Reviews

THE CLAREMONT HOTEL

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My husband and I planned a Maine road trip for our first anniversary last summer — and it seemed many other travelers had a similar game plan, with Maine experiencing one of its busiest seasons on record in 2021. The morning of our anniversary, we took a whale-watching excursion out of Bar Harbor before escaping the crowds and busyness of that area and settling into our accommodations at The Claremont Hotel, situated across from Acadia National Park in Southwest Harbor. The quiet oasis was the perfect spot to spend our last night in Maine. For those looking to set up a base for exploration of Acadia, Southwest Harbor and The Claremont still make a great option for that, as well.

Parking lots are available throughout the property; we pulled up in front of the Historic Main Hotel, which houses the lobby, some accommodations, a gift shop, Harry’s Bar, Little Fern Restaurant and Buttercup Bakery. Checkin was quick and personalized. Our guestroom was located in Phillips House, just a short walk from the lobby. We moved our car to an adjacent parking lot and carried our bags up to our second-floor room.

GUEST QUARTERS: Our cutely decorated guestroom proved perfect for an overnight. The door opened into the bedroom, with a fireplace in the corner to the left of the entrance. The mantle above was adorned with beautiful fresh flowers. The bed, directly opposite the entrance and flanked by two nightstands, sat across from a long dresser with the TV perched on top. The blue-and-white patterned wallpaper uniquely blended with all the different design elements of the room, and several windows overlooked the property. A closet sat in one corner, farthest from the door, and a small bathroom — with toilet, stall shower and standing sink — lay to the right of the entry.

Our August 2021 stay came after the hotel reopened for the season in May 2021 under new ownership, following an extensive renovation. After the transformation, The Claremont now boasts 51 accommodations, with 12 cottages, four suites, a three-bedroom waterfront haven and 34 guestrooms.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Other enhancements and amenities include an intimate spa, a heated pool overlooking the sound, four food and beverage venues, a garden and a croquet club. In addition, the hotel offers yoga on the lawn, beach cruisers, live music, boat charters and a game room, alongside its enviable and picturesque location.

Of the four on-site culinary venues, we only missed trying the casual Batson Fish Camp, located on the private dock. The colorful lobster buoys decorating the side of the building make for a perfect picture which, if it’s anything like the other eateries, I’m sure matches the cuisine. We grabbed a cocktail from Harry’s Bar, with its antique nautical accent pieces, and enjoyed them on the lawn until late summer mosquitos drove us indoors. And our dinner and breakfast at Little Fern were both imaginative and quite tasty.

Overall, The Claremont offers a retro-chic yet thoroughly modern retreat amid some of our country’s most gorgeous natural scenery. Should your Maine visit coincide with The Claremont’s season, I’d absolutely recommend a stay.

REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

With convenient access to Acadia National Park, step away from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor with a stay on the quieter Southwest Harbor side of the park. -------------------------Located right down the street from The Claremont, a visit to Beal’s Lobster Pier is a must! We shared a buffalo lobster roll and a lobster grilled cheese, alongside blueberry-flavored cocktails.

-------------------------I brought home delicious — and large — whoopie pies from Claremont’s on-site Buttercup Bakery.

THE CLAREMONT HOTEL 22 Claremont Road Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 tel 207 244 5036 theclaremonthotel.com

GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived at Gaylord Rockies Resort late in the afternoon in mid-October. As someone who lived in Colorado for more than 20 years, I observed the resort being built … but never enjoyed an overnight stay. In general, Gaylord Hotels properties are known for their grandeur and largeness of scale, and the Denver property certainly extends and enhances that reputation.

Upon walking through the front door, I was quickly awe-struck by the enormity of the open foyer and the wall of windows which showcased the downtown Denver city skyline, with the beautiful Rocky Mountains serving as a backdrop. Indoor water features; open beams near the ceiling; and a full-sized, authentic train caboose made it hard to determine how large the area actually was.

At the reception desk, I confirmed my spa appointment and was asked if I needed a meal before turning in for the evening. With nine restaurants on site and a brief description of each, I decided to check out The Marketplace, with plans to visit another restaurant later in my trip. I received my room keys for the seventh floor and made my way to the elevators on the south side of the resort.

