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Hotels, Lists

The 16 Best Washington, D.C., Hotels

Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf
The stylish Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf. Credit: Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf

As the U.S. gears up for another historic election, all eyes are on Washington, D.C. The city, already buzzing with political energy, will soon be the epicenter of the nation’s democratic process. Whether you’re visiting to witness history unfold or seeking a captivating escape amidst the excitement, finding the perfect hotel is crucial. Forbes Travel Guide is here to help you navigate the capital’s vibrant hotel scene.

You can trust FTG’s exclusive list — we have been rating hotels since 1958 using an objective and independent process. To find the best hotels in Washington, D.C., 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% of a property’s rating. The remaining 30% 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.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
Have a Five-Star stay at the Four Seasons. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.

Five-Star Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.

For more than a quarter century, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. has reigned supreme over Georgetown. In fact, it was the brand’s first property to open in the United States.

The 222-room grande dame has welcomed nearly every dignitary, visiting A-lister and VIP to pass through the nation’s capital during its tenure. See more.

The Hay-Adams
The Hay-Adams is a D.C. classic. Credit: The Hay-Adams

Four-Star Hotels

The Hay-Adams

Once part of the White House grounds, Lafayette Square contains a number of important, historic buildings, including this timeless address.

The guest rooms have a regal vibe with ornamental ceilings, fireplaces, European linens and marble bathrooms, and some have balconies with views of the White House or Lafayette Square Park. See more.

The Jefferson, Washington, DC
The Jefferson, Washington, DC gets our vote. Credit: The Jefferson, Washington, DC

The Jefferson, Washington, DC

The Jefferson, Washington, D.C. underwent a major renovation, updating the lobby and unveiling an arched skylight dating back to the 1920s.  The hotel’s decor and art echo Thomas Jefferson’s taste — most furniture consists of custom-built replicas of pieces from Monticello, Jefferson’s home. See more.

Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
Park Hyatt Washington D.C. is a West End wonder. Credit: Park Hyatt Washington D.C.

Park Hyatt Washington D.C.

Tucked away in D.C.’s West End neighborhood, Park Hyatt Washington D.C. offers a sleek urban escape in the capital city. The contemporary feel comes thanks to interiors created by famed designer Tony Chi, who used a neutral palette to dress the space, from the spacious, minimalist lobby to the streamlined guest rooms. See more.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
The upscale Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

The upscale Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. sits on a quiet side street in the heart of the charming neighborhood. It occupies the turn-of-the-century Georgetown Incinerator building and retains much of the industrial feel, but inside, the place is all about modern comfort. See more.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is great for meetings and me time. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

Well-positioned just 15 miles from Washington, D.C., The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is ideally primed for business and pleasure. The 398-room property resides in McLean, Virginia’s booming tech corridor, surrounded by Fortune 100 headquarters. See more.

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
The sophisticated Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

This West End hotel is Ritz-Carlton at its finest: sophisticated, traditional décor; attentive service; comfortable rooms; and a great location. See more.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.
Rosewood Washington, D.C. sits next to the historic C&O Canal.Credit: Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Rosewood Washington, D.C., Georgetown is a go-to spot for dignitaries, celebrities and visiting jet-setters alike. While the 55-room property along the C&O Canal may be small, it delivers an exclusive, personalized experience. See more.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is where the power players post up. Credit: The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

A historic spot in the middle of the nation’s capital, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. has hosted most of the U.S. presidents as well as an assortment of royalty and prime ministers. In fact, President Coolidge cut the grand opening ceremony ribbon at the hotel in 1926. See more.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is a landmark property. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Perfectly poised between Capitol Hill and the White House, Washington’s Old Post Office was once one of the city’s most important buildings — the postmaster general even had a seat in the president’s cabinet. In recent years, it has been restored and reborn into Waldorf Astoria Washington DC. See more.

Conrad Washington, DC
The sleek Conrad Washington, DC. Credit: Conrad Washington, DC

Recommended Hotels

Conrad Washington, DC

This artistic Washington, D.C., stay is ideal for business or pleasure, sitting in the heart of City Center, one of the metropolis’ top destinations for high-end shopping and dining. See more.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
The timeless Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Credit: Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown

Power players have made Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown a popular place to congregate for years, but renovations over the past few years make this gem even more inviting. See more.

Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf

Tucked inside a striking angular modernist building along D.C.’s Wharf waterfront, Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf brings a new hot spot to the popular neighborhood. See more.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Find tradition and modern touches at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

Surrounded by the history of both Arlington and Washington, D.C., The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City offers an overnight experience that beautifully melds tradition and modern touches. Iconic monuments, renowned museums and important historical sights are moments away, and after a day of meetings or exploration, the property offers an inviting respite. See more.

Washington D.C.'s The Watergate Hotel
A D.C. icon gets a new chapter in history. Credit: The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel

After nearly a decade of closure, Washington’s iconic Watergate Hotel is back and arguably better than ever. Completely revamped in 2016, the property blends the swinging ’60s feel of the original with a contemporary aesthetic intended to appeal to the millennial traveler. See more.

Willard InterContinental
Experience a host of luxurious touches at Willard InterContinental. Credit: Willard InterContinental

Willard InterContinental

Ideally positioned just blocks from the White House, the iconic Willard InterContinental hotel has been a center of the district’s social and political scene since it opened in 1818. See more.

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Celebrities, Interviews

Taking Shots And Talking Montana With Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson are Meili Vodka's founders
Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa share laughs and a budding alcohol brand. Credit: Meili Vodka

If you ever go out drinking with Jason Momoa, a word of advice — be careful. The burley actor you know from the Aquaman series and Fast X is even bigger in person, so he’s got the body mass to out-shot you. And then there are the actual drinks he’s handing you. We don’t know if it’s his piercing eyes or the flowy, Poseidon-like tresses, but he hypnotizes you into drinking almost anything.

