairs bar, which features more casual bites and a lounge-type atmosphere. 

Kainek is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When staying in Torres del Paine, to say restaurant options are limited would be an understatement—you’re pretty much limited to what’s in your hotel unless you want to drive almost an hour to eat at a different hotel. Which is why it’s so fortunate that Kainek has such a wide and varied menu. Chef Walter Leal uses local ingredients that change based on the season to craft dishes that showcase regional cuisine.

Enjoy a modern spin on proveleta, a traditional dish from nearby Argentina, that’s found here topped with savory popcorn, or try the local guanaco meat. The dining staff is warm, attentive, and happy to customize the menu to accommodate any allergies or aversions. 

If you’re looking for a quick snack or fast meal (or just want to watch your craft cocktail being made), the lounge space draws a livelier crowd throughout the day. Serving up homey comfort food like hamburgers and hearty sandwiches, the lounge is the best place for a post-hike snack and cocktail – don’t miss the hotel’s signature Calafate sour, a take on the traditional pisco sour that uses a Patagonian berry. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at around $350 per night on Expedia and include bed and breakfast. 

We arranged our tour through Journeysmiths, a custom tour operator, which handled the hotel booking and trip arrangements for a seamless trip.

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: Rio Serrano Hotel & Spa appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The refresh upgraded the hotel’s rooms and common spaces with Nantucket-specific elements—like ceilings painted the same hue the island’s skies turn in the summer and grasscloth wallcoverings inspired by local dune grasses. The effect is luxury without stuffiness—as evidenced by the whimsical touches throughout the rooms like elephant door pulls and pillows. 

The Location

On an island where bringing a vehicle over can be prohibitively expensive, location is key, and the White Elephant occupies one of the best spots on Nantucket. The prime location on Nantucket Harbor puts guests within easy walking distance to ferries to the mainland and just a few blocks from the cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and restaurants of downtown. 

No island vacation is complete without a trip to the beach. Fortunately, Children’s Beach, a calm sandy area with a playground, is right beside the hotel, making it a great spot for families. 

Jetties Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island, is an easy one-mile bike ride from the property.

Amenities

The resort makes it easy for guests to get out and explore Nantucket, offering free Priority bicycles, complimentary Wave public transportation passes, and an in-town courtesy vehicle service that will drive guests anywhere they need to go. Guests can also enter a twice-daily raffle to win a loaner BMW that they can borrow for up to four hours.

A heated pool is open on-property from late May to September, perfect for those who don’t want to brave the chilly Atlantic waters.

In the morning, complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries are offered for guests looking for a pre-breakfast bite. In the afternoon, a daily port and cheese hour provides a chance to mingle and unwind before dinner.

If you need to work off all that free food, the White Elephant’s two fitness centers are open 24 hours a day and are thoughtfully stocked with earphones, chilled towels, and hydration drinks.

The White Elephant caters to families with a variety of kid-friendly amenities including:

• Beach toys
• Cribs and Pack ‘n Plays
• Radio Flyer Wagons
• Strollers
• Check-in gifts for kids
• Nantucket kids’ adventure guide

The Rooms

The sprawling property is broken down into five different accommodation options. 

Residences

Designed to feel like a private vacation home (but with all the amenities of a resort) the Residences offer one, two, or three-bedroom rentals, all with kitchens and living rooms.

Inn

The cozy Inn features standard guestrooms and suites in a building two blocks from the main hotel.

Harborside Hotel

The newly renovated Harborside Hotel features 54 guestrooms and suites, some with fireplaces and harbor views.

Downtown Lofts

Feel like you have your own pied-à-terre on Nantucket with the White Elephant’s Downtown Lofts. These two spacious house rentals are perfect for groups or family getaways and include access to all the amenities of the main resort. 

Dining

With a picturesque location overlooking Nantucket Harbor, White Elephant’s main restaurant, Brant Point Grill, is the place to go any time of day or night. The breakfast menu offers options from the healthy (a fresh fruit plate with mint syrup)  to the indulgent (a brioche french toast served with whipped mascarpone that you can pair with the restaurant’s signature Lobster Bloody Mary). 

