Whether they know it or not, virtually every traveler has a “bucket list” of destinations that they want to explore. But “re-bucket listing,” or visiting a place you’ve traveled to in the past, is a trend on the rise. After all, popular destinations are bound to grow and change over the years.
For example, Miami, once pegged as a party town, is making moves within the wellness community, and 1970’s New York was a much different city than it is today. And through renovations and refurbishments, hotels are constantly evolving to cater to the needs of modern travelers. Keep reading for an inside look at Hawkins International’s favorite, timeless hotels that are rich with history but still maintain relevance in 2019!
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
In 2019, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a $45 multi-million dollar renovation to its flagship property, Grand Hotel Quellenhof, which will include the addition of two new restaurants for an elevated dining experience in Bad Ragaz. The resort is partnering with well- renowned Swiss chef, Sven Wassmer, who will be implementing two new restaurants including, Verve by Sven and Memories. The restaurants will initially replace the former restaurant Bel-Air and be made up of two parts: 1) a health-conscious lifestyle restaurant 2) the signature restaurant of Chef Wassmer, an informal dining experience with an open show kitchen and spectacular wine cellar, five nights a week. Since opening on July 10, 1869, the property has added Europe’s first indoor thermal water pool, a rehabilitation clinic, the spa suites tower and hotel Hof Ragaz to the roster of accommodations.
Country Club Lima Hotel
Country Club Lima Hotel has a rich background that links the now modern San Isidro district with historic Pre-Hispanic Lima. The property was founded in 1927 as a clubhouse for members of the Lima Golf Club and a tea house for Lima’s polo players. Due to its popularity, Javier Prado avenue was built to provide easy transport from the hotel to downtown Lima. Today, the historic Grand Dame hotel welcomes guests after completing a remodel lead by design architect Francisco Lopez Bustos to marry modern comfort and luxury with the property’s legacy steeped in rich culture and history. Between Country Club Lima Hotel’s 300 pieces of art and colonial furniture on permeant loan from the Pedro de Osma Museo, gourmet Peruvian cuisine served at Perroquet Restaurant, English Bar serving up 60 critically acclaimed Pisco Sours a day and specialized treatments at Yaku Spa, the hotel offers an enriching Peruvian escape for all types of travelers.
Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Experience the height of Parisian luxury and relish in the beauty of the historic palace hotel, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. Located on Avenue Hoche, the hotel combines the surrounding contemporary art culture with its deeply rooted history that dates back before the hotel’s reopening in 1928. In the 18th century, the hotel was located in the countryside of Paris as the land was purchased by the Duke of Chartres in 1773. Following WWII, the hotel reopened as Le Royal Monceau and was a roaring twenties rendez-vous for artists, intellectuals, writers and adventurers. Today, travelers can live like a royal and walk the same halls of previous prestigious guests Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, Dwight Eisenhower, King Farouk of Egypt, Madonna, Michael Jackson and more. Since its modern redesign, guests can explore the hotel’s whimsical details designed by French mastermind, Philippe Starck, including acoustic in-room guitars, love letters stashed in-suite drawers, and vibrant paintings from then and now. It’s no wonder the ultra-lux backdrop has maintained its popularity over time and evolved from its historic Parisian allure to a modern artistic wonder.
Carton House
Carton House is one of Ireland’s most historic resorts consisting of 1,100 acres and an original Manor House, once the ancestral seat of the Earls of Kildare and Dukes of Leinster. Nestled in the heart of a walled estate, Carton House has long been a favorite of the region’s high society along with celebrities from all over the world including Princess Grace of Monaco, Mick Jagger, and Queen Victoria. In May 2019, the estate debuted the first phase of a property-wide-renovation. Reminiscent of Carton House’s past, the refresh includes updated bedrooms located in the new wing of the historic hotel, the property’s banquet suites, Carton House Spa and new and updated dining options. The Carriage House, a gastropub located in The Clubhouse on property for golfers, is a new dining outlet set to open in June. The traditional Irish pub is housed in the home’s original horse stables and the new restaurant will serve Irish classics. On the spa front, Carton House Spa will complete a refurbishment in August, including refreshed treatment rooms with a color palette that reflects the natural, earthy colors found throughout the property.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, located just outside of Los Angeles, California is known for its breathtaking Spanish Mission-style architecture, its annual Festival of Lights festival during the holidays and its historical past including hosting many former Presidents over the years. The historic property was established in 1876 as a 12-room adobe brick boarding house. Now the hotel and spa is a six-story property with 239 guest rooms and encapsulates an entire city block in Riverside. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, and became a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Throughout its nearly 150-year history, it has served as the cornerstone of Riverside’s downtown. The property is a destination itself and some people visit Riverside just to explore this unique Spanish Mission-style hotel. Its Kensington Kelly Suite is a mini-European castle which features a royal, yet playful ambiance with a host of its own amenities like in-room Mommy & Me Spa Packages (for kids ages 4-12). Other unique experiences available on property include The Mission Inn Museum which promotes the cultural heritage of the Mission Inn, and hosts changing exhibitions which rotate 2-3 times per year, as well as educational programs and daily guided tours.
The Dolder Grand
Perched above the city of Zurich for 120 years, the Grande Dame hotel, The Dolder Grand has served as a role model of luxury hospitality since its opening in 1899. Established as a luxurious retreat for the wealthy in the late 19th century, The Dolder Grand opened with amenities such as a billiard room, covered verandas, terraces, two elevators, a telephone, and telegraph – cutting edge luxury items in the day. Undergoing extensive renovations in 1924, 1964 and 2004, to add additional rooms, redesigns, geothermal energy technology, and an additional 20,000 square meters of space, the structure expanded two wings beyond the original façade. The hotel has maintained its reputation as a leading luxury hotel and has the privileged record of hosting some of history’s greatest: from Winston Churchill to The Rolling Stones (who now have a suite named after them!) and Prince Charles. Today, The Dolder Grand continues to be a leading name in luxury and boasts a Michelin-star dining experience and partnerships with leading luxury brands such as Dr. Burgener Switzerland and BMW.