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The 45 Best London Hotels
By Forbes Travel Guide

September 25, 2024

Shangri-La The Shard, London is one of the city's top hotels — Shangri-La The Shard, London stands tall in the U.K. capital. *Credit: Shangri-La The Shard, London*

London, a vibrant city steeped in history yet thoroughly modern, offers a diverse selection of luxury hotels. In fact, the U.K. capital has one of the world’s largest collections of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotels — an impressive 20 (bested only by Macau’s 22).

Whether you seek a sophisticated getaway in Mayfair or an art-driven hot spot in Covent Garden, you can trust Forbes Travel Guide’s exclusive list — we have been rating hotels since 1958 using an objective and independent process. To find the best hotels in London, our incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70 percent of a property’s rating. The remaining 30 percent comes from the quality and condition of the facilities. FTG does not require a business relationship from the properties it rates, and it does not earn a commission if you book one of the following hotels.

Five-Star Hotels

Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La Hotel group’s first property in the U.K. enjoys a spectacular location within The Shard, London’s megawatt skyscraper. It’s one of the most striking skyline structures. See more.

The Berkeley

The fashion-forward set has long been calling The Berkeley its home away from home, and not just because of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel’s proximity to Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Sloane Street designer shops. See more.

Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

London’s oldest hotel, opened in 1837, Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel has had its fair share of distinguished guests over the years. But the past patronage of the likes of Queen Victoria and President Theodore Roosevelt is only half the story — it’s how this Five-Star hotel looks after its visitors today that really makes it stand out from the crowd. See more.

Bvlgari Hotel London

Everything about Bvlgari Hotel London exudes refined glamour and sophistication, from seductive public spaces designed by world-renowned architects and decorated with vintage Bvlgari regalia, to its prime location in fashionable Knightsbridge. See more.

Claridge’s

Claridge’s radiates art deco glamour. This London hotel has been opening its doors to guests since 1856, becoming a regular go-to for a roll call of famous names, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Alfred Hitchcock, Lulu Guinness and Kate Moss. See more.

The Connaught

There’s an air to The Connaught that can only be achieved by a property of this age and grandeur. It oozes the glamour of those who have walked its halls since it opened in 1897, including actors, presidents, directors and fashion tastemakers that the hotel staff, in its utmost professionalism, refuses to divulge. See more.

The Dorchester

Conceived in the 1930s as a high-end hotel that would rank as the finest in Europe, The Dorchester retains this standard. This lavish London landmark is known for its typically English residential façade festooned with wrought-iron balconies, but the hotel interior equally impresses. See more.

The Egerton House Hotel

Two grand red brick Victorian townhouses conjoin to form the Five-Star Egerton House Hotel. This luxury, 28-room boutique property is primely located on a quiet residential street in the heart of leafy Knightsbridge. See more.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Located in the exclusive Mayfair neighborhood, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane offers a sophisticated setting and some of the city’s most polished service. See more.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square

The colonnade at the main entrance of Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square may not quite rival the ancient bricks of the Tower of London just across the street, but it certainly sets the tone for the rest of this beautiful property. See more.

The Goring

Still run by the family who built it, The Goring reaches the height of luxury with a distinctly intimate feel. Opened in 1910, the boutique hotel has just 69 rooms and suites, yet each unit is individually designed with the ultimate blend of elegance and comfort. See more.

Hotel 41

There’s a warmth that permeates throughout Hotel 41, giving this snug establishment the feel of an exclusive members’ club; it’s a real home away from the heart of the British capital. See more.

The Lanesborough

The Lanesborough occupies perhaps the grandest location of any London hotel, standing resplendently at Hyde Park Corner. Its imposing façade gazes out over Hyde Park to the north, Knightsbridge to the west and Mayfair and the rest of central London to the east. See more.

The Langham, London

Europe’s first “grand hotel,” Five-Star The Langham, London, opened in 1865. Back in the day, this luxurious property was famous for its celebrity and royal guests; today, The Langham is best known for its outstanding drinking and dining opportunities. See more.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

London is renowned for its time-honored posh properties, and the Edwardian masterpiece that houses Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is no exception. See more.

The Milestone Hotel & Residences

The grand Kensington building began life as three separate Victorian townhouses. Converted in 1922, the place retains an air of homeliness — albeit of the most luxurious variety — that is difficult to find in a central London hotel, especially one in such an enviable location. See more.

Pan Pacific London

Spotlighting luxuriant British contemporary design with Asian minimalism, Pan Pacific London offers refined and discreet elegance at One Bishopsgate Plaza that makes it feel like a haven tucked away from the city’s teeming crowds. See more.

The Prince Akatoki London

Tucked away on a hushed, tree-lined street in Marylebone, The Prince Akatoki is a chic and understated hideaway where you can decompress while staying conveniently central. See more.

Rosewood London

High Holborn is one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, yet step through the wrought-iron gates that front Rosewood London and you leave the noise and bustle far behind. See more.

The Savoy

Often called “London’s most famous hotel,” The Savoy holds a special place in the heart of this great European city. Opened in 1889 as the first truly high-end hotel in Britain, The Savoy has been at the forefront of decadence ever since. See more.

Four-Star Hotels

45 Park Lane

With distinctive art deco styling, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star 45 Park Lane is a breath of fresh air in magnificent Mayfair. See more.

51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences

51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences offers everything you’d expect from a hotel by the Taj Group, famed for its attention to detail and genteel service. The property provides more of a residence than a hotel stay, with 86 rooms and suites in three Edwardian red-brick buildings surrounding a charming courtyard. See more.

The Beaumont

The Beaumont is a discreet yet glamorous hotel in one of London’s most affluent areas. The art deco building is quiet and compact, cloistered on a Mayfair street that overlooks a 10,000-square-foot public square. See more.

