luxury traveller booking

• CITY GUIDES
• Four Seasons Preferred Partner (FSPP)
• Belmond Bellini Club
• Rosewood Elite
• Shangri-La Luxury Circle
• Hyatt Privé
• Hilton Impresario
• LATEST OFFERS

THE LUXURY TRAVELLER...TRAVEL IN STYLE

Luxury travel news, reviews and advice.

Trisara Phuket – Exclusive Special Offer Renewed until December 2025

AWESOME DEAL – Free Transfers and Half Board at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives!

REVIEW – Swan Hellenic Antarctica Cruise

Four Seasons Yacht now bookable!

Hotel booking.

Our clients benefit from the best available rates on hotels , in addition to added benefits on every stay. These added benefits come at no cost to you and are entirely financed by our hotel partners.

Our bookings are always made directly with hotels, via preferred channels. This means that you can still enjoy status benefits and points earning at any hotel that offers a loyalty program.

Hotel credit

Room upgrades, flexible check in/out.

Select one of the options below to begin your journey with us...

BELMOND TRAIN BOOKING

As a Belmond Bellini Club agency we are able to offer our clients the following benefits on the  Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Andean Explorer, The Royal Scotsman  and  The Eastern and Oriental Express:

VIP welcome amenity

$100 onboard credit, cabin upgrades, $500 gift voucher.

For shorter day trips on the Belmond British Pullman and The Hiram Bingham  we offer the below benefits:

$50 onboard credit

Cruise booking.

Our clients benefit from the best available rates on cruises. 

As a Virtuoso agency we offer a variety of different value added benefits which vary according to the cruise line and specific sailing.

Examples of possible benefits:

Complimentary speciality dining

Shipboard credit, first to board.

FLIGHT REVIEWS

REVIEW – Virgin Atlantic : Upper Class – B787 – London (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO)

REVIEW – Emirates : Gamechanger First Class – B777 – Dubai (DXB) to London (STN)

REVIEW – Emirates : Business Class – A380 – Johannesburg (JNB) to Dubai (DXB)

Hotel reviews.

REVIEW – Rosewood Hong Kong

REVIEW – Belmond Hiram Bingham Train (Machu Picchu)

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

FEATURED IN OUR MAGAZINE

THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION

$100 credit for plus members, sustainability pioneers, adults-only hotels, surf hotels, farm hotels are rising up, new york city.

Tablet is how you book the world’s most exciting hotels — places where you get a memorable experience, not just a room for the night. For over 20 years we've scoured the earth to find hotels that stand out for their style, service, and personality — regardless of price. And since 2018, we’re the official hotel selection of the MICHELIN Guide. If you care where you stay, you've come to the right place.

Want to know more about Tablet Hotels? Explore the frequently asked questions below:

Do I need to be a member to use Tablet?

Anyone can book on Tablet. But if you

before you book, you'll gain access to our private Insider Sale discounts. Or, sign up for a free trial of Tablet Plus and you'll receive VIP upgrades and amenities at hundreds of our top hotels, as well as additional member-only offers.

What is Tablet Plus?

Tablet Plus members receive VIP treatment at hundreds of participating Plus hotels, with perks like room upgrades, daily breakfast, late check-out, airport transfers, hotel credit, and more. When you see a Plus hotel on Tablet, you’ll see the unique member privileges they offer. Plus members also receive access to member-only deals and discounts. All for just $99 USD per year. Sign up for a free 30-day trial .

I think I need help, can you help me?

Yes we can. Our Travel Specialists are the best in the industry, available to assist with all aspects of your journey, completely free of charge. They're a well-traveled team with years of experience finding the perfect destinations and hotels, arranging special requests, dealing with hiccups and emergencies, and making sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Does Tablet offer discounts?

Every day you'll find a range of hotel deals all throughout Tablet:

• Tablet Sale : Deep discounts at the world's coolest hotels. Available daily to anyone using Tablet. No account needed.

Insider Sale : Private hotel discounts available only to Tablet account holders. Don't get left out in the cold.

and get lower prices.

• Plus Member Sale : VIP hotel discounts available only to Tablet Plus members. Start your free trial to unlock these and other Tablet Plus perks.
• Mobile Only Sale : Be rewarded for being a traveler. Get a discount on your next trip, even during your current one.
• Lucky Room : You won't know your room until check-in, but you will know you scored an extra-low price.

Are hotels featured on Tablet expensive?

Why should i book with you instead of a site like expedia or a traditional travel agent.

That's our favorite question. There are a lot of ways to book a hotel, from brick and mortar agents to big-name websites. In fact, we actually have a partnership with Booking.com. You might notice some of their rates on our site, but you’ll also notice that we do so many things they don’t. For starters:

• Curation : There are places out there that you wouldn't believe, and we help you discover them. For over 20 years we've scoured the earth to find hotels that stand out for their extraordinary style, service, and personality — regardless of price. We don’t have every hotel, we have every hotel that matters.
• Rates : We have the best rates online and discounts at hotels that never go on sale. Our team can help you locate deals and special offers and answer any questions about rate policies. And if you happen to find a lower rate elsewhere we'll match it and give you 6 months of Tablet Plus, absolutely free.
• Service : Our Travel Specialists are the best in the business. They’re a well-traveled team with years of experience recommending destinations and hotels, arranging special requests, modifying reservations, dealing with hiccups or last-minute emergencies, and making sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
• Tablet Plus : For just $99 USD/year, Tablet Plus members receive VIP treatment at hundreds of participating Plus hotels, with perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, late check-out, airport transfers, spa credit, and more. Best of all, you can use it as often as you want, for whomever you want. Start your free trial today.
• Style and Substance : The Tablet staff is diverse, dedicated, well-dressed, and always down to dance. And our website and iOS App are a joy to use. Unlike our competitors, we focus only on hotels (not rental cars and cruises and flights and hotels). From inspiration to confirmation, our passion for hotels and hospitality is clear.

What’s the deal with Booking.com?

Why don’t you always have the lowest rates, i have a special request, can you help.

And how! We've seen it all. Here are just a few special requests we've fulfilled over the years:

• “We're traveling with another couple but we DO NOT want our room to be next to theirs. You understand.”
• “This reservation is a surprise gift for my daughter, can I pay for it in advance?”
• “What kind of headboard does the bed have? I plan on using handcuffs and I need something to attach them to.”
• “We're a family of 2 adults, 4 kids, and 1 mother-in-law. Is there a hotel room that can fit us all?”
• “High floor, away from the elevator (but not too far), hypoallergenic pillows, early check-in, and late check-out. Please!“
• “Can you ask the hotel to put a picture of a llama on the bedside table?”
• “I'm allergic to perfume, can you make sure the hotel doesn't use any scented products in my room? I also hate the color red.”

Get in touch.

What if I just want to get away?

What is the relationship between tablet and michelin, what about restaurants, is there a michelin star for hotels, what are your hotels doing in response to covid-19.

The Travel Advisor—an Unsung Hero of the Pandemic—and the Key to Safe Travels in 2021 and Beyond

We're making the case to never book a luxe vacation without the help of a travel advisor again.

"Once everyone was back home, we were in total lockdown, and so we transitioned again to working with our partners as client advocates," Flowers says. "The 'client's advocate' was the phrase that encapsulated the first few months of the year for us as we pivoted and postponed trips, dealt with refunds, and worked through technicalities in terms and conditions for them. If you hired an advisor, you didn't have to deal with any of that."

Though the role of the transactional travel agent is nearly all but defunct, the luxury travel advisor is more in-demand than ever before. Flowers says her team is not only buzzing with new bookings into 2022, which is anticipated to sell out faster than ever before, but also with first-time clients who don't want to make the mistake of traveling during this era without the peace of mind a seasoned travel advisor brings, whether they learned that first-hand or not.

Why You Should Consider Working with a Travel Agent

"We've been working in this climate for 16 months now and know exactly who and where is performing and who isn't," says Flowers. "Fine wine is the closest association I can make here. When it comes to travel right now, it's like someone picking up a 100-page book by a sommelier when you really need someone to cut through the clutter and select the best vintage for your meal. That's what we are constantly doing: listening to clients to understand the expectations they have for the experience they want while helping them find a possible match, all the while helping them manage their expectations during these times."

Flowers says the greatest benefit to working with a travel advisor is the relationship they have with partners, properties, and hoteliers across the globe. And not only that, they often have relationships with locals who offer unique experiences that you won't be able to find online.

Erik Ornitz, the general manager for new ventures at TripAdvisor agrees, which is why his team has recently launched Reco , a digital travel advisory platform that connects travelers with a highly curated selection of "trip designers" based on their expertise of specific destinations. Ornitz says working with a travel advisor offers access to experiences that you simply can't get anywhere else. One of Reco's trip designers, for example, specializes in wine travel across Portugal and Spain, and those who book with him will arrive at these vineyards as his friend and are offered intimate, special experiences that they would have never been able to have if they hadn't worked with a specialist in this area.

"TripAdvisor is the most-visited travel site in the world, and with that, we get a lot of insights and data, as well as get to talk to the travelers themselves," says Ornitz. While TripAdvisor helped introduce the capability of DIY travel, his team has noticed over the last few years that people are really wanting to work with someone for specific vacations, like honeymoons or two-week explorations through Asia or Europe, which his team calls "highly considered trips."

"We really started to research the concierge travel space, and it made a lot of sense with many of the other consumer trends going on out there like personal trainers, subscription services, and home management concierge, like Hello Alfred."

From there, Ornitz's team spent countless hours curating a pool of 300 "trip designers" who they considered to be deep specialists in specific destinations. These advisors list their top three or four specialities on a Reco profile, particularly if they lived there at some point or have visited dozens of times. Travelers looking for a travel advisor through Reco, answer a few important questions about where they want to go, the type of traveler they are, among other things, and will then be paired with several options to select the perfect trip designer for a specific vacation.

"People highly value their vacations and travel in general—research shows that," says Orntiz. "Then you add a layer of willingness to venture further out, make the trip experiential, and that's when it gets exciting and really matters."

While spending hours researching various locations can help you make good decisions on where to go and what to do, working with a travel advisor, especially in the luxury space, is all about making the absolute best decision for a one-of-a-kind vacation you'll never forget. Flowers and Ornitz both say people are craving trips with their loved ones, who they may not have seen (or seen much of) in more than a year, and they want their family vacations to be extra-special.

"Folks are looking for ways to get the most from their vacations, and with so many options and information out there, it can be overwhelming to choose, especially for far-off destinations," says Ornitz. "Our trip designers offer their personal expertise of having actually been there and really knowing these different hotels to help you decide the best for you. There may be a dozen luxury resorts lined up on the same beach, but the right trip designer knows how much you love golf and that Rosewood's golf program is the best in the area, so that will be the best fit."

Flowers says another crucial benefit of working with a travel agent—especially for travel into 2022—is that through their own partners on the ground, they know which areas, hotels, and other offerings are and aren't performing well.

"What we initially saw from many partners around the world when Covid-19 hit was this emphasis on sanitation and cleanliness, but that's not why people were wanting to travel," she says. "The desire for travel was to be remote, to have privacy with loved ones, to escape into beauty and nature, and that is only going to be accomplished when you're in places that deliver all of those experiences to meet these desires." Flowers cites Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts , Oetker Collection , and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts as some of the major luxury resort chains that have gone above and beyond to deliver not only a safe experience while traveling, but are still focused on creating these ultra-high-end, luxurious stays for people seeking to unwind and rejuvenate. Flowers also says that places with excellent villa or residence properties as part of their repertoire have really thrived during this time, winning people back to travel again, be it domestic or international.

The Future of Travel Advisory is Bright

Flowers has full confidence that travel advisors will remain in high demand, as more people are desperate than ever to travel yet are fearful of the unknown in terms of the pandemic and Covid-19 restrictions. She's also betting on the power of word-of-mouth advertising to keep luxury travel firms as busy as ever into 2022 and beyond.

"When a person is at a cocktail party with friends and hears how someone had this fabulous experience with a vacation during Covid, that will be a real feather in people's caps," Flowers says. "There's such a pent-up demand for top-level properties, and it's important to have someone who understands which ones are truly the best and know the things that can't be Googled. The world is becoming more and more experiential, and people want to spend more time together with loved ones. The advisor community is just going to continue to grow. We actually need more of us!"

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

Rare Vintage Photos of NYC’s Iconic Central Park

How to Celebrate the Spring Equinox in Japan

17 of the Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands

The 28 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

The Best Luggage Brands for International Travel

The World's Best Castle Hotels

The Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

The 16 Best East Coast Beaches in the U.S.

These Are the 15 Best Places to Travel in June

The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Pieces of 2024

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend on 30A

• Virtuoso Hotels
• Four Seasons Preferred Hotels
• Belmond Bellini Club Hotels
• Rosewood Elite Hotels
• Mandarin Oriental FAN Club Hotels
• Marriott-Stars-Luminous Hotels
• Hyatt Prive Hotels
• Shangri La Luxury Circle Hotels
• Jumeirah Passport to Luxury Hotels
• SLH withIN Hotels
• Waldorf Impresario Hotels
• Preferred Platinum Hotels
• Forbes Travel Guide Star Rated Hotels
• Classic Travel Hotels
• Relais & Châteaux Preferred PP Hotels
• Leading Hotels Leaders Club Hotels
• World's Best Safari
• Private Jet World Tour

Vietnam & Cambodia

• North Island, N.Z.
• Turkish Delight

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands

Male, Maldives Embrace Island Life

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Surfside Florida

Virtuoso best bar award.

Surfside, Florida, United States Largest Selection of Champagnes in Miami

Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

New maldives landaa giraavaru water villas.

Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives Luxury Overwater Bungalows

Baccarat Hotel New York

New york's most glamorous salon.

New York, New York, United States Across the street from The Museum of Modern Art

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

Hanoi's premier address.

Hanoi, Viet Nam La Terrasse Du Metropole Bar

The New York EDITION

Gold bar, the new york edition.

New York, New York, United States Virtuoso Best Bar

Most intimate luxury hotel on upper east side

New York, New York, United States Lobby at The Lowell

The Peninsula Paris

A six year restoration worth the wait.

Paris, France New Inspiration in the City of Light

Search hotels

Enter hotel name, brand, city, country, etc

Travel dates

Adults per room, search destinations.

• Golf Resorts
• Desert Hotels
• Beach Hotels
• Countryside Hotels
• Fishing Hotels

Become a member

Best rates in the best hotels in the world.

Special offers

Travel smart with our exclusive offers, discounts, and limited packages.

Virtuoso 3rd Night Free

Valid for Travel Now Through 30 Apr 2023 (subject to availability)

Corinthia London

London, United Kingdom

Experience More

Now - Dec 31, 2023 (subject to availability)

Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

Maui, Hawaii, United States

Virtuoso Stay Four Longer 4th Night Free

Valid for Travel Now Through 30 Apr 2024 (subject to availability)

The Maybourne Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, California, United States

Specialty Travel

Gay History Tour

Oscar Wilde Tours explores the Gay history of Dublin, London & Paris led by one of Harvard University's most beloved professors.

• Maximum 18 persons
• Private guide
• Deluxe hotels
• Visit sites closed to public
• Special speakers & events
• Superb dining throughout

Around the World on a Private Jet

Touring around the world aboard a luxury private jet is the ultimate stress free and relaxed way to travel. All details are taken care so you can enjoy every moment of this fantastic journey.

