Escape to… Alexandra Barcelona Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton | Barcelona, Spain

The Alexandra Barcelona, a designer boutique hotel is where fascinating history, modernist details, and avant-garde meet.  The fully renovated 19th-century building reflects the charm, elegance, and spirit of its Barcelona surroundings. You’ll love the local photography that lines the walls, designer furniture from the ‘50s and ‘60s, original mosaic flooring, framed ceilings and natural oak throughout the hotel.

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Hotel Entrance

Moments from Passeig de Gràcia – the fashion, culture and commercial heart of Barcelona – this hotel is a quick walk to Rambla de Catalunya, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and other top attractions.

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Hotel Lobby

Location:  Barcelona, Spain
Distance from Airport: Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN) approx. 30 mins. away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: Barcelona Cruise Terminal-approx. 20 mins. away
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Dream Suite

I recently stayed at the Alexandra post my 15-day transatlantic cruise. I absolutely loved the hotel and location.  It’s a small boutique hotel, small corridors, and only 5 floors.  As a Hilton Honors member, I was given my preferred high floor room.  My mother and I stayed in a standard room (room 512) with two twin-sized beds.  The room was small but well appointed, had only one window with a street view.  After all, this is a historical building.  The Alexandra is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. When my mother and I travel together I am always conscious of where we stay as two women traveling. The Eixample district is a wonderful area.  Our hotel was located right off of Passeig de Gracia street with its high-end shops and restaurants. We were also a short walk from Gaudi’s Casa Mila and Casa Batllo attractions.  Passeig de Gracia metro station was a short 2 block walk from the hotel making easy to take the metro to Placa de Catalunya (City Center) or to Barcelona Airport.  Hop on Hop off bus tours have stops in between Casa Batllo and Casa Mila attractions so you have an easy off and walk back to the hotel.
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Terrace Garden

Service at the hotel was outstanding.  Omar the concierge kindly greeted us upon our arrival, helped with luggage and confirmed my directions to the airport.  I even noticed him helping another guest fix the wheel on their luggage.  Our hotel rate included breakfast.  Breakfast was an upscale continental which consisted of bread, muffins, croissants, meats, cheeses, and fruit as well as coffee, tea, and juices.
The property does have a pool (although I never got to visit it) , a restaurant and meeting rooms.   Perfect place to stay for a Barcelona visit.
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Pool

Ready to plan your “Barcelona, Spain” escape?

Escape to….The Marker San Francisco | San Francisco, CA

Luxury Boutique Hotel in San Francisco’s Union Square, The Marker offers eclectic style in the heart of downtown San Francisco surrounded by the city’s top theaters, neighborhood restaurants, and shops. Luxurious boutique accommodations along with unsurpassed services, amenities, and dining await guests at this 4 star Union Square hotel. Pamper yourself in vibrant style.

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The Marker’s signature warmth welcomes hotel guests to feel right at home, while distinct boutique amenities and unique programs steeped in local authenticity connect guests to the best of downtown San Francisco.

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Superior Queen Room

Location:  San Francisco, CA
Distance from Airport: San Franciso Intl. Airport (SFO) approx. 25 mins. away
Distance from Train Station: San Francisco Amtrak Station approx. 10 mins away
Distance from Cruise Port:  James R. Herman Cruise Terminal approx. 15 mins away

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Bellevue Room

The Marker is ideally centered two blocks from San Francisco’s Union Square. Near the city’s best shopping, theaters, restaurants, and museums, plus the ever-expanding Moscone Convention Center and SOMA district, The Marker is your starting point for exploring the best of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Hotel Lobby

P.S.  This is a perfect location for a Pre or Post Cruise stay.  

Escape to…The Empire Hotel | New York, NY

Residing at the gateway to the Upper West Side, the Empire Hotel reflects the earth tones and modernism of our famed neighbors. The New York hotel offers sophisticated comfort and bold decor among many of their upscale amenities and superior guest services.

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Hotel Lobby

The Empire Hotel’s coveted location puts guests within convenient proximity to some of New York’s top attractions. For instance, Just across the street, guests can walk to overlook the renowned Lincoln Center which includes the Metropolitan Opera House, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Alice Tully Hall, all host to top live performances and major global events in the world all year-round. In the opposite direction, guests will find Central Park and Columbus Circle less than a few short blocks away.

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Deluxe King Room

Location: New York, NY
Distance from Airport: JFK Intl. Airport (JFK) approx. 55 mins. away |  LaGuadia Intl. Airport (LGA) approx. 40 mins. away |  Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) approx. 40 mins. away
Distance from Train Station: NY Penn Station approx. 10 mins away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: Manhattan Cruise Ship Terminal approx. 12 mins away

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Iconic Neon Sign

Unwind at The Empire Hotel in style and comfort after a long day in the city. Each of the Upper West Side guestrooms is finely decorated, offers premium bedding and designer toiletries. In addition, the Central Park hotel also offers a rooftop pool and bar open seasonally, the famous Lobby Bar, newly renovated rooftop indoor/outdoor event space and a mezzanine level of ballrooms to host your events, weddings or meetings.

