Thanks to my travel experiences, I've had the absolute pleasure of staying in some incredible hotels. Below are my top 10 favorite hotels across the United States & Canada!
Disclaimer: As an ever growing/changing industry, there's always a possibility that listed experiences, amenities or programs have changed, adapted or been removed. Please remember to reach out to hotel staff or check their respective websites for all confirmed information.
1. Fort Lauderdale, FL - Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th St:
When you enter the hotel, you will immediately feel welcome and comfortable in their beautiful property. In true fashion of an Embassy Suites, all guests enjoy a 2-bedroom suite, delicious complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening reception. When on tour, I don't normally make it down for breakfast BUT I never miss one at this hotel! I'll also never miss the Evening Reception and the opportunity to enjoy delicious snacks with friends in their outdoor patio while getting to chat with their friendly bar staff. Highlights of this beautiful hotel include the comfortable suites, being able to relax at the poolside veranda or sitting out by the pool/waterfall for a relaxing day in beautiful Fort Lauderdale! You can enjoy visiting local sites including the Harbor Shops located behind the hotel with delicious food options (Duffy's Sports Grill) and shop at Publix Super Market. The hotel is located 2 miles from the Fort Lauderdale beaches and right in front of the Sun Trolley route.
2. Wichita, KS - Hotel at Old Town:
Wichita, KS has become one of my favorite cities in the United States and this hotel brings along many charming qualities. A beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Town Wichita near restaurants (River City Brewing Company & Old Chicago), shops, sites (Museum of World Treasures) and my favorite movie theater in the United States, Warren Old Town Theatre Grille! With an incredibly kind & friendly staff, all rooms and floors are beautifully & uniquely designed suites including full kitchens. Walking through the lobby or riding in the elevator -- you can hear catchy jazz music playing as well as listening to live Jazz being performed on the weekends!
3. San Luis Obispo, CA - Apple Farm:
I like to explain this property as visiting Grandma's House at a Winery/Vineyard. A beautiful independently owned hotel, gift shop and farm-to-table restaurant/bakery featuring individually designed rooms to create a relaxing/unique environment. A special feature of this hotel is that all guests receive an ACTUAL KEY -- not a key card -- a physical key to unlock/lock the door! As stated on their site, " combining the charm of wine country inns with the modern conveniences of a luxury hotel, Apple Farm Inn offers the best in San Luis Obispo lodging". All rooms include fireplaces and comfortable seating nooks and delicious freshly made Apple Cider in the lobby!
4. Everett, WA - Inn at Port Gardner:
Located next door to Naval Station Everett and along Port Gardner Bay -- guests can enjoy a beautiful view of the Marina from their balconies or walk along the marina to catch a beautiful sunrise/sunset. One of my favorite memories of visiting Everett was being able to take beautiful photos of the sunset every night. Another special highlight and memorable experience for me was having complimentary breakfast (individually chosen list of items you hang outside your door each night) that were delivered straight to your room (at a specified time of your choosing) in a beautiful basket!
5. Omaha, NE - Magnolia Hotel:
For tours performing at the Orpheum Theatre, this hotel is directly across the street featuring beautifully designed and comfortable rooms! I always recommend staying here when visiting or performing in Omaha. Originally built in 1923, the Magnolia Hotel is located in the historic Old Market near restaurants & shopping options and designed to mimic the Bargello, a palace in Florence, Italy. Local favorites for me include Blue Sushi, Lala Lono Tiki Bar, Imaginarium Mercantile Antique Store and the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (featuring the world's largest indoor rainforest & desert ecosystem). Fun Fact: If you visit during the holiday season, you can see the Magnolia Hotel's Gingerbread creation which features an 8-foot tall edible tree. All donations towards the display is given to the local Ronald McDonald House.
6. St John's, NL - Homeport Apartment Hotel:
Hands down, the staff at this hotel define customer service and hospitality. Upon arriving in our tour bus, the Sales Manager personally introduced herself to the entire team, told us the history of the city and welcomed us with a complimentary reception! Make sure to ask the staff for their recommended local sights/restaurants and find a restaurant that serves delicious toutons! My personal recommendations include seeing the sunrise at Cape Spear and visiting Signal Hill, Cabot Tower and Quidi Vidi Village. For guests staying at the property, you will enjoy BEAUTIFUL apartment style/sized rooms in a stunning/friendly/comfortable hotel property with full kitchens and spacious rooms! I will note that the hotel doesn't have elevators so if you have an apartment on a higher floor, you can always ask the hotel staff to help you with your luggage.
7. Denver, CO - Curtis Hotel:
As a DoubleTree property, always make sure to ask for a delicious DoubleTree cookie upon arrival from the front desk! The level of detail at this property is beyond impressive -- including the hotel staff having nicknames on their name tags. The most unique feature of the hotel is the pop-culture themed floors and rooms which include Sci-Fi, Superhero, Horror, TV Mania and Chickflick! I had the opportunity to stay in the I Love Lucy Suite which was a dream! Located near delicious restaurants (I highly recommend Sam's No. 3 - a 1927 kitschy diner), stores, local sites (visit the Big Blue Bear) and the theater district -- this hotel is a favorite for its uniqueness and style!
8. Lincoln, NE - Graduate Lincoln:
Part of the Graduate Hotel family, the Graduate Lincoln has unique amenities including Topgolf Swing Suites, Tiki Bar, free loaner bikes, a 2nd floor patio including games and themed room keys. Located in the Haymarket District in downtown Lincoln, guests can enjoy delicious restaurants (I highly recommend going to Ivanna Cone Ice Cream Shop next door), shops and close walking distance to Pinnacle Bank Arena on University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus. Rooms are comfortable, spacious and have an Americana vibrant theme!
9. Honolulu, HI - Hotel LaCroix (Formerly Waikiki Gateway Hotel):
Being able to tour in Hawaii was one of the highlights of my touring career. Hotels can vary in quality and price so it's very important to choose a property that will take care of your team and be located in a part of the island that has sightseeing options. The Waikiki Gateway Hotel does all of these things! One of the few hotels on Waikiki Beach that offers complimentary breakfast and directly above an ABC Store for easy procurement of basic beach items, food/snacks, sodas and water. The hotel is located at the start of the shopping/dining center of Waikiki and an easy walk to all major sights including beautiful Waikiki Beach! In terms of food options -- always check out Duke's Waikiki and order a Hula Pie for dessert!
10. Vancouver, BC - Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel:
The Rosedale on Robson Suite hotel is located in the heart of the sports & entertainment district of Downtown Vancouver and minutes from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Rogers Arena -- home to the Vancouver Canucks. Guests can enjoy comfortable suites which include full kitchens (3 burner stove, half oven, half fridge and microwave) and a balcony overlooking the beautiful skyline! The hotel is located near delicious restaurants and shops and connected to Footo Croissant where you can enjoy scratch-made croissants/bakery items from a local owned bakery!
Feel free to comment/share any of your favorite hotel properties from across the world!
If you're interested in traveling abroad, please check back for my next article on my favorite hotels across China! In the meantime, checkout my "My Top 5 Must-Do Things at Disney Parks Around the World."
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