• Touring in groups of 12 - 15
• First Class Cuisine Onboard
• Luxury Hotels and Deluxe Rooms
• All Gratuities included
• Deluxe Touring Vehicles
• Entertainment & Gala Evenings

New Zealand

This one of a kind exclusive travel experience focuses on New Zealand's North Island which enjoys a subtropical climate and a diverse spectacular landscape.

• Full Day Private Helicopter Tour
• Spa Treatment On First Day
• All Other Private Tours As Noted
• All Meals Included
• Pre-Dinner Cocktails
• All Private Transfers

Honeymoon Specialist

Classic Travel now provides a honeymoon specialist to work directly with couples in order to create their ideal honeymoon.The wedding planning is difficult enough – leave the honeymoon to us!

• Your Own Honeymoon Specialist
• Personalized Extras
• Upgrades, Breakfast, Spa Credits
• Luxury Accommodation
• Matching Your Personality
• Unique & Romantic Destinations

This trip will lead you through the lush landscapes and sleek cities of Vietnam and Cambodia, and there’s really no time like the present to experience such an amazing trip. The beauty of both...

• Visit World Famous Angkor Wat
• Experience Pristine Beaches
• Luxury Accommodations
• Hanoi's French Influence
• Cambodia's Lush Vegatation
• Exotic Vietnamese Cuisine

Defining travel style

Classic Travel Service is a luxury travel agency in New York City that is a proud member of the Virtuoso network. The combination of being located in New York City since 1982 and Virtuoso affiliation guarantees our global connections with the best hotels, cruise lines and tour companies. Our client base is diversified; arranging travel for some of the most recognizable names in art, fashion and finance.

Classic Travel Service through classictravel.com offers the ability for our members to book our hand-picked luxury hotels online, many of which include exclusive Virtuoso offers and amenities only available to Virtuoso affiliated travel agencies and not available on your own. Depending on your rate and hotel choice, you may choose to pre-pay for special restricted rates or book a flexible rate that allows billing only at check-out. Register now to become a member and easily manage your hotel bookings and at the the same time have access to an experienced travel advisor. Contact us directly or email us .

We are defining Travel Style!

Classic Travel Service

• Corporate Travel
• Affiliate Program
• Security and Privacy
• Terms and Conditions
• Preferred Partners

Copyright © 2024 Classic Travel Service, Inc. All rights reserved

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Luxury Travel
• Lost Cultures: Living Legacies
• America's Favorite Places
• Attractions
• Better Together
• Destination Videos
• Holiday Travel
• Intelligent Traveler
• Let's Go Together
• Adventure Travel
• All-Inclusive Vacations
• Backpacking Trips
• Beach Vacations
• Budget Travel
• Bus and Train Travel
• Business Travel
• City Vacations
• Country Trips
• Culinary Vacations
• Destination Weddings
• Disney Vacations
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Get Outside
• Global Hot Spots
• Golf Vacations
• Green Travel
• Group Travel
• Honeymoon Destinations
• Island Vacations
• LGBT Travel
• National Parks
• Nature Travel
• New World Wonders
• Romantic Getaways
• Senior Travel
• Solo Travel
• Spa Vacations
• Space Travel + Astronomy
• Spring Vacations
• Summer Vacations
• Volunteer + Charity
• Walking Tours
• Winter Vacations
• Yoga + Wellness
• Weekend Getaways
• Like a Local

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Costa Palmas
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

From Booking Safaris to Planning Global Vacations, Here Are the 10 Best Travel Specialists

After a year off-grid, our winning specialists are providing customized experiences from jet travel to road trips., the editors, the editors's most recent stories.

• The 7 Best Comforters for Hot Sleepers, Style Snobs, and Everyone in Between
• Robb Report Gift Guides: 500+ Luxury Gifts for the Holiday Season
• The Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals to Shop This Year
• Share This Article

Travel specialists have never been more essential than they are right now, with their invaluable ability to pivot, re-book and offer advice. We picked 10 standouts in the luxury field from across the world, a directory of those who embody that above-and-beyond spirit essential in the past year.

Christoper Sitwell, Cazenove + Loyd

Wilmot-Sitwell has been working in travel for more than three decades. The co-owner of a 16-person London-based agency specializes in long-haul luxury, often to far-flung sites in rural Africa and Asia. The team there spent much of 2020 canceling or postponing trips—most recently, unpicking rescheduled itineraries to the Tokyo Olympics when a ban on foreign spectators was announced.

The firm anticipated today’s conscious-travel concerns from the outset, always focusing on owner-run and locally staffed independent operations, such as preservation outfit Campfire in Zimbabwe. Cazenove + Loyd also offsets the entire carbon cost of its research recces via a partnership with CommuniTree , a 12-square-mile tropical reforestation project in Nicaragua. Clients can easily opt into this, too; anyone whose itinerary swoops through the country can visit the project and personally plant the trees.

Learn More: Here

Tanya Dalton, Managing Director UK, Greaves

Dalton leads the UK office of this India specialist outfitter, which was founded by her Mumbai-born grandfather in 1978 and later run by her mother. With generations’ worth of in-depth experience and exclusive connections at her fingertips, she arranges custom trips as luxe as they are immersive. Depending on their interests, travelers may find themselves granted entrée to private palaces, sacred religious sites and landmarked government buildings; meeting with celebrated curators, authors, artisans, jewelers, chefs or astrologers; or exploring desert wilds while staying at plush mobile camps.

Dalton’s team—45 in Delhi and Mumbai, and 15 in the UK—helped extract some 40 clients from India at the start of the pandemic, as borders closed. Now she’s helping guests plan their return. On her radar currently are safaris to spot India’s rising tiger population, top-end hotel openings in Rajasthan and a new single-suite wooden boat that’s perfect for privately cruising the Ganges, Bhagirathi and Hooghly Rivers.

Jules Maury, Scott Dunn Private

Maury runs this offshoot of the UK-based travel firm, focused entirely on bespoke itineraries. Much of her work during the pandemic involved extended stays for home-schooling families who were looking to live and work in a new locale, whether spending two and a half months at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives or a month in residence at Antigua’s Jumby Bay. Another guest commandeered the five-room Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, an ultra-secluded property accessible only by a 45-minute helicopter ride.

The SDP team follows multiple pro-social protocols when it travels and encourages clients to follow suit, including the Pack for a Purpose program, in which visitors pack requested supplies in their luggage for distribution at the destination. It’s laser-focused on ethical practices, too. Animal welfare is a priority, so providers that offer bullfighting or elephant riding are not used, and there’s a pledge that 90 percent of all operators will not provide single-use plastics to guests by the end of 2023.

Deborah Calmeyer, Roar Africa

The Zimbabwe-born Calmeyer has carved out a discrete niche as the ultimate elite safari planner, with the ability to pull off near-impossible requests, even during the pandemic. Rwanda’s government requires a negative PCR Covid-19 test for visitors, but offers only the throat-swab version at Kigali airport—a problem for one Roar Africa client, desperate to go gorilla-trekking but phobic about anything touching his throat. Calmeyer set up a protocol change, arranging for a nose swab to be administered instead.

She has offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town, with the HQ in New York, and Roar Africa continued to pay drivers, freelance guides and its staff even during lockdown, as governmental support in situ was scant. Roar Africa supports several social programs, including an all-women anti-poaching academy in Kenya, which has so far graduated almost 30 fully trained rangers, and underwrites a scholarship at a college of tourism in South Africa that trains women to work at local hotels and lodges.

Catherine Heald, Remote Lands

Remote Lands’ expertise centers entirely on planning ultra-luxury trips for Americans to Asia, with offices in New York and Bangkok, plus country managers in every locale.

Heald and business partner Jay Tindall try to ensure a positive impression both for their guests and by them, encouraging clients, for example, to fund the digging of a water well for a local family whenever Siem Reap in Cambodia forms part of the itinerary. Conscious of the higher carbon footprint of itineraries that span the continent, the pair deliberately minimize the number of flights, private or commercial.

Last year, a Texas couple who were planning to go solo to Asia to celebrate both his 70th birthday and their 40th wedding anniversary had to postpone, and instead Heald helped them turn their three-week, four-country trip into a reunion with their grandchildren, whom they plan to take along this November.

Beks Ndlovu, Founder of African Bush Camps

Ndlovu has maintained momentum, despite the safari industry’s devastating year. The operator and hotelier kept his entire 600-person staff employed while also unveiling Khwai Leadwood, a new high-design lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It’s the latest in his eco-conscious properties; he has rolled out 16 of them in 15 years across three countries, a remarkable achievement. Each has a light footprint, via solar farms and water recycling, while also offering direct support to surrounding communities via the company’s ABC Foundation.

Even amid the logistical and medical constraints of the past year, Ndlovu seamlessly pulled off a recent journey for 14 people to Zimbabwe via private plane. “There was a lot of juggling, but it was well worth it,” says Ndlovu, who advocates for guests to spend their tourism dollars with brands that preserve wilderness areas and empower minorities and locals. “We continue to make the effort in identifying key talent that we can support and help rise to the surface.”

Cedric Reversade, Unique Properties & Events

Luxury travel was already tilting toward villa rentals before the pandemic made the idea of privacy, and self-containment, even more appealing. The London- and Paris-based Reversade and business partner Koskas offer discreet access to the world’s best rental homes in hot spots like Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and Capri while also acting as a travel concierge.

Take the California client who had bought a piano nobile on the Grand Canal in Venice, just before the first lockdown—and for whom they managed to secure a visa even when borders were shut. They also arranged excursions in the city, like a day on Burano with the glassblowers and a night visit to San Marco. Or the polo-loving English client who ditched her Chelsea townhouse for a seafront estate in Ibiza they’d wrangled on her behalf as lockdowns loomed; she then took trips around Spain, including lunching with a retired rejoneador from whom she bought two horses to ride at her country estate.

Cari Gray, Gray & Co.

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., Canadian expat Gray runs a lean team of about 10 with a particular expertise in active luxury. Take the trip to Argentina and Uruguay which shuttled her guests between cycling spots by private jet. It was due to start just as Argentina shuttered its borders last March, so Gray’s team pivoted, re-booking the group on a similar itinerary in California within 24 hours.

She’s determined that the lavish sums spent by clients truly uplift every destination, especially in developing areas. One pair of travelers sponsored GPS collars on a research project for rescued elephants at a local animal reserve in Namibia and witnessed the process firsthand. And an always recommended pit stop in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco is one of the late Eve Branson’s projects, which employs local women making crafts. It isn’t all do-gooding, though: Gray is renowned for arranging Michelin-caliber chefs to cater alfresco at the end of a day’s hiking.

James Jayasundera, Ampersand Travel

Sri Lanka is one of the rare destinations in Asia that have managed to create a program that allows visitors to experience the country during the pandemic, and no one is a better expert to help navigate an itinerary in that new normal than Rome-raised Jayasundera and his five-person, almost two-decade-old firm. Visitors can stay in designated hotels, he explains, and even go sightseeing, as long as they remain in “bio bubbles” to protect the local populace from imported infection.

Jayasundera started early, noting the preferences of each of his 12-strong family as they traveled constantly in his childhood, and has made such attention to detail a hallmark of his commercial operation. Inclusivity is a longtime passion, with a strong presence in the LGBTQ community among both staff and clients, and efforts to use female guides where possible to offset challenges around equality.

Mark Duguid, Carrier

The 60-person, Manchester-based Carrier plans less than 5,000 trips per year, allowing it to retain a reputation for flexibility. It’s willing to change itineraries within hours of departure and never charging amending fees. Duguid and his team were well placed, then, for the challenges of last year: See the couple from the UK who seized the chance to travel when permitted during a break in lockdowns, heading impromptu to the Maldives as an add-on to a last-minute visit to Dubai. Carrier recognized the appeal of the outdoors for travelers in the last year, too, and created an exclusive trip to Octola in Finland’s Arctic Circle, a five-star private wilderness reserve where local guides hosted open-fire lunches and ran excursions on husky sleds and snowmobiles.

Duguid reports a surge in so-called revenge spending, noting that the average booking value for 2021 has risen 90 percent year over year, with clients indulging in once-in-a-lifetime trips after lockdown restrictions loosen.

Learn More:

Read More On:

• Luxury Retreats
• United Kingdom

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Best of the Best

The 17 Best Wines of the Year, From Champagne to Burgundy

The Best in Gear, From a Casio Smartwatch to Jetson’s Innovative Personal eVTOL

More from our brands, fashion industry reacts to roberto cavalli’s death, coyotes’ name, logo to remain in phoenix while team relocates, shakira joins bizarrap for surprise coachella performance, announces tour for late 2024, artists rejected from polish pavilion to stage independent show in venice, the best running water bottles according to marathoners.

For the full functionality of this site, javascript must be enabled.

Instructions for enabling javascript can be found here .

Get started

Open the door to our private Collection of incredible, spacious homes in highly sought-after destinations.

Already signed up? Sign In

We use your information to personalize your experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to Inspirato’s Privacy Policy .

Luxe Digital

Conscious, elevated living.

• Men's style
• Women's style
• Stricking superlatives
• Advertising

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Receive our finest finds, exclusive deals, and luxury news to stay in the know.

The Digital Journey Of The Affluent Luxury Traveller

There are four critical moments when luxury travel brands need to engage their affluent travellers online.

by Florine Eppe Beauloye Updated on November 23, 2022

At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you .

The Opportunity

• Most affluent travelers research, plan, and book their trips online. The online customer journey offers luxury travel brands new opportunities to engage their consumers across devices and channels.
• Digital inspires affluent tourists to explore new locations and experience different types of vacations.
• The demand from affluent Millennial travelers for personalized and authentic experiences creates new venues of growth for the high-end luxury travel industry.

The Problem

• The once linear travel customer journey is being replaced by intent-driven micro-moments, resulting in a complex booking process.
• Affluent travelers expect more out of their trips: they want stories of unique experiences and envy-inducing sharable photos of their trip. Real-time interactions such as location check-ins and status updates require luxury travel brands to leverage social media channels in innovative new ways.
• Millennial travelers prefer to plan and book their vacations online, increasingly using their mobile devices. They want personalized content that is relevant to their preferences, but luxury travel brands are struggling to keep up.

The Solution

• To reach and influence travelers, luxury travel brands must take an omnichannel approach to customer experience and provide relevant content throughout the travel journey online.
• Social media and user-generated content are an essential part of marketing to the modern affluent travelers. By leveraging the millions of authentic travel photos and stories that people post online every day, luxury travel brands can create engaging digital experiences that move travelers along the path to purchase.

We’ve previously explored in detail the digital transformation of the luxury retail industry . Today, we are looking at another industry that is being heavily reshaped by digital: luxury travel and hospitality.

This report explores how digital and new technologies are redefining the travel and hospitality industry across the entire travel journey. Social media and mobile, in particular, are profoundly influencing the purchase decisions of modern affluent travelers. High-end travel brands and luxury hotels need to understand how these new developments are shaping their consumers’ decision process.

Taking inspiration from a study by Google on consumers’ online behaviors in the travel and hospitality industry, we will organize this report into four essential phases. [1] It is critical for luxury travel brands to be present throughout each of these four phases if they want to positively influence their customers’ decisions .

