Reviews

CARTÉ HOTEL SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: There’s no doubt Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown embraces laid-back vibes, the city’s constant energy and the sleek style of modern architecture and design. Situated in the heart of San Diego, the hotel serves as an upscale paradise, with rooms on the top floor offering vast views of the bay and pool. With the Global Business Travel Association happening in San Diego this same weekend, the hotel was notably busy, with all rooms booked for the night. That said, the general buzz of hotel guests in the lobby and restaurant was far from chaotic, and an employee stood waiting outside to open my taxi door and help carry my luggage inside.

GUEST QUARTERS: The hotel booked me in a room on the 15th floor facing the bay. This meant the moment my room was ready, I hustled to the floor-toceiling window and opened the curtains as much as possible to let in the sunlight. Carté did not exaggerate when it mentioned bay views, as I could even see individual boats floating on the water. The room featured muted and neutral colors of grays, whites and dark browns, accented by a deep teal wall behind the bed. With plenty of outlets and the most updated technology, including a large television, I was tempted not to leave my room and simply look out the window from the comfortable bed.

The bathroom exuded modern luxury, with a large vanity; dimmable lighting; and dark, patterned walls. The rainfall shower went beyond an ordinary shower, with extra space and smooth glass walls.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: The hotel boasts several great amenities and services, from a rooftop bar on the 16th floor to an inviting restaurant on the first floor. Above Ash Social, the rooftop bar, features fire pits and even more views of San Diego. Delicious cocktails abound, with drinks like Sunday Flowers — a concoction of You & Yours Sunday gin, butterfly peaflower, lemon and sparkling wine — and shareable bites, such as house-made hummus with warm pita bread. For breakfast, a poolside brunch or dinner, Watercolors Restaurant has it all. I couldn’t get enough of the passion fruit pancakes for breakfast, the tart passion fruit curd adding the right amount of sweetness and flavor.

In addition to these two eateries, the hotel features a terrace pool and the Lido Lounge. While the pool was under construction during my stay, its location a few stories above ground will make for a unique pool experience. Guests of the hotel also enjoy a day pass to Fit Athletic Club on the third floor, complete with advanced workout equipment, fitness classes, a steam room and sauna.

REVIEWED BY Aoife O’Riordan

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Unbeatable views. Securing a room on one of the hotel’s top floors promises expansive views of San Diego Bay. Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize San Diego’s natural beauty. -------------------------Sunset at Above Ash Social. Do not miss an exceptional sunset over the Pacific. Venture to the top floor for a cocktail and bite while soaking in the golden sky.

CARTÉ HOTEL SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN 401 W. Ash St. San Diego, California 92101 tel 619 546 9600 cartehotel.com

WESTHOUSE HOTEL NEW YORK

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I traveled to New York City for the 10th anniversary of Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the fifth anniversary of WhereverFamily’s Wherever Awards at The Lotos Club. WestHouse Hotel New York was my home away from home for my one-night stay.

I arrived shortly after check-in. The property boasts an Art Deco-inspired design, evident as soon as you enter the lobby, with black and gold tones, sparkling chandeliers and marble columns. The helpful front desk attendant swiftly checked me in and went over the amenities at the hotel. She noted the front doors are locked after midnight and I would need my key card to enter. I appreciated the advance notice, so I was prepared when I arrived back late after our event. The key card is also necessary for riding the elevator to your room floor.

GUEST QUARTERS: My luxury queen guestroom felt spacious, especially by New York City standards. The room furnishings featured neutral tones in gray, white, cream and dark brown. There were two nightstands, a plush chair, set of drawers, LED television and a large desk with ergonomic chair.

The shower décor matched the rest of the guestroom, with black, white and gray touches. I found the gray marble shower tile especially chic. Beside the glass shower door there was a small hole cut out in the glass near the showerhead where guests may turn the shower on without having to climb inside. I loved this feature and also used it to test the water temperature.