At dinner, locally sourced ingredients, like baby heirloom tomatoes from nearby Bartlett’s Farms, highlight the ever-changing seasonal menu, especially when accompanied by a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s extensive cellar. 

For a change of scenery, guests can take the Wauwinet Lady boat to the White Elephant’s sister property, the Wauwinet, for lunch or dinner at the AAA Five-Diamond restaurant, Topper’s. 

For something more casual, a poolside snack bar serves up light bites, ice cream, and smoothies. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at approximately $350 and can be booked on SmarterTravel Hotels. The White Elephant is open seasonally from April through the end of October, reopening for Thanksgiving through the first weekend in December,  

Book Now

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: White Elephant, Nantucket appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The large 394-room hotel prioritizes sustainability, with initiatives such as a green roof, a seawater cooling system, and eco-friendly materials—a natural fit for Copenhagen, one of the greenest cities in the world. 

The Location

A collection of small islands form lively Christianshavn, where brightly painted houseboats and buildings line the canals. The NH Collection Copenhagen sits right on the main canal across from the Knippelsbro ferry terminal, making it easy to get out on the water to explore. 

The hotel is less than a five-minute walk to the Christianshavn Metro, where you can utilize the city’s well-run transit system to sightsee further out in the city. From this station, guests can catch the train to the airport (no transfers required), making arrivals and departures a breeze. 

Amenities

If you’re traveling with your pet and need a pet-friendly hotel in Copenhagen, the NH Collection Hotel is the place to stay. The property allows dogs and cats (with a weight limit of 55 lbs.) for an additional fee. 

Additional amenities include:

• Lavish breakfast buffet
• Rental bicycles
• Free WiFi
• Fully-equipped fitness center
• In-room Nespresso machines

The Rooms

Spread across seven floors, NH Collection Copenhagen offers a variety of room types to suit all types of travelers, from suites to family-style connecting rooms. 

All rooms feature the brand’s exclusive “NH Sleep” mattresses, specially designed for the hotel. These beds are made with hypoallergenic fillers that maintain a constant temperature and a multi-elastic system that distributes support for maximum flexibility. 

Dining

The hotel’s deluxe breakfast buffet is the best value around In notoriously expensive Copenhagen. The big daily spread includes local delicacies, fresh juices and smoothies, cook-to-order options, and even sparkling wine for mimosas. 

The on-property bar and restaurant off the main lobby is open daily for lunch, dinner, and snacks. 

Join Copenhageners at ROOF, the hotel’s new rooftop lounge (the largest in the city), which serves craft cocktails and light bites against a 360-degree skyline view. Reservations are recommended, especially for sunset. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at $128 and can be booked on SmarterTravel Hotels.

Book Now

Editor’s Note: NH Collection Copenhagen hosted the author of this story.

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: NH Collection Copenhagen Review appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Villa Copenhagen focuses on “conscious luxury,” an ethos embodied in everything from its carbon-neutral restaurant to the outdoor pool that’s sustainably heated by excess energy from the hotels’ cooling systems. 

The Location

Villa Copenhagen is next to København Hovedbanegård, the city’s main railway station. This prime location is ideal for travelers, making getting to and from the hotel and airport (and anywhere else in Copenhagen you might want to go) a breeze. 

The property is within easy walking distance to many of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, and Christiansborg Palace.

Amenities

The year-round heated outdoor pool is one of the most popular amenities at Villa Copenhagen. The picturesque water overlooks Tivoli Gardens, enticing guests for both laps and photoshoots throughout the day and night (the pool is open until 11 p.m. on weekends.) 

Next to the pool, an indoor sauna offers offers a taste of Scandinavian sauna culture. 

If you want to explore the city as the locals do, the hotel offers bikes that can be rented for the day (for an extra fee).

The Rooms

Despite the proximity to the train station and scream-filled theme park, the well-soundproofed rooms are peaceful and quiet. Neutral colors and a minimalist design give the 390 rooms a classically Danish feel.  