“Can you grab me a Guinness,” Momoa asks a young lady working at the liquor store. Guinness? Wait, aren’t the megastar and his longtime buddy Blaine Halvorson on the road promoting their new single-distilled vodka, Meili? Sure are. So, what in the world does he want with an Irish beer? “I’ll show you how good it is with it,” Momoa says, as he begins to combine the two, creating the self-declared “Momoa Maker.” Maybe it’s the fermented grains talking, but the beer and the smooth Meili pair incredibly well. “To be able to do hard liquor with beer? This is about as clean as it gets. No hangover from this.”

But Momoa’s world is filled with contrasts. He stars in blockbuster action movies yet he pirouettes in funny TV commercials with Zach Braff. He plays bass guitar for the rock band Öof Tatatá, but he gets nervous every time he takes the stage. You’ll likely find him on the Hollywood red carpet promoting next year’s A Minecraft Movie, but he’d rather be lost somewhere in the Montana wilderness.

And as soon as they finish their drinks, Momoa and Halvorson will get into all of it with us.

Blain Halvorson and Jason Momoa
Meili is meant to be enjoyed with friends. Credit: Meili Vodka

How are things going with the vodka promotion?

Momoa: It’s been good, man. Good crazy. It’s fun going to every city and seeing [the reactions]. Just meeting people. Going to top restaurants and bars and seeing the turnout and people excited. It’s like promoting a movie that you actually love. Everyone’s showing up. They’re really happy with the product. They’re coming up and they’re experiencing it with us. We worked really hard for a long time to make this. It wasn’t like someone came to us and I signed my name onto it and then I just got paid.

So many celebrities have their names attached to alcohol brands. Tell me how Meili is different.

Momoa: If it’s something that I built from the ground up, I work at it. We built this as best friends. Heart and soul went into it. It definitely is different, but I personally like it that way. Now, in my life, it’s just very hard with movies and family and stuff like that, [determining what] you’re going to spend your time with. We’ve been together for 16 years and we’ve never fought once. He’s actually a huge inspiration. We both push each other, challenge each other and just enjoy being with each other. I’m pretty lucky.

Blaine, tell me a little bit about this journey.

Halvorson: It was seven years from the inception of us sitting down, having dinner with our families and going, “Let’s make something — just you and me.” We were both like, “Let’s get in the liquor business.” It was uncharted territory. Neither of us, obviously, came from that. But we enjoyed it. It just felt like something [the] vodka [industry] needed. It needed a new flame. It was kind of stale. There wasn’t much storytelling.

J and I weren’t vodka guys. Honestly, if you go out and line up 1,000 people, maybe one probably even knows what vodka tastes like. It’s been treated as an ingredient when it was brought over here. America didn’t really like it, even though it’s the biggest piece of the [alcohol sales] pie. Crazy enough, people are just used to it in a drink. It always seemed crazy to J and I that you would make something to cover it up. And this idea of vodka that’s odorless and tasteless. If that was really the case, then everybody failed horribly. Vodka just hasn’t been enjoyable to drink. Most of the brands are distilling it multiple times. The next time you go fill up your gas tank, take a hit of that. Who wants to drink that?

Meili Vodka
Meili’s distinct bottles are crafted from 100% recycled glass. Credit: Meili Vodka

What’s a perfect meal to go with this vodka?

Momoa: Surprisingly, it kinda has a sake finish, right?

Halvorson: That’s the beauty of it. It’ll take on rum. It’ll take on sake. It’ll take on tequila in a margarita. Depending on the food pairing, it’ll [work]. And to Jason’s point, sake is all about water as well, so they have a very similar thing in that aspect. I only sip [Meili] neat, but I eat it with everything. I live predominantly on wild game, so bison and elk. But I also eat sushi.

Your schedule is crazy right now. What’s the toughest part about all the moving around?

Momoa: I own two companies. One is called On the Roam and the other one’s called Pride of Gypsies. I was born on the road. So, this is what I do. This is how I live.

Halvorson: I’ve been home four days in the last 70.

What’s the toughest thing about being on the road so much — diet, exercise, missing family?

Momoa: Well, not being with the families [is hard].

Halvorson: I try to bring the family with me. If I’m gone seven days, my family is with me half of that. Being away from them is definitely the hardest part. And food, too. When I’m home, I cook.

Momoa: But when you’re out, you know you’re gonna give up those luxuries. I mean, exercise is non-existent. When I’m playing gigs, we’re burning [calories] at a high level. We’re constantly go, go, go. I’m exhausted, but I’m not training. But when I have to train for something and dedicate to a movie, I can’t be [promoting vodka and performing] as much. I can do it wherever I’m living. Say I’m shooting a movie in London, I’ll spend time doing this. I won’t be traveling all around, you know? It’s just the balance of it all.

I wasn’t wanted [as an actor] when I was younger. When I was raising my kids, it was very hard to get jobs, so I was home for the great years, the important years. The kids are 16, 17 now, so they don’t want to hang out anyway. I’m not that missed. When I come to town, they come see me. We spend our summers together and stuff. But they’re full-on school right now. We talk every day and connect, but…

You’re performing music tonight and tomorrow. What kind of joy does that give you that movies don’t?

Momoa: I’m terrified of being on stage. I’m really scared and nervous. I don’t have that when I’m doing my [acting] profession because I’ve been doing it for so long. [But being on stage] is like going into an audition for your favorite director with your favorite actors and you have no business being in that movie. It’s like going and being in Dune and you’re like, “What the hell am I doing? Why am I here? Why did you pick me?” I didn’t have to audition for Dune, but it’s just weird. It’s like your first scene with them. I was nervous doing that. But [being in the rock band] is the same level.

