My Favorite Hotels In America by Vikki Moran • The Grateful Traveler
W
ith winter school breaks fast approaching, many Capital Region families are preparing for a bit of wintertime fun in the sun with a quick escape to warmer climates. Albany International Airport will soon be welcoming in droves of travelers in shorts and sandals, their recently shed winter coats and scarfs in tow, anxiously awaiting their turn to fly southeast or west. According to online tour booker TrekkSoft, 95 percent of travelers want to keep themselves and their families entertained and happy while vacationing in 2020, with 85 percent wishing to get the best deals for the most value. Their final wish is to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Sunny and warm destinations tick all those boxes. Here’s a list of my favorite properties in sunny climates for all of you temporary snowbirds.
Need‐To‐Know: At the Betsy, you will find luxury furnishings in each room, with gorgeous walnut floors, as well as walls filled with artwork from the owner’s collection and even your very own private library. The restau‐ rant options within the hotel are lovely too, including LT Steak & Seafood. Suggestion: Book your room with a balcony overlooking the Art Deco district.
The Perry Lane Hotel (Savannah, GA)
A self‐described destination with purpose, Miami’s Betsy Hotel allows and even encourages its guests to bring the family dogs along. No need to schedule the pet sitter, because your furry friend will rest in lux‐ ury while you play on South Beach. The Betsy is undoubtedly a luxury boutique hotel, as well as a gathering place for arts and culture in South Beach. Trendy SoBe is not usually known for curated events, but you can enjoy live jazz and classical music performances in the hotel’s lobby. This family‐owned hotel is simply fantastic and sits directly across the street from the world‐famous beach.
Located right in Downtown Savannah, you can easily walk to the city’s most beautiful squares, mansions and restaurants from the hotel. (I have always felt that, perhaps, prowling is a better term in Savannah than walking.) There’s so much to take in Savannah; perfectly preserved and rich in old southern charm, one street in Savannah can hold your attention for the entire day. Need‐To‐Know: The Perry Lane has elegantly appointed guest rooms and awesome hotel perks. This gem of a hotel has the best rooftop bar—Peregrin—that I have ever seen. Peregrin sits atop the hotel, offering a luxurious 360‐degree backdrop of Savannah. Any given evening can serve up the classiest of high‐altitude vibes or tranquil after‐ noons lounging in the rooftop pool. Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market on the first floor of the hotel is a local gathering place with an energetic flow. Hotel guests and locals mingle and enjoy authentic southern and eclectic food choices. Wine‐tastings and cooking classes are offered fre‐ quently and are great fun. In the hotel’s restaurants and bars, as well as
The Betsy — South Beach
The Peregrin roof top bar
Photo courtesy of The Betsy Hotel
Photo courtesy of The Perry Lane Hotel
The Betsy Hotel (Miami)
38 | JANAURY 2020 | CRLMAG.COM
