Wondering where to go for luxury travel in Americas? Here you find recommendations where to stay & dine in style with value for money. In addition, there are tips what to do (often involving walking).

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Review of Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

UPDATE: Restaurant Altamira was replaced by La Terraza, Sushi Amor by Asia Luna; you have access to the facilities of the sister properties (Springs & Tented Camp) Luxurious, spacious bungalows with good view of volcano in lush tropical…
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Review of El Silencio Lodge & SPA, Bajos del Torro, Costa Rica

UPDATE: the standard room rate only includes breakfast, you can add a full board option For nature lovers seeking peacefulness, but also appreciating fine accommodations and food: The three of us (family with a teen) spent two days at El…
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Review of Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Belen, San José, Costa Rica

UPDATE:  rooms have been updated in 2019; in terms of dining the tapas restaurant does not exist anymore Beautiful building and grounds, mediocre rooms, good food: My family (two adults and a teen) chose Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen as first…
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Review of Hotel Oceana, Santa Monica, L.A., USA

UPDATE: comprehensive renovation in 2019 and since January 2021 part of LXR Hotels & Resorts by Hilton Good (relatively quiet) location, large rooms, great staff: If you want to stay at a hotel at the beaches of Los Angeles, they…
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Review of Hotel The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, USA

UPDATE: the property is scheduled for enhancements beginning in November 2026, as of fall 2027 it is set to debut as St. Regis Estate/Resort by Marriott (still owned by the Irvine Company) Nice setting, beautiful views & good facilities: There…
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Review of Hotel Palm Springs Rendezvous, Palm Springs, USA

UPDATE: out of business in 2022 1950s feel, fine accommodation, great food: Our family (two adults and a teen) normally is not into bed & breakfast establishments. But when they get better  reviews than many luxury hotels in town,…
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Review of L’Auberge de Sedona, Sedona, USA

UPDATE: the resort completed a massive expansion and renovation in 2025 (integrating the former Orchards Inn to create The Cliffs - 70 new rooms - , refreshing the existing cottages, expanding the spa/pools & upgrading restaurant terrace) Splendid…
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Review of El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon National Park, USA

UPDATE: was last renovated in 2026 (rooms in the north and south wings were updated), last major overhaul took past in 2017 Historic hotel in fantastic location: El Tovar Hotel is all about history and location. It looks back on more…
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Review of Inn Sunflower Hill, Moab, USA

UPDATE: hotel went over from the Stucki family to Emily Niehaus as of January 2020 (property overhaul) A good choice in a place where such finds are rare: Moab is not exactly a place where you can find an abundance of first class accommodations.…