I never wanted to be in a band. This is kind of us giving back so we can celebrate Meili [with fans] and all drink together. It’s hard to take pictures with thousands and thousands of people. I would rather be with the person that I wanted to be with and watch them do what they love and then receive that aloha and that energy over just taking a picture. We do that during the day — go to bottle signings and take pictures. But what would it be like hanging out with us? That’s why I was like, “Let’s do this.” And I’m doing it with my buddies, playing our favorite songs. It’s just an experience that I think people will enjoy.

Why do you love Montana?

Momoa: It’s the wilderness. It’s the West. It’s the mountains, wild animals.

Halvorson: It’s the fourth-largest state in the country. It’s about 800 miles across and has just over a million people. You still have untouched territory, which is nice. You have towns, but within five minutes, you’re in the mountains. You have that ability to sort of escape. I’m not the biggest city guy. I like to be as much as I can in nature. It’s good for you.

I’m going to Wyoming soon.

Halvorson: There you go! That’s my favorite place on earth. Dude, I spend a month in Jackson Hole every summer.

Momoa: It’s the mecca.

Halvorson: That’s the holy grail. The Tetons? Yeah.

Bozeman, Montana
Momoa and Halvorson can’t say enough about Montana’s beauty. Credit: iStock-Lisa5201

When you have a chance to take trips with the family, where do you go?

Halvorson: I have a daughter and a son. We’ve gone to Jackson every single summer since she was born. That is actually our family getaway. Montana, even though I was born and raised there, has always been my mental escape. That’s the one place I can go to regenerate and recharge. Honestly, just for that comfort, that is my [choice]. It may not be as sexy, but I love the mountains. I can go tuck away. I’m cool with being away from everything.

Momoa: Hawaii and Montana are probably my spots. I love being there. And then, I love being on the road with my kids or loved ones and just being able to travel and go through small towns. I like being on the road.

Do you mean road trips?

Momoa: Yeah, I love it. I love traveling in the truck and living very whimsically.

Halvorson: Yeah, that’s cool thing — when we were building Meili during COVID, we lived in our vans. We’d do like 17, 18 days in the mountains, cooking out on the open fire. It was insane for three years of COVID. We’d shower in the lake once every 15 days. It was incredible.

You took a shower every two weeks?

Momoa: Me? No, I like to hit it every day.

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Airports, Awards

Forbes Travel Guide’s Inaugural Luxury Air Travel Awards

Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore’s spectacular Jewel Changi Airport. Credit: iStock-Khaneef Setiawan

Before you check into a stunning hotel or explore a new city, chances are your travels will begin at the airport. And the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s why Forbes Travel Guide is launching its first Verified Air Travel Awards to celebrate the best airline and airport experiences.

The 22 awards highlight a range of categories—from fine airport dining and lavish lounges to top-of-the-line first-class suites and in-flight cocktail bars. For those who prefer traversing the globe in a more exclusive style, the Air Travel Awards also cover private jet and private airport services.

Emirates and Delta Air Lines were named Best International Airline and Best U.S. Airline, respectively. Singapore Changi Airport earned the title of Best International Airport, while LaGuardia’s renovation landed it the Best U.S. Airport accolade. And the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) picked up Innovation of the Year for introducing facial recognition at major U.S. airports.

Emirates is one of the world's top airlines
Emirates is rewarded for its warm service and wonderful culinary program. Credit: Emirates

FTG’s air travel experts scoured the globe to come up with a list of nominees. Then the Verified Air Travel Award winners were decided by an invitation-only survey of 5,000 of the most well-traveled people in the hospitality industry, including luxury travel advisors and FTG’s most frequent fliers, its incognito inspectors and training team. The results were validated by the experts at FTG, known for the integrity and objectivity of its 66-year-old Star Ratings system (which relies on incognito inspections by expert inspectors to determine the annual ratings of hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships).

“Too many travel industry awards are the result of a somewhat suspect popularity contest. The Verified Air Travel Awards are important because the metrics are based on real-world experience and real-world accountability,” says Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and host of Eye on Travel on CBS Radio. “In a world experiencing an explosion of luxury brands, it’s not about pretty pictures or mission statements, but the unbiased opinions of veteran travelers coupled with reliable facts that lead to a credible and relevant definition of excellence.”  

Related: Read Peter Greenberg’s interview with Forbes Travel Guide CEO Hermann Elger on trends in air travel

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for takeoff with these worldwide winners:

Best International Airline

Emirates

Boasting prime perks like the most legroom in all cabins and a chauffeur to drive you to and from the airport, Emirates makes flying luxurious.

Best U.S. Airline

Delta Air Lines

The Atlanta-based airline maintains a strong reputation for its consistency, loyalty program and customer service as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025.

Best Small Airline

La Compagnie

Founded in 2013, La Compagnie offers all-business-class flights between New York and Paris, Milan or Nice, France.

Best Jet

NetJets

The more than 60-year-old company gives you several options to fly private: a shared ownership program, leasing or an all-inclusive jet card.

Best International Airport

Singapore Changi Airport

Offering unique touches like a butterfly garden, a rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a free 24-hour movie theater, Singapore Changi re-envisions the airport experience.

La Compagnie
French boutique airline La Compagnie was a big winner. Credit: La Compagnie

Best U.S. Airport

LaGuardia Airport

After a recent $8 billion overhaul, the Queens, New York, airport impresses with bright, airy spaces; more check-in kiosks and security lanes; and NYC foodie favorites like H&H Bagels and Junior’s.