COMO Metropolitan London

The first thing you’ll notice when walking into COMO Metropolitan London is the fresh scent of eucalyptus and peppermint. The second is just how quiet it is. Despite the wall-to-ceiling windows in the lobby, there are no sounds from Park Lane. See more.

COMO The Halkin, London

It’s hard to imagine that the sleek, contemporary COMO The Halkin, London was a gas station when owner Christina Ong first laid eyes on it. Pumps were situated where the reception desk now stands. Everything except the Georgian façade was gutted and replaced with five floors of premium Italian interior design. See more.

Corinthia London

Perched on Whitehall Place just south of Trafalgar Square, Corinthia London is a chic, city-center retreat that will make you feel like a visiting royal. The 283 spacious guest rooms are contemporary in look yet elegantly appointed, and you’ll discover great cityscape views along with sumptuous bathrooms outfitted with heated marble floors. See more.

Dorset Square Hotel

This diminutive, 38-room boutique hotel is at the edge of leafy Dorset Square in the heart of London, occupying a Regency townhouse that’s positively crazed with the sport of cricket. Dorset Square was the site of Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground, and the hotel has adopted a cricket-centric theme. See more.

Hotel Café Royal

For more than a century, this central landmark building was the ultimate hot spot on London’s social scene, hosting world-famous guests like Andy Warhol, George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde. See more.

InterContinental London Park Lane

Sitting on the edge of Hyde Park, InterContinental London Park Lane was once a royal residence itself. Now, guests of the luxurious hotel soak up regal views of Buckingham Palace. See more.

The Ned

When London-based Soho House & Co teamed up with New York’s Sydell Group to resurrect a former bank, glamorous stay The Ned was born. The 1924 Grade I-listed building is a remarkable structure designed by (and named for) legendary London architect Sir Edwin “Ned” Lutyens. See more.

One Aldwych

The elaborate Edwardian exterior of One Aldwych belies the creative art-filled hotel you find inside, where a fantastic 400-piece contemporary art collection seamlessly melds into the décor. See more.

The Ritz London

Located in the heart of the city, The Ritz London is one of the most iconic hotels in the world, opened in 1906 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz, the former manager of The Savoy hotel and founder of Paris’ Hôtel Ritz. See more.

Sofitel London St James

Originally built as a bank in the Roaring ’20s, Sofitel London St James stands tall in one of the British capital’s most prestigious addresses. Within the hotel’s grand neoclassical exterior, you’ll find a far more playful side of luxury that retains the Sofitel brand’s French roots. See more.

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London

St. Pancras Renaissance is easily one of London’s most recognizable hotels. The massive Gothic red brick façade with signature soaring spires was originally opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel and was built alongside the St. Pancras train station. See more.

The Stafford London

Tucked away on the quiet side street of Saint James’s Place just off Piccadilly, The Stafford London is rich with history and exudes some of the most quintessential English charm you’ll find in all of London. See more.

The Wellesley Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The Wellesley Knightsbridge, A Luxury Collection Hotel, may be one of the newer kids on the Belgravia block. Yet, the look and feel of this luxury boutique property authentically hark back to the art deco era, when it started life as an underground station. See more.

Recommended Hotels

11 Cadogan Gardens

11 Cadogan Gardens blends so well into its affluent residential surroundings that you could easily walk past and miss it. Unbeknownst to some, what lies behind the unassuming façade is something quite special — a boutique hotel brimming with warmth and personality. See more.

The Biltmore Mayfair

The Biltmore Mayfair opened on Grosvenor Square in September 2019. This quiet, leafy corner of the West End is moments from stately Park Lane, historic Bond Street and shopping destination Oxford Street; boasts notable former residents, including Oscar Wilde; and has a rich history as the London base of the U.S. Embassy. See more.

Charlotte Street Hotel

With its prime Soho address and unique style, the intimate Charlotte Street Hotel feels more like a private townhome than a hotel. See more.

DUKES LONDON

The storied DUKES LONDON delivers discretion with a friendly face through a series of townhouses tucked away off St. James Square with its own private courtyard dating back to 1532. See more.

JW Marriott Grosvenor House London

Grosvenor House, the first JW Marriott brand hotel to set up shop in the United Kingdom, occupies a stately building on the site of a former townhouse belonging to the Grosvenor family (also known as the Dukes of Westminster) on Park Lane that overlooks Hyde Park. See more.

The LaLiT London

Housed in a former 19th-century private school, The Lalit London embraces its history. It kept many of the neo-baroque architecture and design elements intact. See more.

The London EDITION

From the outside, The London EDITION looks like a period Georgian hotel with its columned portico and intricate moldings. But look closely and you’ll notice all-glass entrance doors that hint at something more modern inside. See more.

London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Nestled along the River Thames’ South Bank, the landmark London Marriott Hotel County Hall combines history, luxury and contemporary comforts. The Grade II-listed structure dates back to 1922 and has borne witness to significant moments in Britain’s political history. See more.

St. Ermin’s Hotel

From the outside, St. Ermin’s Hotel looks like a classic British stay with its red brick exterior and tree-lined courtyard. But step inside, and you’ll see white sinuous rococo plasterwork curving throughout the lobby. See more.

Interviews, Sports

Boxer Alycia Baumgardner Gets Riled Up About Fighting, Travel And Korean Food
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

September 25, 2024

Alycia Baumgardner is one of the top female boxers in the world — “The Bomb” is one of the top female fighters in the world. *Credit: Alycia Baumgardner*

When Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, the undisputed female super featherweight champion of the world, steps into the ring at Atlanta’s Trilith Studios on September 27, she won’t just battle Belgium’s Delfine Persoon. She’ll take a swing at boxing’s gender gap.

The event will feature the largest purse bid in the World Boxing Council’s history for a female bout, amounting to $500,000. But male boxers crossed that threshold decades ago.

