I love hotels. That wasn’t always the case, though. For the longest time, I sort of viewed hotels as merely a necessary aspect of vacationing and/or traveling. A place to keep my stuff and get some sleep whenever I was away from home, off on some adventure, or attending a meeting or a conference for work. All I really cared about was finding a decent place that was reasonably nice and comfortable in a good location at a good rate — preferably something in the $100 per night range. That was my sweet spot.

If there was a halfway decent breakfast buffet tossed in, I was in heaven. Why people would spend more money to stay in what I considered “fancy” hotels was kind of baffling to me.

But at some point along the way, a switch flipped and all of that changed. I suppose it was simply due to my evolution as a man and getting a little older and learning to have a greater appreciation for things like comfort and good service and architecture and design. These days, I just love a good hotel robe, an exceptional meal prepared by a great in-house restaurant delivered to my room via room service, interesting art arranged in interesting ways, a unique color of paint on the walls, a pleasant in-room candle, a cloud-like mattress, etc. In fact, my thinking on hotels has done a complete 180. Now, instead of traveling solely for destinations without giving much primary thought to the quality of the available accommodations, I’ll often consider traveling to a place solely because of the accommodations.

In other words, there are places now on my travel bucket list simply due to the fact that they play home to hotels that I want to visit. What’s the bar for this kind of place? My standard for what I now consider a great hotel is relatively simple and two-pronged:

1. Could I live here — in the way that so many noted artists, musicians, and writers have spent significant stretches of time living in hotels — and be happy?

2. Is this a place where I’d be perfectly content to never leave the property — the type of place that even if there are amazing things to do and see outside of its walls, I’d be fine spending all my time on the grounds?

I think my love and appreciation for this sort of property grew exponentially over the past year or so, during the COVID pandemic. Given that “things to do” options have been severely limited at times in many places, staying at a property so inviting that you don’t feel compelled to leave became even more important than it was before, in my eyes.

With that all said, there are two hotels that opened in New Orleans during the pandemic that I’ve spent time “staycationing” at that fit both of these aforementioned criteria. The Hotel Saint Vincent and The Chloe.

First, let’s talk about Hotel Saint Vincent. Hoo boy, where to even start with this one? Its history is so absurdly rich. Housed inside a building originally built in the mid-1800s that for decades served as an orphanage and “home for unwed mothers” run by Catholic nuns, Hotel Saint Vincent in recent years was one of New Orleans’ seediest (and perhaps haunted) hostels. Then, in a twist straight out of an episode of Unsolved Mysteries, the property’s owner vanished without a trace in 2015, which led to his heirs selling the property to a group fronted by famed Austin-based hotelier Liz Lambert (formerly of Bunkhouse Group, currently of MML Hospitality). Under her watchful eye, the seedy old hostel has transformed into what the Wall Street Journal accurately described as a “grand Italian resort in the heart of New Orleans.”

The 75-room property features two restaurants that are both among the top new restaurants in New Orleans (a noteworthy distinction, considering it resides in one of the world’s great food cities): The elegant San Lorenzo, which offers coastal Italian cuisine, and the more casual Elizabeth Street Cafe, a French-Vietnamese cafe and bakery. Additionally, the hotel features two bars, the stunning Paradise Lounge, and the dimly lit, intimate, guests-only Chapel Club. In its totality, the Hotel Saint Vincent is a true feast for the senses. All of them. (Side note: the Hotel Saint Vincent’s opening celebration party was fittingly headlined by the band St. Vincent.)

Now, let’s turn to The Chloe. The first hotel from restaurateur Robert LeBlanc of LeBlanc + Smith (Sylvain, Cavan, Barrel Proof, Longway Tavern, Meauxbar), The Chloe is a 14-room property housed in a Victorian-era mansion on New Orleans’ St. Charles Avenue (the city’s famed St. Charles streetcar passes right in front of the hotel) that was originally designed by local architect Thomas Sully. Many of the original design flourishes of the old building remain intact, most notably the dark woodwork, high ceilings, tile flooring, and sophisticated moldings.

When a guest checks in at The Chloe, they’re welcomed with a cocktail in one of the more gorgeous front desk/reception areas I’ve ever encountered. From there, one can take the elevator up to their room, but I highly recommend scaling the grand staircase, as it features deep red carpeting with images of alligators scrambling down them (a truly memorable signature design touch, to say the least). While each room features many wonderful touches, my personal favorites are the record players and eclectic vinyl record collection from a local record store, Peaches Records.

The Chloe’s in-house restaurant is led by executive chef Todd Pulsinelli (formerly of August and Domenica) and features modern takes on classic New Orleans dishes, while also offering one of the best burgers in the city (and perhaps the country).