Best First Class

Emirates

A first-class ticket grants you a luxurious fully enclosed private suite, dine-whenever-you-desire service — including unlimited caviar and Dom Pérignon — special moisturizing pajamas to prevent dehydrated skin, chauffeured airport transfers and more.

Best International Business Class

Qatar Airways

Available as a single, twin, double or quad suite, the coveted Qsuite comes with a door for privacy, mood lighting, a lie-flat bed and a Diptyque amenity kit.

Best Domestic Business Class

Delta Air Lines

Flying Delta One — the all-suite business class — gives you access to the new Delta One lounges, Missoni amenity kits with Grown Alchemist products and a suite with a door and a 180-degree flatbed seat.

Best Independent Airport Lounge

Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, Hamad International Airport

Louis Vuitton’s first airport lounge is a vibrant and verdant culinary destination. Prominent chef Yannick Alléno features French cooking techniques and Qatari ingredients in his à la carte and tasting menus.

Doha’s Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno is an exquisite stop. Credit: Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno

Best U.S. Airline Lounge

Delta One, John F. Kennedy International Airport

The first lounge dedicated to Delta One passengers debuted in June with an expansive 39,707-square-foot space that includes a year-round terrace, nine relaxation pods, eight shower suites and a full-service brasserie.

Best International Airline Lounge

Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai

This sprawling 24-hour lounge nearly runs the length of the terminal and offers everything you could need: delicious buffets and à la carte menus, a Moët & Chandon bar, a cigar lounge, fully stocked shower suites and a direct boarding point so you don’t have to run to your faraway gate.

Best Airport Dining

Dubai International Airport

You’ll find an array of dining options, including Italian (Florentine sandwich shop All’antico Vinaio), Lebanese (Comptoir Libanais) and international (The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck). Finish with something sweet from the region’s first Nutella Café or upscale éclair shop L’Éclair de Génie.

Best Wine List

Air France

Air France’s impressive wine list spotlights top French regions and vineyards. It’s overseen by new head sommelier Xavier Thuizat, who also curates the cellar at Five-Star Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris.

Best Culinary Program

Emirates

The changing menus at Emirates might include steak and eggs with truffle hollandaise for breakfast, prawn machbous for dinner and vegan options, like the chickpea crepe stuffed with carrot, peppers, mushroom and tomato concasse — the airline recently added 300 plant-based meals to its vast recipe database.

Delta Air Lines
Delta soars with five awards. Credit: Delta Air Lines

Innovation of the Year

Transportation Security Administration’s facial recognition technology

TSA’s rollout of facial recognition at major U.S. airports helps make ID checks more efficient for travelers while still ensuring effective security measures.

Best Airport Design

Singapore Changi Airport

Abundant green spaces (from a hedge maze to the famous Rain Vortex waterfall) and bountiful art (from large-scale sculptures to murals) lend Singapore Changi an inviting look and feel.

Best Loyalty Program     

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

The complimentary SkyMiles program gives members free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights (and soon international ones), miles without expiration dates and the ability to earn miles with more than 20 partners.

Best In-Flight Cocktail Lounge

Emirates

Go to the plane’s U-shaped bar and order the Breakfast Martini, a signature gin cocktail that gets a morning makeover with marmalade, Cointreau and orange and lemon juices.

London's Heathrow Airport
Get the star treatment with Heathrow VIP. Credit: Heathrow Private Airport

Best Private Airport Experience

Heathrow VIP

At Britain’s busiest airport, skip the long lines at immigration and customs with this VIP service, where an agent helps you go seamlessly from jet bridge to chauffeur or curbside to boarding.

Best Airport Wellness Experience

Jewel Changi Airport

Get immersed in nature without leaving the airport amid the lush Shiseido Forest Valley’s 900 trees and 60,000 shrubs and the showstopping Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at seven stories high.

Best Airline App

Delta Air Lines

The user-friendly app allows you to upgrade your seat, receive the latest gate and flight changes, track your bags, navigate airports, locate Sky Club lounges and more.

The Verified Air Travel Award winners will be honored at The Summit, FTG’s annual event dedicated to travel and luxury, in Monaco in February 2025.

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Guide, Sports

The Ultimate Guide To The Las Vegas Grand Prix 

2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Prepare for fast cars and a fabulous time along the Strip. Credit: Las Vegas Grand Prix

Taking its first victory lap in fall 2023, the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix significantly transformed the Las Vegas Strip, metamorphosing a 3.8-mile stretch of one of the most famous boulevards in the world into a race track. This year’s event, set for November 21 to 23, is revving up to be even more exciting.

For 50 laps and at speeds over 215 miles per hour, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and other titans of the grid will zoom through the night, illuminated by Las Vegas landmarks and creating a spectacle for the world to see. Because of its unique environment, the all-around conditions of the race are very different from anywhere else F1 takes place. The viewing options include photo-worthy locales on the Strip, ultra-luxe clubs and lively grandstands.

With concerts, dining events and more accompanying the racing, you may need some direction with how you should spend your time. Consider these the best experiences when building an itinerary for an unforgettable Las Vegas race weekend.

Las Vegas' ARIA Resort & Casino
ARIA makes for a posh overnight pit stop. Credit: MGM Resorts

The Luxury Hotel Experience

There’s plenty to get excited about in 2024 regarding high-end race hospitality. Marriott Bonvoy, the official hotel loyalty program of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, recently formed a new partnership with MGM Resorts, aligning their properties under the MGM Collection.

As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can bid on 22 exclusive experiences centered around the race. The Ultimate Las Vegas Grand Prix package offers access to three VIP areas on different days: Ritz-Carlton Silver Arrows Lounge in the paddock (the official working area of a race); the three-floor Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Silver Arrows Vegas Club with views of turns 4 and 17; and the Bellagio Fountain Club.