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Rooftop Pool Deck

Escape to…Hotel Captain Cook| Anchorage, Alaska

Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaska’s Hotel Captain Cook is a perfect base-camp for adventure, offering the best cultural, retail and natural highlights just steps from your door. In the mood to stay in? Indulge in one of our four distinctive restaurants, shop for gifts or unique souvenirs in our 12 shops or take in the views of neighboring Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains from any one of our 546 rooms and suites.

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The Hotel Captain Cook is Alaska’s only member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, an organization of 620 of the finest independently owned and managed luxury hotels and resorts across the world. Each property within the organization is required to maintain criteria to qualify for membership and excels at providing distinctive experiences that are far beyond the ordinary.

Deluxe Room

Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Distance from Airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage Intl. Airport (ANC) approx. 20 mins. away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: Port of Seward Cruise Ship Terminal approx. 2hrs 21 mins away

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Crow’s Nest Restaurant

Captain James Cook helped define Alaska in the 18th century by mapping its jagged coastline for the first time. Since 1965, the Hotel Captain Cook has defined luxury in Alaska by offering an unparalleled level of elegance and comfort. The legendary sea captain and the hotel that bears his name share two great qualities: a love of nature and an indomitable Alaskan spirit.

Escape to… Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort | Papeete, Tahiti

Treat yourself to an unforgettable beachfront vacation at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort. The hotel’s unbeatable location on Lafayette Beach in the famous Matavai Bay is surrounded by sparkling waters and offers outstanding on-site amenities like an Activity Desk, an infinity swimming pool, a Kid’s Club and even a local arts and crafts market. Indulge in some pampering with an afternoon or a full day of treatments at the on-site Le Spa, or visit the capital center of Papeete using the resort’s free shuttle service. You can also pick up last-minute souvenirs at the on-site gift shop. Reserve your stay online at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort today to experience a truly rejuvenating island getaway.

Front Desk

The shores of Matavai Bay, on which the resort sits, have a rich historical past. The first European landing was in 1767 by Captain Samuel Wallis. A year later, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville followed to proclaim the island a French possession. The bay was also home to James Norman Hall, co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty, whose house is now a fascinating little museum located less than from the resort.

Premium Deluxe Ocean View

Location: Papeete, Tahiti
Distance from Airport: Fa’a’ā  Intl. Airport (PPT) approx. 30 mins. away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: Papeete Cruise Ship Terminal approx. 15 mins away

The Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort offers a unique and unspoiled setting just ten minutes from downtown. Facing the sumptuous Lafayette Beach and the mythical Bay of Matavai, this 4-star resort allows you to enjoy all that French Polynesia has to offer.

Escape to… Rosewood Hotel Georgia | Vancouver, BC Canada

Rosewood Hotel Georgia combines the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties with contemporary design in the heart of Vancouver. The Forbes 5 Star hotel has been meticulously restored to its place as one of the most prominent hotels worldwide.

Imbued with legacy and luxury, the hotel represents Vancouver’s most stylish retreat; a magnificent historical landmark with a distinct ambiance and grace. An unprecedented restoration, completed in 2011, returned Vancouver’s most legendary hotel to its place as one of the most prominent hotels worldwide. With the addition of extensive amenities, including Sense, A Rosewood Spa,® an indoor saltwater pool, state-of-the-art fitness suite and innovative restaurants and bars, Rosewood Hotel Georgia offers an unmatched combination of heritage, sophistication, and splendor — a return to the golden age of hotel travel.

Superior Room

Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Distance from Airport: Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR) approx. 25 mins. away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: Canada Place  Cruise Ship Terminal approx. 11 mins away

Pool

Located in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, the hotel provides outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure as well as the sophisticated amenities of a world-class metropolis. The spectacular natural environment of British Columbia offers mountains, oceans, lakes, rivers and beaches in breathtaking abundance and beauty. With a thriving selection of urban and outdoor pursuits, a delightful array of activities is easily accessible from this downtown Vancouver hotel.

Escape to … Hotel del Coronado | San Diego, CA

Situated on America’s most beloved beach, The Del is an iconic destination on every savvy traveler’s must-see list. Our ever-evolving transformation embodies the resort’s character agelessly, blending our legendary past with the relevance of a coastal Southern California lifestyle. With a charmed location, a blissful setting and historic architecture paired with modern touches, The Del creates memorable beach traditions for every generation.

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A living legend for more than 128 years, The Del celebrates its rich history as the proud host to celebrities, royalty and beach-loving guests for generations.

Built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, Hotel del Coronado is an American treasure with more than a century of stories to tell. The Del’s visionary founders, Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, dreamed of building a seaside resort that would be “the talk of the Western world.” Since then, the resort has become a living legend, visited by celebrities, dignitaries and U.S. presidents. Explore the Hotel del Coronado history timeline below, or visit the resort’s Est. 1888 store for history display cases and the downstairs history hallway to view large historic photographs.

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Ocean View Room

Location: Coronado, CA
Distance from Airport: San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) approx. 20 mins. away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal approx. 16 mins away

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Pool & Lounge

For generations the iconic Hotel del Coronado and its glittering sands have served as the backdrop for timeless experiences. The Del is an adventurous world all its own, a beachfront playground drawing those to its unrivaled setting, relaxed beauty and seaside charm. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a romantic getaway, or just a relaxed afternoon alongside a private pool or beach, magical memories begin at The Del.