We talked to the Las Vegas-based formidable fighter via video call about pay equality, her favorite places in the city and where she wants to go next.

Alycia Baumgardner is a top boxer — Baumgardner is in a never-ending fight for pay equality in boxing. *Credit: Alycia Baumgardner*

Where are you right now? It looks like a sunny and lovely spot on a patio.

Yes, in Vegas it’s 100 degrees, so it’s doable right now. I plan to move.

Where’s your next destination?

Texas.

You’re heading to Atlanta soon to headline the all-women’s card sanctioned by the World Boxing Council. Why is this match important for you?

This fight is important because of the positioning that I’m in currently and with that came a journey of events to lead me here, and I’m just happy to be in this moment to be able to defend my title, to fight a great opponent like Delfine. She is a veteran in the sport, so this fight highlights the pedigree of who she is and also the pedigree of where I’m going.

Also, the fact that it is the largest purse bid for women in the sport’s history is a big deal. Why do you think pay equality continues to lag for female athletes?

It’s a variety of things. Representation matters, your team matters, who’s speaking for you — these things have to be in order. And oftentimes, it is on the fighter.

As a fighter and a businesswoman, I have to make sure that I have a great team supporting me, negotiating for me and keeping the fighter first. I think sometimes we get away from not representing the fighter and the talent first, and everyone just wants to put their hands in the pot. So again, just be diligent about your circle, aware as a businesswoman and make sure you’re asking the right questions.

Las Vegas, Nevada — Las Vegas is home for the champ for now. *Credit: iStock-4kodiak*

How did you get your start in boxing?

My dad introduced boxing to me. I grew up in a small town in Ohio. We had a gym that was free for any kid to join, and it was a great opportunity for the community to come together and allow these kids to have some form of discipline and respect. Boxing taught that. Being introduced to something like that at a young age allowed me to build confidence as a young girl.

Do you have any pre-match rituals?

I would say praying. Journaling has been a really big exercise that I’ve done my whole life, writing down things to remember why I made it this far, the things I’ve been able to get through, reminders that I’m just being one with the Lord and just understanding that I’m fulfilling an assignment that is to come Friday.

You have a very rigorous workout routine, but what do you do to take care of yourself when you’re traveling?

Self-care is obviously No. 1. [Regarding] health and wellness as a woman outside the ring, I’m always making sure that I’m partaking in good things for the body. Good things for the body help with things for the mental. I make sure I’m taking my vitamins daily, drinking my water — at least a gallon a day — journaling and getting quality sleep.

When you travel, what do you pack in your carry-on?

This is girl stuff: lip gloss, perfume, eye gel patches, eye mask, maybe even a card game — I’ll throw some Uno in there — a journal, obviously you need a good pen. Some snacks. I always like the snacks, so that’s important. And a good scarf, my bonnet.

What are some of your favorite spots in Vegas?

One of my favorite restaurants is Gordon Ramsay Steak. Great food. And I love the Topgolf here because that’s always a fun place to go.

I like to be outdoors. I was able to go to one of the mountaintops — Mount Charleston. That’s a good run to do. It’s a good five-mile run up the mountain. It was nice to be in that solitude moment to be by yourself and running.

What are some of your favorite travel destinations?

I briefly went to Dubai early this year, and I thought it was an awesome country. The food was done well. The culture is great. I love Mexico because it’s just a vibe there, and great food as well.

I plan to travel again after this fight, so I would love to go to Turkey. Hot-air ballooning seems like something I would like to try. It’s really big there.

Alycia Baumgardner is one of the best boxers in the world — Baumgardner has strong Korean roots. *Credit: iStock-GoranQ*

That’s fun. Is there anywhere else you want to visit aside from Turkey?

Bali, Indonesia. I would love to go to Egypt. I’d love to travel to Japan. Korea would be an awesome spot — my grandmother’s from Korea. I’d go there just to be [immersed] in the culture. Germany is also part of my heritage. I would love to go to Germany.

When you are not in the ring, what do you like to do in your free time?

Working on my brand, my juice business, shopping, hanging with friends and family. Eating is my go-to. I love to eat.

Do you gravitate to a certain cuisine?

Anything, but recently in Vegas I eat a lot of Korean food. They have a big Asian community here.

What’s a Korean restaurant you frequent in Vegas?

There is a place called Soyo. Very tasty. It was one of the first Korean spots I’ve tried since I’ve been here. And the kimchi soup tastes almost like my grandma’s, so I have to give them a 10.

What do you want people to know about you?

I want to highlight what it is to be a beauty and a beast, and what it also means to not just be prejudged by how someone looks. I think oftentimes in the social media era, we look at things just from one view.

But when people get to know who this person is behind the gloves, it builds for a better story and a better opportunity for a fan to know the fighter outside the ring and it kind of tells a story, and now you know why she’s super passionate about what she does, or maybe why she talks the way she does.

Do you think people make assumptions about you and they write you off in that way?

Absolutely. I feel like they write me off.

I would say I have the whole package when it comes to being in a combat sport and for me to be able to do modeling or even do speaking events. I think again people have this notion that a fighter should be a certain way, and I don’t fit that criterion. So, I am written off and sometimes I’m also sexualized being in a male world, and that’s also been like a struggle because you’re not taken seriously.

It’s just being strong in who you are as a woman and being confident. Be confident in what you know and continue that because somewhere along the way, someone’s going to respect it and they’re going to respect you because of the work that you put in and not because you’re a woman.

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have of you?

Maybe they think I come off cocky. I’m playing this fighter and this beauty, and [people are] like, “Oh, she just thinks she’s just all that.” In reality, I’m a cool person. I’m down-to-earth. I’m very humble.

But if there’s any sport that you would have to adopt that cockiness, it would be boxing. Isn’t a part of boxing projecting that persona and confidence so they manifest in the ring?

