When the weather is nice, we all daydream about taking a vacation–summer is spent conjuring up images of different exotic trips we’d like to take one day. At Newsette HQ, we love to travel, and are always on the lookout for the next new place to go. And while some cities are a destination in it of themselves, there are gorgeous places to visit where the hotel is the main attraction–which means that there are hidden-gem lodgings all across the world, located in towns you might not think of going to, just waiting to be discovered. Below, find the top 3 hotels that we each highly recommend putting on your bucket list.
Daniella, Founder and CEO

  1.  Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland. This incredibly luxurious hotel opened just weeks before we arrived, and it was a dream of a stay. You start your day by entering an incredibly modern lobby (with a crystal blue view of the Blue Lagoon) and munching on the delicious spread of breakfast eats. Afterwards, we went to the spa, where you can experience rooms inspired by the elements. It even included a fire room where you could just rest upon super comfortable cushions while listening to a crackling fire. To end the spa day, we visited the “Ritual Room,” where we were guided through three different mask, scrub, and cream stations, all containing skin-loving ingredients from the Blue Lagoon and volcanos. To top it all off, the hotel has a private Blue Lagoon, where you’re able to enjoy the warm bath without hundreds of people around you. It was truly an exceptional experience.
  2. The Montage at Deer Valley, Utah. If you could create a hotel out of the warm and fuzzy feeling a fireplace on a cold day gives you, this would be it. From the outside it looks like a massive gingerbread house, especially when coated with snow, and the fact that hot chocolate waits for you as you ski in from the hill is practically magic. I highly recommend going during the winter, where you can make s’mores outside and take in the stunning views.
  3. The Omni Grove Park Inn at Asheville, North Carolina. One of my favorite cities also contains one of my favorite hotels. It has a log cabin feel, with all of the amenities of a luxurious hotel. There’s one restaurant that serves incredible food and overlooks a massive golf course, for when you don’t want to venture into one of the town’s many five-star spots. Go in the fall, so that you can marvel at the orange and yellow Christmas trees around you.

Marlena, Community Director

  1. Stone House in Little Compton, RI. My family used to rent a beach house in this sleepy beach town for a month during the summer, but we love the area so much that we would take some weekend trips when we weren’t renting and stay in this quaint inn on the water. The Stone House is quintessential New England and was originally built in the 1850s. The tap room in the basement used to be a speakeasy and still operates as a bar and restaurant with local fish dishes. Just a short walk to the beach, pond-side views, and just a 30-minute drive to Newport, it’s the perfect spot for a quiet, chic getaway.
  2. Hotel Nacional de Cuba. You’ve probably seen it on the postcards, but the Hotel Nacional is a historic hotel built in the 1930s right on the Malecon in Cuba. With stunning views, a beautiful courtyard, a pool, and arguably one of the best mojitos in Cuba, this is an amazing hotel to call your homebase as you explore the rest of beautiful Havana.
  3. Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. While I was only there for three days, I was incredibly impressed by my stay at the Bernardus Lodge. It was the perfect balance of nature and hospitality, with stunning views of the valley, a chef’s garden, quality amenities (love the infinity jacuzzi), and delicious food. A vineyard is right down the street and the historic town of Salinas is just a short drive away.

Molly, Digital Editor

  1. The Plaza Hotel. I have never actually stayed here, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t visit this hotel all the time. The food court down below is one of my favorite places to grab lunch or dessert and walk around. I also can’t resist going around the holidays and seeing the giant Christmas tree and beautiful decorations they put up. If you want a fun girls’ day, my friends and I love to go get high-tea in the Palm Court restaurant at the hotel. In my next life, I aspire to be Eloise at The Plaza.
  2. W Hotel South Beach. The thing I love about W Hotels is that even though they are super nice, they always feel young, chic, and modern. The hotel in South Beach is in a perfect location and the rooms are beautiful. The pink umbrellas on the beach don’t hurt either. I’m daydreaming of the days I was in one of their beach chairs sipping a drink.
  3. The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Dallas has a special place in my heart and so does this hotel. When my sister got married in Dallas, all of our friends and family stayed at this hotel for the weekend. It is beautiful and overlooks the stunning Turtle Creek area in Dallas. It is in a perfect central location and the outdoor patio area is unbeatable as a destination to get drinks or dinner.