There are four essential travel phases that matter in the customer journey:

• Dreaming phase: I-want-to-get-away moments
• Planning phase: Time-to-make-a-plan moments
• Booking phase: Let’s-book-it moments
• Experiencing and sharing phase: Can’t-wait-to-explore moments

We will explore in greater detail each of these four critical phases to discover how luxury travel and hospitality brands can influence their customers’ decisions. We will then take a closer look at the growing importance of mobile experiences throughout the travel experience journey before concluding this report with specific recommendations for luxury brands.

1. Dreaming phase: Digital inspires affluent travelers to explore new destinations and discover new travel experiences

If you’ve ever spent hours scrolling through the feeds of your favorite travel influencers on Instagram or other online platforms, you’re not alone. There are over 287 million posts on Instagram alone using the hashtag #travel, which underlines the popularity of the topic on social media.

The Internet, online visual content, and social media, in particular, provide a seemingly infinite source of picture-perfect snaps of the world’s most desirable travel hotspots and are influencing how people dream about their next holiday destination.

The experience that a travel brand can provide online, before travelers even decide where they will be going, is thus crucial.

Social media has become an essential resource for travel seekers. As a result, high-end travel brands and luxury hotels have increased their social media budgets, both in the form of content marketing and paid advertising.

The sheer amount of travel-related content that is now available to holiday seekers online is staggering. The challenge for marketers is, therefore, to break through the clutter and engage with their most relevant target audience.

Social content influences consumers’ travel decisions more than traditional advertising. During the initial dreaming phase of the journey, holiday seekers turn to social media to find inspiration for their next travel destinations and compare options from a variety of online sources.

Over 40% of travellers say they bounce back and forth between dreaming about and planning their next trip—zooming in on the details for one destination and then zooming out to reconsider all the options again. Think with Google

On average, 43 days will pass between the decision to travel and the decision on where to go, according to the head of travel at Facebook, Christine Warner. These 43 days will be spent scrolling through social media feeds and reading recommendations from friends and trusted influencers. Travel website Expedia found indeed that over half of travelers are open to help and ideas on destinations. This is particularly true for Chinese travelers, of which 82% will seek recommendations from other people online. They are followed closely behind by American travelers (72%).

Furthermore, a study by ComScore found that 73% of first travel searches worldwide had no mention of a brand or destination. [2] Travelers are thus actively looking online for ideas and suggestions on where to go for their vacations.

That indecision presents a significant opportunity for luxury travel and hospitality brands to inspire affluent travelers with quality destination content . At this early stage in the travel journey, travel seekers want brands to provide content to help narrow down their choices.

Instagram is one of the most popular places to fuel your wanderlust, especially since “Instagrammability” is now an important factor in choosing a holiday destination. A study from Hotels.com revealed a new trend of ‘travel bragging’ on social media among Millennials . [3] One in eight Millennials admits to picking their next destination and hotel based on how Instagrammable it is.

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is the world’s most Instagrammed hotel

Instagram’s 2017 Year In Review revealed the most popular hotels in the world and the most shared moments across the #travel world.

Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands (MBS) topped the list for the world’s most Instagrammed hotel; a recognition that they prominently communicate on their Instagram account.

One of the definitive icons of Singapore’s skyline, Marina Bay Sands is home to a breathtaking infinity pool at 57 storeys high overlooking Singapore’s Central Business District which makes for the perfect backdrop for social media posts — #nofilter needed. Over a million photos have been posted to Instagram from the SkyPark by guests, celebrities, media and influencers alike.

A selfie from the MBS’s poolside is a “bucket list” item for affluent Chinese visitors to Singapore. Read our report on how luxury brands attract the affluent Chinese tourists to understand the travel habits of these high spenders.

The top 10 most Instagrammed hotels in the world:

• Marina Bay Sands (Singapore)
• Bellagio (Las Vegas, USA)
• The Venetian (Las Vegas, USA)
• Atlantis The Palm (Dubai, UAE)
• MGM Grand (Las Vegas, USA)
• The Cosmopolitan (Las Vegas, USA)
• Wynn (Las Vegas, USA)
• Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, USA)
• Fontainebleau (Miami Beach, USA)
• Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, USA)

2. Planning phase: Digital eases travel planning, and mobile boosts planning activities on the go

Beyond providing travel inspiration, online resources play a strategic role in trip planning, most notably with younger affluent generations. This trend hints at the increased role social media will play as a travel planning tool for wealthy Generation Z travelers.

During the planning phase, travel planners compare pricing and read reviews and recommendations to decide where to stay and which activities to do. They will often seek validation of their choices across various social media platforms and online communities.

Research conducted by Nielsen for Google found that travelers spent an average of 53 days visiting 28 different websites to plan their vacations. [4] More than 50% of them will heavily use social media during that travel planning phase.

Interestingly, digital has also led to travelers increasingly making last-minute plans from their mobile phones. Travel-related searches for “tonight” and “today” among hotel and air queries have grown drastically on mobile between 2014 and 2017. [5]

In the planning phase, OTAs and search engines are the most used resources, with 51% of all global travelers using them regularly to find travel information and compare prices. Hotels and airlines websites, on the other hand, are only used by 30% of travelers planning their trips, according to Expedia Media Solutions.

Travel review sites are also key resources used for planning trips. According to Huffington Post, over 95% of leisure travelers read at least seven reviews before booking their holidays. [6]

It is important to note that many travel review sites contain user-generated content (UGC), often seen as more authentic by readers. It is thus essential for high-end travel companies and luxury brands to promote positive UGC and proactively manage negative reviews.

Bringing social media and online UGC to the physical world

In October 2017, Scotland’s National Tourism Board brought social media and UGC to the offline world with the launch of the #ScotSpirit Instagram Travel Agency.

The temporary, pop-up travel agency displayed floor-to-ceiling digital screens showcasing real travelers’ Instagram photos from across Scotland to inspire potential travelers. A travel agent then uses the selected images to curate the perfect Scottish holiday itinerary.

3. Booking phase: Travellers expect a seamless and frictionless booking process across devices

Affluent travelers expect to be able to instantly book their flights and hotels on the device that they want at the very moment they need it. As a result, a consistent user experience across all devices is essential for luxury travel booking.

A Google study found that price, but also the search functionality and easiness of the booking process are key features that will impact the booking of a travel experience. When it comes to mobile bookings in particular, travelers expect simple checkouts with a single-screen experience, large text entry boxes, and a secure online payment gateway.

While desktop remains the primary booking platform for most travelers, 80% of the last-minute hotel bookings are now made on mobile devices. [7]

Younger generations are also driving mobile bookings. Google found that two-thirds of Millennial travelers are comfortable booking an entire trip on a smartphone, compared to only one-third of the older generation travelers. Social media is also starting to play a critical role in the booking process. In May 2018, Instagram announced new action buttons on business profiles that allow users to “book,” “get tickets,” “reserve,” or “start order”—all within the app. [8]

4. Experiencing and sharing phase: Seamless and shareable experiences are must-have amenities for affluent travelers

Mobile and social media enable luxury travel and hospitality marketers to engage with their guests in real-time and on-property in new innovative ways.

Once guests check in their flights or arrive at their destination, they would often post photos online and share travel experiences with family, friends, and followers on social media. Expedia found indeed that the average vacationer spends nine hours of a one-week-long trip browsing social media.

This is another critical opportunity for luxury brands to reach and interact with their affluent customers. Big data , in particular, can provide the necessary tools for marketers to engage in a meaningful and personalized way with their most valuable guests.

We need to be operating at the level of Google. Joe Leader, chief executive of the Airline Passenger Experience Association

“ For every passenger, we know every detail that serves as a marketing treasure trove of personalization, ” explained Joe Leader, chief executive of the Airline Passenger Experience Association, in a report ahead of this year’s Aviation Festival. “ We have full names, addresses, exact birthdays, seat assignments, credit cards, and everything that should make personalization easy. [9] ”

Delta Airlines, for example, is asking its flight attendants to engage in every flight with at least five passengers who are members of their SkyMiles loyalty program.

“ You want to feel valued, ” said Allison Ausband, Senior Vice-President of in-flight service to the Financial Times. [9] “ We are getting thank-you notes from customers for acknowledging them on the airplane. Whether apologizing for delays or acknowledging their [loyalty program] status, we make them feel that they are that valued customer. ”

A great example of the extra mile the Delta flight attendants are ready to go to delight their passengers took place last year when a passenger who was flying to an interview spilled a drink on himself. The airline informed their ground staff before landing and had a new clean shirt waiting for the passenger after he landed.

W Hotel: the impact of user-generated content

User-generated content (UGC) from guests isn’t just a source of travel inspiration. Luxury travel brands are now leveraging this organic and authentic social content to fuel every stage of the traveller’s path to purchase.

W Hotel Sentosa is a particularly great example of a luxury hotel that is successfully leveraging UGC. The very same day I posted about my time at W Singapore on my Instagram account, someone from their social media team proactively engaged with me, asking permission to repost my photos on their official social media accounts.

Mobile is the essential travel partner before and during a luxury travel experience

More than ever before, travelers increasingly rely on their smartphones for travel-related activities throughout the entire travel journey – younger generations even more so. In fact, Generation Z tourists are four times more likely to use a smartphone for inspiration, research, or booking travel than baby boomers, according to Expedia.

With mobile devices poised to account for 79% of all internet users in 2018 globally, [10] a mobile-first strategy is becoming a requirement for all luxury travel brands.

There is a significant opportunity for travel and hospitality marketers to influence travel-related decisions on mobile — by focusing their attention on mobile-friendly services, ranking in search results to answer travel queries, and being present during all the key travel micro-moments.

Before the trip: Mobile as an insightful travel guide

There are already more searches on mobile than desktop for travel categories such as family vacations and luxury travel.

Recent Google data have shown that in certain countries, half of all consumers are comfortable researching, booking, and planning an entire travel experience on a mobile device. [11]

During the trip: Mobile as an instantly responsive 24/7 travel concierge

Mobile devices give travelers increased flexibility to plan vacation activities on the go, while in destination. Mobile devices have become indispensable travel companions for modern affluent travelers, from managing itineraries to checking in and looking for what to do and where to eat.

Conrad Hotels: Instagram Butlers and picture-perfect luxury travel moments

The luxury resort The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort introduced in October 2017 their Instagram butlers described as “knowledgeable team members helping guests to discover the most picturesque locations”.

The dedicated Instagram Butlers bring guests on their #InstaTrail to the most Insta-worthy spots, including of course the famous (and highly photogenic) all-glass underwater restaurant Ithaa.

The Instagram Butlers also teach guests how to perfect that dream shot by offering advice such as the optimum time of day (including, obviously, the “golden hour” right after sunrise or before sunset) and the best camera angles to use.

The luxury resort also offers 1, 3, and 5-hour curated experiences through its global ‘Stay Inspired’ programme. This initiative “overhauls the way the brand trains its team members as storytellers of their destinations”.

Conrad hotels even have a Social Media Influencer Request form on their website, where digital influencers can submit their information and receive accommodation incentives.

Travelers expect seamless and instantaneous mobile experiences before, during, and after their travel. Indeed, when it comes to mobile experiences, speed matters. In fact, over 90% of travelers using mobile devices will switch to another site or app if their needs are not being met fast enough.

The travel sector has room for improvement in that regard. The average time it takes to fully load a mobile landing page for a hotel or airline is 6.7 seconds in the UK, 6 seconds in the USA, 5.6 seconds in Japan, and 4.8 seconds in Germany. With 53% of mobile users leaving a page that takes longer than three seconds to load, improving the mobile experience should be a priority for the industry.

Smartphones already allow hotel guests to unlock their rooms, share real-time vacation photos on social media or pay on the go with a mobile wallet. The ubiquity of smartphones, combined with the potential of new technology trends and innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud-based data, voice recognition, and more, is set to revolutionize the luxury travel industry in unprecedented ways.

This convergence into a singular mobile experience will allow luxury travel brands to move beyond reactive customer service to actually predict travelers’ needs and solve problems in real time, sometimes even before travelers know that they have an issue.

In conclusion: luxury travel brands need to go beyond the classic route

The digital journey of the affluent traveler promises many more adventures.

Predictive mobile services will gain momentum as affluent travelers increasingly expect luxury travel brands to understand their individual preferences to anticipate their travel needs and solve their problems in real-time or in advance.

For 72% of travelers with smartphones researching on mobile, their individual needs are more important than their loyalty to a specific brand. To win the hearts and minds of affluent travelers, it is thus critical for luxury travel brands to provide the most relevant information across all touchpoints at all the moments that matter:

• Identify the micro-moments for travelers that fit your business and be there to help.
• Be useful and valuable by solving each person’s needs across all travel moments.

With a majority of travelers, especially Millennials and Generation Z consumers, preferring travel experiences over material goods, the luxury travel and hospitality industry is poised to grow.

But as more travelers favor integrated travel resources and booking platforms, luxury travel brands will have to find new ways to be relevant and engage with their consumers.

Winning luxury travel brands will be the ones embracing mobile, big data, and innovative technologies to accompany affluent travelers through their entire customer journey. Off the beaten path.

• Travel Micro-Moments Guide: How to Be There and Be Useful for Travelers , Think With Google, July 2016.
• Worldwide Travel Path to Purchase 2017. Analysis Based on April – September 2017 Data Periods , comScore for TripAdvisor, April 2018.
• Hotels.com identifies new millennial Travel Brag trend: The “BRAGTAG” overtakes the humble HASHTAG as travel becomes the new social currency for millennials , Hotels.com, December 19, 2017.
• Travellers Overwhelmed as Funnel Becomes Pretzel , by Martin Kelly, Travel Trends, November 2014.
• Micro-Moments Now: Why expectations for ‘right now’ are on the rise , by Lisa Gevelber, Think With Google, August 2017.
• Digital Trends That Are Transforming the Travel Industry in 2017 , by Penny Harris, Huffington Post, March 2017.
• Travel Flash Report , Criteo, 2018.
• Making it easier to do business on Instagram , by Instagram Business team, Instagram Blog, May 2018.
• How airlines aim to use big data to boost profits , by Camilla Hodgson and Patti Waldmeir, The Financial Times, May 8 2018.
• 15 Mind-Blowing Stats About Mobile , by Giselle Abramovich, CMO.com, February 6, 2018.
• How smartphones influence the entire travel journey in the U.S. and abroad , Think With Google, February 2018.

About the author

Florine Eppe Beauloye

Founder & editor in chief.

Florine Eppe is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Luxe Digital , and her achievements read like a book (she coincidentally wrote an actual book ).She is the definition of the modern-day multi-hyphenate—an award-winning digital entrepreneur, international speaker, praised author, and accomplished luxury marketer with a history of working with some of the industry’s finest names. She has appeared on stages across the world, and her insights in Forbes, The Financial Times, Harvard Business School’s academic papers, and more.

Learn more about Florine Eppe Beauloye

Cuyana Easy Tote Review: Going Places Has Never Been Easier

A life in motion made effortless.