No, you’re completely right. You have to have confidence because, again, you’re going into war, you’re going into battle and you don’t go into a fight thinking you’re going to lose. It’s something you do have to have. But some people may not understand in-depth what boxing is, what a combat sport is.

And they may just look at it from the outside, like, “Oh, they’re just fighting.” I don’t typically fight like a “girl.” I’m a complete package fighter. I can box, I can brawl. I can do many different forms of boxing. And that’s what makes boxing the sweet science — that’s what they call it when you’re able to look good doing it. Hit and not get hit is the name of the game. So, as a woman, it’s not perceived that way. They look at women’s fights as just a brawl or they’re just crazy. No technique. I’m completely different. I have technique. I’ve been boxing since the age of eight.

You are the undisputed featherweight champion. Where do you want to go from here?

The sky’s the limit. There’s many things we can do. After this defense, I’ll be a free agent. As I talked about having the right circle, what do negotiations look like after this fight? Do we go with another promoter? What will going with another promoter look like?

It’s building the brand. I think in the social media era, it’s important that people associate who you are as a brand as well, not just “boxer.” Like, who is she outside the ring? I’m a businesswoman. I model. I do these other things. Maybe acting. There’s so many other things that I’m able to do. I’m more than just an athlete.

Celebrities, Interviews

Talk Show Host Tamron Hall Speaks On Food, Family And Finding Her Voice
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor DeMarco Williams

September 24, 2024

Talk show host Tamron Hall has a new cookbook — Tamron Hall’s new happy place is the kitchen. *Credit: Disney Entertainment Television/Fadil Berisha*

One of the many things that fans of Tamron Hall’s self-titled daytime talk show love is how unpredictable it is. In a single episode, they can be a part of an intimate conversation with rapper/actor Eve, see a fashion show with up-and-coming designers and hear from country music legend Dolly Parton. The diverse segments are at least part of the reason Tamron Hall has earned two Daytime Emmys.

Hall, a decorated journalist who’s worked with NBC News, MSNBC and the Today show over her esteemed career, keeps you on your toes during interviews, too. With Forbes Travel Guide’s recent Zoom chat, for instance, she logs on from her vehicle parked in front of a New York City shoe store. The always-fashionable Hall isn’t searching for a new pair of pumps, though; her five-year-old son Moses’ school had just called to say that he played the soles off his sneakers, and he desperately needed a new pair.

Between emergency shopping runs and hit show tapings, Hall also spends a lot of time at the stove. In the just-released A Confident Cook, the Texas native and her longtime friend Lish Steiling break down kitchen fundamentals so well that anyone can feel empowered to try their recipes. We’re not sure if she’ll be replicating any of the dishes when she takes the stage at the first Food & Wine Classic in Charleston (September 27 to 29), but if whatever she does is half as flavorful as the following conversation is on food and family, the crowd will be in for a treat.

Hall and good friend Lish Steiling love cooking together. *Credit: Lauren Volo*

What’s been the most enjoyable part of your career journey?

Never expecting [TV success], but always feeling it was possible. I’m here in the middle of New York City — I’ve just left my talk show, and we did two shows today. To go to college, study broadcast journalism and look at [African American newscasting pioneer] Iola Johnson way back when I was 12 years old and wonder if I could be a journalist, some part of me had to believe that it was possible, even though on paper it didn’t seem to be. For you to try, there’s some part of you that believes that it’s possible.

For me, I think that’s been the magnificent part of this journey, knowing that at some point my family planted a little seed of belief. And here, I get to live it and flourish in it.

When you look at today’s landscape of daytime talk shows, what are a few things that separate your show from the rest?

I think we are a show of many weapons. We can do a whole show dedicated to cooking and then, just today, I taped a show on the art of the apology. And then, we’d have [rapper/actor] Method Man on the show for our up-and-coming fashion design series, and then we’d go to Vegas and hang out with [country superstar] Miranda Lambert. I think that we are one of the few shows where you can see [comedian] Druski and [soap opera legend] Susan Lucci on the same show.

I think, with my journalism background, we’re also able to dig into news events. One of my favorite series that we have is “Behind the Headlines.” And this isn’t just funny things that happen on social media. [We discuss topics like] the Armie Hammer documentary, for example. We’re able to lean in on my news [background]. We’re able to lean in on my investigative crime [past]. I’m a cookbook author. I’m a crime author. It’s not a talk show; it’s a live show. There’s no aspect of your life that we don’t touch.

What sparked the urge to write a cookbook?

When I moved to New York in 2008, my father passed away. My dad had this incredible love of cooking. He’d gone to the military when he was 16 or 17. I never got to the heart of why he loved cooking so much. But every meal — breakfast, lunch, dinner, you name it — [my dad would make it]. My dad could barbecue. My dad could bake. Some people say, “If you can cook, you can’t bake.” My dad mastered both. He loved having huge meals. And he also liked a good chicken salad sandwich. He loved making those meals for us.

After he passed away, we knew we would miss everything. My dad was like this giant of a character, just a great human. And the first holiday without my dad, it wasn’t, “Oh, gosh, we miss putting up the Christmas tree” or “Oh, we miss the décor.” It was the meals. So, I set out on this journey to learn to cook as a way to say, “I love you,” to my dad.

Hall’s new cookbook is filled with fun, easy-to-follow recipes. *Credit: Lauren Volo*

He got sick right after Thanksgiving, his favorite holiday. He passed away right after New Year’s. Thanksgiving was impacted. Christmas was impacted. All of these holidays that he loved so much. But we were able to get on the phone right around Thanksgiving as he was taking ill.