When the race isn’t on, you will stay at the Bellagio for four nights, indulge in “Vegas Your Way” dining and spa experiences, and access a race after-party at Marquee at The Cosmopolitan. Keep your eyes peeled for Russell at the lounge and hospitality experience. He frequently appears pre-race to discuss what’s happening on the track. Also, look for a Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team activation at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star ARIA Resort & Casino, where the lobby will become an exciting haven for fans with race simulators, team merchandise and photo opportunities with a show car. 

At the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Cosmopolitan, snap photos with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Show Car and examine the memorabilia display. See a collection of race suits while Las Vegas artists customize helmets to celebrate racing culture.

Las Vegas' Bellagio Hotel & Casino
The Bellagio Fountain Club may offer the best view of the race. Credit: Bellagio Hotel & Casino

VIP Viewing Experiences

On the Strip

For those looking for an incredible photo opportunity of the race, Las Vegas landmarks, celebrity chefs and proximity to the winner’s stage, there’s no better place to watch the Las Vegas Grand Prix than Bellagio Fountain Club, constructed alongside the city’s most famous water feature and the stage that hosts post-race driver interviews. From this multi-level indoor/outdoor viewing suite, chefs Mario Carbone, David Chang, Alain Ducasse, Masaharu Morimoto and Jean-Georges Vongerichten will serve limitless fine dining, craft cocktails and sommelier-selected wines while pop-up performances happen throughout the night. Right next door, the Tao Group Hospitality Skydeck at Bellagio Fountain Club runs on November 22 and 23. It has a nightclub vibe, bottle service and entertainment.

Above turn 14, The Cosmopolitan will host a nightly watch party from the Boulevard Pool deck. The party will feature closed-circuit viewing of the race, DJs, all-inclusive snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Upgraded food and a cash bar are available as add-ons.

Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub at The Cromwell is perched atop one of the race’s most prominent corners and will have a three-day viewing party on its massive screens. And because the party doesn’t stop when the cars do, the venue will remain open one hour post-race. Standing room, table (four guests, a dedicated table and bottle service) and bungalow (six guests, track viewing and bottle service) packages are available. 

BWT Alpine F1 Team returns to the Four-Star Venetian Resort Las Vegas for a second year as its headquarters. The team has made a splash with a gaggle of celebrity investors, such as Ryan Reynolds, Michael B. Jordan and Travis Kelce, who all partied in Vegas during last year’s race. The Venetian faces 20% of the track, making it perfect for those who want to watch the race from the comfort of a Racetrack View Suite in The Palazzo Tower.

Groot Hospitality’s Papi Steak Garage
Fuel up at Papi Steak Garage. Credit: Papi Steak Garage

The Paddock Club: The Garages 

There’s only one place you can get a first-hand feel of Formula 1 racing’s glamour — the drivers, the celebrities and the engines — and that’s in the Paddock Building. The hospitality garages rise to a new echelon within the exclusive enclave of clubs and suites, offering every VIP experience in one ticket. There are two options: Groot Hospitality’s Papi Steak Garage, representing the famed Miami/Vegas steakhouse from David “Papi” Einhorn and David Grutman, and Ramsay’s Garage from the legendary Gordon Ramsay.

With both, you receive a three-day ticket to the race that includes an F1 Paddock pass, Paddock Club Rooftop access, pit lane walks, guided track tours, F1 Podium celebration access, a photo safari, visits to the East Harmon Zone, transportation and more.

At Papi Steak Garage, dine next to the pit lane on a raw bar (Alaskan king crab legs, Golden Ossetra caviar and split Maine lobster tails), passed hors d’oeuvres (wagyu pastrami, lamb lollipops) and carving stations (prime rib roast and Australian New York strip loin).

In Ramsay’s Garage, expect to eat through three nights of the famed British chef’s universe. There will be live cooking stations with guest chefs interpreting Ramsay’s dishes; a pop-up of his London restaurant Lucky Cat; and a night celebrating “Cool Britannia” with a whole tomahawk rack, mini foie fat-baked Yorkshire pudding, blood sausage Scotch quail eggs, chickpea tikka masala and more.

Wynn Las Vegas
Experience guided tours, great food and more at Wynn Grid Club. Credit: Wynn Las Vegas

The Paddock Club: Wynn Grid Club

Right above the garages, overlooking the start/finish line and turns 1 and 2, Wynn Grid Club gives a panoramic look at the race on its private terrace. Grid Club access includes all the F1 experiences, such as meet-and-greets with F1 legends, pit lane walks, truck tours, photo safaris, guided paddock tours and all-inclusive food and drinks. Back at the Four-Star Wynn Las Vegas, you will be well-cared for through its white-glove Private Access program, which is reserved for VIP guests. 

The Paddock Club: Rooftop

Above all, the Paddock Rooftop comes alive with a nightclub and a skating rink. Here is where you will find DJ Dom Dolla headlining LIV on the Grid, which brings Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ nightclub to the track through bottle service, premium seating access, all-inclusive food and beverage, pit-lane walks and more. Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host an official Paddock Club shuttle stop, accessible to ticketed LIV on the Grid and Paddock Club guests. Alongside LIV on the Grid, a 2,600-square-foot ice rink called the Las Vegas Skate Circuit will plant itself on the Paddock Club Rooftop and will be accessible to all Paddock Club guests. The Skate Circuit will be surrounded by lounge seating and a bar serving cocktails and treats.

DJ Dom Dolla
Acts like Dom Dolla will keep the party going long after the cars have stopped. Credit: Liv on the Grid

Clubs

Above the Heineken Silver Main Grandstand, the Skybox offers a clear view of the start and finish lines from its indoor lounge and outdoor terrace. The design is Vegas-centric, with Rat Pack-inspired touches and roaming entertainment. Food, wine and spirits are included, and it is easily accessible to fan activations in the East Harmon Zone and the Heineken Silver Stage. 

