In this week’s issue, we chat with superstar travel advisor Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond Travel to get his picks for hotels and resorts here in the U.S. that you’ll want to put on your list for 2020 and beyond.
You’ll find a mix of classic and new destinations, skyscrapers with spectacular views and beautiful restorations. The venues are all great for weekend getaways, and many are also perfect for events and celebrations.
1. Auberge Commodore Perry Estate, Austin
2. Austin Proper Hotel & Residences, Austin, Texas
3. Kimpton Hotel Arras, Asheville
4. Hall Arts Hotel, Dallas
5. Nobu Chicago
6. Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe
7. Downtown LA Proper Hotel
8. Four Seasons Resorts & Residences, Calistoga
9. Six Senses, New York
10. Miraval Berkshires
11. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York
1. Auberge Commodore Perry Estate, Austin
Ezon says, “Once the glamorous social hub for Austin’s socialites, this 54 room urban resort is secluded on 10 acres just outside the city center (and a 20-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.) The restored 11,000 sq. ft. mansion will be the hub for guests and locals alike, offering an elegant alternative to the city’s more eccentric establishments.”
Auberge Commodore Perry Estate is also expected to be perfect for events and buyouts with both indoor and outdoor space, including a 3,000 sq. ft. manicured garden that can accommodate up to 300 of your besties.
2. Austin Proper Hotel & Residences, Austin
Austin Proper Hotel & Residences is taking reservations now for stays in January 2020, so its opening is imminent. Local McGuire Moorman Hospitality, the team behind Jeffrey’s, Elizabeth Street Cafe, Clark’s, and other acclaimed restaurants, will operate the four dining concepts.
They include Israeli and Turkish-inspired fare on the ground floor Peacock Mediterranean Grill as well as an on-the-go version, The Mockingbird, with coffee, falafel, and rotisserie. La Piscina, the poolside restaurant, offers ceviches and sizzling fajita options, and Goldie’s will be a 30-seat sunken bar.
The 1,110 sq. ft. Proper Penthouse Suite has a private 550 sq. ft. furnished private terrace. You can connect to a Junior Suite King to expand your enclave.
Ezon says, “Kelly Wearstler brings her hot new style to this trendy city with the opening of the Austin Proper. The 244 room hotel is centrally located in the heart of downtown with a 5th-floor rooftop pool deck promising to be the hottest place to see and be seen in Austin.”
3. Kimpton Hotel Arras, Asheville
Ezon says of the Kimpton Hotel Arras, “This 128 room hotel embodies its city, infused with local art and incredible views of the Blue Ridge in the distance. It’s the ideal base for those looking to explore the newly reopened Asheville Art Museum – reason enough to visit this new southern art Mecca.”
The hotel opened a few weeks ago, and from Trip Advisor, so far it’s holding a 5-star rating. In fact, out of 39 reviews, 38 were Excellent and just one Average, a pretty impressive to get out of the blocks.
4. Hall Arts Hotel, Dallas
Hall Arts Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is set to open early December. It is set to have 19 signature suites, including the 10th floor 1,717 sq. ft. Grand Finale Suite, Conductor Suite, Showstopper Suite, and more.
Ezon says, “Set to become the new hub of the 19-block Dallas Arts District, the Hall Arts Hotel is a boutique retreat is a design-forward space with works of art from the extensive in-house collection displayed throughout its 183 rooms and public spaces.”
5. Nobu Chicago
Ezon says, “The Japanese-inspired Nobu Chicago will be set along Restaurant Row, bringing the ryokan experience to the Windy City. The new hallmark Nobu Rooftop will be a 10,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor foodie haven is scheduled to open in January 2020.”
The 1,550 sq. ft. Villa Skyline Suite features a separate living area and dining area with views of the Chicago skyline. It can be expanded to two bedrooms if you wish.
6. Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe
Ezon says, “The newest urban resort in New Mexico, Bishop’s Lodge is set in an iconic 1920’s resort set on 317 acres in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Reimagined by Auberge Resorts, Bishop’s Lodge will reopen with 120 rooms and suites, a full equestrian center and sprawling spa.” The hotel is expected to reopen in the second quarter of 2020.
7. Downtown LA Proper Hotel
Inside Downtown LA Proper Hotel you’ll find curated vintage pieces and specially designed furnishing with unique original windows overlooking the famous skyline icons. Suites are entertaining-ready, from the double-height ceilings and a vintage basketball court, to an indoor swimming pool accented by a ceramic mural by local artist Ben Medansky. There’s also 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including indoor/outdoor rooftop venues.
Ezon says, “Located in the heart of LA’s fashion district, the slick LA Proper features 148 rooms an intimate library-lounge, and a city-view rooftop pool and lounge-bar-restaurant, re-imaging the historic Broadway Corridor landmark.”
8. Four Seasons Resorts and Residences Napa Valley
Ezon says, “Located in a private vineyard, the 85-room Four Seasons promises to be one of the most exclusive options in the Napa Valley. With a full-service spa and extensive kids club, it is also the first resort in Calistoga where weddings can be held overlooking a vineyard.”
Slated to open in January 2020, the 3,395 sq. ft. Estate Villa is a free-standing single-level building, including a fireplace in the living room, media room, indoor and outdoor ding for 12 guests, and configurations from one to three bedrooms.
9. Six Senses, New York
Ezon says, “Six Senses (scheduled to open in Sept. 2020) debuts its first US property with one of New York’s most extensive wellness sanctuaries. Located in the new XI’s two unique, twisting towers designed by world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels, the Six Senses New York is just off the High Light in the heart of Chelsea.”
10. Miraval Berkshires
Take a stroll through history on the lush grounds that have housed industrialists, clergy, writers, musicians, golfers, and culture lovers in Massachusetts. The central hilltop Tudor-style Wyndhurst Mansion was built by John Sloane in 1894. The estate was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the famous landscape architect who created New York’s Central Park.
The historic 18-hole golf course combines spectacular views with challenging golf. Tree-lined fairways and naturally contoured greens have been carefully preserved since the course was built by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek in 1926.
Ezon says, “Located on 380 acres in the heart of the Berkshires, Miraval brings its formula for wellness to Lenox along with new programs and treatments that are reflective of the destination. The entire property is connected by indoor walkways, ensuring that guests can enjoy the property year-round.”
The opening is expected in May 2020.
11. 250 Fifth Avenue, New York
250 Fifth Avenue will combine the adaptive reuse of an existing six-story, 40,000 sq. ft. structure, and a ground-up development of a 23-story, 90,000 square foot newly constructed tower. The two buildings will be adjoined and will combine to encompass approximately 20,000 sq. ft of public space.
Ezon says, “This architectural darling joins the growing NoMad scene in New York. Set in the 1908 Gilded Age socialite Charlotte Goodridge’s mansion with an adjacent tower, 250 Fifth will have 182 rooms and suites, plus a 5,000 sq. ft. ballroom and spectacular duplex restaurant with original 30-foot ceilings and arches.”