I couldn’t come home to Texas that holiday because I was working. He said, “Okay, let me walk you through the pie.” So, he walked me through his sweet potato pie. That was such a big deal. It didn’t taste great. I didn’t know what I was doing. It was so sad. But I said, “You know what? I’m going to figure this out.” I may not be able to make something exactly as he would, but I can find the love and joy that he experienced from feeding his family and from just getting in the kitchen.

And this love is translating into appearances at food festivals like the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston.

I was lucky enough to go to a few of the Food & Wine festivals in Aspen and hang out with Justin [Chapple, Food & Wine’s culinary director-at-large]. Full disclosure: I was just his sidekick. I remember he taught me how to crack an egg. Those festivals are beautiful and they’re amazing. But again, it’s the joy of being around other people who have found food to be a connecting tissue. It is a common thread, right? If you want to know about me, know my journey, learn my food.

We had a show with [actor] Yvonne Orji and we did jollof rice [tastings]. There’s like 500 different kinds of jollof rice. Through one dish, you learn about the world.

I grew up in Texas and we have Tex-Mex. I was just joking the other day about Taco Tuesday, but there’s a whole different flair to northern Mexican food [compared to other regions]. For me, going to food festivals always reminds me that you really are walking around with people that you don’t know and then suddenly someone says, “That’s good. Did you try that? Have you been here?” These are people who, if you ran into them on the subway or while walking, you may never say anything to them. But food brings us together.

Have you been to Charleston before?

As a reporter, I’ve been there many times. But it’s all just been down and dirty work, covering an election or one of the stories that I did for Deadline: Crime. So, this will be a different side of Charleston for me. I’m excited about it. It’s one of those iconic food places culturally for this country. Sure, we know the importance of Charleston and the complexity of it. But we also know that food has always been a common thread, whether it’s through race or socioeconomics. [Food is] an important component for the world but, for Charleston, in this very specific way.

Charleston, South Carolina — The Food & Wine Classic gives Hall a chance to see Charleston as a tourist. *Credit: Linnea Covington*

How much traveling as a family are you able to do these days?

We travel. I’m lucky, my kid so far has been to six countries. He says frequently he wants to move to Spain. We’ve been to Spain once. Because I’m a late-to-the-party mom, as I like to say for having my kid so late, I don’t like leaving him behind. It’s not always convenient. I’ll be out in L.A. at a food fest, and that’s just a quick turnaround [so he’ll stay home].

Charleston, for me, will be a quick trip because I’m in the process of [taping] the show. But I love allowing him to see the world through my eyes, through who I am. And that doesn’t mean who I am as a talk show host or anything; it’s just who I am as a person and the curiosity that I hope I lead with. But we have a great time traveling with him. People ask me for advice all the time about flying with him.

What do you tell them?

I have two snacks for every hour and two toys for every hour. That keeps it moving. If it’s a four-hour flight, plan two highly desired snacks. Don’t go giving them some healthy snack. This is when you have to bring out the big guns!

For my kid, it’s Doritos. He doesn’t really like candy, but I’d have some crunchy nacho chips or something. And then I’d just layer [giving them to him]. And then I anticipate. You don’t want to wait for them to get grouchy to offer. If it’s been 45 minutes, go, “Hey, you want a snack?” I don’t wait for the threat.

You get in front of it.

I get in front of it. It’s like a pain pill. You get in front of the pain. I anticipate. And I have books, too. I do a whole setup. I know it’s rough, and they don’t fully understand.

If you’re on a plane and they have the little flight tracker, don’t underestimate how entertaining that is. I love those magnetic puzzles, too, because, if they fall, they stick to the thing. I also recognize he’s a little kid, so I let him stand up.

Our longest haul has been eight hours. He did great. He was awfully chatty on the last one. But he’s a kid. I’m always very mindful of the people behind me. But I figure, if a child’s laughter or crying makes you upset, then you’re living a sad journey on this planet. One day, Moses was crying or doing something. A man was growling, and I had to tell him, “You’ll be in diapers soon enough, sir.”

Barcelona, Spain — If Hall’s son had his way, the family would live in Spain. *Credit: Master Lu-iStock*

Have you already set up your holiday travel plans?

We’re going to Texas. We might go to the Cowboys game. I probably will make the ham from our book. I might make the Sock It To Me cake. We usually watch the game after. We’ve got some great snacks in our cookbook, so I’m going to weave those in. This is my triumphant return to Texas and my dad’s kitchen with my own cookbook.

What are a few recipes in the cookbook you’d recommend I try?

What do you like to eat?

I’m a big fish guy.

Say no more. We have a whole fish with salsa verde that is incredible. It was the first recipe Lish created for the book because we travel a lot to the Caribbean. I love whole fish, but it is an intimidating thing. The book is about building your confidence in the kitchen. If you can tackle something like a whole fish — and you can — it bolsters your confidence, and it gives you something delicious.

You’re a cook, a writer, a TV host and more. Tell me about an endeavor that you haven’t tried yet that you will in 2025.

Learning to swim. I’ve been learning to swim for 12 years. I’m getting there. I saw a photo years ago of Beyoncé jumping off a boat into the ocean. I might not do that in 2025, but it’s coming.

Hotels, Renovations

5 Things To Know About Nemacolin’s Fresh New Look
By Correspondent McLean Robbins

September 24, 2024

Pennsylvania's Nemacolin resort has undergone a $500 million renovation. — The Chateau at Nemacolin was at the center of the major makeover. *Credit: The Chateau at Nemacolin*

Tucked away in Pennsylvania’s picturesque Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin has been a cherished retreat for discerning East Coast families for nearly four decades. Though some may recognize it as the backdrop of a memorable season of The Bachelor, this family-owned, four-season property offers much more.

The resort’s distinct accommodation styles range from modern private homes to three unique resorts: Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Falling Rock (inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater nearby), the Four-Star Chateau (modeled after classic European-style resorts like Five-Star Ritz Paris) and the family-centric Grand Lodge.