Finally, a few last things that I love very much about both Hotel Saint Vincent and The Chloe: each are dog-friendly (at this point, I essentially refuse to stay in any hotel that doesn’t allow dogs on principle). No two rooms in either hotel are alike. They’re all meticulously designed and well thought out. Both hotels are located in architectural wonderland-like residential neighborhoods (the Lower Garden District and the Garden District, respectively). Both properties feature outdoor pool areas with outdoor bars perfect for lounging a boozy, sun-drenched day away. And both have striking but comfortable common areas for sitting, commiserating, and people-watching.

WHY 2021:

These are two of the finest hotels I’ve ever stayed in, and I could very easily see myself living in either, which is probably the ultimate compliment I could pay them.

In a year when comfort is on everyone’s minds, viva la hotels!

Average Room Rate, The Hotel Saint Vincent: $200/night

Average Room Rate, The Chloe: $400/night

Check New Orleans’ COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Chahta Yakni (Choctaw) and Chitimacha nations.

As soon as you pass through the front doors of the PUBLIC Hotel and you see the iconic escalators with their amber lights, you know exactly why this location has been the site of so many photoshoots. The location (just off the Bowery in New York’s Lower East Side) and the hospitality team (starring famed hotelier Ian Schrager and his protégé Ben Pundole) make for a winning combination.

PUBLIC was designed by the acclaimed Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. The result is a sleek, luxurious hotel with all of the essential modern amenities and none of the superfluous fluff. While it opened in 2017 — hyping a democratic mission of luxury for all — Schrager relaunched the property over the summer, after closing due to the pandemic. During the extended shutdown, he took time to rethink and refine his vision of what luxury means right now.

“Luxury today is about how something makes you feel,” Schrager explains. “It’s emotional and visceral, and about comfort, ease, convenience as well as being freed from distractions and hassles, allowing more free time to do the things you really care about.”

Even the approach to technology is different. Rather than having a clunky interactive display in the lobby, PUBLIC wanted the tech to feel more intuitive and efficient. A guest can now seamlessly check in and check out, without having to stop by a front desk. But while simple tasks and busy work have been streamlined, the onetime co-owner of Studio 54 hasn’t forgotten about the experiential factor of visiting a property. Recently, he tapped DJ and fashion personality May Kwok to be their Director of Culture and Entertainment to ensure that the mood is on point and the vibe is always fresh.

With the relaunch, the hotel also opened a new Peruvian restaurant concept, Popular — spearheaded by world-renowned chefs Diego Muñoz (famously of Lima’s Astrid y Gastón) and Michelin-Starred Chef John Fraser. Chef Diego leads culinary while Chef John provides a New York context and runs the front of house. The menu is refined while remaining loyal to Peruvian flavors and preparations.

WHY 2021:

There’s an energy of excitement and newness at play, thanks to the leadership of Schrager, Kwok, Muñoz, and Fraser. The June 2021 reboot was for the better and helped dial in what was working and eliminate what wasn’t. What’s left is a full-on luxury experience at a very manageable room rate.

Average Room Rate: $340/night

Check New York’s COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Munsee Lenape nation.

Miami has to be by far one of my favorite places for a weekend getaway. It’s a city filled with all things pastel, art deco, great food, and an overall great vibe. If you’re planning your next trip to Miami (or already live there and need a staycation), you need to stay at The Goodtime Hotel on Miami Beach! The Goodtime Hotel made me fall in love as soon as I saw them on Instagram. It’s the newest place to stay, eat, and visit in Miami Beach, and is owned by David Grutman and Pharrell.

Pastel meets art deco and Copacabana Vibes at The Goodtime. There’s nothing I value more in a hotel than well-designed spaces that will make you want to stay in while offering you a great time. Each space was designed for you to relax and let the chaos of everyday life melt away while enjoying an oasis in the middle of the city.

The concept behind their cozy rooms is for you to unwind, leave your bags, and enjoy the fun in the hotel’s common areas. After we left our bags, we got ready to explore the Library which was all over social media. It feels like the most iconic library in Miami and that iconic look is repeated in every common room you step into. The vibe is all Wes Anderson with a signature eclectic design with more of those soft pastels keeping you at ease.

Beyond the photogenic Library, there feels like there’s a space for everyone at The Goodtime whether you want to party or chill or something inbetween. You know you have arrived in pastel heaven when you walk by the pool and poolside bar, Strawberry Moon. The pool and bar area will transport you directly to Ibiza and will make you want to spend your entire stay lounging in style, drink in hand, before the sun drives you into the pool. On the weekends, Strawberry Moon turns into the most incredible place with amazing DJs, concerts, and parties! If you’re already in town and not staying at the hotel for some reason, you can always just drop in on the pool and bar for a party or for a small yet well-curated spread for brunch.