Standing Tall: Oakywood Adjustable Desk Doesn’t Sit Still

Beyond Playthings: The Most Expensive 1000% Bearbricks Ever Sold

Eberjey Gisele Pajamas Review: Classic Cocoons Of Comfort

The Most Expensive Basquiat Paintings Are Message-Infused Masterpieces

15 Rarest Cars in The World – From Alfa To Zagato

Beyond The Velvet Ropes: London’s Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs

Luxury Lumber: The Most Expensive Wood In The World

Decadent & Diplomatic: The Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs In Brussels

Amberjack Boots Review: Part Boot, Part Sneaker, All Comfort

Proudly inspiring millions of readers like you .

Your Conscious,

Elevated Life

Starts Here.

• Striking superlatives

• [ April 12, 2024 ] Ultra-luxe Soneva Secret Maldives is now open Travel news
• [ April 10, 2024 ] Review: Ambiente Sedona, a Landscape Hotel (Arizona, USA) Hotels reviews
• [ April 8, 2024 ] Top 10 best luxury hotels in the American Southwest Top 10 lists
• [ April 5, 2024 ] Travel contests & sweepstakes: win luxury holidays! Travel contests
• [ April 3, 2024 ] Review: Camp Sarika by Amangiri (Utah, USA) Hotels reviews

Review: Ambiente Sedona, a Landscape Hotel (Arizona, USA)

Top 10 best luxury hotels in the American Southwest

Travel contests & sweepstakes: win luxury holidays!

Review: Camp Sarika by Amangiri (Utah, USA)

Top 10 world’s most luxurious glamping retreats

Ultra-luxe Soneva Secret Maldives is now open

Friday newsletters always feature travel contests, tips, or news. […]

TRAVEL YOUR DREAMS IN STYLE

Welcome to my luxury travel blog!

I share with you my passion for luxury travel, advise you on the best hotels to stay around the world, report on the best airline products in the sky, inspire you to travel your dreams in style, and give you tips for luxury travel on a budget.

I publish three newsletters per week:

• Monday: top 10 travel lists
• Wednesday: reviews of luxury hotels and flights
• Friday: travel news , guides ,  contests , and tips

You can subscribe to my blog here .

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

I run this blog in parallel to my popular YouTube channel , where I publish a new video each Saturday (watch one of my travel vlogs below).

BE INSPIRED BY MY TOP 10 TRAVEL LISTS

Top 10 best Aman Resorts & Hotels in the world

Top 10 best airlines for Transatlantic Business Class flights

Top 10 world’s most luxurious wilderness hotels

Top 10 best First Class airlines in the world

Top 10 best luxury hotels for art lovers

Top 10 best Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts in the world

Top 10 most romantic luxury hotels in the world

Top 10 safest airlines to fly in 2024

Top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Switzerland

Top 10 best observation decks in the world

Top 10 best luxury hotels in New York City

Top 10 world’s best airlines for long-haul Business Class

My 10 trips in 2024 that I am most excited about

My 10 best travel experiences of 2023

Top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Greece

Top 10 best ski hotels & resorts in North America (USA & Canada)

Top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Mozambique

Top 10 best ultra-luxe beach resorts in the world

Top 10 best luxury hotels in South Africa

Top 10 best National Parks & Game Reserves for a safari in Africa

Top 10 most luxurious safari lodges in South Africa

Top 10 most fabulous &Beyond lodges in the world

Top 10 reasons why I love Air France

Top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Thailand

Top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts in Italy

Top 10 luxury hotels made famous by Hollywood movies & TV shows

Top 10 best luxury hotels in Berlin

Top 10 best things to see & do in Vienna

Flight reviews.

Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner Business Class (Brussels to Doha)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review […]

LUXURY HOTEL REVIEWS

Hotel review: Raffles Praslin (Seychelles)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a luxury hotel and/or flight review […]

TRAVEL TIPS

Tips & tricks for booking a room at an Aman Hotel

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, or news […]

A SELECTION OF MY MOST POPULAR TRAVEL ARTICLES

Review: Soneva Jani, the Maldives’ most famous resort

Top 10 best luxury resorts & hotels in the Maldives

Emirates Airbus A380 First Class Dubai to Amsterdam

Review: Time + Tide Miavana, the world’s most exclusive resort (Madagascar)

Review: British Airways Boeing 777 Business Class (new suite) from London to the Maldives

© The Luxury Travel Expert 2024

Comparing the Best Luxury Travel Booking Platforms

Are you considering a luxurious hotel stay soon? Your credit card can give you access to some of the best luxury travel booking programs. Valuable perks and benefits include free bonus points, complimentary breakfast and hotel credits making your hotel experience much more luxurious at a lower cost.

But where do you start?

This article will compare the best luxury travel booking platforms and how you can book your next getaway in style. The booking programs we will feature include:

• Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts ®   Program
• Visa Luxury Hotel Collection

American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Program

Eligible cards : ® " href="https://milesopedia.com/en/go/amex-platinum-card/">The Platinum Card ® or the  ® from American Express" href="https://milesopedia.com/en/go/amex-business-platinum-card/">Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

Also known as Amex FHR or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts , it is one of two booking platforms offered to American Express cardholders that provides exclusive benefits at over 1,200+ luxury hotels worldwide. This includes everything from branded locations like the Park Hyatt collection and Waldorf Astoria , to independent locations.

The Amex FHR program is only offered to some American Express cardholders. In Canada, if you have either the  ® " href="https://milesopedia.com/en/go/amex-platinum-card/">The Platinum Card ® or ® from American Express" href="https://milesopedia.com/en/go/amex-business-platinum-card/">Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , you will have access to this incredible platform. For most cardholders, the appeal of this program is the additional perks and benefits that come with booking. In some cases, it can offset luxury hotels’ high price points.

Let’s take a look at some of the obvious benefits.

Benefits of Booking through Fine Resorts + Hotels

Some of the standard benefits you get when you book through the FHR program include the following:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Late check-out at 4 p.m.
• Obtaining a superior category room, subject to availability
• Wi-Fi access in the room, subject to certain exclusions
• $100 complimentary experience credit

According to Amex, this suite of benefits offers an average of $600 for a two-night stay! This can certainly change as only some benefits will be used, and the credits depend on the property you book through.

How to Book Through Amex FHR

Booking through Amex FHR is pretty straightforward. The site is incredibly user-friendly, so you shouldn’t have much issue once you log in.

Protip : Your login should be associated with your ® " href="https://milesopedia.com/en/go/amex-platinum-card/">Platinum Card ® or your ® from American Express" href="https://milesopedia.com/en/go/amex-business-platinum-card/">Business Platinum Card ® from American Express . This does not mean you have to pay with these cards.  You can pay with any American Express card.

You must use the American Express Travel site to book through the program. Before you do that, however, we recommend you start on the Fine Resorts + Hotels landing page to check out your options.

From there, you could search for a specific hotel or broaden your search by region or city.

Once you have thoroughly reviewed your hotel of choice, you can select check availability, which will take you to the American Express Travel page to complete your booking.

How to Have the Best Experience With Amex FHR

1. membership rewards points.

Through your Platinum or Business Platinum Card, you can receive 1 additional Membership rewards points for each dollar spent on eligible travel purchases made on American Express Travel. Eligible travel purchases include scheduled flights, prepaid hotel purchases (including hotels and flight+hotel packages), minus returns and other credits. To discover more, visit the American Express website .

2. Book with a brand you have elite status with

This one is hit or miss, but if you have elite status (preferred customer status as part of a hotel rewards program) with a brand, you may be able to book your reservation through Amex FHR and receive additional benefits. This means that your elite status can offer added benefits on top of the benefits and perks the Amex FHR program provides. This varies from user to user, as some brands do not recognize loyalty status if you book through a third-party booking system like Amex FHR. It doesn’t hurt to check with a brand with which you have elite status.

3. Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit

When you book exclusively through American Express Travel with your Platinum card, you become eligible for savings of $200 in statement credits . You can receive this credit even if you pay with points!

The Challenge With Amex FHR

One notable downside to the FHR program is that some of the prices shown on the American Express Travel site can sometimes be more than booking directly with the hotel. Depending on the timing, this could hurt your ability to leverage the benefits.

Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

Eligible cards : All Visa Infinite cards

Let’s take a look at Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection . This hotel booking program grants eligible cardholders elite-like status with seven amenities to over 900+ visa hotel partners worldwide. Visa states that eligible Visa Premium cards, which include the Visa Infinite Card & Visa Infinite Privilege Card in good standing, can book through the Luxury Hotel Collection . Some examples include:

• Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card
• BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
• ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite* Card" href="https://milesopedia.com/en/go/td-aeroplan-visa-infinite-card/">TD ® Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite* Card

Benefits of Visa’s Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

There is a standard collection of 7 benefits eligible cardholders can receive when they book through Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection . This includes:

• Best Available rate guarantee
• Automatic room upgrade upon arrival
• Complimentary in-room wifi, when available
• Complimentary Continental Breakfast Daily
• $25 USD Food or Beverage Credit
• VIP Guest status
• Late check-out upon request, when available

In addition to these 7 standard benefits, an 8th complimentary benefit can be redeemed but only at more than 200 Visa Luxury Hotel Collection properties. The benefit may vary but can be a credit to everything from spas to other food and beverage credit. The downside is that it is only available to Visa infinite holders. To learn more about this additional benefit, click here .

How to Book Through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

Like the FHR program, you must book through Visa’s Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection website to receive the benefits of this program. Once you hit the website, you will have a chance to research the hotels available before you look to book. What is great about this website is that you can see detailed reviews and rankings on properties you are interested in.

You can refine your search with prompts on your region of choice, brand, and booking date. From there, you will receive rates and be prompted to log in to your account once you are ready to finalize your booking.

How to Have the Best Experience With Visa’s Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

To get the maximum value from the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection , you can look at the special limited time offers on the main page. In addition to the 7 standard benefits,  you may be eligible for premium offers and discounts like:

• Every 3rd Night free
• Every 4th night free
• 20% off rooms
• $25 USD Food or Beverage credit

Obviously, this would depend heavily on the hotel, but the benefits can be worth it. Imagine getting a free night after your 4th day at a high-end hotel. It seems like a win on top of the benefits you receive.

Challenge With Visa’s Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

While the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection has many incredible benefits, a downside to the program is the 8 benefits that you would receive with the Visa Infinite card are only subject to 200 hotels. This can diminish the experience as you experience fewer options than you would with the Amex FHR program.

Honorable mentions

Some honorable mentions for credit-card hotel booking programs include the following:

• Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection (US Credit cardholders)
• Mastercard Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Bottom Line

Can we agree that all of these programs are similar ? Even the names are slight variations of one another. It may seem complicated to compare the two, but hopefully, this guide will help :

Amex FHR: American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts is ideal for someone looking for a short stay at a top-of-the-line hotel. This will give you much better savings and help you use the credit the program offers.

Visa Infinite Luxury Hotels & Collection: On the other hand, the Visa program is ideal for longer stays as you have a number of options that make the visit well worth it. The daily breakfast and potential free night are among two of the benefits suited for a long stay.

That is our two cents! Any thoughts on this? Please let us know if you will look into hotel booking programs with your credit cards soon!

All posts by Milesopedia

Suggested Reading

• The Best Of
• Destinations
• The Hotel Guru

Today 12°C

Search the best hotels in Moscow

• See all Moscow hotels
• Apartments & Villas in Moscow
• Flights to Moscow

About Moscow

Moscow hasn't just embraced capitalism, it's capitalised itself into the world's richest city in the space of a couple of decades. Moscow has the most billionaires, the most popular nightclub is called 'The Most', and it also boasts of having the world's most expensive cup of coffee. Moscow has accommodation to suit every pocket, from budget hostels to hotels worthy of a Tsar - or an oligarch. However, most of our Guru's selection of the best places to stay in Moscow are, unsurprisingly, luxury hotels. Historic and elegant, expect nothing but pure decadence!

Even before the fall of the Soviet era, Moscow was home to many very beautiful, very opulent buildings. The red brick of the Kremlin and black cobbles of Red Square are steeped in history and many treasures built by the Tsars stand as a reminder of the pre-concrete block era of architecture. But since then many of the less glamorous buildings - factories and warehouses - have been converted into more beautiful ones, now housing art galleries and museums and even clubs and restaurants.

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is on a tour with a local. There are plenty of themed tours such as cooking and eating. Setting up one or more of these tours in advance is also a good way to get local insight into some of the best places to stay in Moscow. Alternatively, check out our guide on how to spend 36 hours in Moscow .

If you're only here for a short time the best places to stay in Moscow will be close to the centre of town. The Metro system is good, but sprawling.

The best places to stay in Moscow

For the luxury traveller.

• The Hotel Baltschug Kempinski 's location, just across the river from the Kremlin and St. Basil's, makes it one of the best places to stay in Moscow. The fact that it's extremely luxurious also helps. Service is slick and you'll also find a top-notch spa and iconic views across the river.
• The Ritz Carlton is a good bet for luxury seekers. Here opulence is the name of the game with gilded interiors, sumptuous suites and a great spa.
• The 5* Hotel National is a top spot, boasting a wonderfully central location and set in a historic building. The interiors are classy with an understated opulence and there is a pool, lovely restaurant and spa.
• If you fancy a different sort of 5* experience then Mamaison All Suites Spa Hotel Pokrova should do the trick. Offering chic boutique suites with eclectic furnishings, this glitzy hotel boasts a top-notch restaurant and spoiling spa.
• Set in one of the 'Seven Sisters' high-rises, Radisson Royal Hotel offers palatial, classically elegant accommodation as well as a 31st floor bar offering superb views of the city. There are 5 restaurants to choose from or you can stay in a self-catering apartment instead.
• The Savoy Hotel boasts a quality befitting the name, providing smart classical accommodation and communal areas with breathtaking Rococo ceilings. Enjoy cocktails, champagne and caviar in the piano bar. A superb all round stay.
• St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya is opulent and has lavish suites harking back to a Romanov style of grandeur. Located in the heart of the city, it's a top choice for an upmarket city escape.

For those on a budget

• The Golden Apple is a hip hotel just 20 minutes walk from the Kremlin and by Moscow standards, it is excellent value for money if you book far enough in advance.

For location

• The Hotel Metropol is the grand dame of Moscow’s hotel scene and has been since she opened her elegant Art-Nouveau doors over a century ago. You’re in the Tverskoy district, right across from the Bolshoi and very handy for the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basils.
• Four Seasons Moscow has an enviable location right beside Red Square. The Stalin-approved architectural design is mixed with lavish contemporary finishes to create an elite five star hotel.

Moscow Suburbs

• The Barvikha Hotel & Spa is located in Moscow's smartest suburb and is a seriously cool hotel. Minimalist chic is the order of the day. Come here for a rejuvenating spa break, where they give you a full health evaluation and devise individual therapy programmes!

For An Apartment

• If you think you'd be best served by a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com .

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Moscow?
• In the summer months Moscow is warm; the average daily temperature reaches 19°C in July. This is also when there is the most daily sunshine at 9 hours per day. The winters are bitterly cold so definitely avoid coming at this time if you want to head off sightseeing. But the winter months, when there is snow on the ground and the river is frozen, offer a very atmospheric, romantic vibe too.
• Moscow is served by three airports: Sheremetyevo Airport , Domodedovo Airport and Vnukovo Airport . These all have public transport links to take you into the city.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars .

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Moscow .
• Read our guide on 36 hours in Moscow .
• Widen the net and search through our recommendations of the best places to stay in St Petersburg .
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Monthly Weather in Moscow

Best hotels in moscow, golden apple moscow 92 rooms from £100.