After a $500 million renovation, including significant updates to The Grand Lodge in late 2023 and The Chateau this summer, the resort has reemerged, more luxurious than ever. With these transformative updates, Nemacolin has reaffirmed its reputation as a premier luxury escape. Here are five key highlights to entice your next visit:

Pennsylvania's Nemacolin resort underwent a $500 million renovation — Guest rooms were given a fresh coat of wow. *Credit: The Chateau at Nemacolin*

New Rooms Offer Elevated Comfort and Style — and Butlers

The recent room makeover at Nemacolin introduces a chic modern aesthetic while preserving the resort’s classic charm. Falling Rock now features art deco-inspired interiors, The Chateau pays homage to Europe’s grand resorts and The Grand Lodge embodies its name with a fresh, playful twist. Sumptuous, custom-made beds and bespoke furnishings grace each room, enveloping you in a cocoon of serene opulence.

Upgrades to The Grand Lodge suites include smart home systems for personalized room control, Dyson dryers and personalized butler service across most accommodations.

Nemacolin resort's beautiful lobby — Almost all corners of Nemacolin were a part of the opulent overhaul. *Credit: The Chateau at Nemacolin*

A New Level of Leisure

One of our favorite aspects of Nemacolin is the near 24/7 excitement for the whole family. In favorable weather, you can unwind by the newly renovated pool area, take on one of two Pete Dye-designed golf courses or embark on an adrenaline-pumping day at The Peak, the resort’s adventure complex with activities like a high ropes challenge course, an off-road Jeep outing and paintball. Unique experiences include an animal safari featuring rehabilitated lions, tigers and bears.

Nearly every activity has been refreshed, including a new fitness center, updated live entertainment by the pool and even a Rod & Range Club for sporting clays, fishing and other outdoor fun. If you can dream it, you can do it at Nemacolin. Did we mention there’s even a casino?

The Bleu Room is a part of Nemacolin's $500 million renovation — The aptly named Bleu Room is a colorful addition to the resort. *Credit: The Chateau at Nemacolin*

From Finger Foods to Fine Dining

The operative word is “choice” when exploring Nemacolin’s updated dining outlets. The highlight is the reimagined Five-Star Lautrec, a tasting-menu experience with a nod to the creative artwork of Toulouse-Lautrec, whose lithographs adorn the walls. We also love the whimsical Fawn & Fable, a steakhouse that engages the whole family with dishes like “Snow White’s Oysters” and a playful roasted fowl dubbed “Chicken Little.”

And for those in-between times, the Bleu Room, set in a stylish all-blue lounge, offers a fun interpretation of afternoon tea, while sundaes at PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor or creative evening cocktails at the aptly named Nightcap make for the perfect indulgence. A new Italian concept, Gusto!, will open later this year. The biggest challenge could be staying long enough to try it all.

Nemacolin is filled with art, especially at venues like Reflections — Be inspired by the art at Reflections. *Credit: Nemacolin*

An Artist’s Oasis

Everywhere you look, Nemacolin is a living art gallery. Take an outdoor driving tour or an indoor art walk (self-guided or with an on-property curator) to discover fine art and sculptures by legends such as Fernando Botero, Alexander Calder and Norman Rockwell, plus historical treasures like a chunk of the Berlin Wall. The luxury resort also hosts a rotating selection of contemporary fine artists through an artist-in-residence series.

The resort encourages art in all forms. Exciting live entertainment — Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé even performed at the resort’s reopening party this summer — and creative art classes for adults and children regularly fill the schedule.

As a cherry on top, you can explore the private airplane hangar featuring a fully restored 1931 PA-8 Pitcairn Super Mailwing once belonging to Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, or visit the “auto toy store,” home to the owner’s 1913 Ford Model T Speedster, a 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II, a 1995 Bentley Continental Convertible and other gems from his private collection of luxury cars.

Nightcap is a part of Nemacolin's $500 million renovation — Every day is a celebration at the new Nightcap. *Credit: The Chateau at Nemacolin*

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

If there’s one thing Nemacolin excels at, it’s throwing a spectacular celebration. Whether it’s a Halloween House Party (October 26), a decadent Thanksgiving weekend (November 28 to December 1), an over-the-top holiday village and light display (November 29 to December 23) or even a supersized Super Bowl watch party (February 9), the resort goes all out for special occasions. We highly recommend planning a weekend around one of these major events, as the festive atmosphere at Nemacolin is simply unparalleled.

Attractions and Landmarks, Guide

3 Adventures To Try In Puerto Rico
By Sarah Bisacca

September 23, 2024

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a top Puerto Rico hotel — St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is only part of the Puerto Rico fun. *Credit: St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort*

If you crave adventure but want to avoid the hassle of arranging a trip overseas, put away your passport and head to Puerto Rico, a little slice of Caribbean paradise that’s a quick plane ride from Florida’s southern coast. Thanks to its tropical climate and year-round warm weather, the island is a prime vacation destination for nature lovers and sun-seekers alike. Sadly, many visitors don’t venture beyond the confines of San Juan and miss out on some unforgettable experiences.

If you’re ready to step off the well-trodden path, discover a unique side of the island with these three adventures you must try on your next trip to Puerto Rico.

Where to Stay

There’s no shortage of sumptuous stays to be found in Puerto Rico. Nature enthusiasts with an equal affinity for luxury should check into Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to enjoy 11 miles of walking trails, beachfront golf and a host of curated adventures, like kayaking excursions in Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.

You can’t go wrong with Condado Vanderbilt Hotel for a centrally located base. Just 10 minutes from Old San Juan, the Four-Star hotel puts you within arm’s reach of top historic sites and well-heeled restaurants (including Condado’s own 1919 Restaurant) — if you can tear yourself away from the ocean-facing infinity pool.