All rooms feature luxurious touches such as heated bathroom floors and forest-scented Skandinavisk toiletries.

Dining

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, late-night drink, mid-day pick-me-up, or a trendy Danish dinner, there’s a venue ready to serve at Villa Copenhagen. 

Courtyard Bar

The buzzy, airy atrium that houses the Courtyard Bar is a popular local meeting spot, especially when a live DJ is spinning above the lobby. Light meals, cocktails, and coffee are available here (no reservation required) from 7:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and until midnight on Sundays through Thursdays. 

Kontrast

Kontrast, a hip brasserie serving seasonal and organic ingredients from local farmers, is a restaurant with a conscience. The eatery aims to offer carbon-free dining and zero food waste by carefully choosing local ingredients and converting all uneaten food into a CO2-friendly energy source and organic fertilizer. 

For an unforgettable, classically Danish meal, pair innovative dishes like hamachi ceviche and risotto with Arla Unika Havgus cheese with Kontrast’s extensive wine list.

RUG Bakery

You don’t have to leave the hotel to experience Copenhagen’s famed bakery culture. Villa Copenhagen has its own onsite bakery, RUG Bakery. Every morning, the smell of fresh-baked bread lures in hungry patrons, who struggle to choose between the delectable selection of pastries, rolls, and baguettes. 

Helmed by former Noma chef Gonzalo Guarda, the cozy space is packed with guests and locals throughout the day. 

Villa Breakfast

Indulge in all-you-can-eat pastries from RUG Bakery and local fruit, cooked-to-order eggs, and fresh juices at the hotel’s breakfast buffet, all served in the former sorting room of the old Post & Telegraph Office. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates at Villa Copenhagen start at around $195 and can be booked on SmarterTravel Hotels. 

Book Now

Editor’s Note: The author of this story was hosted by Villa Copenhagen.

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: Villa Copenhagen appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Located in Manhattan’s trendy NoMad neighborhood and housing one of the city’s hottest cocktail lounges, guests at The James can be in the heart of the action in just seconds.

The Location

The James is located in the NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) neighborhood, an area that’s lively without being overly touristy. The property is within one block of multiple subway stations, and just over half a mile from Pennsylvania Station, making it easy to get around the city. 

A number of charming restaurants, bars, and shops await just outside the hotel’s doorstep.

Amenities

The James offers a number of wellness-focused amenities, some of which guests can experience without even leaving their room. As part of the hotel’s Four Bodies wellness program, in-room smart televisions feature complimentary on-demand workout sessions that can be performed without any equipment (exercise bands are available upon request to up the intensity). 

The James has partnered with SLT Tread, a local-favorite fitness studio that’s just around the corner from the hotel. The intense classes combine strengthening exercises on Megaformers with running intervals on Woodway treadmills.

Additional amenities include:

• 24-hour fitness center
• The Botanist and The Chemist toiletries 
• Complimentary WiFi
• Custom robes and slippers
• Free coffee, tea, and fresh fruit in the mornings
• Nightly wine and bites happy hour

Four-legged guests aren’t left out of the amenities. The pet-friendly hotel can provide dog beds, food and water bowls, and all-natural baked treats. The James is the rare New York City hotel that doesn’t have any restrictions on dog sizes or breeds.

The Rooms

The James features 337 guest rooms, 28 suites, and 2 penthouses. All rooms are luxuriously appointed with pillow-top mattresses, Turkish cotton towels, dimmable lighting, and stylish design accents. 

We stayed in a Corner King Deluxe, a surprisingly spacious (300 sq. ft.) room. Despite the prime location on 28th Street, the room was completely quiet at night. Combined with the comfortable beds topped with natural linens, it made for a great night’s sleep.

Dining

In a city with as many dining and drinking options as New York, it can be a challenge for a hotel to create something worth staying in for. However, The James manages to accomplish just that, with two hot on-property spots that draw in both locals and guests.

