March 13, 2015
Hundreds of square metres of space. Round-the-clock butler service. Private terraces. Jaw-dropping views. At the top luxury hotel suites in the US, these aren’t even the highlights – they’re only some of the truly sumptuous amenities on offer. Of course, these are certainly wallet-opening stays – some rank among the most expensive suites in the country – but for those after a bit of high-rolling, it’s hard to envision a more opulent way to travel.
If “privacy” and “quiet” both factor heavily into your personal definition of luxury, it won’t get much more indulgent than Amangiri Canyon Point. Located on 600 acres of a stunning protected valley in southern Utah, the hotel is situated in the middle of nowhere. Its Girijaala Suite reflects the clean, western architecture of the place, and adds in a private courtyard, swimming pool and terrace, as well as two separate bathing areas and twin rain showers.
Additionally ranked as one of the most expensive suites in America, the legendary Chairman Suite at the Bellagio is about as high roller as the country’s luxury hotel suites get. From the time that guests check-in at the private Chairman’s Lounge, the bespoke service on offer is truly exceptional. Within the suite awaits a solarium, indoor fountain, two master bedrooms, whirlpool tubs and steam showers – even a conference room for the business-minded. Of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to play, too, including a home entertainment system and a sunken full-service bar.
Though the sprawling Royal Plaza Suite at New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel has three bedrooms and three bathrooms between it, you may want to leave your little Eloise at home – the lavishly decorated suite is said to be inspired by Louis XV’s tastes. That means plenty of gilt details, chandeliers, crown molding and marble, across the library, living room and fully equipped kitchen. Naturally, a butler is on-site to cater to guests’ every whim.
The top-of-the-line suite at the St. Regis in Washington, DC is fittingly named – given its lavish range of amenities, a president could very well kick up his or her feet here. The 200 square-metre space is kitted out with a sprawling living room, library, powder room, master bedroom, and two separate rainforest showers. For those looking to entertain, a 10-person dining room is also attached.
There’s a lot to capture the attention within The Langham Chicago’s Infinity Suite. With a look that’s a well-mixed compromise between modern and classic touches, the 12th floor suite hosts a living room parlour with grand piano and fireplace, a butler-served dining table, oversized soaking tubs and a fully stocked private bar. But then, there are those floor-to-ceiling windows, from which guests can take in the Chicago River and the city’s distinctive architecture. It’s hard to know where to look first.
No wonder the Mandarin Oriental has earned a place on our list of luxury hotel suites – the Mandarin Suite offers a private terrace and some of the most attractive, panoramic views of the southern city’s skyscrapers. Within, there’s a fireplace to cosy up to, artwork from local galleries on the walls, an ornately decorated living area, king bedroom, dining area and more, all done up in a sultry palette of dark wood and velvet. Then there’s the freestanding bathtub and walk-in shower, which together encourage plenty of time for pampering.
Once frequented by the likes of Mick Jagger, JFK, Prince Charles and Marlene Dietrich, the Penthouse Suite at the Fairmont occupies the entire eighth floor of this historic building. Created during the 1920s, it still betrays some Art Deco touches, though a recent renovation means its amenities are totally up-to-date. In the kitchen, guests will find produce from the nearby Ferry Building, while the private terrace offers gorgeous views of one America’s most picturesque cities. Then there’s the billiards room, two-storey library, and selection of California wines to round out the entertainment.
It’s all bright and beachy relaxation at the stellar Halekulani, a high-end hotel on Oahu. Part of that is due to the hotel’s “seven shades of white” decorating scheme, but most of the ambiance can be credited to the swaying palms and Pacific views that can be enjoyed from virtually every window on the property. In the Executive Luxury Suite, private patios look onto local landmark Diamond Head. Inside, meanwhile, there’s chilled Champagne waiting, a butler on-hand, in-suite spa treatments, and huge stretches of private space.
At 465 square meters, the Penthouse Suite at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills has the distinction of being the largest penthouse suite in Los Angeles. It’s also perhaps the most opulent. A colossal terrace lets guests soak up the Southern California sun, while a show kitchen and dining table suit parties of up to 10. Then there are the four bathrooms, the media room complete with 140-cm flat-screen TV, and even red carpet primping services for those who are jetting in for a premiere.
After a recent renovation, The Joule in Dallas by Preferred Hotels and Resorts is even more of a destination than it once was: complete with eye-catching touches by designer Adam Tihany, the state’s only ESPA spa, and a museum-worthy art collection with works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Ellsworth Kelly, no wonder it’s on our list of luxury hotel suites. The striking Penthouse Suite is the crme de la crme of the boutique hotel’s offerings, with its sprawling space comprising two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a dining area, kitchen, living room, and library. Then there’s the private roof terrace, which measures 56 square metres alone.
Virgin Atlantic operates direct flights to destinations all across the US. Book your flight today and you could be staying at one of these luxury hotel suites…
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Written by Claire Bullen
Claire is a born globetrotter: before relocating to London, she spent time in New York, Paris, Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco. When she's not in pursuit of the next exciting meal, she can be found haunting indie bookstores and sketching outdoors. Follow Claire @ClaireMBullen
