Ardent music fans will often travel far and wide to see their favorite performer — and after a long day on the road and a night full of dancing and singing along with hundreds (if not thousands) of other fans, nothing beats the feeling of sinking into a cozy bed. This summer, several headliners are interjecting a bit of R&R into their tour schedules by performing at luxury hotels around the country, meaning that plush bed, plus several more top-tier amenities, are even closer than ever. Our Forbes Travel Guide editors think these three shows are poised to top the charts:
Biltmore Concert Series at The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Each year, the South Terrace of the legendary structure transforms into an alfresco concert hall for musicians performing in the Biltmore Concert Series. If you’re a music fan, this month is an ideal time to pay a visit to the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel in Asheville, N.C. as it plays host to Sheryl Crow (August 4), Casting Crowns (August 16), The Four Tops and The Temptations (pictured; August 23), The Beach Boys (August 30) and comedian Bill Engvall (August 31). The Biltmore Concert Series package is the best bet for guests interested in attending a show, as it includes two premium tickets (which are located closest to the stage), overnight accommodations, a daily breakfast and dinner buffet, transportation to and from the concert from the inn, valet parking and admission to the Biltmore Estate with audio guides. Technically not included in the package description, but equally noteworthy: The experience of enjoying the majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while singing along to your favorite song, all in one night.
Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting for a see-and-be-seen pool party and live concert to close out the summer than the iconic Fontainebleau hotel in Miami. On September 1, the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel will host R&B powerhouse Robin Thicke and legendary producer, hip-hop artist and fashion designer Pharrell Williams, the duo behind the hit single “Blurred Lines.” The concert is the hotel’s latest BleauLive event, following in the footsteps of appearances by artists such as Lady Gaga, Maroon 5 and Katy Perry. Guests at the hotel can book a Bleau Fan package to secure a deluxe room, two passes to the show, access to a two-hour open bar and a special BleauLive poolside lounge, plus admission to a daytime pool party on August 31. Or, for the ultimate fan experience, the hotel is offering a VIP package that includes junior suite accommodations, upgraded VIP passes to the show and a meet-and-greet with the performers.
Imagine Dragons at Aloft Cupertino
Last year, Imagine Dragons’ sound broke out of their home base of Las Vegas and hit international airwaves, bringing about a wave of recognition that has led them to late-night television sets (they recently played on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) and music festival stages. The rock quartet will perform an exclusive concert at the hip and modern pool deck at Northern California’s Aloft Cupertino on August 7. The show is part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ “Hear the Music, See the World” series of concerts, produced in partnership with LiveNation to bring nine events (one for each of the hotel chains in Starwood’s portfolio) to properties around the world this year. Tickets to the sold-out show were only offered to members of SPG (Starwood Preferred Guests), the company’s loyalty program. Other upcoming concerts in the series include Paloma Faith at Hotel Bristol in Vienna, Austria (September 27) and Lila Downs at Le Méridien in Mexico City (October 25).
Photos Courtesy of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, The Temptations and Robin Thicke