Scarpetta, the hotel’s main restaurant, is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday brunch. The elegant dining room serves gourmet Italian-inspired dishes that change frequently depending on what’s in season. Our personable Italian waiter steered us towards the dishes that reminded him of home—the market strawberries (served with basil granita and fresh creme), burrata with fresh heirloom tomatoes, and the seared tuna, all of which were impeccable. 

Guests should make a reservation if they hope to visit Seville, the hotel’s speakeasy-style cocktail lounge. During our Thursday night stay, there was a line down the block to get in to this buzzy bar. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at around $230 and can be booked on SmarterTravel Hotels. 

Book Now

Editor’s Note: The author of this story was hosted by The James New York.

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: The James New York – Nomad appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Mill Falls at the Lake offers four distinct accommodation options: Church Landing, Bay Point, Chase House, and the Inn at Mill Falls. 

We stayed at Church Landing, an Adirondack-style inn boasting lake views in an elegant setting. 

The Location

Mill Falls at the Lake is set on the northwestern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire. The resort is within steps of charming downtown Meredith, as well as The Marketplace, Mill Falls’ lively outdoor mall featuring local restaurants and boutique shops. 

Looking for some outdoor adventure? Mill Falls at the Lake is just 15 minutes from Gunstock Mountain, which offers skiing, hiking, ziplining, a mountain coaster, and more.

Amenities

With an on-site activity center, EKAL, guests at Mill Falls at the Lake will never be bored. EKAL (lake spelled backward) offers a variety of ways to get out on the water, including pontoon boat charters, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and even aqua cycles—unique boats you can peddle on the water the same way you’d peddle a bike on land.

Back onshore, guests can rent bikes, play lawn games, roast s’mores, go on a guided hike, or take a yoga class. 

The Rooms

With four distinct properties to choose from, Mill Falls at the Lake has a variety of room types to suit any preference or group size.

Bay Point

This cozy inn offers 24 nautically-designed guestrooms, all featuring lake views. Some rooms feature balconies and whirlpool tubs, making them ideal for a romantic weekend.

Chase House

The newly renovated Chase House puts guests just steps from Meredith’s town village. All rooms offer lake views and fireplaces, making this hotel popular for fall and winter vacations. 

The Inn at Mill Falls

Housed in a restored nineteenth-century linen mill, the 54-room Inn at Mill Falls is the largest hotel in the group. Rooms are spacious, making them a good choice for families or groups. 

Church Landing

For the ultimate Lake Winnipesaukee vacation, you can’t beat one of the rooms on the lower level of Church Landing. These luxuriously spacious guestrooms offer walk-out access to the lake, along with private covered patios from which to admire the view. 

Dining

With a wide variety of dining options available on-property at Mill Falls, you won’t have to go far for a good meal. 

Camp

Kids (and adults looking for some comfort food) will love the nostalgic summer camp-style offerings at Camp. In addition to old classics like clam chowder and nachos, there are upgraded options like lobster corn dogs or bacon-wrapped jalapenos. 

Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Ristorante

When you’re craving a good pizza, head to Giuseppe’s for the quintessential Italian restaurant experience, where gourmet pies and pasta are served atop red checkered tablecloths. 

Lago

Book a table at Lago for the right time of night, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning sunset view at this elegant waterfront restaurant—the spacious patio is the place to be on warm summer nights.

Lakehouse Grille

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the aptly-named Lakehouse Grille is set against the beautiful backdrop of Meredith Bay. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, stop by for the indulgent brunch buffet. 

Town Docks

Get in the beach vacation mindset with a frozen cocktail enjoyed on the sandy beach at Town Docks’ lively Tiki Bar. After a lobster dinner, grab homemade ice cream from the stand here.

Waterfall Cafe

The Waterfall Cafe’s 40-foot cascade provides a relaxing backdrop for a casual breakfast or lunch. 

Price and How to Book

Room rates start at around $180 and can be booked on SmarterTravel Hotels. 

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Editor’s Note: The author of this story was hosted by Mill Falls at the Lake

The post SmarterTravel Spotlight: Mill Falls at the Lake appeared first on SmarterTravel.