Hotels-within-hotels are like buried treasure. By creating a hidden “little sister” property onsite, sprawling resorts can offer a more exclusive, bespoke gem of a guest experience.
These hotels-within-hotels deliver premium perks, including private entrances, gorgeous accommodations, separate pools and dedicated butlers. Plus, you can take advantage of all the larger resort’s amenities, too. It’s double the bounty.
Here are a few of these secret hotels, from nearby to far-flung, you should check out:
Flagler Club
Palm Beach, Florida
A boutique hotel within The Breakers Palm Beach, Flagler Club reopens this November after a full-scale renovation by New York-based atelier Tihany Design. Embodying Palm Beach’s elevated but relaxed vibe, the 21-room Flagler Club will provide a sanctuary on the top two floors of the historic 1896 property.
As a Flagler Club guest, you will gain entry to a rooftop terrace and private lounge, which will serve breakfast, light lunch, sunset hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Sip wine and libations during cocktail hour. And a chauffeured Tesla house car will zip you around town and to and from the airport.
Partake in The Breakers’ numerous offerings, including four oceanfront pools, 36 holes of golf, 10 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts and a white-sand beach.
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort
Scottsdale, Arizona
It’s easy to drive past the 60-room Canyon Suites on your way to the main entrance of The Phoenician. However, those in the know will turn left before reaching the grand fountain for an elevated stay at the Five-Star Canyon Suites.
No lobby check-in is required here. You’re ushered directly into your spacious, modern suite — request pool-facing accommodations. The Canyon Suites’ pool is more private than The Phoenician’s, offering canary-yellow cabanas with stunning Camelback views and an attentive staff. Other perks include a complimentary daily breakfast buffet, afternoon happy hour, nightly s’mores around the fireplace and meeting the resort’s resident hawk.
And you can still enjoy The Phoenician’s popular Five-Star Phoenician Spa (Canyon Suites guests receive priority reservations), golf, pickleball and more.
ARIA Sky Suites and Sky Villas
Las Vegas
Not one but two hotel-within-a-hotel experiences await at the top of Four-Star ARIA Resort & Casino’s glass skyscraper: Five-Star ARIA Sky Suites and the invitation-only Sky Villas. In 2022, the 420 Sky Suites and seven Sky Villas transformed into sleek abodes with incredible daytime views of the blue sky and desert landscape inspiring the décor.
A stay in either option gives you luxury airport transfers; a dedicated pool away from the crowds; a 24-hour, in-the-know concierge with connections to access hard-to-book shows and restaurants; in-room treatments from Five-Star The Spa & Salon at ARIA; and indulgent daily surprises handpicked by the resort’s renowned butlers, like cigar carts and freshly baked bread.
Paiza Lofts
Macau, China
Tucked on floors 30 to 37 of Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Parisian Macao’s south wing, Paiza Lofts adopts a more modern and subdued aesthetic than the other property’s gilded, fit-for-Marie Antoinette décor. That’s not to say the all-suite Paiza Lofts isn’t opulent. Most of the expansive accommodations offer remarkable views of The Parisian’s Eiffel Tower replica’s nightly lights show from the bathtub or living room. A limousine picks up guests from the airport, a private elevator whisks them to their suites and a personal concierge stays on call around the clock.
If you want to explore beyond your suite, visit The Parisian’s Le SPA’tique spa, waterpark and impressive 20,000-square-foot Qube Kingdom kids club.
Eclipse at Half Moon
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Eclipse at Half Moon debuted as the most contemporary stay on historic Half Moon’s 400-acre property in 2020. Four-Star Eclipse’s 57 accommodations include the vast four-bedroom Estate Homes, Ocean Rooms that face the Caribbean Sea and the two-bedroom Great House Ocean Suite. No matter which you choose, you will get to bask in Eclipse’s infinity-edge saltwater pool near the ocean and natural swimming cove. A private butler will tend to you throughout your visit.
Although there’s plenty to do at Eclipse, you can also utilize Half Moon’s amenities, including golf, polo lessons at the equestrian center, water sports, the spa’s two overwater bungalows and Sugar Mill, one of Jamaica’s best restaurants.
The Mulia – Nusa Dua, Bali and Mulia Villas
Nusa Dua, Bali
Amid Mulia Resort’s 75 acres of hilly countryside, you will find Five-Star The Mulia and Four-Star Mulia Villas. The Mulia consists of 111 beachfront suites, each featuring a balcony with a hot tub. The Villas’ 108 villas — including the six-bedroom Mulia Mansion — have a garden, a plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and Jacuzzis.
Both hotels share a host of perks, including a butler dedicated to taking care of your every whim, complimentary afternoon tea and use of the Oasis, Bali’s longest oceanfront infinity pool flanked by towering statues of Balinese women.
The Terrace Inn
Santa Fe
Located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of New Mexico’s capital city, La Fonda on the Plaza is steps from shops and restaurants. The century-old hotel recently wrapped up a head-to-toe refresh of The Terrace Inn, the 15-room boutique hotel on the top two floors.
The modern Southwestern décor, with Native American art and leather furnishings, sits alongside contemporary elements, like the bathroom’s subway tiles and Carrara marble floors. Spacious balconies overlook the iconic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi. A stay comes with a welcome amenity of locally made or grown snacks, like biscochito cookies and pistachios; a refreshment area with complimentary gourmet coffee and other beverages; and a rooftop hot tub.