WHY NOW:

After over a year in lockdown, having a weekend getaway or even a local staycation will get you inspired, recharged, and ready to create new memories. Add in the inherent cool of Pharrel’s vibe all over this hotel, you know you’re going to have a truly unique and very pastel chilled-out time.

Average Room Rate: $175/night

Check Miami’s COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Seminole, Taino, and Tequesta nations.

Getaway is such an astonishingly simple concept that it’s hard to express how unique it feels in the hotel landscape. At its core, we’re just talking about a tiny house in the woods — well spaced from neighboring units — with no wifi and an optional lockbox for your phone. The US National Parks and State Parks systems have been calling those “cabins” for decades.

What’s the difference between a Getaway stay and renting a small cabin from a state or national park? Coolness, mostly. Getaway’s cabins — which are mobile and rest on trailers — feature one giant window, which allows you to watch the wilderness while sprawled out on their incredibly comfortable beds. The fixtures are midcentury modern and feel new. There’s a vibe that invites some Instagramming.

In short, these little huts are sexy.

That’s something state and national parks can’t compete with — even if the idea of venturing out into nature and turning off the concerns of the city is generally the same. Pair that energy with private fire pits and picnic areas for each cabin and a keyless entry system, and it’s no wonder that there are 16 Getaway outposts with more on the way, and weekend reservations are often full months in advance.

After all, the concept rose to prominence at a time when everyone was craving a little extra elbow room.

WHY NOW:

Escape to the woods without dealing with Airbnb hosts or the crowds of a hotel. Getaway is quiet yet engaging and adventurous yet supremely comfortable. It’s the perfect property for this current cultural moment.

Average Room Rate: $80/night

Check Big Bear’s COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Yuhaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano) nation.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s popular Loop district and walking distance from the city’s top attractions, Pendry Chicago is a re-imagination of the iconic 1920s-era Carbide & Carbon Building, a true American Art Deco landmark.

Opened in 2021, Pendry Chicago delivers 364 newly redesigned guestrooms and suites; completely renovated and reinvigorated by Studio Munge. Venteux, the hotel’s signature modern French brasserie and cafe, is run by Chicago’s youngest Michelin-starred talent, Don Young. The hotel also offers the intimate Bar Pendry with the atmosphere of a classic Chicago cocktail bar and Château Carbide, a secret, Cote d’Azur-inspired rooftop escape to the French Riviera.

On the fitness front, the property features a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, Peloton bikes, and weights. Select guestrooms feature Tonal digital training equipment, too. As with all Pendry hotels, art is a priority. The lobby and billiards room feature works from Arnout Meijer, an Amsterdam-based designer, whose work is characterized by ongoing explorations of perception, light, and the way we interpret the world around us.

WHY 2021:

Guests at this brand new property will find history and style around every corner. Plus, this is the first time ever that a rooftop in the iconic Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building has been open to the public.

Average Room Rate: $200/night

Check Chicago’s COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Peoria, Kaskaskia, Bodéwadmiakiwen (Potawatomi), and Myaamia nations.

I know how the name sounds — like a retirement home. When I first heard it, I thought the same thing. But I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I’ve been inside and out of every single hotel in town, on and off The Strip. I’ve also traveled the world as a DJ and influencer. So when I tell you this brand new mega-hotel, which just opened June 24th, 2021, is cool… you’ve got to at least hear me out.

When you go to Vegas, you want to have an experience. That’s where Resort World thrives.

Even in the globally representative Vegas food scene, their food court feels particularly eclectic. You can get soup dumplings, tapas, and tacos just a few feet from one another. The space is specifically set up to resemble SE Asian night markets. And you can tour your tastebuds in a similar way to being in an authentic night market in Laos, Thailand, or Vietnam (not all the food is SE Asian — there’s also plenty of regional fare from the US, Europe, and Mexico.)

For partiers, Resort World has an incredible day club, Ayu. The design and decoration are much more tropical — and brighter — than I’ve seen in any other Las Vegas hotel. It’s the best-designed day club I’ve been to and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them all. It’s very much like a stylized festival in the tropics somewhere.

It’s all brand new, obviously, which is really nice because … hotel pools in Vegas they just get … Look, I’m not going to spell it out for you. I’ll just say it’s really nice to have a brand new, really clean pool space. Everything feels fresh in a way that makes it easy to relax.