A glaringly colourful hotel in a very central location. Contemporary rooms awash with primary colour have all the mod cons. Good restaurant and lively bar. Excellent value for its location. See More

Hotel National Moscow 202 rooms from £131

A fantastic Five Star hotel in a central location. Historical architecture and traditional opulence create an air of royalty. Palatial rooms and suites in pastels with lots of gilt. Excellent restaurants, bars, and spa. A time capsule for the luxury traveller. See More

Mamaison All Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka Moscow 84 rooms from £137

A Five Star hotel with the wow factor. Enormously chic boutique suites with vast space, all the mod cons, eclectic furnishings, some with hot tubs and kitchenettes. Fantastic restaurant, bar, and extensive spa. A great choice for the luxury traveller to experience Moscow glitterati style. See More

Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow 497 rooms from £178

Magnificent five star hotel set in of Stalin's 'Seven Sisters' that punctuate the Moscow skyline. Opulence personified with palatial rooms, a lavish spa and an incredible panoramic skybar. The perfect sanctuary to escape to after a day's exploring Moscow, and a superb location right on the river. See More

Savoy Hotel, Moscow Moscow 67 rooms from £199

Historic hotel patronised first by Russian Literati and then the Communist elite. Totally renovated by revered Italian architect Leonardo Tognoni. It now boasts glorious gilt and gold, marble floors, swags and tails plus breathtaking original Rococo ceilings. A superb five star institution. See More

Hotel Metropol Moscow 388 rooms from £200

The grand dame of Moscow’s hotel scene still reigns supreme, over a century after her elegant Art-Nouveau charms first seduced guests. Today, visitors are cocooned in reassuring five-star luxury in the heart of the capital’s buzzy Tverskoy district. See More

Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow 227 rooms from £210

Ideally located just across the river from the Kremlin and St Basils Cathedral, this luxury hotel offers stylish decor, top notch spa with indoor pool and iconic views - a perfect property for both leisure and business travellers. See More

Ritz-Carlton Moscow Moscow 334 rooms from £275

Just off Red Square & next to the Kremlin, the dramatic & iconic Five Star Ritz-Carlton is pure luxury and opulence: gilded interior with chandeliers and columns with gold pilasters. Sumptuous suites, sumptuous cuisine. Magnificent views of the city from the rooftop 02 Lounge. Divinely decadent. See More

St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya Moscow 211 rooms from £308

Opulence at every turn in this stunning Moscow hotel. Harking back to a Romanov style grandeur, the rooms are adorned with lavish furnishings and extravagant decorations. Right in the centre of Moscow, it's perfect for exploring Russia's capital. Outstanding five star quality. See More

Barvikha Hotel & Spa Moscow (Barvikha) 65 rooms from £313

Understated, minimalist, ultra cool hotel in the smartest Moscow suburb, five minutes drive to the city centre. The spa & personalised nutrition are the main reasons for staying. All rooms are contemporary suites with huge beds and all the mod cons. A destination for those who want a serious detox. See More

Four Seasons Moscow Moscow 180 rooms from £541

Stalin-approved architectural design mixed with lavish contemporary finishes at this elite five star hotel. Exuberant interiors and floor to ceiling windows for the best views in the city. An admirable location, this hotel stands a few minutes from the Red Square. Five venues for dining on site. See More

• Where To Stay
• Holiday Rentals
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Ask the Guru

International Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

The Top 12 Travel Trends for Luxury Travellers In 2024

At one time, luxury travellers were happy to stay in a five star resort and rarely venture out. These days, luxury travel has changed dramatically and people are far more adventurous. People are more interested in experiencing local customs and food than before. However, the new challenge is to do so in a socially distanced and safe way.

The nature of luxury travel has definitely broadened in scope. This presents a challenge for those looking to appeal to this new generation of globetrotters. Here’s what the new luxury travelers are looking for and how luxury travel brands can appeal to them. 

Luxury Travellers and Travel Trends

The meaning of luxury is different for each person, but here are some key factors that are increasingly important to affluent travellers. These luxury travel trends will give you an insight into the mind of a modern day traveller. 

According to a report by ARC, the global luxury travel market should increase to $8460 million by 2024, compared to $5200 million in 2019. A survey by Resonance reveals that the wealthiest 5% take an average of 14.3 trips per year, half for business and half for pleasure.

So what are the new trends shaping luxury travel and high end tourism? And what elements of luxury hospitality are key in attracting and retaining clients?

1. Safe Travel

The effects of the worldwide pandemic were devastating for the travel industry and travellers themselves. In the coming years, it’s essential that destinations and hotels give visitors a safe and reassuring experience. Luxury travellers will increasingly pick and choose their destination on the basis of perceived safety.

Some luxury hotels in the Maldives have on-site doctors. These include lti Maafushivaru, Mirihi Island Resort, The Nautilus Maldives, Lily Beach Maldives and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.

In terms of accommodation, luxury villas and private pools are in high demand. Affluent travelers are prepared to spend more for in-room hot tubs and gyms too.

2. Personalized Travel

Arguably the most important element of a luxury trip is creating a personalized experience. A recent study by Virtuoso for YouGov found that 80% of travellers would spend more on brands that tailor products to them.

This personalization can start before guests arrive, if you send them information specific to their needs. A short survey asking their preferences on matters such as a newspaper and wake-up call will save them time when they arrive at your property. 

Ask them if they are celebrating a special occasion and what the date is. You could also send a link to tourist information on the destination, such as insider tips from your hotel concierge published on your hotel website. 

For those with children, details about your kids’ club and activities could be useful. Couples might well be interested in information on feet in the sand dining experiences or couple massages.

Personalized welcome notes are always nice little touches. Even better if they feature a print of your hotel, accompanied by homemade cookies. Some hotels even print a photo of the guests taken from their social media accounts and frame it, for a memorable luxury experience.

This might be a step too far for privacy loving individuals so it’s best to gauge this from the person’s social media presence. At any rate, checking their social profiles will make it easier to greet them by name as soon as they step inside your establishment.

After guests have checked out, it’s a good idea to send them a personalized message with a feedback form. All of this information will be invaluable if they return so that you can truly enhance their stay.

3. Flexibility of Travel

A cookie cutter approach won’t work with today’s seasoned luxury travellers. Instead, people are seeking flexibility and a can-do attitude from luxury hotel brands .

No-fee cancellation will reassure travellers concerned about constantly changing government travel guidelines. Early check-in and late check-out where possible is high on most travellers wish list. Flexible itineraries are also in demand.

Micro-trips are on the rise and 7 night vacations are less frequent than in the past. Luxury tour operators who offer shorter trips will definitely reap the benefits.

Cruises have traditionally been quite standardized, particularly in terms of their dining options. Guests had to choose between an early or late dining slot and stick with the same table and fellow diners throughout their cruise.

These days, flexible dining is available on most luxury cruises . Companies like Cunard and Silversea have a wide range of restaurants that guests can access without pre-booking. Moreover, there are some impressive cruise ship suites with all kinds of amenities such as private hot tubs and music rooms.

4. Customized and Private Tours

More and more travellers are taking part in a tour of their chosen destination. This all ties in to the desire to get to know the country that they’re visiting.

In general, the most popular tours are those focused on food and shopping. Customized and private tours, rather than large group tours are preferred by luxury travellers.

According to a TripAdvisor survey, the fastest growing tours are family-friendly ones. Bookings of these tours increased by over 200% last year, and 291% for US travellers. Adrenaline tours such as climbing the roof of the O2 Arena in London are great for the whole family.

Classes and workshops have also experienced a huge increase of 90% on last year. People are keen to acquire a new skill while on holiday, such as surfing and salsa dancing.

Cultural activities and wellness experiences are also sought after. Incorporating a time saving element into these tours will appeal to upscale travellers. The Skip-the-Line Sistine Chapel, Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour in Rome is a good example.

If your establishment doesn’t offer these activities and tours, consider teaming up with a local service provider who does. In terms of actual trips, adventure vacations and safaris take up the lion’s share of the customized market. 

5. Experiential Travel

Surveys consistently confirm that it is unique experiences rather than things that make us happy. Immersive travel is all about connecting with local communities and a different way of life.

In addition, over two thirds of high end travellers regularly participate in bucket list activities during their vacation. This is particularly true of baby boomers, compared to Gen X and Millenial travellers.

Experiential travel is a popular buzzword but what does it really mean? What turns a trip into a true experience rather than a simple vacation?

The following factors all play a part:

• Authentic experiences – rather than those which are purely positive. This is the good, the bad and the ugly!
• Exclusivity – a money can’t buy tour of a private home or sold out tickets to a concert.
• Insider knowledge – with tips from local inhabitants on the best places to dine, shop and explore in your destination.
• Trying something new – according to a survey by Skift, 65% of travellers want to experience something new, rather than feel rested and relaxed from their vacation. They don’t just want to see a cookery demonstration, they want a market tour and cookery class where they get hands on.

6. Frictionless Travel

As travel has become more complicated, luxury travellers are seeking ways to make their journeys less difficult. Frictionless travel is the ideal towards which people are aiming.

If you can streamline the luxury tourism experiences of your guests, they’ll reward you with their loyalty. This might involve booking them a private car to take them to and from the airport, or allowing pre-check in via an app.

Smart technology is enabling companies to get closer to the goal of hassle-free travel. Passengers, in particular business travellers, are increasingly seeking information before they travel. 

Thanks to new technology, they can receive this information in real time. Mobile apps can provide your guests with everything from weather reports to restaurant recommendations and traffic updates.

Many luxury hotel chains have implemented smart rooms where guests can control lighting, heating and music via apps. Some allow you to book wellness treatments at the hotel spa too.

Another aspect of frictionless travel is safety. High net worth travellers will appreciate the added security of flight tracking and real time incident alerts. 

7. Wow Factor

Generally, wealthy travellers are looking to stay in places that are better than their homes. Of course, this includes features like private pools and saunas. 

Yet thanks to Instagram, this luxury lifestyle also encompasses details like geometric tiled floors, a well stocked library, chairs hanging from the ceiling and a multitude of hanging plants. Bragging rights are all important, together with restful color schemes in shades of pink and grey.

Floating breakfasts are all the rage for sharing on social media channels. You can go one step further with a heart shaped tray like the ones at Cavo Tagoo Mykonos . For truly spectacular surroundings, stay in an ice hotel in Sweden , an underwater villa in the Maldives or a treehouse in Thailand .

8. Attention to Detail

Guest amenities are an area in which hotels can really shine. In some hotels in Japan, you’ll be left a motto of the day to ponder on. At The Lanesborough in London, every room has butler service and you can request complimentary popcorn.

Health and well-being is a big trend in luxury accommodation. Many hotels have bicycles for guests to borrow, as well as running maps. Some will even lend you headphones if you forget yours.

Private gyms in your hotel room mean there’s no excuse not to work out ;-). Hilton were ahead of the curve when they launched their Five Feet to Fitness ™ rooms. 

These contain more than 11 items of fitness equipment and a kiosk with over 200 tutorials. There’s a fitness bike, meditation chair and suspension training system too.

9. Hidden Gems

It’s true that iconic destinations such as Paris , Venice , Santorini and Las Vegas are still extremely popular. However, many luxury consumers are seeking out places that are off the beaten path.

The trend towards stealth wealth among the super rich is one reason for this. It is also partly due to tourism organizations endeavouring to reduce overtourism. Responsible tourism is about visiting lesser known destinations and getting to know local culture.

If you do some research you can find an uncrowded alternative close to most popular destinations. Near the Amalfi Coast and Capri, there’s the charming island of Ischia for example. Montenegro is a quieter option than Croatia, but with some great scenery and adrenaline activities.

10. Responsible Travel

Whilst it’s not generally a deciding factor when picking somewhere to stay, sustainability is increasingly a consideration for luxury travellers. You can make a difference by supporting organizations such as Pack for a Purpose . This charitable organization enables travellers to bring useful items that will be distributed to the local community.

One hotel that has impeccable green credentials is the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Oranjestad, Aruba . This adults only property is carbon neutral and has been certified the highest scoring hotel in the world for sustainable operations and management.

Check out our recommendations for other eco-friendly destinations too.

11. A Sense of Place

How many times have you stayed somewhere that reflected the local environment and culture? Unfortunately, it’s all too rare to find accommodation which features local artworks and food.

Many hotels have bland decor and cuisine in the hope of appealing to the most people possible. Generally, luxury travellers don’t want to wake up feeling that they could be anywhere in the world. They want their accommodation to reflect their feelings about themselves – stylish and unique.

One example of a hotel that has got this right is Andaz Mayakoba , on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Local crafts are dotted around the hotel lobby and rooms.

Artworks by Senkoe, a local street artist can be found throughout the grounds and guests can take part in tequila classes. Other hotels could definitely take a leaf out of its books.

12. Multigenerational Travel

Travel aimed at reuniting family and friendship groups is growing in popularity. According to a report by cazenove+lloyd and Globetrender, people are keen to celebrate milestone motivations with their nearest and dearest.

The report observed a 40% increase in requests for bucket list celebrations to mark major birthdays and memorable celebrations. With this in mind, cazenove+lloyd have curated a selection of bespoke itineraries such as DNA pilgrimages or under the radar safari experiences that reflect this trend.

In order to appeal to this clientele, luxury hospitality brands can offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as exclusive access to VIP events or private tours. One interesting example is the Ritz-Carlton Naples, who offer a free minute session with their in-house Photography Concierge to all resort guests.

Hotel designers should create properties catering to multiple generations and consider incorporating accessible design elements such as elevators and ramps. Amilla Maldives aim to become the world’s first accessibility and inclusion certified resort, with easy-access ground floor villas, floating wheelchairs, deaf-alert systems, sound jungle activities for vision-impaired guests and dedicated spaces for those with neuro-developmental considerations, such as autism or dementia.

Family-friendly dining spaces, outdoor recreation areas and connecting bedrooms with adaptable living areas such as at Evermore Orlando Resort are increasingly popular.

Final Thoughts on Trends for Luxury Travellers

Travelling in style and luxury doesn’t always mean having the most expensive experiences, but rather tailoring your travel to what you value most. Understanding and adapting to the latest luxury travel trends is essential for hotels, cruise companies and airlines to remain competitive.

Our world is a playground, and finding ways to explore it that are meaningful and memorable will be remembered for years to come. Don’t forget to check out our other travel articles and thanks for joining us in exploring all we’ve discussed about the latest trends in luxury travelling.

Thanks to our luxury lifestyle website, we’ve experienced the best of the hospitality industry in Africa, Western Europe, the Middle East, North America, Latin America and Southeast Asia. The luxury travel industry is resilient and we hope that the sector continues to rebound from the current challenges it is facing.

What does luxury travel mean for you? Where is the best place that you have stayed?

You might also enjoy:

• Best Luxury Destinations in the World
• Best Luxury Family Destinations Worldwide
• Best Luxury European City Breaks
• Defining Luxury – What is the Meaning of Luxury
• Family Holidays of a Lifetime
• Luxurious American Car Brands
• Luxury Strategy Tips and Techniques
• Social Media Influence
• The Best Watches That Hold Value
• The Global Luxury Sector Trends
• Top Luxury Quotes
• Top Life Journey Quotes

Pin for later or share with friends if you’ve found this luxury travellers analysis interesting .

Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered. Join us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest  and  Twitter .

Sharing is caring!

Suze and Paul Renner

Suze and Paul are the founders of LuxuryColumnist, one of the leading luxury online magazines worldwide.

• Download App

Tempo Traveller in Gurgaon

Easy Online Booking

Professional Drivers

Big Fleet Of Vehicles

Online Payment

Introduction:

With urban development, Gurgaon is being compared to Singapore and Hong Kong. It is one of the most favourite destinations of holiday for everyone in the country. Once in Gurgaon, you can opt for the service of tempo traveller rental in Gurgaon to visit tourist spots like Kingdom of Dreams, Vintage Car Museum, Appu Ghar, and many more. If you enjoy a glass of beer, you are just going to mesmerize by the breweries in Gurgaon. That’s not all, Gurgaon with the flourishing trend is a nightlife city which people of all age groups can enjoy. A tempo traveller hire in Gurgaon, with Chiku Cab, you are all set to hit the floor with your gang of friends at Striker’s Pub or The Manhattan Club.

Gurgaon is a beautiful tourist destination in India. You can have an enjoyable time in Gurgaon with your family and friends. Besides flights and trains, you can also reach Gurgaon by cab. The journey via road is scenic and smooth. Moreover, tempo traveller service in Gurgaon can be used to travel from one tourist spot to another as well as for embarking on outstation trips. While booking a tempo traveller service in Gurgaon, you will notice that the tempo traveller rental services provide a wide range of car options to choose from. You can either hire a tempo traveller in Gurgaon or hire a luxury tempo traveller in Gurgaon. You can book a minibus for your preferred duration.

Chiku Cab Tempo Traveller Rental is known for its comfortable, Royal, and luxurious Journey. We provide the Luxury Tempo Traveller from Gurgaon NCR to all over India.

Vehicles are fully equipped with all luxury features and amenities for a comfortable ride, including:

• Music stereo system
• Recliner pushback seats
• Maharaja Seat or Maharaja Tempo Traveller
• Ample space for legs and luggage
• First Aid Box
• Icebox and many more

Chiku Cab Tempo Traveller Rental has two types of seating arrangement variety one is 1x1, and another is 2x1 seating. A 9-seater luxury Tempo Traveller is equipped with a sofa set and six separate seats, whereas a 12-seater Luxury Tempo Traveller has four seat sofas with eight push-back seats. A long journey will be comfortable and memorable for your group traveling in this luxurious vehicle. This vehicle is recommended for a group of 9 to 16 people for hassle and trouble-free travel. We have nine seaters, 12 seaters, and 16-seater Luxury Tempo Traveller, and you can choose one of them according to your requirements.

You can hire this vehicle online from anywhere for any outstation tourist destination within India. We have well-trained, educated, and professional drivers for our luxury tourist vehicle rental service that will also help you during the local sightseeing.

A perfect time to explore any destination with your family or friends to go to those destinations which will give you an adventurous, thrilling, calm, happy experience, and for this, ACR provides the top-quality Tempo Traveller service at a very affordable price. Our team has been working in the travel sector for the last few years, and till now we serve the best service for tempo traveller on rent to our valued customers.

Tempo Traveller Hire on Rent Price

Minimum kilometer limit ₹250/-, 9, 12 seater tempo traveller state tax charges, 12 seat + sofa tempo traveller state tax charges.

Our main aim is to provide the services everywhere at any time in India for those who face lots of problems while booking any kind of vehicle and for this, we come in the market to provide you with the online booking services of any kind of tempo traveller within few minutes. We provide you with 24 hours customer service to make your journey comfortable. The time is right now to take action and make your family trip memorable with Chiku Cab. We have a wide variety of brand new 9-seater tempo travelers to 26-seater tempo travellers according to the requirements of the tourists. Our team always tries to give you a luxury tempo traveller and add stunning features with it, which makes your tour incredible. If you are a 5-9 member, then we recommend you to hire a luxury tempo traveller at very minimum prices in which all the facilities are available such as Fully AC, First Aid, Hi-Fi Music System and many more. Our entire team of the driver is well experienced and skilled that always guide you with better things.

According to our experience and knowledge Tempo Traveller is the only vehicle that can make your family trip safe and comfortable because you can easily carry extra luggage and that is the reason our company always gives you a suggestion to hire a tempo traveller instead other vehicle. Our company is the most trustworthy and reliable which always take care of their customer in every situation. We assure you the maximum enjoyment while traveling through Chiku Cab.

• One Way Cabs
• Service Policy For Bus
• Refund Policy

Connect with us

© Copyright 2024 - Chiku Cab

• Auction Bids
• Auction Watchlist

Travel news, tips, reviews & videos of luxury hotels to help plan your vacation.

Bid & win a luxury hotel stay or travel item for your next vacation.

• Accessories
• Accommodation
• Experiences

Book a room with us for complimentary upgrades & VIP benefits like breakfast for two at your favorite luxury hotel.

• Find Out More

Recents Clear

10 Tips For Getting A Late Checkout At A Regent Hotel

popular post today

Late checkout is incredibly useful at the end of your stay at a Regent hotel, or at any other IHG hotel. Late checkouts at InterContinental hotels and at Kimpton hotels, which are both luxury brands, can really improve your stay especially when faced with a late flight departure.

Usually, checkout is around 12:00 or 1:00 pm, and check-in is around 3:00 pm. Therefore, late checkout is likely anytime from 1:00 pm usually to 4:00 pm.

While evening checkouts are rare, our luxury travel concierge agents have occasionally secured crazily late checkouts for our clients, so it’s always worth asking as our agents are delighted to help.

Our luxury travel concierge agents specialize in prioritized late checkout, prioritized room upgrades, free breakfast for two, and more at all luxury hotels around the world for all our clients, so get in touch if you could use any of these perks. You also get all your usual loyalty points and perks when you book with us.

Here are 10 tips for getting a late checkout at a Regent hotel:

• Book Via An Agent That Specializes Late Checkout
• Book Club Lounge Access
• Ask As Soon As Possible
• Join the IHG loyalty scheme
• Stay Regularly
• Give Reception Details On Why You Need Late Checkout
• Offer to Pay
• Stay In Low Season
• Book A Hotel Where You Can Use The Hotel Facilities After Checkout
• Follow Up With Staff On The Day Of Checkout

For almost fifty years, visitors have stepped into the distinguished world of Regent® Hotels & Resorts, blending timeless sophistication with contemporary luxury. Established in 1970, our portfolio of modern hotels and resorts epitomizes a haven of tranquility and adventure, curating experiences that inspire stories and enchant even the most seasoned travelers.

Renowned as among the globe’s premier luxury accommodations, our portfolio includes seven distinguished properties, including the exclusive Regent Phu Quoc, Regent Chongqing, Regent Shanghai, and Regent Porto Montenegro. More recently, nine more hotels have launched or will soon launch in destinations including Cannes, Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Chengdu, Sanya, Shenzhen, Jeddah, and Kyoto. Regent’s legacy continues to unfold, promising unparalleled experiences for discerning travelers worldwide.

We believe the Regent level of luxury is akin to what guests anticipate from Four Seasons hotels. While Four Seasons typically excels in service, Regent hotels offer comparable luxury and presentation, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

10 Best Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts In The World

Recommended Post In "Tips"

The best Four Seasons hotels & resorts in the world include Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, Four Seasons Lanai and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, Four Seasons Surf Club on Miami Beach, Four Seasons Costa Rica, Four Seasons Los Cabos At Costa Palmas, Four Seasons Palm Beach, and Four Seasons Hampshire. To be honest, we wanted to include several other properties in this article, but we would have to stray into the realms of the top 20 or 30 or even top 100 properties to include all our favorite Four Seasons hotels. There are just so many great ones!

Read on for our brilliant tips to increase your chances of getting a late checkout at an Regent Hotel:

1. Book Via An Agent That Specializes In Late Checkout

When you book into the best Regent hotels, book via an agent specializing in late checkout. Book your next stay via our luxury travel concierge , and we can usually get you prioritized late checkout, free breakfast, hotel credit, welcome amenities, and more at all the best luxury hotels.

Some InterContinental hotels guarantee late checkout if you book via our luxury travel concierge, so feel free to query whether your Regent hotel offers this guarantee when booking with our agents.

Securing complimentary late checkout grants you extended access to your room and the hotel’s amenities, providing a sanctuary for you to escape to. This perk proves immensely valuable, particularly when facing a late flight departure, so do make use of the services of a specialized agent who can help make this happen.

Our luxury agents have direct contact with management at luxury hotels, and they can request and try to confirm late checkout for you. Additionally, certain luxury hotels we collaborate with proactively confirm late checkout upon booking.

In contrast, bookings made through large, automated online travel agencies usually receive lower priority for such benefits. Opting to book through our agents or directly with the hotel enhances the likelihood of receiving late checkout, as these bookings typically yield higher profits for the hotel, thereby incentivizing them to accommodate requests more readily.

2. Book Club Lounge Access

Club lounges offer complimentary food and drink in an exclusive, luxurious lounge area. At Regent hotels, you can only access the lounge if you have paid for club access.

If you book the InterContinental in Paris, London, or New York Barclay hotel via our luxury travel concierge , you will get free club lounge access even when you book a standard room. We reviewed the club lounge at the InterContinental London , which is insanely good.

While we don’t offer free club lounges at Regent hotels, paying for club lounge access is a great alternative if you can only get a normal checkout time ie 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm, as you will be able to use the club lounge until you leave, however late this is. You could book a club room for your entire stay or just book it for the last night.

We’ve reviewed the best hotel club lounges in the world , which goes beyond just Regent club lounges.

10 Best Executive Club Lounges In The World

Which are the best executive club lounges in the world across America, Asia, Europe, and Australia? We think the hotels with the best executive club lounges are: Intercontinental Park Lane Four Seasons Maui The Ritz-Carlton Maui Four Seasons Sydney The Ritz-Carlton New York, Nomad Langham London The Fullerton Singapore Mandarin Oriental Dubai Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Read on to find out why we consider these hotel club lounges to be the best.

Access to these executive club lounges offers a serene sanctuary to relax and indulge in complimentary refreshments. Renowned for their exceptional service, these lounges provide a comparable experience to a private retreat, ideal for guests awaiting their flights at the hotel. With access available until late into the evening, they prove invaluable for extended stays, and many also offer convenient shower facilities for a quick refreshment.

Club lounge access is the break-glass solution if faced with a late flight. If the hotel cannot accommodate an extended checkout, there’s no better option than relaxing in these executive areas for as long as necessary.

One Regent hotel with a brilliant club lounge is the Regent Hong Kong. This lounge features in our best club lounges in Hong Kong , and we have reviewed this club lounge in more detail so you know what you are getting if you decide to go down this route.

Review: Regent Hong Kong Club Lounge

Recommended Post In "Reviews"

The Regent Hong Kong hosts one of the best club lounges in Hong Kong. This Regent Club is an exclusive private sanctuary. Beautifully designed spaces are brought to life through moments of decadence that punctuate each day. While this description might sound like a lot of flouncy words, our experience of Regent Hotels is undoubtedly decadent. The best Regent hotels are right up there with the best Four Seasons hotels and offer ultra-luxury.

3. Ask As Soon As Possible

Asking for a late checkout at a hotel is best done right after booking. Some hotels may be more flexible if they know your preferences in advance. Whether through your agent or by contacting the hotel directly, it’s best to request late checkout as soon as possible, allowing the hotel ample time to adjust room allocations and accommodate your request.

InterContinental Vs. Regent Vs. Kimpton

Which hotel brand is best, InterContinental Vs. Regent Vs. Kimpton? The choice between these three hotel brands varies between individual hotels within each brand. As a general rule, InterContinental was one of the original luxury business hotels and remains a luxury, if slightly corporate, hotel brand that is present in most major cities. InterContinental hotels are typified by large modern buildings with a generic interior finish and lots of business facilities. Some InterContinental hotels, like the InterContinental Geneva, have very good pools and leisure facilities.

4. Join the IHG loyalty scheme

Members of hotel loyalty programs often receive perks and prioritized benefits such as late checkout privileges. Joining these programs can increase your chances of getting a late checkout.

With Regent, the loyalty scheme is IHG, and the higher your membership tier, the more priority the hotel will likely give to your late checkout. You also get to collect points that you can use towards future stays.

Regent hotels are part of the IHG rewards schemes and IHG has at least two reward schemes: IHG One Rewards is free to join and gives you access to exclusive member rates. It is relevant to all IHG brands, including Regent and Kimpton. You can earn points for reward nights, get free Wi-Fi, and have a better chance of getting late checkout. Plus, you get perks like bonus points, reward night discounts, welcome amenities, and milestone rewards.

IHG also has an InterContinental Ambassador, which is relevant only to InterContinental hotels and not Regent hotels. It is a loyalty program that delivers benefits exclusively at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide.

The high value benefit of InterContinental Ambassador is probably its free weekend night certificate, but you cannot use an Ambassador free night certificate at Regent hotels .

Can Ambassador Weekend Night Certificates Be Used At Regent Hotels?

Having recently stayed at the gorgeous Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, I asked the reservations team the question: Can InterContinental Ambassador Weekend Night Certificates be used at Regent Hotels? The answer is no, very sadly, as the Regent Cannes is very much worth a visit and is easily the best luxury hotel in Cannes. It's worth mentioning at this point that you can book both these brands, IHG and Regent, via our luxury travel concierge to get extra free benefits such as complimentary breakfast, hotel credit, room upgrades, and your usual IHG rewards.

5. Stay Regularly

Returning guests at a hotel often receive prioritized benefits. This may include an upgraded room, and a welcome amenity, and the hotel will endeavor to accommodate late checkout by rearranging room assignments for your convenience.

6. Give Reception Details On Why You Need Late Checkout

If you require late checkout due to a late flight departure, or for a special occasion, or if you want to enjoy the pool for the remainder of your stay, sharing these details with the staff may assist them in prioritizing and justifying your late checkout to the management. This communication can increase the likelihood that your request will be granted.

7. Offer to Pay

Some hotels charge an additional fee for a late checkout or an extra half-day. Ask about this. You may feel it’s worthwhile paying a little more to stay until the end of the day on the last day of your stay.

We recently secured an incredibly early check-in for one of our clients at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi for half the price of a full night’s stay. The client was thrilled. This can happen across any hotel brand. The first step is to ask!

8. Stay In Low Season

Negotiating late checkout becomes nearly impossible if the hotel is fully booked the night following your checkout. Conversely, if occupancy levels are low, your chances significantly improve. Consider scheduling your stay outside of peak seasons to increase the chances of a late checkout perk.

9. Book A Hotel Where You Can Use The Hotel Facilities After Checkout

If you cannot secure a late checkout, most luxury hotels allow you to continue using all their facilities until your departure. They typically provide a communal room or changing area for guests to use and shower.

This enables you to enjoy the hotel’s amenities like the pool, lounges, gym, and beach, even without a booked room. Afterward, you can freshen up in the hotel’s communal changing rooms before heading to the airport. Our booking agents can verify if the Regent you’re interested in offers this option.