Madeleine, Director of Partnerships

  1. Anne’s Washington Inn Saratoga Springs, NY. The AWI is my favorite hotel, and it’s run by my favorite people–my parents. Set atop a beautiful hill, the two-building inn is an oasis to family, friends, and guests. Nothing beats the serenity of a cup of coffee on the Victorian wrap-around porch! And it’s a short walk from the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, where you can attend concerts by artists like Dave Matthews, Luke Bryan, and John Mayer.
  2. The Hoxton Hotel in London. This hotel is my go-to place when visiting London. It’s an amazing “home-base,” centrally located near the Holborn tube station–so convenient for all of your sightseeing. Their coffee shop and restaurants make it easy to grab a bite on the go, or mingle late into the night with locals or friends in the buzzing lobby.
  3. Westin Grand Cayman. Disclaimer: I haven’t actually visited this resort yet. But my friend just returned from a week on 7 mile beach and said it was the most relaxing vacation she’s been on in a while. After seeing her pictures, and hearing about the amazing staff, I’m dying to try the Hibiscus Spa, and sip one of their signature rum drinks–in a private cabana, of course. Sounds like the perfect vacation to me!

Alex, Managing Editor

  1. The Ritz Carlton in London. This hotel has all of the charm and embellishment of a seventeenth-century castle. I truly felt like a princess in a room decorated to the nines with artwork, gold piping, and antique furniture. As a key, they even give you one bigger than your hand! The only downside is the fact that jeans are not permitted in the dining rooms. The upside? There’s a tea time every day with pastries to die for.
  2. One & Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas. A favorite of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, this hotel takes luxury to an entirely different level. Every guest has a room located right on the ocean, there are infinity pools galore, the spa includes rose-petal baths, and there is an ancient-looking garden on the property that is fun to explore. Did I mention that having an amazing brunch on a dock floating over the ocean might have been one of the best parts?
  3. La Samanna in St. Martin. This island, with crystal-clear water, is already a must-visit destination. But this hotel capitalizes on its incredible location in the best way possible. Situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, it has views for days, as well as prime, private beach access. I spent hours snorkeling off of its shore and even saw a giant, bubble-gum pink jellyfish. Look it up, and I dare you not to love what you see.

Lauren, Summer Intern

  1. Palacio del Inka in Cusco, Peru. Before adventuring into the lake region of Peru, my family and I stayed at this majestic hotel, located in the heart of Cusco. The five-star hotel was one of my favorites from first walking into its incredible lobby with 20-foot ceilings and life-sized lanterns hanging from a massive windowed ceiling. The building holds a long history within its walls, and makes every visitor feel like a king or queen with the opulent décor and hospitable service.
  2. Hotel La Bourdonnais in Paris. It’s hard not to love a hotel with balcony views overlooking the city of love. It’s even harder not to love it when the Nutella and French baguettes are ever-flowing at breakfast. This hotel is in the perfect location in Paris to be close enough to the action, but far enough for a serene and quiet escape from the city.
  3. Grove Park Inn in Asheville. This historic resort is tucked between the Blue Ridge mountains and contains fabulous views, restaurants and a $50 million spa. The spa’s cavernous design and mineral pools (with music played underwater) is the most peaceful place I’ve ever been to. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing girls’ weekend getaway to the mountains!

Camille, Summer Intern

  1. The Standard Highline in NYC. Entering this hotel feels a bit like you are crossing into another dimension. The futuristic interior is super chic and the views are unbeatable. The hotel is home to the restaurants Standard Biergarten and The Standard Grill, which have fantastic food and great atmospheres. Also, it’s located in the trendy meatpacking district, so it’s right around lots of good shopping and museums. 

  2. Le Pigalle in Paris. When I travel, I like to stay in good areas so that I have walkable access to as much as possible. The Pigalle area of Paris has tons of great restaurants and is just a short walk away from Sacré Coeur and Montmartre. The hotel itself has a retro French-inspired interior with lots of fun art hanging in each of its rooms. Their in-house restaurant is also a great spot to sit on the sidewalk and people-watch.
  3. Hotel Palazzo Guadagni in Florence. I stayed at this lovely hotel with my mom and sister (it was a nice break from the hostel-dominated travel during my study abroad semester). It is situated in a quiet square full of Italian restaurants that are to die for, and a market that is bustling with vendors during the day. The rooms are full of character, each with a uniquely charming traditional interior–not to mention they have a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the city.