We get the appeal of luxury here at Stash. Thick carpets, quiet corridors, full attention from expert staff …. But here’s what you’re not likely to read in Condé Nast: the secret ingredients that make our Readers’ Choice 2013 Award Winners an experience beyond traditional pampering.
Sunset Marquis, West Hollywood CA
If there was ever an “if these walls could talk” scenario, this is it. Built for rock royalty, Sunset Marquis was home to Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Debbie Harry and The Clash back in the day.
La Playa Beach & Golf Resort, Naples FL
Bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Completely private, except for passing dolphins.
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, Manitou CO
A romantic, turreted mansion … where you can sleep as the famous slept. Former guests include Charles Dickens and Buffalo Bill: stay in a suite decorated in tribute to these and other luminaries (look up from the bed in the Buffalo Bill Suite to get this incredible view.)
Hotel Teatro, Denver CO
Want to be Lauren Bacall for a few days, circa 1946, minus the smoking habit (maybe) but with all the white glove and shiny black car glamor? Get thee to Hotel Teatro, where theatrical costumes from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts are on display in the lobby.
Tower 23, Pacific Beach, San Diego CA
Sit on the hotel deck and watch the surfers coming in from their sunset sessions. Modernist architecture plus surf culture adds up to an epic stay.
Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport ME
Essentially a 5 star summer camp. Earn your “Spa” badge by climbing a tree: treatment rooms are suspended in the forest canopy and connected by catwalks.
The James Chicago, Chicago ILTwo words: artisanal bacon. Chef David Burke’s steamed buns with Five Spice Duck and Chinese Bacon are topped only by the bacon chocolate chip cookies.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Key West FLZero Duval Street is the best address in town: this resort comes with its own private pier with live music, food and drink, overlooking Mallory Square and the Gulf of Mexico.
HarbourView Inn, Charleston SC
The inn’s brick walls saw antebellum Charleston. Have breakfast on the roof with a view of the historic district.
French Quarter Inn, Charleston SC
The dizzy-making spiral staircase is the centerpiece of the elegant, French urban design.
Restoration on King, Charleston SC
Urban-chic lofts, with 19th century brick walls and knotty pine floors come with a storybook-sweet breakfast: a basket of goodies on your doorstep.
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