Beachgoers with a penchant for barefoot luxury will want to book a room at Five-Star St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. The former coconut farm provides a lush hideaway from the crowds with two miles of secluded beach, a palm tree-lined pool and a Five-Star spa serving up sea-inspired pampering.

La Factoria a great bar in Puerto Rico — Toast to a great day at Old San Juan’s La Factoria. *Credit: Sarah Bisacca*

Adventure No. 1: Try Late-Night Sips and Salsa

Exploring the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan by day is a must for any newcomer to Puerto Rico. Packed with history in the form of abandoned colonial forts and Technicolor homes, the vibrant (if touristy) downtown is an enchanting spot to start your trip. But stick around after the sun goes down to see where the locals hang out.

Founded by a crew of local bartenders who love experimentation, La Factoria is a must-visit for any spirits aficionado. A commitment to locally sourced, made-from-scratch ingredients and an unpretentious vibe has made La Factoria a favorite. Over the last decade, it has cemented its reputation as the heartbeat of Old San Juan. The venue has a line out the door almost every night of the week, especially after 10 p.m., when salsa dancing takes over one of the six unique bar spaces on Sunday and Monday. Rub elbows with locals and visitors alike as you try contemporary riffs on daiquiris and coladas, or sip on the house signature: a lavender-lemonade concoction that goes down as smoothly as its non-alcoholic inspiration.

Swim with sharks in Puerto Rico during a Blue Kings tour — Dive into a good time during a “seafari” tour. *Credit: Sarah Bisacca*

Adventure No. 2: Swim with Sharks

With its array of sea life and more than 360 miles of coastline to explore, Puerto Rico is a haven for divers of all skill levels. Up the adventurous ante with a private guided tour to a secret location — the tour guide asked us not to reveal our whereabouts to protect the fish — where diving with sharks is a daily occurrence.

Led by local marine biologist Giovanni Guzman, Blue Kings‘ “seafari” tours whisk you away via catamaran to a secluded island and protected bio reserve off the coast of Puerto Rico, where you’ll get the chance to snorkel among a shiver of friendly nurse sharks, as well as a few sea turtles, sting rays and hundreds of tropical fish.

If you’re nervous about being in the water with some of the ocean’s most notorious predators, don’t be. Guzman gives a thorough lesson before you board the boat. He explains the behavior of nurse sharks (whose tiny mouths couldn’t clasp around your hand even if they wanted to bite you) and dispels harmful myths about these incredible creatures. You might even spot a few dolphins scavenging around the shore — don’t worry, your eagle-eyed captain will be sure to point them out along the way.

Have an outdoor adventure with Frutos Del Guacabo — Have fun with hydroponics at Frutos Del Guacabo. *Credit: Sarah Bisacca*

Adventure No. 3: Soar Through the Treetops

Those looking for an even more heart-pumping adventure should head for the hills of Orocovis, Puerto Rico’s central mountainous region. In addition to hiking, Orocovis is home to another adrenaline-inducing highlight: the longest zip line in America. Visit Toro Verde Adventure Park to fly face-first over the jungle canopy at up to 95 miles per hour on this mile-plus-long course. Once you’ve mastered The Monster (an apt name for this over-the-top experience), keep the thrills going with seven additional zip lines, tree-top courses, a sky bike and climbing walls.

If you’d like to get some fresh air but want to keep your feet closer to the ground, try a tour of the innovative farm Frutos Del Guacabo, which is only about 35 minutes from San Juan. Milk a goat, enjoy a cheese-making demo and explore the family-owned farm with patriarch Efrén David Robles, who will teach you about the property’s sustainable practices and experiments with hydroponics. The memorable visit concludes with a hearty alfresco farm lunch that will satisfy your taste for Puerto Rico adventure.

Bars, Hotels

This Iconic New Orleans Bar Celebrates 75 Years
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

September 20, 2024

Take a spin on The Carousel Bar. *Credit: Laura Steffan*

When you step into Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar, it’s evident why the famed spot tops many tourists’ New Orleans itineraries. A merry-go-round for adults, the icon has been spinning for 75 years, celebrating its anniversary this month. Seated under a canopy decked out with 186 twinkling lights and jester carvings, you’ll slowly revolve in circles while the bartender anchored in the middle pours you classic cocktails.

The Carousel Bar is whimsical, a good time and overflowing with history. It’s this magical mix that has kept Hotel Monteleone, the city’s first luxury hotel, at the forefront of New Orleans’ hospitality scene for more than a century. While The Carousel Bar honors its storied past, the hotel continues to evolve, recently unveiling renovated rooms and more that promise to keep this classic French Quarter grande dame spinning into the future.

Stay in one of the newly renovated Iberville Tower rooms. *Credit: Laura Steffan*

The New Accommodations

The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel’s story began with Antonio Monteleone, a cobbler from Sicily who opened the modest 64-room property in 1886. He made it a family business, with the fifth generation now at the helm. The hotel kept expanding over the years, and the latest chapter is the newly renovated Iberville Tower, a two-year, $50 million overhaul.

Dallas interior design firm Collins & Sweezey lightened up the tower’s 160 rooms and 48 suites with a gray and white palette. The centerpiece of each room is a pale gray studded headboard, set against wallpaper that brings the outside in — delicate birds perch on branches while dragonflies and butterflies seem to dance across the wall.

The gray walls and white ceiling have classic wainscotting, while gleaming white stone adorns the desk, vanity and dresser. White marble fills the bathroom, from the brick walls in the glassed-in rain shower to the intricate basketweave flooring. The accommodation is a soothing respite from raucous Bourbon Street, just a block away.

But the Iberville Tower experience extends beyond aesthetics. Guests here enjoy an upgraded stay that blends luxury with authentic local flavor. A personal concierge is at your beck and call, ready to help you unlock the secrets of the city. And what better way to start your New Orleans adventure than with a generous praline, a sweet taste of local tradition that’s waiting for you in the room?

