Kimpton Aertson Hotel, Midtown Nashville
The spacious rooms at this boutique hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows (covered with handsome darkening drapes), a basket of wellness products including a yoga mat, big closets, a cozy robe (essential) and leather stitched headboards on nicely appointed beds. Skirting the Vanderbilt University and Belmont University campuses and just near enough to Nashville’s Music Row and all the parties, the retreat is home to one of the best restaurants I’ve visited in Nashville. The Henley’s servers became friends. Not that I would have shared my meal with them (or anyone). The food was too good. Then, to just take the elevator back to my room, with a chocolate shuffle in tow? Perfection. AertsonHotel.com
The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, Palm Springs
With only 17 glamorous but welcoming and very private guest rooms, this historic inn is a slice of old Hollywood. I expected to see a celeb napping by the shady courtyard pool, settled into a sofa at the cocktail hour or perched on one of the benches overlooking the Coachella Valley, where Albert Einstein sat during one of his regular visits. Each enchanting room is different, with high-end linens, priceless antiques, delicious bath products and large bright bathrooms. Gorgeous!
TheWillowsPalmSprings.com. VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com
The Scott Resort & Spa, Scottsdale
Request a room with a balcony overlooking pool courtyard. The decor is everything that is on my Pinterest board: navy and crisp white, mid-century modern dark wood furniture with brass accessories, succulents and pillow top mattresses with feather pillows. The hotel is Havana-inspired, with swaying palms, lots of nooks throughout the large courtyard around two pools for sun bathing, sipping or napping. Classic movies are screened on the shady patio at dusk. The Scott has an extensive cocktail program, a renovated spa and lively lobby scene. TheScottResort.com
The Shinola Hotel
Hands-down, my blue ribbon winner for the coolest hotel lobby. I have a tender spot for Detroit where my grandfather and dad had businesses (property manager/entrepreneur and factory owner/inventor respectively) and grinned giddily during a recent tour of the downtown and of this stunner of a hotel right in the thick of the Motor City’s rebirth. The city-sleekness of Shinola (think chunky watches) shines strong throughout the property, from the branded autumnal throws in rooms to the rich color palate in the hallways. The lobby is a gallery of bold local and international art, snug up against one another all happy to share the two-story space and welcome guests and coffee dates. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed. Request a record player for your room. ShinolaHotel.com
Fairmont Banff Springs
I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises ever from my bed at the Fairmont, a veritable castle with winding hallways, rooms tucked away in quiet corners upstairs and a grand lobby full of international skiers or golfers, six restaurants and a spa with a mineral pool downstairs. It’s a magical fairytale kind of spot. Fairmont.com/Banff-Springs