GUEST QUARTERS: When I walked into my room, I was, again, amazed at my magnificent mountain view. I had requested and was given a double queen room to allow family to join me later in my stay. The room was highlighted by a large, horizontal “wall of wood” which doubled as a headboard for both beds, spliced with muted gold bars running vertically, slightly resembling a saddle from the Wild West. Native American prints on the throw pillows, along with a similar trim etched into the large bathroom mirror, completed the mountainrustic look. Although the dual sinks were a bit small, they were separated by a door from the toilet and large standing shower, offering privacy and additional space.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I enjoyed several amenities from the resort during my stay, including a 90-minute massage at Relache Spa, along with time in the steam room and relaxation area complete with fireplace, drinks and a variety of snacks. Free tickets for drinks or homemade cookies were available at Sky Village Cantina. Although it was a bit chilly for me to partake in the Arapahoe Springs Water Park, I saw numerous families enjoying the indoor water slide, five hot tubs and lazy river. Further, I was a bit astonished by the 75-foot flat-panel TV inside Mountain Pass Sports Bar but managed to share my Mountainous Chicken Nachos and Drunken Mushroom Burger with family who joined me. Finally, a friendly game of cornhole, just outside the resort door, capped off my trip.

REVIEWED BY Carrie Cox

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Securing a mountain-view room is worth the extra expense. -------------------------Equal number of indoor and outdoor activities for families and resort guests -------------------------Various seating areas are located throughout the resort with double-sided fireplaces, large leather chairs, plush rugs and throw pillows for simply relaxing while enjoying the atmosphere and view.

GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd. Aurora, CO 80019 tel 720 452 6900 marriott.com

KIMPTON EPIC MIAMI

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I flew from Philadelphia to Miami on one of my first trips post-pandemic. Landing at MIA proved convenient, as I was able to deliver the reader-voted awards the airport recently won, dropping them off for the new director and CEO, Ralph Cutie. Once I completed this task, I decided it would be faster to play it “old school” and went to the taxi line, where a cab was waiting. I noticed rideshare passengers seemed to be waiting as I passed them on the way to the Kimpton Epic. The hotel is located in the heart of Miami, which over the years has grown with more activities and restaurants. I noticed construction all over town, with cranes and new buildings everywhere I looked. I arrived at the hotel’s circular driveway in 15 minutes. I had been wearing a mask in the cab and kept it on when I entered the hotel. I noticed I was the only person wearing one, and another guest said, “Hey, this is Florida!” The woman at the front desk politely greeted me and asked if I needed anything. I requested a few bottles of water, and she had them delivered to my room. Keys to room 2714 in hand, I took the elevator up to the 27th floor for the spectacular view.

GUEST QUARTERS: Besides offering a beautiful balcony overlooking the Miami River where it meets the South Channel and the water beyond to Miami Beach, the room was comfortable and appealing. A king-sized bed sat at the right side of the room past the bathroom, and the opposing wall housed a credenza and flat-screen TV. To the right of the TV sat a round table and chair where I set up Global Traveler’s South HQ while I was in town. Due to COVID, meetings were more sparse than normal, so I always had time for email work. A chair and an ottoman near the balcony allowed me to turn and observe the glorious skyline. The balcony outside had two chairs and a table; I used this venue to take a few selfies for my future publisher’s letter picture. I found the quadruple electrical outlets near the table a real plus, and those by the bed useful.

The immense bathroom featured a tub on the left and a cut-out window to the room that provided a view beyond (it could be shuttered for privacy). The large shower on the left side of the tub had glass walls and included a rain showerhead. To the right of the tub, double raised-bowl sinks and a smart-looking vanity offered lots of room for travel toiletries.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Amenities in the bathroom include grooming products by White Tea such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and skin cleanser. A host of other products from cotton balls to swabs are available.

The main restaurant, Area 31, is located on the water side of the hotel on the 16th floor, featuring an open-air terrace and serving local and international cuisines. The bar makes a nice hangout; I entertained there several times during my stay. Zum, ground level, also offers outside seating. It features a highly respected modern Japanese dining style called izakaya, which offers a distinct alternative to Miami cuisine.

REVIEWED BY Francis X. Gallagher

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Great location within walking distance of many great restaurants In the heart of all the action

-------------------------Recently renovated from top to bottom

KIMPTON EPIC MIAMI 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way Miami, FL 33131 tel 305 424 5226 epichotel.com

AEROMEXICO CLASE PREMIER

MEXICO CITY (MEX) TO NEW YORK (JFK)

ON THE GROUND: I arrived at Mexico City International Airport early in the morning, ready for my Aeromexico flight to JFK, the first leg of my journey to attend The Trazees, Wherever Awards and Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2021 event. In spite of making an early online check-in, I went to the airline counter to present my negative COVID results so I could enter the United States. Once through security, I headed to Aeromexico’s Premier lounge to have a coffee before boarding. My time there was peaceful and the attention incredible, making it the ideal place to wait for a flight. As my boarding time approached, I headed to my gate. The airline team received me warmly and directed me to the Premier counter and to my seat.