At night, you can obviously gamble, but Zouk is where you want to end up. It’s one of the most successful nightclubs in the world (Resort World is a chain, originally from Singapore). Tiesto and Jack Harlowe played there this month. Huge DJs are on the bill every night. Again, there’s a festival spirit to everything — from the stage setup to the light shows.

Parts of Vegas feel older, parts feel catered to parents. Resort World sounds like it would fall into those categories but everything about it feels young — from the layout to the colors to the entertainment options. Those of us who live in Vegas or are from there are hard to impress when it comes to new hotels. But I’ve DJ’d the day club a few times now and every time I do, my local friends can’t wait to get a room and stay at the hotel. That tells you everything you need to know. It’s also worth noting that Resort World follows the Hilton’s very strict and comprehensive COVID hygiene guidelines, which help assure safety while visiting, partying, or just chilling.

WHY 2021:

It’s brand new and popping. Go now and you’ll still be early enough to recommend it to friends before it even hits their radars.

Average Room Rate: $130/night

Check Las Vegas’ COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Nüwüwü (Chemehuevi) and Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) nations.

You always know what to expect when you go to an EDITION Hotel — it’s all about refined, understated luxury. Let’s not forget that amazing signature scent when you walk in the door (a collaboration with Le Labo). I literally stocked up on the stuff to burn all last year at my apartment so I could pretend I was vacationing at this exact hotel.

The West Hollywood EDITION is located on Sunset Blvd, in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, just a few blocks away from Soho House. This is the first West Coast outpost by Ian Schrager, the visionary behind some of the most recognizable hospitality brands and clubs. The property officially opened in November 2019 and had one of the most talked-about pre-launch parties in LA’s recent history, with celebrities and L.A. tastemakers showing up to marvel at the details. Then COVID hit a few short months later and not many people got to experience the hotel at all. The whole world wound down and what was supposed to be the new “it” hotel in town fell off the radar completely.

Now the West Hollywood Edition is finally back and ready to help you indulge your wildest L.A. fantasies. The property is quintessentially L.A., but without the clichés. The entrance was designed “to convey a sense of timelessness rather than a decade-defining aesthetic, creating a fine balance between old and new.” With the lofty ceiling the minimalistic design, it feels like you’re entering into a Zen sanctuary.

The absolute best part of the hotel is the indoor-outdoor rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Hollywood Hills, and the downtown L.A. skyline. There’s also an open-air rooftop pool where you can sip cocktails while watching the sun go down.

WHY 2021:

If you’re able to travel and visit Los Angeles, you must mark this on your list of hotels to visit. It’s a new property — still unseen by many — and one of the most beautiful hotels in L.A. currently. I have no doubt when everything returns to normal, this will be one of the hottest spots in town, and done in an elevated way that reveals Ian Schrager’s genius once again.

Average Room Rate: $650/night

Check Los Angeles’ COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Chumash, Tongva, and Kizh nations.

An entirely new neighborhood — stacked with flavor and packed with Indy’s creative class — recently took over the north end of the city’s Mass Ave cultural district after years of rehabbing what was once the world’s largest Coca-Cola Bottling Plant. Its anchor is the stunning Bottleworks Hotel, an epic example of art deco architecture, where no detail was overlooked — with a grand staircase resembling an old soda fountain, original terrazzo floors, and even details of fizz and bubbles evident in the tiles.

Adjacent to the hotel is The Garage, a food hall featuring a wildly diverse line-up of food vendors — from unique local ice cream to Brazilian street food classics to Pakistani offerings — with weekend DJs adding to the vibe. Dotted along the District’s brick-laid streets and underneath their web of party lights, you’ll find additional hot spots like a duckpin bowling bar, a movie theatre, a high-end spa, a yoga studio, and retail spots like Becker Supply, which plants a tree to accompany every purchase.

WHY 2021:

Indy never stops creating, even throughout a global pandemic. The surprising city keeps breathing new life into cultural corridors. The Bottleworks District is a prime example, as is The Amp artisan marketplace, part of the Innovation Tech District, which has tech startups pouring into Indy. The hot hood of Windsor Park just opened more curious adventures like a bouldering bar, a warehouse for the odd sport of fowling, a dairy-free chocolate bar, a cinema house, and more. As the city’s footprint literally expands with the birth of all these new neighborhoods just waiting to be explored, it makes for more culinary offerings, more boutique stores with interesting makers at the helm, and more cool hotels than ever before.

All just in time for Indy to celebrate its 200th birthday. And for you to visit.