The new Turn 3 Club is for die-hard race fans. It puts them at turns 3 and 4, where all the action happens before the Koval Straightaway. The all-inclusive experience features food, beer, wine and spirits. This option also includes access to fan activations and live entertainment at the Heineken Silver Stage.

Fan Zones, Concerts and Grandstands 

In the East Harmon Zone by Virgin Hotels, the largest fan zone, the Heineken Silver Stage is right by the start and finish lines in the Paddock building and turns 1 and 3. Concerts (Vandelux, Big Boi, Snakehips) will occur here nightly, and all 20 drivers will participate in a live onstage Q&A and autograph sessions.

With a festival-like atmosphere in the glow of the Sphere, the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere Stage offers fan activations and unobstructed views of some of the most challenging turns of the race, including turn 5 and through the chicane spanning turns 7 through 9. Ludacris, Alesso and OneRepublic will headline the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere Stage.

If you think the Sphere is the place to be and want to check out the newest resort on the Strip, bundle up those two ideas with a Fontainebleau Race Club Grandstand Package, which includes a two-night stay, transportation to and from the race and two seats in the T-Mobile Grandstand.

Las Vegas' Restaurant Guy Savoy
Have a tantalizing taste and toast at Restaurant Guy Savoy. Credit: Caesars License Company LLC

Dining and Drinking Fun Away from the Track

Louis XIII Cognac pop-up boutique at Wynn Las Vegas, which dazzled during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix and 2024 Super Bowl, will return for Race Week through November 30. The boutique will feature the brand’s various options, including two collector’s-edition hand-painted chests featuring Wynn Las Vegas and Grand Prix animations.

If you prefer to pair your Louis XIII with an iconic dinner, Peter Luger Steak House and Five-Star Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace will host memorable meals. On November 22, Louis XIII’s national director of luxury brands, Guillaume Vallet, guides guests through a four-course Peter Luger dinner with wine that culminates in a tasting and toast of Louis XIII in Baccarat cognac glasses. On November 23, chef Guy Savoy will create a six-course menu that will include Vallet’s commentary and a post-dinner gift from Restaurant Guy Savoy and Louis XIII. 

Launched last year, the Shoey Bar at Bellagio returns November 21 to 23, paying tribute to racing’s tradition of drinking from a shoe. In collaboration with racing brand Sparco, the Shoey Bar will have 2,500 striking new golden collectible shoes with custom inserts that are filled with a Red Bull cocktail.

Las Vegas' Jean Georges Steakhouse
Jean Georges Steakhouse is always a delicious detour. Credit: ARIA Resort & Casino

Also at Bellagio, The Connaught Bar’s head mixologist Giorgio Bargiani will take over one of the resort’s cocktail bars and serve his signature pours. Spago and Wolfgang Puck will hold a lakeside brunch November 22 to 23, during which guests can also receive the star chef’s signed cookbook. Visit the Dom Pérignon Champagne Lounge at Terrazza di Sogno on November 21 to 23 to toast Dom Pérignon and other Moët Hennessy wines as the Bellagio Fountains set the scene.

At ARIA’s Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Jean Georges Steakhouse, the Macallan flows on November 22 for a 200th anniversary celebration that pairs cuisine with vintages through the years. The resort’s Lobby Bar transforms into The Macallan Lounge, carrying exclusive offerings typically reserved for private buyers.

Carrying on its popular fine-dining food festival concept Indulge, Resorts World satiates race fans on November 22 and 23 at Ayu Dayclub. This walk-around tasting, curated by the L.A. food-event platform Industry Only, spotlights popular restaurants such as Camphor, Chimmelier, Holy Basil, Joint Seafood, Ospi, Prince Street Pizza and Tacos 1986.

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Attractions and Landmarks, Guide

How To Spend Two Days In Milwaukee  

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Welcome to Wisconsin’s biggest and most vibrant city. Credit: Visit Milwaukee

Season 21 of Top Chef introduced the world to the culinary culture in Wisconsin through chef Dan Jacobs. Jacobs, who owns DanDan with his partner Dan Van Rite, made it to the final three. Now the chef is home, focused and ready to explore his city anew with his wife, artist Kate Riley.

“There is a lot of fun stuff to do in Milwaukee,” Jacobs says. “It’s beautiful, it’s clean and the people are nice.” With that in mind, the chef shared the best way to taste, play and see laid-back Brew City over two days.

Milwaukee chef Dan Jacobs
Chef Dan Jacobs is always hungry to talk about his home. Credit: Kevin Miyazaki

Day One

First, book a room at the Kinn Guesthouse in Bay View. It’s Jacobs’ favorite spot to house guest chefs when they visit. The boutique property only has a handful of rooms, giving visitors an intimate and personal experience. It is also pet-friendly. Jacobs says the guest house also resides in his beloved neighborhood, where there’s plenty to do, drink and eat.

“It’s the location,” he says. “It’s all about where it is. You are staying in a neighborhood. It’s the eclectic, hipster retirement community full of tattooed 40-year-olds, record shops, bookstores, plant shops, a cool old movie theater and lots of great restaurants.”

For Jacobs, the place to get breakfast is Honeypie Cafe. The chef says it’s casual, but a step above a diner, and it serves classic American fare. Order the breakfast casserole, a nod to the city’s Midwest sensibilities that’s been elevated with house-made sausage gravy, bacon, white cheddar, potatoes and an egg. Jacobs suggests adding on fries, available any time of day. So are the pies, which the shop is known for. His favorites are the banana and coconut cream flavors.