PRE-FLIGHT: Clase Premier on the Dreamliner 787-9 offers spacious and extremely comfortable seats with plenty of space so you don’t have to disturb the person next to you. We were the first to board, so the flight attendant offered us juice, water or Champagne as we waited for take-off.

IN-FLIGHT: Once in the air, I explored the variety of available entertainment — there’s definitely no way to get bored in flight! I was pleased the WiFi quality was good enough for me to send out some emails and get ahead of the day before work even started. After working a little, I took an involuntary nap which my mind demanded, but the flight attendant was kind to wake me up for breakfast. I chose the pancakes with fruit and coffee. Due to the time of the flight, a few hours after breakfast the crew offered snacks — ideal for me since I had a flight connection. Just before they cut the service, I accepted a glass of Champagne. There was no better way to finish my perfect flight than with a flourish! TOP TAKEAWAYS:

One of my favorite benefits of Clase Premier is the preferential access to be the first to enter the plane and start relaxing before take-off.

-------------------------Toilets in this section are spacious and comfortable.

-------------------------Unique space to stow carry-ons -------------------------When landing, being the first to exit the plane was helpful with my connecting flight.

AEROMEXICO aeromexico.com

REVIEWED BY Mariana Zenizo

WALDORF ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Pre-pandemic, I traveled to Los Angeles several times a year, and I basically saw the construction of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills from the ground up. My first glimpse at one of the guestrooms was during a meeting with a member of the opening team when the accommodations’ aesthetic was just a model in a concept room off the office. I had enjoyed meals on site before, but I’d never actually stayed at the luxurious property. Therefore, it only felt fitting that, when I made my return to Beverly Hills in December 2021 following a two-year, COVID-related break, I stay at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Arriving in the afternoon but still before check-in time, the front desk attendant and I chatted over the issues of changing your name post-marriage: My reservation was under “Krol,” and my ID is now “Inlander.” We commiserated together on how the pandemic made the whole process even more difficult, with long delays for things like new identification. The chat made the check-in process go by even more quickly, and my room was ready early. Before I knew it, I was on the way to my room.

GUEST QUARTERS: With a muted palette and premium finishes, a guestroom at Waldorf Astoria is a place you can sink into as soon as you step over the threshold. My room opened into a small foyer, with a mirror and table in front and another small, attached tabletop to the left. A hallway with cream tile floors and gold accents led into the bedroom, with a large closet to the right and the elegant bathroom to the left. The bathroom boasted both a large standalone shower — with plenty of shelving for all the amenities — and a soaking tub. A dual sink and a water closet rounded out the space. The bedroom featured a comfortable king-sized bed flanked by nightstands, with a leather bench at its foot. Across stood a dresser with TV. There was also a desk with two chairs and a plush armchair with a small table in front of my favorite part of the room — the wall of glass doors leading to my private balcony and offering exceptional views of the Los Angeles skyline. Control panels for lighting and curtains/sheers were located in a couple of different spots in the room.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: My colleagues met me for breakfast in Jean-Georges Beverly Hills; the lobby-level restaurant offers indoor and alfresco dining and serves breakfast daily 7–11 a.m. and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30–10 p.m. Guests can also enjoy The Rooftop at JG and a separate bar menu at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills Bar. The Lobby Lounge is currently closed.

The 5,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa boasts six treatment rooms and a full array of services. There’s a heated pool on the rooftop lounge deck, and cabanas can be reserved. The 24-hour fitness center also has yoga instructors and personal trainers available on request, and KEVIN B Salon is a full-service salon open Tuesday through Sunday for makeup, hair, eyebrows and threading. The hotel also offers 5,600 square feet of event space.

REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

I was immediately struck by a scrumptious scent the minute I entered the lobby. I found out later, during a chat with the hotel’s Antonio Bugarin, the fragrance is Diptyque Baies. -------------------------While rain eliminated my chances of soaking in the view on this visit, a trip to The Rooftop by JG is a must — for both the food and the panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood. -------------------------Each element of the property’s aesthetic feels as though it was perfectly chosen to offer a calming, luxurious vibe to every stay, from the color choice and aforementioned scent to the volume level and the floorplan.

WALDORF ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS 9850 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 tel 310 860 6666 waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com