Escape to…Lord Baltimore Hotel | Baltimore, MD

The Lord Baltimore Hotel, the iconic grand dame of Baltimore, has been brought back to its full grandeur and glory. Rubell Hotels has reimagined this classic landmark for a new generation of travelers.

The Lord Baltimore was originally built in 1928 by architect William Lee Stoddart. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was visited by Martin Luther King, Jr. among a host of other historic luminaries. It is a 23-story, 440-room property in the heart of downtown Baltimore, Maryland with 20,000 square-feet of ballroom and meeting space and the historic Calvert Ballroom, which has hosted over 80 years of Baltimore society events.

Lord Baltimore Hotel offers guests close access to Baltimore’s world-class museums, art, hospitals, and universities, as well as an array of business, shopping and entertainment venues.

Double Queen Room

Double Queen Room

Location: Baltimore, MD
Distance from Airport: Baltimore-Washington Thurgood MarshalI Intl. Airport (BWI) approx. 20 mins. away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: Cruise Maryland Terminal approx. 10 mins away

Enjoy Lord Baltimore, the inner harbor hotel in the heart of downtown Baltimore’s business, dining and entertainment options.

As the original city formed around the state of “Mary’s Land,” Baltimore’s downtown environment is the product of nearly three centuries of exploration and growth. Reborn from the ashes of the Great Baltimore Fire, we are now a city of culture, entertainment, legendary personalities and monumental neighborhoods.

Spend a day of business with any of our numerous Fortune 500 companies such as Under Armor or Bank of America. Spend a lively day exploring the historic areas of Federal Hill, Fell’s Point and Mount Vernon. From the 17th century docks of Fell’s Point to the 21st-century art collection on display at the American Visionary Museum, our waterfront community is full of restaurants and boutiques, as well as fine- and casual-dining options.

Escape to…Hotel Monteleone | New Orleans, LA

It’s been said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of Hotel Monteleone. This venerable New Orleans hotel sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street and offers valet parking with two garages. Our guests have the best point of departure for all things New Orleans.

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Step outside this historic French Quarter hotel to discover shop after shop of fabulous European antiques, estate jewelry, oriental rugs, and art and antiquities from around the world. Quaint New Orleans restaurants and specialty shops line the French Quarter streets. Enjoy New Orleans tourist attractions just steps from our New Orleans hotel, including Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, the French Market, and the Riverwalk, where you can watch the steamboats along the Mississippi River.

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Traditional King Room

Location: New Orleans, LA (French Quarter)
Distance from Airport: New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY) approx. 30 mins. away
Distance from Cruise Terminal: Port of New Orleans Cruise Terminal approx. 10 mins away

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Carousel Bar & Lounge

This historic New Orleans landmark is a member of Historic Hotels of America, Preferred Hotel Group, and Associated Luxury Hotels International. Hotel Monteleone boasts 570 luxurious guest rooms, including 55 luxury suites and literary author suites.

Criollo Restaurant and the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge offer our guests the best in New Orleans dining and nightlife.

Escape to…The Langham Melbourne | Melbourne, Australia

Sweeping vistas of the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline. Outstanding location amidst the city’s captivating Arts and Leisure district. A sanctuary nestled on the famous Southbank Promenade. Delightfully intimate interiors. Genuine and personalized service. Exciting epicurean adventures. The Langham, Melbourne is all this and more.

Located on floors 10-24, the 387 guestrooms offer views of the Southgate area, Yarra River, or bay area. Decorated in keeping with the Langham’s signature graciousness, all have classic-style wood furnishings, floral-patterned thick drapes, and Australian artwork. The large marble bathrooms have crystal-prism light fixtures, two large mirrors, bathtubs, and separate, glass-enclosed showers. Separate from the bathroom are handy, marble-topped vanity areas with mirrors. All guestrooms feature three direct-dial phones, one in the bathroom, plus high-speed Internet access at the large desks.The Langham Hotel Club Lounge, located on the 24th floor, offers spectacular views of the Melbourne city skyline.

Deluxe River Corner Room

Location: Melbourne, Australia
Cruise Port: Station Pier Cruise Terminal approx. 15 mins away
Distance from Airport:  Tullamarine International Airport. (MEL) approx. 20-30 mins. away

Pool Deck

The Langham sits on the south bank of the Yarra River, a few blocks from the National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Centre. The Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena are two km (one mile) from away. The hotel’s Chuan Spa offers views of the Yarra River and an East-meets-West philosophy. Aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas, a covered pool, spa bath, movement studio, and fitness center are among the spa offerings.

Lobby

Although the Langham is well situated for walking to nearby points of interest, those with more leisurely sightseeing in mind can book short cruises along the Yarra River. These float past city landmarks or take guests up to Williamstown, a small seaside village that is home to stately historical buildings and seaman’s cottages. Only 15 mins from Melbourne’s Station Pier cruise port this is a great Pre or Post cruise hotel location!