Average Room Rate: $200/night

Check Indianapolis’ COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Kaskaskia, and Myaamia nations.

Those eyeing San Diego as a vacation destination are likely doing so, at least in part, because they want to spend time at the beach. But a visit to San Diego reveals that thanks to the ins and outs of private property laws and coastal preservation initiatives, many of the hotel properties from the border all the way up to OC are actually nestled a bit inland. Many of the city’s “beachy”-feeling properties don’t actually have actual beachfront.

That changes with the brand new Alila Marea Beach Resort, an oceanfront luxury hotel that opened in Leucadia, a sleepy section of beloved beach town Encinitas. Located about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, the hotel has just about everything a person could need for a full-on holiday: a world-class restaurant helmed by a famous chef, direct beach access, an oceanfront pool and hot tub, stylish digs, cutting edge architecture, and bike or walking access to Encinitas’ lively downtown, which is filled with bars, shops, and restaurants, and even more beach access. In town, you’ll also find the botanical gardens, as well as Paramahansa Yogananda’s Self Realization Fellowship, the US landing spot for the famous late yogi, who is considered to be the man who brought yoga to western practitioners.

Back to the hotel and its amenities: Vaga, the restaurant, is run by James Beard-nominated, former Top Chef contestant, and beloved San Diego-Tijuana chef Claudette Zepeda. She draws from a lifetime spent eating and cooking regional Mexican specialties remixed through her own unique POV. Her menu at Vaga feels whimsical, blending ingredients local to San Diego County with cooking techniques and influences drawn from around the globe — like the stewed clams with bagna cauda (an Italian dipping sauce). A yellowtail crudo features locally caught fish with fermented pineapple, spicy black garlic sauce, and cilantro. A tomahawk steak is served with whipped beans that taste straight out of a clay pot, rather than the more commonly seen potato side dish. A full wine list and creative cocktail menu accompany the food.

On the leisure side of things, the hotel — which features open corridors that flow into one another, connected by concrete in a hybrid modern-Brutalist fashion — sits right on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Below is exclusive stair access to South Carlsbad State Beach, as well as South Ponto Beach. The interior of the hotel is warmed by natural elements — beach wood, stone, plants, and plush-yet-minimally designed furniture make everyone feel like an influencer (if only just for a moment), occupying a coastal California dream home.

WHY 2021:

New beachfront hotels almost never come to southern California. The land is simply all snatched up. Alila Marea Beach Resort is not only beachfront, but it offers a home-away-from-home type experience at such a high level of luxury that once you arrive you’d be a fool to leave the property beyond wandering down to the sand a few times.

Average Room Rate: $900/night

Check San Diego’s COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Kumeyaay nation.

The Charter Hotel — part of the elite Curio Collection by Hilton — is in such a prime spot in Seattle that it almost feels too good to be true. The high-rise that houses the hotel is a stone’s throw from some of the city’s most iconic sights. Add in a killer rooftop bar, overly comfortable beds (Hilton always nails this), and a locally-driven food scene and you have a must-visit hotel experience awaiting you on your next trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Let’s dive in a little bit on that experience. The rooms have a vibrant-yet-homey feel that evokes what Frasier Crane’s apartment might look like if it was decked out in 2020 instead of 1990. Dark woods, dope views, and those aforementioned beds all hit just the right notes of pleasure and comfort.

The Fog Room is a hotel bar with class and style. In the hotter months, huge windows/doors open onto a terrace that overlooks the city streets, 16 floors below. The bar menu is a well-curated journey through classic cocktails with a distinctly Pacific Northwest twist. My favorite was a Take Five — Kentucky bourbon, peaty Islay whisky, coffee sugars, and walnut bitters — all working in perfect harmony. Pair that with a Dungeness crab roll (also local) and you’re set for the night. There are also whisk(e)y flights with some seriously deep cuts featuring whiskies from all around the world. If the season is right, you can pair your picks with some fresh oysters from the dining room. Trust me, you’ll want to do that.

In the end, though, it’s all about the location. The Charter is a block or two from iconic stops like the Pike Place Market, Westlake, and The Moore Theater. You won’t need to take Uber or ride the tram to get to an almost endless list of great restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. It’s all right outside the lobby’s doors.

WHY NOW:

Though this hotel opened in 2019, it still feels brand new thanks to a long break in service during 2020. I can’t overstate how conveniently located it is if you want to see all the classic Seattle sights on foot.

Average Room Rate: $175/night

Check Seattle’s COVID guidelines here.

We’d like to acknowledge and honor the original peoples of this land, the Stillaguamish, Duwamish, Muckleshoot, and Suquamish nations.