Da Guy's favorite resorts, hotels and properties around the globe that he has enjoyed over the years. While he may not have stayed at some of these places for a few years, the memory of the experience remains as if it were just yesterday. What makes a great resort and gets it on this list? It's the whole package -- the location, the service, the sights, the sounds, the restaurants, and the amenities. None of these are your road-trip "Motel 6" type joint, so bring your wallet and enjoy.
The Best of the Best
Da Guy has stayed at a lot of outstanding places over the years, and that's all that is listed on this page, but if you try to pin him down to name his "Top 5" all time favorites over the years, here they are.
1. The Savoy -- London (The Strand), England
Presently closed and undergoing extensive remodeling with planned reopening in 2009.
2. Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa -- Wailea, Island of Maui, Hawaii
Da Guy has been fortunate to stay here several times, including in it's first month many, many moons ago. It's hard to beat. Out of the way and seems like light years away from Kaanapali with the majority of the tourists and hustle and bustle. Paradise in every way. ...and a pool experience that can't be beat. Check it out!
3. The Four Seasons Lodge at Koele -- Island of Lanai, Hawaii
One of the two resorts on the Island of Lanai, and Da Guy's favorite. Now part of the Four Seasons. You'd never expect pine trees, cool and crisp air, and a true lodge-like feel on what used to be known as "the Pineapple Island". It's quiet and perfect. If you just have to have that beach experience, hop on the shuttle and in 20 minutes enjoy all the amenities at it's sister resort at Manele Bay. You'll love it. Check out some of Da Guy's pictures of the place here.
4. Bellagio Hotel & Casino -- Las Vegas (on the Strip), Nevada
Now part of the MGM family of Casinos, and a class act in every way. One of the two or three best resorts on the strip, but #1 in Da Guy's book. Home of "O", and many stellar restaurants right in the middle of the action. You've got to see the fountain shows out front -- free to the public, or get a lakeside view room and watch from your room while listening to the sychronized music on TV channel 31. It's only in Vegas. Check out photos of da place on the Nevada page.
5. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa -- Anaheim, California
An absolutely breath taking craftsman style hotel in the heart of Downtown Disney with it's own private gate into Disney's California Adventure and only steps away from the original Disneyland Park. Class, service, and attention to detail that one comes to expect from Disney properties, but certainly the very best Da Guy has ever stayed at. Home of Napa Rose, one of the top West Coast restaurants and a new favorite of Da Guy's. Da Guy was bowled-over with his stay in 2008. Check out photos of this resort on the Disneyland Resort page.
More of the Best
...and there are a whole lot more outstanding places Da Guy has stayed over the years, but to keep this to "the best of", here are the rest, in no particular order, that stand out above all the others.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa -- Lake Buena Vista (Walt Disney World), Florida
Walt Disney World's top of the line resort, with a look so much like that of the Hotel Del, yet just one stop away from the Magic Kingdom. Home of Victoria & Albert's.
Disney's Yacht Club -- Lake Buena Vista (Walt Disney World), Florida
Another favorite of Da Guy's at Walt Disney World, just a 5 minute walk through the International Gateway to Epcot, or take a Friendship ride to Disney'-MGM Studios. One of the two best pools of any resort anywhere, on par with the Grand Wailea.
Hotel Del Coronado -- Coronado (San Diego), California
Remember the movie, Some Like it Hot? It was filmed here. Edison wired this place. White sand beaches that go on-and-on, just moments "over the bridge" from downtown San Diego. Once you step in the door, you'll know what "classic" is all about.
London Hilton on Park Lane -- London (Hyde Park), England
Super location within easy walking distance to Harrod's and Buckingham Palace. Hilton's flagship property in this 28-story modern hotel. Check out Trader Vic's Restaurant.
Montage -- Laguna Beach, California
Super craftsman-style resort and spa. You'll know you're in California when you arrive. What a location! Home of Studio -- a true dining experience.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa -- Monterey, California
Steps from the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, with many rooms overlooking, and some literally OVER Monterey Bay itself. Watch sea otters from your balcony and window, while taking in all the great service this place has.
Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigel -- Laguna Nigel, California
What can you say -- it's a Ritz Carlton and service is their pleasure. On a bluff overlooking the Pacific.
Sheraton Moana Surfrider -- Honolulu (Waikiki), Island of Oahu, Hawaii
The oldest hotel in Waikiki. Refurbished back into the look and feel of it's earlier days. Picture postcard views of Diamond Head that is so close you can almost touch it. Yes, another classic. ...and while you're here, be sure to check out it's sister, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel -- the famous Pink Palace, just a short walk away with the original Mai Tai Bar.
Tokyo Hilton -- Shinjuku-Ku (Tokyo), Japan
The original place Da Guy stayed on his first trip to Tokyo, just after this hotel opened. Outstanding service and french pastries to die for. Walking distance to Shinjuku Station.
Wynn Las Vegas-- Las Vegas (on the Strip), Nevada
From the man that started all the mega resorts on the Strip -- The Mirage, Treasure Island, and what no one thought could be beat, the spectacular Bellagio, comes his latest creation with private golf course and everything else you can imagine..
See more Epicurus at Bert's Place
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