The mattress, sheets and pillows were all comfortable. I also appreciated the quietness of the room; I didn’t notice traffic sounds from outside while I slept. I wished I had more time to sleep there! SERVICES/AMENITIES: My stay in New York City was less than 24 hours, so, unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to experience all of the property’s amenities. On the morning of my departure I had breakfast plans with my colleagues Kimberly Krol Inlander and Mary Melnick. However, before setting out to meet them I stopped in the property’s terrace on the 23rd floor, which serves complimentary breakfast. I took advantage of the warm, sunny weather and enjoyed a cup of coffee and orange juice while sitting outside on the terrace. In the evening the terrace serves complimentary tapas, beer, wine, Champagne and dessert 5–8 p.m. There is a 24-hour fitness center located on the third floor. Free audio workouts are available. Guests may also take advantage of business center services and complimentary WiFi.

REVIEWED BY Katie Skrzek

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Make sure to stop by the terrace for daily breakfast or afternoon tapas and excellent views.

-------------------------The property is located steps away from iconic Manhattan attractions including Carnegie Hall, The Museum of Modern Art and Central Park.

-------------------------WestHouse Hotel offers a Special Resident program for guests traveling with pets. The offer includes a pet bed and bowl, with dog-walking services available to book through the professional pet concierge.

WESTHOUSE HOTEL NEW YORK 201 W. 55th St. New York, NY 10019 tel 212 707 4888 westhousehotelnew york.com

CARILLON MIAMI WELLNESS RESORT

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I made my way to Miami from Sarasota, Florida, on a Sunday morning in time to catch the Miami Marlins baseball game at noon. After a Marlins’ win against the Mets, I drove to Carillon Miami Wellness Resort on Miami Beach. From the moment my car entered the property, I could tell I was about to enjoy a refined resort experience. Even the outdoor arrival felt like a world away from Miami Beach traffic, with a beautiful sculpture and warm glow on the ceiling above the roundabout. After the valet took my car, check-in was a smooth and easy process, and I headed to my room on the 10th floor.

GUEST QUARTERS: As I opened the door to my onebedroom luxury apartment, I was pleased to see I would indeed be staying in a luxurious room with significant space. Larger than a typical suite, my room opened to a full kitchen with two barstools against an island, perfect for enjoying a light breakfast. The kitchen gave way to a cozy living area with a sofa bed, side chair and large flatscreen TV.

In a separate bedroom, the king-sized Bryte bed allowed me to customize the perfect temperature and firmness for more restorative sleep. Both the bedroom and living room had sliding door access to a large balcony with a stunning view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. And while the apartment was indeed luxurious, the oversized bathroom was an exceptional space. The right side featured a large, modern, rectangular soaking tub separate from the floor-to-ceiling glass shower. A water closet and large vanity area continued on the left. The oval-shaped vessel sink and oversized mirror at the center allowed for more preparation. But the star of the bathroom was the gorgeous mosaic inlay on the marble floor made of metallic tiles, resembling paisley-shaped flowers. Its glimmer and shine could not be captured in photos.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: With “Wellness Resort” in the title, Carillon Miami certainly lives up to its promise, offering two outdoor pools, a large gym overlooking the ocean, rock-climbing wall, salon and easy walking access to Miami Beach. I enjoyed excellent meals of both lunch and dinner at The Strand, the on-site restaurant. Additionally, there’s a corner store with healthy grab-and-go options as well as in-suite dining and a café at the pool. The Tambourine Room is not yet open but will feature an exclusive, 18-seat fine-dining experience by Tristan Brant.

And, of course, there’s the spa. The Carillon was kind enough to offer a few spa treatments during my stay — and I gladly accepted. I enjoyed three different treatments, including The Prism Light Pod, V.E.M.I. (Vibroacoustic Electro Magnetic and Infrared Therapy) and Ballancer Pro. However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the hydrotherapy circuit. These hot and cold therapies include a crystal steam room, herbal laconium, igloo, foot spa, Finnish sauna and experiential rains. I enjoyed moving from room to room, warming then cooling, cleansing and refreshing my body as the stress melted away.

REVIEWED BY Carrie Cox

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Carillon Miami offers innovative wellness (Eastern, Western and alternative options) with a bit of indulgence in a superior location. -------------------------The spa offers private wellness circuits for both men and women.

-------------------------Rather than a traditional hotel room, Luxury Apartments grant both exceptional space and amenities for discerning guests.

CARILLON MIAMI WELLNESS RESORT 6801 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33141 tel 866 800 3858 carillonhotel.com