10. Follow Up With Staff On The Day Of Checkout

If you’re unable to secure a late checkout in advance, it’s worth following up with the front desk staff on the day of checkout. Sometimes, last-minute accommodations can be arranged or adjustments made to free up a room for you to use until the early evening.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

Featured By

Join our mailing list

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Receive news on auctions & our most popular posts. Opt out at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The 11 Best Hotels in Milan to Book in 2024

Whether you’re heading to Salone del Mobile or checking in for Fashion Week, these ultraluxurious hotels are the epitome of la dolce vita.

Italy’s most cosmopolitan city shows off recognizable landmarks such as the Gothic Duomo di Milano, Teatro alla Scala, and Santa Maria delle Grazie , whose Dominican convent conceals the famous Renaissance mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Quadrilatero d’Oro—which many liken to Fifth Avenue–meets–Rodeo Drive—has all the major players: Gucci, Prada, Versace, and more. The landmark Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II houses many luxury outposts, including a stunning new Bottega Veneta store designed by the brand’s creative director, Matthieu Blazy. Milan is also a financial center and home to the Italian stock exchange. Add to that its mouthwatering gastronomy and high-profile events that draw tastemakers from around the world.

During Milan Design Week —essentially the design equivalent of Milan Fashion Week—ELLE DECOR A-List designers, top magazine editors, luxury furniture brands, and wealthy homeowners with multiple pads to furnish all coalesce. And between the glamorous parties, the bustling Salone del Mobile Milano fairgrounds, and the raucous after-hours scene at Bar Basso, all these aesthetically oriented travelers will need a place to crash. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of stylish hotels that capture the rich architectural, sartorial, and artistic heritage of the city.

Regardless of whether you’re going for a bacchanal of beautiful furniture, a week-long trip to peep masterpieces and eat handmade pasta, or just have a quick stopover before heading to Venice (pro tip: The all-business-class airline La Compagnie operates direct flights from JFK to MXP, making it a convenient and comfortable point of entry), choosing the right accommodation can really make a trip.

“When choosing a hotel in Milan, consider the type of experience you want. The city is more vast than most think and while easy to get around, generally more centrally located properties provide that added level of convenience and walkability. Because it’s quite bustling and busy, you might also want to consider places with a bit more calm and privacy,” advises Sunil Metcalfe, sales director at the luxury travel advisory Black Tomato . “My personal favorite area, the Brera neighborhood, gives you world-class shopping and opportunities to uncover famous artists and fascinating cultural collections. The city center, Quadrilatero d’Oro in the Centro Storico district, and the swishy Montenapoleone are also good options.”

Browse our list of the best, most luxurious five-star hotels in Milan.

Bulgari Hotel Milano

Tucked inside a resplendently renovated 18th-century palazzo on a quiet, tree-lined street in the Brera neighborhood, the luxuriously appointed Bulgari Hotel Milano radiates warmth and tranquility. For two decades, the sybaritic set has favored the garden-laced boutique property’s rarified ambiance. In the rooms, framed sketches of iconic Bulgari baubles nod to the brand’s sparkling jewelry legacy. Of course, the eye-catching elements extend well beyond art. Black Zimbabwean marble, stone from Vicenza, and Bulgari-patterned screens define the jewel-box interiors. The spectacular spa flaunts a long pool edged in pure gold tiles and a mosaic-clad hammam. Il Ristorante - Niko Romito serves up people-watching as delicious as the signature Antipasto all'Italiana and potato gnocchi with red prawns.

Armani Hotel Milano

Consistent with the streamlined modernity of the legendary fashion designer, the Armani Hotel Milano reflects a more minimal aesthetic than its over-the-top neighbors. But don’t mistake understated for uninspired. Bamboo Bar, a gustatory gem cocooned in glass that floats above the twinkling lights and rooftops of Milan, feels like stepping into the inner sanctum of a billionaire who has a passion for Danshari and aperitivo. On the eighth floor, the serene spa seduces with striking views from the pool. The Armani Signature Suite, meanwhile, houses a cinema and a sweeping staircase that conjures visions of celebrities slinking down the steps in impeccably tailored Armani Privé gowns. Speaking of the sartorial set, there’s also a private shopping experience available at the flagship store.

Grand Hotel et de Milan

Surrounded by upmarket shopping in Quadrilatero d’Oro, Grand Hotel et de Milan , a member of Leading Hotels of the World, stands as an exceedingly fashionable landmark with an enduring appeal that dates back to 1863. Redecorated by ELLE DECOR A-list firm DimoreStudio nearly 15 years ago, the current iteration of the Milanese grande dame shows off restored original parquet flooring, rooms with antique dressing tables and ornamental beds, sumptuous fabrics in an array of primary colors, and a chic lounge where jet-setters wearing catwalk-ready ensembles toss back negronis before seeing a performance at Teatro alla Scala. The new Caruso Nuovo Bistrot is lavishly appointed with red silk chandeliers, shiny golden glass tables, and Art Deco upholstery.

Casa Cipriani Milano

Bookings at Casa Cipriani Milano grant outsiders access to an exclusive members-only experience. Grand on an intimate scale, the 15-key bolthole in the historic Palazzo Bernasconi exudes bygone glamour. The level of attention to detail is unparalleled and just what you’d expect from the Cipriani family, who remain actively involved in the hospitality project. Rooms and suites by Florentine architect Michele Bönan feel distinguished with rich walnut boiserie, plush royal blue velvet, and Venini chandeliers. Inside the Pickering Room, one of three restaurants at the property, you may sip bellinis alongside titans of industry or Saudi princesses. At the subterranean spa designed by Studio Apostoli, green onyx lines the walls of the steam bath and French red marble cloaks the vaulted ceilings of the hammam. The elevator even has an upholstered banquette that screams “give me my Instagram influencer moment.” But alas, no cameras are allowed.

Casa Baglioni Milan

Occupying an Art Nouveau building in the artsy Brera district, the newish Casa Baglioni Milan takes cues from the glamor of the northern Italian capital in the 1960s. The midcentury retro vibes are a welcome departure from some of the city’s more grandiose stays. Velvet seating, wood paneling, and eye-catching light fixtures give the lobby plenty of panache. Rooms come together with Rubelli wallpaper, Dedar fabrics, and hand-selected decorative objects from Gala Rotelli. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Milanese-born chef Claudio Sadler for hand-rolled pasta, hard-to-find bottles, and—of course—plenty of beautiful people (mostly a mix of off-duty models and devastatingly cool Europeans). The see-and-be-seen rooftop boasts 360-degree skyline sweeps and a casual yet polished atmosphere.

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa

Sometimes you just want to stay somewhere so magnificent and palatial that it looks like a movie set. When the mood strikes to have a main character moment, Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa , a member of Leading Hotels of the World, provides a silver screen-worthy vacation backdrop. Designed, owned, and operated by Italian architect Paola Giambelli, the palace property is a bastion of old-world charm. An enormous Murano chandelier floats above the white marble floors, columns, and grand staircase in the lobby. The elegant milieu coupled with the exemplary service attracts real-life royalty and travelers who wish to be treated as such. The spa cossets guests with pampering rituals, a pool, a hammam, and a sauna. Other high-class pastimes include a coiffure at the hair salon and afternoon tea in the manicured garden.

Hotel Principe di Savoia

Since opening its doors in 1927, Hotel Principe di Savoia , part of the Dorchester Collection, has hosted a string of royals, diplomats, and movie stars. The elaborate fashion week parties are the stuff of sartorial legend. And if walls could talk, we’d imagine the Michael Stelea–designed Presidential Suite would tell tales of socialites’ late-night swims in the intricately frescoed, Pompeii-inspired pool area and diplomats brokering peace deals by the warmth of the living room fireplace. The entire property is truly a masterclass in Milanese elegance. A mix of classical styling and modern touches contribute to the timeless feel. Draped in marble and velvet, the retooled cocktail bar ups the cool factor and pours creative libations to the delight of well-dressed patrons. Other exciting new developments include a guided tour in the steps of famed Argentine-Italian painter Lucio Fontana.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

Situated in the heart of the fashion mecca, the legendary Four Seasons Hotel Milano is a 15th-century convent brilliantly reimagined for the modern age. With a landscaped courtyard that’s open to the blue sky above, it very much feels like a garden retreat within the city. Tones of celadon and terra cotta bring the outdoors inside. Custom sycamore-burl and pear cabinetry, Fortuny fabrics, and luxuriant Carrara marble bathrooms infuse rooms with residential appeal on par with grand Milanese mansions. A centuries-old Italianate fresco hand-painted by Giocondo Albertolli adorns the ceiling in the aptly named Fresco Suite. The polished spa supplies a relaxing setting for aromatherapy rituals inspired by iconic Italian cities. Guests can even get a fresh chop at the Rossano Ferretti Hair Salon.

Portrait Milano

In a city filled with stalwarts, the Ferragamo family–owned Portrait Milano injects vitality into the steady hospitality scene. The austere outer corridors of one of the oldest seminaries in Europe belies the richness of the property’s interiors. Plush fabrics, pops of ruby and emerald green, and warm woods add a sophisticated sensuality. Inspired by classic Italian design and brought to life by Michele Bönan, the 73 rooms and spacious suites are injected with larger-than-life grandeur of historic grand mansions while simultaneously channeling the contemporary charm of the present era. Guests can also toss back tipples and savor Kobe beef carbonara underneath the ambient glow of the chandeliers at Beefbar, or choose to indulge in a little retail therapy at a branch of the luxury store Antonia.

Mandarin Oriental, Milan

The Mandarin Oriental, Milan —with a location that’s both hidden away and minutes from all the action—collects loyalists with its blend of sophistication and relaxation. True to the brand’s ethos, rooms and suites blend feng shui principles and contemporary Italian panache (check out the Fornasetti Suite , pictured here!) and are beautifully outfitted with B&B Italia desks, oak floors, regal purple fabrics, and photos by Antonio Salvador. Marble bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs. In the Mandarin Garden, black-and-white geometric tiles, lush greenery, and sapphire velvet seating create a vacation-worthy refuge for lunch, aperitivo, and dinner. Beneath the buzz of the city, the gorgeous underground spa offers bespoke rituals that aim to combat jet lag and promote sleep for frequent fliers. Genuine, no-detail-too-large-or-small hospitality is another point of pride for the hotel.

Park Hyatt Milan

Located just steps from the dazzling Duomo di Milano, the Park Hyatt Milan is one of the city’s most desirable stays. Following the completion of a multiyear refurbishment, the longtime favorite ushered in a new, even more stylish era in its illustrious history. Renovated by architect Flaviano Capriotti, the property puts forth a more contemporary visage that’s anchored by traditional Milanese architecture. In the upgraded signature suites, black wood panels beautifully contrast the soft, neutral palette of cream and beige. Veined marble vanities steal the show in the bathrooms. If you’re not checking in, the reimagined restaurant, Pellico 3 Milano, and chic cocktail bar are snazzy spots to eat and imbibe.

Milan Design Week 2024

A Racist Exhibition Mars Milan Design Week

8 Interior Design Trends We’re Super Excited About

Milan Design Week’s Top Fashion Collaborations

10 Exceptional Debuts Spotted at Milan Design Week

A Conversation with Artist Dozie Kanu

The EDIDA Winners Honored at Salone

We’re Obsessed with La DoubleJ’s New Wallpaper

A New Lighting Collection That Looks to the Stars

What We’re Looking Forward to at Salone del Mobile

This Is The Origin Story of the Negroni Sbagliato

Everything ELLE DECOR Editors Loved in Milan

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Expedia travel: search hotels, cheap flights, car rentals & vacations, search for travel.

• Things to do

Add a flight

Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels with Member Prices. Also, members save up to 30% when you add a hotel to a flight

Discover your new favorite stay.

Summer packages save you up to 19%

Whether you're craving the beach, luxury, or something else, bundle your flight and hotel to save., explore stays in trending destinations.

San Luis Obispo

Santa Barbara

Pacific Grove

Last-minute weekend deals, image gallery for trump international hotel las vegas.

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

Image gallery for margaritaville hotel san diego gaslamp quarter.

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Image gallery for hotel per la, an autograph collection by marriott.

Hotel PER LA, an Autograph Collection by Marriott

Los angeles, image gallery for omni san francisco hotel.

Omni San Francisco Hotel

San francisco, image gallery for outrigger waikiki beachcomber hotel.

OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

Image gallery for silver legacy resort casino at the row.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW

Image gallery for harrah's lake tahoe resort & casino.

Harrah's Lake Tahoe Resort & Casino

Image gallery for mar monte hotel, in the unbound collection by hyatt.

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Image gallery for quartz hotel & spa.

Quartz Hotel & SPA

Image gallery for hotel yllen eiffel.

Hotel Yllen Eiffel

Image gallery for chaminade resort & spa.

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Image gallery for lotte hotel seattle.

Lotte Hotel Seattle

Image gallery for cypress pointe resort.

Cypress Pointe Resort

Image gallery for trump international hotel & tower chicago.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Image gallery for 1 hotel nashville.

1 Hotel Nashville

Image gallery for bellyard, west midtown atlanta, a tribute portfolio hotel.

Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Image gallery for le pavillon new orleans.

Le Pavillon New Orleans

New orleans.