For those who prefer forgoing breakfast or want an early lunch, The Vanguard opens at 11 a.m. Here, you’ll find made-in-house sausage, city-themed toppings and a heavy metal vibe. Highlights include the duck BLT, Nashville hot chicken sausage and classic poutine. The space is fun, though Jacobs’ wife said it reminds her of a teenage boy’s bedroom in the best way possible.

After the meal, the chef suggests shopping around. Vinyl lovers will want to make Acme Records their first stop. The boutique Ursa is the next place to visit for artsy, handcrafted home goods, perfume, olive oils, tinned fish, plants and clothing. Riley sells some of her pottery here.

More plants can also be found at the nearby shop Clover. “There are a lot of places like that in Milwaukee,” the chef says. “Our friend Maggie sells pants there and does paint pottery studios, where you paint a pot she made, you get a plant and maybe a mimosa, too.”

After a shopping trip, go to one of the many beer gardens littered around Milwaukee. Jacobs says the city runs these beer gardens in public parks. One of the best ways to explore the scene is on a bike, which you can rent from South Shore Cyclery. The Oak Leaf Trail (or Route of the Badger) winds 135 miles around the city. It goes to Grant Park and Lake Michigan, where Top Chef filmed the fish boil episode and Jacobs placed in the top three.

While biking around, he recommends stopping at the beer gardens along the way. The drinking culture in Wisconsin is vast, with more than 260 craft breweries in the state.

“We are really supportive of our beers,” he says. “I am a big fan of Enlighten Brewing Company. It’s a real microbrewery in this neighborhood, with really great beers.”

Milwaukee's DanDan
Restaurants like Goodkind, Birch and chef Jacobs’ DanDan should be on your itinerary. Credit: DanDan

However, Milwaukee isn’t just about beer. Jacobs and his wife frequent several wine bars in the neighborhood. His former bar manager runs Voyager, where vino can get paired with a pick-your-own-cheese-and-charcuterie board. Next, try Nonfiction Natural Wines, which specializes in eclectic pours and bottles made using spontaneous fermentation.

“It’s bright, and there is an outside patio that’s really shady,” he says. “It’s on the street, so you can watch people go by, and the sunsets over there are beautiful.”

Your next move should be a meal at Goodkind, owned by Katie Rose, Paul Zerkel and Lisa Kirkpatrick. Jacobs, who’s worked with the team on and off since he landed in Milwaukee, is especially fond of its bread. “It’s a neighborhood gem and a great American restaurant,” he says. “The menu changes all the time, and they have an old-school French rotisserie oven. I am a huge fan of the roasted chicken.”

He also suggests the carbonara, which he says is made traditionally with egg yolks and no cream. Finish the evening off by ordering the homemade Basque cake, which Jacobs says he craves each year on his birthday.

Milwaukee Art Museum
No Milwaukee trip is complete without an art museum stop. Credit: Visit Milwaukee

Day Two

Now that Jacobs’ neighborhood has been thoroughly explored, venture further up north for breakfast at Cafe at the Plaza. From the outside, the restaurant looks like an extension of the apartment building above it. However, once inside, the rooms branch out and have a cozy feel and art deco nuances. If the weather is nice, try to snag a table outside on the gated patio. The menu is full of crowd-pleasing, freshly made foods, including the signature chive hash browns and delicious coffee.

Next, head to the river and rent a Duffy boat. The easy-to-handle electric water vehicles are perfect for slow, self-guided cruising down the river. Pack a picnic and some drinks and spend three or four hours touring the city from the deck, looking for bands floating down the river and playing on rafts. If you’ve forgotten to pack a lunch, stop by any of the handful of bars and eateries lining the river. Each spot has a little pier, including the popular Barnacle Buds, which is great for seafood and cocktails.

“Lake Michigan is huge,” Jacobs says. “It’s like an ocean. And there’s a break wall that breaks the waves.

A Milwaukee Duffy boat ride
See the city from a Duffy boat. Credit: Visit Milwaukee

While the chef doesn’t advise taking the Duffy boat past the break, he does suggest cruising to the Milwaukee Art Museum and seeing what the largest art museum in the state is exhibiting inside. “It’s beautiful,” he says. “You got a great view of the Hoan Bridge, the lake and the river. It’s super, super cool.”

After making your splash, return to the hotel and change before trekking to Ricky Ramirez’s bar, The Mothership. Jacobs says he enjoys Ramirez’s scrappy but elevated space, serving both pitchers of Hamm’s beer and a well-executed Saturn cocktail.

“It’s a party, a fun, weird bar with great cocktails,” Jacobs says. “Across the street is one of the largest dog parks in the city, so you can have an espresso martini and dog-watch.”

For food, chef Kyle Knall’s Birch is high on the list of places to have dinner. The modern American cuisine showcases seasonal dishes such as steelhead crudo with husk cherry and end-of-summer raspberry; ricotta-filled pasta with sweet corn, chanterelles and basil; and ember-roasted walleye. Much of the food comes from the restaurant’s farm, located just outside the city limits.

A lot of the staff at Birch came from DanDan. Jacobs takes that as a compliment: “It’s about how we train and take care of our people. We make sure they go on to greater and better things.”

While Jacobs loves the food at Birch, for dessert, he heads to At Random for the ultimate Wisconsin treat — a boozy milkshake. Owner John Dye, who’s known for buying old bars and turning them into great cocktail lounges, provides funky tiki concoctions and a solid drinks list.

After that, it’s time to venture back to the hotel, ending the glorious weekend in Milwaukee. “There is so much we are missing,” Jacobs says. “But I am just happy the light is being shined on Milwaukee. It’s well deserved.”