But the best perk for Iberville Tower guests is The Carousel Bar Cocktail Experience. For a $100 fee, you receive access to the bar before it opens to the public, drinks and an hour full of stories.

Cocktails at The Carousel Bar — Sip classic cocktails at The Carousel Bar. *Credit: Laura Steffan*

The Iconic Bar

As the heart of Hotel Monteleone, The Carousel Bar is more than just a watering hole — it’s a whirling stage where New Orleans history, celebrity lore and mixology converge. The scene is set daily: eager patrons line up early before it opens and then orbit the area like a satellite, poised to swoop in on one of the coveted 25 seats when they become available.

The daily private cocktail experience ensures your seat — it’s limited to 24 revelers. When we went, we were the only attendees, which made it even more intimate.

Mike Dupree, the hotel’s affable food and beverage manager and a certified tour guide, took us through the history of the hotel, bar and the city. He shared the mechanics of the bar (it completes a revolution every 15 minutes using 2,000 ball bearings and a bike chain) and little-known facts about its design. Each of the chairs, hand-carved and painted by a former Disney artist, features a different circus animal — a lion here, a zebra there — adding to the fanciful atmosphere.

He also revealed celebrity stories. Liberace was the inaugural performer when the bar debuted in 1949. Louis Prima, a local Italian American jazz singer, got his start at the bar (he went on to sing “I Wan’na Be Like You [The Monkey Song]” in The Jungle Book). Dupree said Prima was the Justin Bieber of his time, with women bringing pans of homemade lasagna in to woo the heartthrob (his daughter Lena assumed his mantle and still regularly performs there). During the city’s popular Jazz Fest, Billy Joel sat down at the piano and gave an impromptu performance. “That’s the magic of New Orleans and the magic of The Carousel Bar,” Dupree said.

As Dupree regales you with stories, you’ll be able to drink along. Sip on the bar’s signature creation: the Vieux Carré. This celebrated cocktail, invented by bartender Walter Bergeron in 1938 when the space was known as the Swan Room, combines Sazerac rye whiskey, cognac, vermouth, Benedictine and a duet of Peychaud and Angostura bitters. It’s a drink that captures the essence of New Orleans — bold, complex and unforgettable.

It’s a heady drink for an experience that starts at 10 a.m., but it is New Orleans, after all, where bars stay open 24 hours a day and people enjoy cocktails in the streets. And when the bar opens to the public at 11 a.m. and visitors clamor for a spot, you’ll already have your seat, ready for another round.

Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans — The New Orleans hotel has a rich literary history and hosts the annual Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival. *Credit: Hotel Monteleone*

The Literary Heritage

This historic hotel and its bar are favorite haunts for illustrious writers. Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway all stayed at the property and used it as a setting in their works.

New Orleans’ own literary vampire queen, Anne Rice, would sequester herself in one of the suites, embarking on marathon writing sessions fueled by room service and the energy of the French Quarter. Truman Capote, with his flair for the dramatic, often claimed he was born at Hotel Monteleone. While the truth is less romantic — his mother went into labor at the hotel but delivered at a nearby hospital — Capote’s frequent visits and fondness for the place are undeniable. His connection to the hotel, like his prose, blurs the line between fact and fiction, adding another layer to the Monteleone mystique.

All of this helped the hotel earn a Literary Landmark designation in 1999 by the Friends of the Library Association (now known as United for Libraries) — only a handful of hotels to receive the accolade.

To pay homage to the great American authors with ties to the French Quarter hotel, the property created Literary Suites. Each classic accommodation is a love letter to a different author who found inspiration within its walls. The Eudora Welty Suite, for example, features photos of the Pulitzer Prize winner and encourages writers to craft their next novel in an office with an oversized desk. Welty herself wrote the short story “The Purple Hat” in The Carousel Bar.

New Orleans' Criollo Restaurant — Wake up to beignets. *Credit: Criollo*

The Food

As morning light filters through the French Quarter, Criollo Restaurant comes alive with the aroma of freshly brewed chicory coffee and buzzing guests. They fill the space for the lobster Benedict — a decadent twist on the classic with succulent lobster meat replacing Canadian bacon, all bathed in a velvety hollandaise sauce — and the irresistible beignets, served with a praline dipping sauce that balances sweet and nutty flavors.

At night, the lights dim and the atmosphere turns more intimate, even with the din of the nearby Carousel Bar. Start with the shrimp, crab and avocado stack, a popular dish with layers of spicy tomato coulis, chilled crab and creamy guacamole crowned with an oversized shrimp. Then move onto the pan-roasted striped bass with jumbo lump crabmeat and a caper beurre blanc or the Black Angus beef tenderloin in a pool of bordelaise sauce and bone butter melted on top. La Bombe is a lovely and refreshing way to end the meal — it’s a mini-baked Alaska, with strawberry, chocolate and vanilla gelati on a chocolate biscuit, all encased in a singed meringue with a cherry topper.

For those wanting dinner and a show, Criollo offers Le Petit Chef. In a separate dining room, you are treated to either a three-course brunch or a five-course dinner, accompanied by a charming 3D animated experience that unfolds on and around your plate. It’s the only restaurant in New Orleans to have this family friendly dining performance.

Hotel Monteleone's rooftop pool — Take a dip in the rooftop pool. *Credit: Hotel Monteleone*

A Place to Cool Off

Tucked away on the 16th floor, the outdoor rooftop pool provides a year-round escape overlooking the city. It sits among cheerful peach walls and potted palms, and a bar serves icy daiquiris, refreshing Pimm’s cups and other cocktails. When it’s sweltering, you can sprawl on a lounger under a misting fan. And when the weather cools down, you can still swim comfortably in the heated water.