Earn 10x more OneKeyCash on your flight when you book a package

Handpicked hotels that go the extra mile

Escape the everyday with a spur-of-the-moment trip

Get planning

Flight deals ready to take you to the most-loved places

• Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Top Hotel Deals on Domestic Destinations

• Top Hotels in Boston, MA
• Top Hotels in Houston, TX
• Top Hotels in Chicago, IL
• Top Hotels in Pigeon Forge, TN
• Top Hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC
• Top Hotels in Los Angeles, CA
• Top Hotels in Nashville, TN
• Top Hotels in San Francisco, CA
• Top Hotels in Miami, FL
• Top Hotels in New Orleans, LA
• Top Hotels in Atlantic City, NJ
• Top Hotels in Orlando, FL
• Top Hotels in Las Vegas, NV
• Top Hotels in Anna Maria Island, FL
• Top Hotels in New York, NY
• Top domestic Hotels

Top Hotel Deals on International Destinations

• Top All-inclusive Resorts in Turks and Caicos
• Top All-inclusive Resorts in Puerto Rico
• Top Hotels in Paris
• Top Hotels in Puerto Rico Island
• Top Hotels in Rome from $35
• Top All-inclusive Resorts in Bahamas
• Top Hotels in San Juan
• Top Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
• Top Hotels in Tokyo
• Top All-inclusive Resorts in Mexico
• Top Hotels in Cancun
• Top All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun
• Top Hotels in London
• Top Hotels in Niagara Falls
• Top Hotels in Toronto
• Top international Hotels

Top Domestic Flights

• Flights to Las Vegas
• Flights to Hawaii
• Flights to New York
• Flights to Orlando
• Flights to Miami
• Flights to Los Angeles
• Flights to Maui
• Flights to Houston
• Flights to Dallas
• Flights to Denver

Top International Flights

• Flights to Puerto Rico
• Flights to Tokyo
• Flights to Kannur
• Flights to Mexico City
• Flights to London
• Flights to Cancun
• Flights to Manila
• Flights to Cabo San Lucas
• Flights to Bali
• Flights to Bora Bora

Save today on vacation packages

• Las Vegas Vacation Packages
• New York Vacation Packages
• Miami Vacation Packages
• Orlando Vacation Packages
• New Orleans Vacation Packages
• Williamsburg Vacation Packages
• Portland Vacation Packages
• Laughlin Vacation Packages
• Tampa Vacation Packages
• Atlantic City Vacation Packages
• Austin Vacation Packages
• St. Thomas Vacation Packages

Book international flights & hotels together to save

• Cancun Vacation Packages
• Punta Cana Vacation Packages
• Aruba Vacation Packages
• Bahamas Vacation Packages
• London Vacation Packages
• Paris Vacation Packages
• Cozumel Vacation Packages
• Playa Del Carmen Vacation Packages
• Toronto Vacation Packages
• Quintana Roo Vacation Packages

Top places to visit domestically

• Visit Los Angeles
• Visit Las Vegas
• Visit New York
• Visit Chicago
• Visit Orlando
• Visit Dallas
• Visit Atlanta
• Visit Phoenix
• Visit Miami
• Visit Houston

Visit places internationally

• Visit the Bahamas
• Visit Vancouver
• Visit Mexico
• Visit Cabo San Lucas
• Visit Cancun
• Visit Punta Cana
• Visit Australia
• Visit London
• Visit Aruba
• Visit Paris

Airport & car rental deals

• Car rentals in Los Angeles
• Car rentals in Orlando
• Car rentals in Las Vegas
• Car rentals in Denver
• Car rentals in Phoenix
• Car rentals in Chicago
• Car rentals in Fort Lauderdale
• Car rentals in New York
• Car rentals in Atlanta
• Car rentals in Houston

Find cheap car rentals at international airports

• Car rentals in Dublin
• Car rentals in Vancouver
• Car rentals in Toronto
• Car rentals in Dubai
• Car rentals in Paris
• Car rentals in Cancun
• Car rentals in Puerto Rico
• Car rentals in Rome
• Car rentals in Calgary

Top Deals on Vacation Rental Destinations

• Search all Vacation Rentals
• Top Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals
• Top Vacation Rentals in Florida
• Top Vacation Rentals in New Jersey
• Top South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
• Top Galveston Vacation Rentals
• Top Miami Vacation Rentals
• Top Tampa Vacation Rentals
• Top Orlando Vacation Rentals
• Top Daytona Beach Vacation Rentals
• Top Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals
• Top Oahu Vacation Rentals
• Top Geneva-on-the-Lake Vacation Rentals
• Top Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals
• Top Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals
• Top South Padre Island Vacation Rentals

Popular cruise destinations

• Cruises to Bahamas
• Cruises to Mexico
• Cruises to Hawaii
• Cruises to Alaska
• Cruises to Caribbean
• Cruises to Europe
• Cruises to Bermuda
• Cruises to Africa
• Cruises to Australia & New Zealand
• Cruises to Canada & New England

Cruise departure ports nearby

• Cruises from Galveston
• Cruises from Miami
• Cruises from New York
• Cruises from Tampa
• Cruises from Long Beach
• Cruises from Boston
• Cruises from Charleston
• Cruises from Port Canaveral
• Cruises from San Francisco
• Cruises from Norfolk

Other Vacation ideas

• Travel Trends 2024
• Christmas Vacation Deals
• Weekend Getaways
• Plan your Vacation
• Vacation Payment Plans
• Expedia Group wildlife guidelines
• All Inclusive Vacations
• Ski Vacations
• Beach Vacations
• Golf Vacations
• Kid Friendly Vacations
• Luxury Vacations
• Romantic Vacations
• Adventure Vacations
• Last Minute Vacation Deals
• Best Travel Destinations by Month

More destinations

• All Destinations

I went on a budget and a luxury safari in Africa. Here's how they compare — and the one thing you really need to look for when booking.

Posted: March 14, 2024 | Last updated: March 14, 2024

• I have been on two glamping safari trips in Africa on two very different budgets.
• My all-inclusive stay was great but my cheaper glamping experience was fine, too. 
• Private game reserves are actually the most important thing to splurge on, not accommodations. 

I've been on two African safari trips . Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.

My first more affordable trip, a lodge in South Africa with separate safari excursions, cost me about $1,100. My second, an all-inclusive lodge in Tanzania, cost me about $4,000 after a 50% off deal.

Here's how the two compare and what I think you should look for before you plan an African safari .

My affordable safari experience was at Jackalberry Ridge, where some tents cost $80 a night.

The first time I went on a safari, I went to Kruger National Park in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.

I stayed five nights near Kruger and one night in Johannesburg before my flight home. I spent around $1,100 for lodging, safari tours, a rental car, and food (not including flights).

After landing in Johannesburg, I rented a car ($130 for five days) to drive to my lodging in Marloth Park, a town bordering the edge of Kruger National Park.

I was staying at Jackalberry Ridge , a self-catering accommodation with no on-site restaurant, no room service, and limited housekeeping.

The one-bedroom tents at Jackalberry Ridge go for as low as $80 a night, and two-bedroom tents go for $135.

When I checked in late, there was no one at the reception desk — just an envelope with my name on it containing my keys and a map.

My main tent felt pretty spacious, with a king bed and a living-room area.

I had booked a two-bedroom unit (two tents), but my friend couldn't come at the last minute. Since I couldn't change the reservation, I still stayed in the two-bedroom unit and my friend paid her share.

The campsite came with a small pool to dip in, but it was covered as the weather was pretty cold.

Each unit had a private bathroom and kitchen in a building separate from the tents, so I needed to leave my tent to use the bathroom at night.

The bathroom was standard, with a tub, shower, and toilet.

This is glamping, so I had access to running water and a flushing toilet. I had hot water, but I found it went from scalding hot to cold in a few seconds.

I ended up taking quick showers and just washing my hair with cold water, which wasn't ideal since it was a little chilly in the morning.

It's also worth noting that Jackalberry Ridge was renovated recently, so the issue I had with hot water may have been fixed now.

I also had access to a kitchen in the same building as the bathroom.

The kitchen was well-equipped with things like pots, a microwave, and a sink, so I could cook meals or heat up leftovers.

I signed up for a couple of day safaris and did one at night.

Although I had a rental car and could've done a self-drive safari around Kruger, I didn't trust myself to spot animals while focusing on the roads.

Instead, I signed up for a couple of day safaris and one night safari. The safari tour prices often don't include the park entrance fee (about $25 per person per day), which I paid when I got to the entrance.

My three safari trips and park fees came to around $280.

I got to see zebras, giraffes, and more.

I saw a lot on the safari, including zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes. I saw lions and a leopard, although only from afar with binoculars. I even got a glimpse of the elusive rhinoceros.

I also spent one day taking another popular day trip in the area, the Panorama Route. This scenic road goes past Lisbon Falls and the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. The guided tour was $110.

As far as my very first safari trip goes, it was great. I got to see the Big Five , even though some of them were pretty far away.

For my next safari trip, I leveled up.

I saw a Travelzoo deal for an all-inclusive safari at Taasa Lodge , a five-star luxury safari in Tanzania.

The deal was $6,000 for two people for a whole week — the lodge is usually $12,950 for two for seven nights. It was still a splurge, but I'd be saving more than 50% on a bucket-list experience.

The package came with seven nights of lodging, two safari activities a day, three daily meals, and drinks.

Still, we spent more than the original advertised price. There are obligatory "daily government park fees" and "daily concession fees" that added about $893 per person to our bill.

We also had to take a regional flight to get to Taasa, which was more expensive than my rental car in South Africa.

To redeem the Travelzoo deal, we had to complete our booking through a specific travel agency.

We ended up opting for an all-inclusive add-on package which includes the $893 fees above, domestic airfares from Arusha to Taasa (which would already cost around $600), and our agency arranging our Tanzanian tourist visa and airport transfers. The add-on also included extra activities at the resort (more on that later).

Overall, we paid $1,715 per person on top of the $3,000 each for the lodge stay.

I hadn't anticipated paying so many extras, but it was nice to have someone take care of the logistics of getting to the resort.

My tent was luxurious and equipped with a comfortable king bed and a large living room.

When I arrived at the lodge, the staff greeted me with a glass of juice and a wet towel to refresh myself.

My tent was quite spacious. I especially liked that it had a desk and plenty of outlets I could use to charge my electronics. Our bathroom was behind our bed, and I was glad it was inside the tent this time.

We also got a butler who kept track of our schedules and made sure we had what we needed.

The bathroom felt spacious, with two sinks and a shower.

The shower's hot water was great and we had double sinks we could get ready at.

Another perk of the lodge is that we could have staff do our laundry every day, which meant we could pack less clothing.

There's a main lodge with a communal living room, dining area, and bar.

We got breakfast at the buffet in the main lodge unless we were going on a morning safari.

Most people ate dinner in the dining room, but we could've requested to have food brought to our tent.

We also passed a small pool next to the main lodge.

The pool was on the small side, but certainly had great views.

I didn't end up using it as my afternoons were filled with safari, and the mornings and evenings were chilly.

On the mornings with an early safari, we had a simple breakfast next to our Land Cruiser.

Safari breakfasts consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, doughnuts, bacon and sausage, fruits, and orange juice. Staff also made French-press coffee, which we could spike with cream liqueur.

Our Land Cruiser had a cooler of beers and sodas in the back, too.

At the private game reserve, we got pretty close to wildlife.

Taasa is located inside a private game reserve, which means staff can pretty much drive anywhere within it. This was a huge leg up from my day trips in Kruger National Park on my last safari.

Inside national parks like Kruger or Serengeti, you're only allowed to drive on designated roads for safety reasons (both for the tourists and the animals).

But in a private reserve, guides can drive offroad. Plus, the guides communicate with each other when they find something special.

We saw a bunch of animals in the private reserve and Serengeti.

We also left the reserve to spend a couple of days going into Serengeti National Park, as there were things you could only find there instead of within the private reserve.

For example, I'd planned my trip to take place during the Great Migration, and I wanted to see wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

We also went to Serengeti to find rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Every dinner at the resort consisted of three courses: soup, an entrée, and a dessert.

The main course was usually some type of Western food, and there was always a vegetarian option.

It would've been nice to be offered more typical Tanzanian dishes, though. For me, part of the fun of traveling is learning about different countries' cuisines.

I also had access to an open bar in the main lodge. Staff could make simple cocktails, and there was lots of beer and wine. The drinks were all included with the price of the stay (except for fancy Champagnes and select wines).

One morning, we had a special breakfast on the plains.

On one day of the trip, we had a special bush breakfast. It was one of the extra activities we got with that special add-on package.

Instead of our usual safari breakfast, we had freshly prepared omelets in the wild.

We also got another special treat in the bush that morning — a toilet!

When you're offroading looking for wild animals, you can end up pretty far from a proper toilet.

On most safari days, the car stops (when guides think it's safe), and people go behind the car to do their business.

This was the only time we had this portable toilet while out on a safari. On my budget safari day trips at Kruger, we'd have to wait until we reached a rest-stop facility.

Again, we spent a lot of time watching lions.

After breakfast, we were back in safari mode.

We found a family of lions, and as we were in the private reserve, we were able to stay and watch the cubs play for quite a while.

At Kruger, when lions are spotted, traffic starts backing up on the road as all the safari cruisers stop to look, so you can't stay too long.

Here, we knew no one else would be coming.

On a different morning, our guide got a tip that another car had found a leopard sleeping.

The communication between guides in the private reserve paid off when one spotted a sleeping leopard.

When our group arrived, the leopard was napping on the tree next to his catch. Eventually, it came down, and we got a better look.

Our trip ended with a great happy hour and outdoor dinner.

Other activities that were part of our add-on package included a visit to a Maasai village in Kenya and a special happy hour and barbecue dinner.

And, for our journey home, the travel agency took care of everything, including transfers, until we boarded our international flight.

My big takeaway is that it's really worth paying to be inside a private reserve.

In my opinion, the difference between these two safari trips that's the most worth paying for is being in a private reserve.

After all, the main reason I fly to Africa is for the safari, not the glamping.

I much preferred my lodging at Taasa, mostly because of the bathroom. But if I hadn't had the 50% off deal, I'm not sure the full price would've been worth it.

Still, it was a wonderful experience, and if I had more money, I may feel differently. Even so, the budget glamping was pretty comfortable and just fine for a week.

But again, as far as the safari experience goes, the private reserve is hard to beat. Being able to go offroading and get closer to the animals is quite the experience.

And if luxurious lodges are out of the question, private reserves can also be visited more affordably. Some lodges inside private reserves, like Shindzela or Rhino River Lodge, can cost around $250 per person per night.

More for You

Top 10 Greatest BlackPink Live Performances

Ukraine appears to strike a powerful electronic warfare system previously dubbed the 'backbone' of Russia's jamming technology

Doctor shares what happens to our bodies moments before we die

Krispy Kreme Is Only Requiring Customers to Pay Sales Tax on a Dozen Donuts as a ‘Sweet Tax Break’ on Tax Day

Secrets of ancient Herculaneum scroll deciphered by AI

IRS used AI to access bank accounts of US citizens: Rep. Harriet Hageman

Workers at Elon Musk’s Boring Co. accidentally dug too close to a supporting column of the Las Vegas monorail last year, forcing officials to briefly halt service

It's Time To Settle The Grilled Cheese Debate: Mayo Or Butter?

A key part of our bodies continues to live on years after we die

15 Bits of Trivia That Crawled Up In Our Brains And Refuse To Come Out

The 26 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. Ranked

Common prescription drugs may cause depression as side effect, experts say

Huge shipping firm shuts down two of its companies

I Blind-Tasted 9 Ketchup Brands—and the Winner Will Surprise You

Richard Branson loses more than £2.5bn after Virgin Orbit and Virgin Galatic collapse

We’re not playing around in Florida: Ashley Moody

13 Menu Items McDonald's Employees Refuse To Order

New hypothesis emerges on Parkinson's disease's origins and spread

The Royal Rundown on Charlemagne’s 20 Children

I moved to Ecuador because the US was too expensive. I'd love to move back to Montana and be near my grandkids but I can't afford it.

Find deals for any season

From cozy bed & breakfasts to luxury hotels

Get inspiration for your next trip More

5 of the best hotels in los angeles.

From Hollywood to Beverly Hills discover 5 of the best hotels in Los Angeles for your stay

Get instant discounts

Destinations bookers love, save time, save money.

Error: Please enter a valid email address.

Error: Oops! An error has occurred.

Thanks! We've sent you an email so you can confirm your subscription

List your property

• Mobile version
• Your account
• Make changes online to your booking
• Customer Service Help
• Booking.com for Business
• Places of interest
• Guest Houses
• Unique places to stay
• All destinations
• All flight destinations
• All car rental locations
• All vacation destinations
• Discover monthly stays
• Unpacked: Travel articles
• Seasonal and holiday deals
• Traveller Review Awards
• Flight finder
• Restaurant reservations
• Booking.com for Travel Agents
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs
• About Booking.com
• Partner help
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Safety Resource Center
• Investor relations
• Terms & Conditions
• Partner dispute
• How We Work
• Privacy & cookie statement
• MSA statement
• Corporate contact
• Content guidelines and reporting

Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.

Verified reviews from real guests.

We have more than 70 million property reviews, all from real, verified guests .

How does it work?

It starts with a booking.

The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.

Followed by a trip

When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more.

And finally, a review

After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.

If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.

Check-in date

Check-out date