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News, Travel Industry

How The Hospitality World Is Helping Hurricane Relief Efforts

Hurricane Helene hit Asheville hard
The effects of heavy flooding will forever change Asheville. Credit: Reggie Tidwell

Jennifer Seifert knew all about Asheville’s communal spirit. As a 12-year resident of Western North Carolina, the Juno Pottery owner had long felt the love from locals and those within the city’s tight arts community. Still, it wasn’t until Hurricane Helene barreled across the Southeast, causing more than 200 deaths and $47 billion in damages, that she truly felt its extent.

“To be honest, there was a moment where I thought it was just a complete loss,” says Seifert, who, along with other creatives in Asheville’s River Arts District, lost everything when heavy rains overflowed rivers that spilled onto neighborhoods. “As far as my studio, it filled with water and almost created like a washing machine. Everybody’s tools, equipment and unfinished work swirled around. Everything filled with mud and water. It was just devastating.”

Seifert’s studio rests near Biltmore Village, a quaint shopping area just outside of Biltmore Estate. According to Explore Asheville, visitors spent nearly $3 billion around the city in 2023. In late October, Biltmore Village is usually filled with vest-donning shoppers looking for fall-themed art and Christmas gifts. This year, 26-foot-high waters no one ever imagined have left things decimated. Some stores will be closed for six months. “I don’t know anybody who hasn’t been affected in some form or another,” Seifert says.

Hurricane Helene's damage to Asheville
Jennifer Seifert examines what’s left of her art studio. Credit: Jeremy Seifert

Biltmore announced that it will donate $2 million to relief efforts, even though it sustained its own blows. Waters reached as high as 20 feet up the famous arch at the attraction’s main entrance.

“We had 10 employees that lost everything,” says Charles Thompson, Biltmore’s vice president of resort experiences. “Their houses and cars are gone. And we had six employees that had significant structural damage to their homes. The group sales building that is directly in front of the estate is gone. The Starbucks that is just to the left of the estate is gone. It’s catastrophic in the sense that we’ve never seen flood waters to this level.”

Biltmore, which houses Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Inn on Biltmore Estate, plans to reopen in early November, right in time for a holiday season that’s traditionally quite lively around these parts. Thompson says cherished annual events such Christmas at Biltmore (November 2 to January 5) are still slated to carry on as normal.

Tampa's Tropicana Field
Tampa’s ramshackled Tropicana Field. Credit: Adam Cilley

Any sense of normality is what Florida is hoping for these days, too. Occurring just two weeks after Helene’s fury, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast on October 9. The second-most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico, Milton hit Florida cities such as Siesta Key and Sarasota hard. Officials say the destruction has already surpassed $50 billion.

By now you’ve seen pictures of the damage caused around Tampa. The Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field was mangled so badly by Category 3 winds that MLB officials are contemplating if the baseball team will need to play in a nearby venue to begin a season that won’t start until March.

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, a property sitting less than two miles from the stadium, didn’t sustain any major damage. Still, to get the hotel back to its elevated pre-storm standards, it will remain closed until October 28. As for hotel employees directly impacted, The Vinoy is offering TakeCare Relief Fund grants, giving disaster pay to those who missed shifts and collecting paid-time-off donations for staffers with no or low balances.

People outside of the worst-hit areas are also rallying to help. Even though Atlanta dealt with its own flooding issues after Helene, a fundraising dinner there organized by chefs Howard Hsu (Sweet Auburn Barbecue) and James Beard semifinalist Arnaldo Castillo (Tio Lucho’s) raised $10,000 for World Central Kitchen, which is directly helping efforts in Asheville. “It truly speaks to the camaraderie and mutual respect we all have for one another,” Hsu says. “Everyone is willing to step up when it counts, and that’s something really special about Atlanta’s restaurant scene.” 

Atlanta chefs Jason Hall, Howard Hsu and Todd Ginsberg
Atlanta chefs Jason Hall, Howard Hsu and Todd Ginsberg. Credit: Guapthegallery Media

Back in North Carolina, country superstars Luke Combs and Eric Church are headlining Concert for Carolina, an October 26 show in Charlotte where 100% of the proceeds will go to rescue efforts in the Carolinas.

People like Seifert are feeling the love. “[I thought] I wasn’t going to be able to pick it back up and continue,” she says, “but the community here has been just as they’ve always been — generous and strong. The encouragement has been so widespread for everyone to keep going and to find a way forward and to not give up on this community that’s been built here.”

For those who want to help, there are several opportunities to do so. The winter holidays are when many Western North Carolina businesses generate a big chunk of their annual sales, so Seifert suggests purchasing your Christmas presents from affected businesses this year. One easy way to do that is through Love Asheville From Afar, a curated website where more than 300 area businesses’ wares and gift cards can be purchased.

Asheville's Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate is almost ready to welcome back guests. Credit: iStock-S Greg Panosian

And should a last-minute winter road trip come up or you’re already thinking about a spring getaway, consider parts of Asheville and neighboring towns as your destination. While it’s true that some shops and hotels will be closed for a while, many properties are either back open already (such as The Horse Shoe Farm) or will reopen very soon (The Inn on Biltmore Estate and The Foundry Hotel). They all need your travel dollars now more than ever.

Several crowdfunding efforts have also been established. With the Asheville arts scene, in particular, a host of initiatives — such as River Arts District recovery, Center for Craft and the Craft Emergency Relief Fund — is raising money to aid a community that Seifert and others so passionately built get back on its feet.

“Asheville is going to change,” Seifert says. “It’s going to look different. It’s going to take a really long time for the recovery. It’s going to require a lot to help us recover. But we are determined to stay and to keep creating. We’re just determined to not give up on it. There’s a soul here that can’t be diminished.”

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