A room with a view takes on new meaning at San Francisco’s tallest hotel. Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco offers an exceptional vantage point for enjoying Bay Lights, the striking light sculpture by artist Leo Villareal that illuminates the Oakland Bay Bridge. The two-year installation launched on March 5, so there’s still time to see the … Read more

Austria’s capital offers many stately, historic hotels, but if you prefer something more modern and personal, consider a luxury themed apartment from Chez Cliché. The company manages five properties in Vienna’s first and ninth districts, each decorated around a fictional persona. Options range from an ex-jockey’s equestrian-inspired suite to an apartment filled with souvenirs and … Read more

From packing light to securing upgrades and unearthing hidden gems, frequent travelers learn a range of practical tips. We asked some of the most respected voices in the travel industry to share the insights they’ve collected over years on the road. On the Road With… NAME: Andrew Coney OCCUPATION: General Manager, InterContinental London Westminster INTRODUCTION: … Read more

Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of independent luxury hotels, has expanded in the United Kingdom with the addition of St. Ermin’s Hotel in London. Situated in the Westminster district, St. Ermin’s offers 331 rooms and occupies a building that was originally a Victorian block of apartments before being converted into a hotel in 1899. … Read more

American Airlines has expanded its international network by adding nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Beijing, China. This new route strengthens the carrier’s global reach and complements its extensive domestic U.S. system. American’s Asian presence already includes flights to Shanghai, China, and Delhi, India, and the airline has served Japan for more than … Read more

On the Ground: I arrived at the airport early in the morning when it was still quiet. With no checked luggage, I completed check-in quickly and moved through security without delay. But once I reached the gate area, it felt as if I had stepped into a different world. Dubai Duty Free was bustling with … Read more

Celebrating the centennial of the Panama Canal’s opening, AdventureSmith Explorations is offering a year of expedition cruises and land-based tours that highlight the 48-mile engineering marvel. These itineraries examine the canal’s history, from the earliest construction efforts in 1881 through the challenges overcome before the canal opened in 1914. Each trip is designed to combine … Read more

Maui landmark Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, has announced a comprehensive $30 million renovation. Scheduled to begin with a rollout in early 2015, the renovation will refresh guestroom interiors and upgrade meeting spaces and pool facilities. Environmental sustainability is central to the redesign of the guestrooms. Planned features include energy-efficient LED lighting, carpeting made … Read more

Name: Ashley Gochnauer Title: General manager Company, city: Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood; Los Angeles, Calif. Number of employees: About 125 First job: My first hotel job was with W Hotels as a guest services agent. Little-known fact about you: I am a coffee enthusiast and consider it a genuine hobby. I enjoy exploring L.A.’s rich … Read more

West of Marrakech, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast in the port town of Essaouira, Hotel L’Heure Bleue Palais offers luxurious accommodation infused with authentic local character. Part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, the hotel sits beside the city’s ancient Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The building itself dates to the 19th century … Read more