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The Great John Street Hotel was a Victorian school in another life and thankfully that character has not been lost. All five styles of rooms have original period features mixed with rich design, creating a real sense of luxury. With deep sofas and a fire burning stove, both the Oyster Bar and the Library both scream comfort and cosiness, so you might find it tough to get yourself outside, but the hotel also has a whopping great roof terrace for you to take in the city.
If you want a little old-school luxury, The Midland is the place for you. The hotel has been around for over 100 years, and has played host to all manner of rock stars and royalty…it’s even where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce. As well as the building itself being iconic, it’s got both Mr Cooper’s House & Garden and Adam Reid at The French under its roof, plus 312 bedrooms and suites, a spa and the famous Octagon lounge.
Hotel Gotham, not to be confused with the home where a retired Batman decided to spend the rest of his days, is a glorious bit of architecture set over seven floors, with some pretty special views of the city. The former bank is home to 60 rooms and is art deco all the way.. dark polished woods, luxurious leather, velvet, faux fur and geometric carpets. The in-house restaurant Honey turns out a modern menu and the top-floor Club Brass is a member’s (and guests) only Prohibition-style speakeasy. Hotel Gotham is housed in one of the city’s grandest properties and is without doubt one of the best boutique hotels in Manchester.
The Standard in Downtown LA, is the second property in The Standard Hotels family, it was originally used as the corporate headquarters of Superior Oil when it was built in 1956. Today it’s an uber cool, chic M.F that embodies everything about the sunshine state of California that you could imagine…yes this is innovative hospitality.
The 207 room hotel has a variety spaces, including two penthouses and the aptly named ‘Wow Rooms’ which is where we laid our heads. The rooms are Instagram heaven, from the giant black foot plonked on the bathroom floor to the in-room tub which could qualify as a swimming pool. There’s even a whole other room just for the shower. Decor wise it’s inspired by the 60’s and 70’s with a huge platform bed that sits next to a bright orange corner sofa – big enough to sit the entire LA Lakers. Rooms are pet friendly and have everything you could need from sweets to reading material.
Outside of the rooms the hotel has plenty to boast about too with a rooftop pool, waterbed cabanas, 24/7 restaurant, shop, photo booth, Rudy’s Barbershop and even a Ping-Pong club. The Standard, is anything but standard, so raise your game and enjoy the panoramic views of LA in one of their cool hotel rooms.
Nestled in between the NoHo Arts District, Griffith Park and the studios, The Garland is away from the madness of Hollywood but still central enough to make travelling around the city easy. With tons of outdoor space and plenty of tree cover, it definitely has that ‘urban oasis’ vibe.
The retro-inspired rooms are spacious and super comfy; the Front Yard restaurant serves up grub that showcases LA’s diverse food scene; the pool has a large sun deck and bar; and they even sell locally-sourced Cali products in their on-site store…all in all, it’s a mellow and relaxing environment. And with hotel activities happening every day of the week, from complimentary wine tastings to poolside movies to tai chi yoga, The Garland is a place to hang out as well as sleep.
If hotels aren’t your thing, there is a luxury seaside apartment on Airbnb that shows off high ceilings, white walls, exposed brick and beautiful wooden floor boards throughout…it’s pretty snazzy.
ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
Zanzibar Hotel is what Condé Nast Traveller have named as a world class boutique hotel and offer rooms from £99 per night. Their ‘no children under 5’ rule means relaxation and rejuvenation is top priority too.
Right on the edge of the Old Town you can find The Old Rectory, an eight bedroom house that has been given a WOW-over and been dolled up pretty damn nice. Amenities include WIFI, a TV and DVD player and each room has been designed individually with it’s own, unique character.
Whether you are travelling on a budget or just need somewhere to rest your head for the night, the Atlantic Surf Pods are a cheap and convenient way to visit Cornwall if you don’t fancy camping. Fitted out with everything you may need, including private bathrooms and bbqs, they are also just minutes from the beach!
Feeling rich? You could stay at Paul Ainsworth’s swish-ayy 6 suite Townhouse in Padstow that is set in an 18th century townhouse but definitely doesn’t skimp on the mod-cons, including it’s own private chauffeur driven BMW to roll around town in.
Fancy a more ‘grown-up’ trip away? The Scarlet is an adults only hotel with lots of fancy touches perfect for a romantic getaway, such as clifftop hot tubs that provide stunning views of the sea.
Cornwall has plenty of unique places to stay and if you’re Mr Big Bucks you can even rent out a WHOLE island. Trek across the 90ft suspension bridge and stay at The Island, a private house with 360 degree views from it’s lofty, isolated position.