WHAT’S IT LIKE? Nestled in the shadow of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, The Address’ slick flagship property came onto the scene in late 2008. At 63 stories, it’s the second-tallest building in the area, providing a basis for comparison against the 2,716-foot, 160-story monolith next door. Private check-in desks await guests in the airy reception area, and both... more

WHAT’S IT LIKE? This Shangri-La property dazzles guests with an opulent lobby best described as The Plaza meets the Far East. Crimson columns lead your gaze to intricate chandeliers illuminating a grand, winding staircase, and ample seating allows guests to take it all in over a drink at the Lobby Lounge. Though close to 20 years old, the property was... more

FIRST IMPRESSIONS There were already a few people in Air China’s business-class line when I arrived at the airport, and every one of them appeared to have a problem at the counter, making the wait longer than I expected. But once I had my ticket, the attendant told me where to find the lounge and politely directed me toward security.The... more

FIRST IMPRESSIONS I arrived three hours early for my 11 p.m. flight, but there was already a long line at the check-in counter. Fortunately, I reached the front quickly in the shorter business-class lane. Once my bags were checked and my ticket was issued, I enjoyed the same benefit of bypassing the much longer line at security through its dedicated... more

WHAT'S IT LIKE? One of the newest additions to Manhattan’s Chelsea hotel boom (joining others including Ace Hotel, Hotel Indigo and Kimpton’s Eventi), Wyndham’s Fashion 26 Hotel, has, as the name implies, a sartorial theme suiting the neighborhood. On the ground floor of this sleek 22-story glass tower, the lobby establishes the motif, with tables shaped like enormous spools, artwork... more

WHAT'S IT LIKE? Located on the western edge of SoHo, the Trump SoHo New York hotel opened in April, rising high against the backdrop of the neighborhood’s historic cast-iron buildings. The first Trump hotel in downtown Manhattan, the building is modern, stylish and offers sweeping views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and the city itself.WHERE IS IT?... more

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Emulating Rome’s Pantheon and made of 9,000 tons of Georgia marble, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia exudes a regal air made accessible by a dash of local charm. The building was converted into a Ritz-Carlton in 2000 and dates back to 1905, when it was the home of Girard Trust.Perhaps it was the Indian wedding taking place at the... more

WHAT’S IT LIKE? With carefully restored 17th-century buildings and courteous and able staff, the Steenberg Hotel blends timeless elegance with a warm, welcoming attitude. I had expected a stuffier vibe after hearing stories of how exclusive it was, but this luxury getaway was wonderfully lacking in pretension. The hotel clearly wasn’t trying to market itself toward a trendy crowd, nor... more

WHAT'S IT LIKE? This expansive hotel first opened in 1986, with its 25-story Shangri-La Wing, five years later adding the smaller Krungthep Wing, an independent tower with its own reception and lobby. A $60-million refurbishment, including the Shangri-La Wing’s Deluxe rooms, was recently completed. Shangri-La’s lush, fragrant grounds, including palm trees, bougainvillea, orchids and bird of paradise plants, create a... more

After a three-hour drive from Cape Town, we finally reached our destination, Dwyka Tented Lodge in Sanbona, South Africa, and were primed for an incredible getaway. The chauffeur we'd hired from Avis was more than helpful during the ride, telling us all he knew about the lodge, the closest free-roaming Big Five reserve to the city. Although this was my... more