These legendary hotels are scattered around the globe, in such places as New York City, Paris and Hong Kong, and have set the standard for luxury and hospitality. But they’re also among the world’s most famous structures, and in some cases have attained a legendary, almost mythical status.
The following hotels have been longtime favorites of meeting groups and travelers, in general.
The Plaza, New York City: Perhaps the city’s most famous hotel, it occupies a 20-story building and has served as the setting for such classic movies as Funny Girl and The Great Gatsby. Weekly tours are offered to the public, led by an architectural historian.
Waldorf Astoria, New York: Once the world’s tallest hotel, it has hosted every U.S. president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama. It introduced to the world 24-hour room service and the Waldorf salad, created by Oscar Tschirky.
Beverly Hills Hotel, California: This property, built in 1912, has hosted some of Hollywood’s most famous movie stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Hotel Ritz Paris: Slated to reopen this year after undergoing substantial renovations, this hotel is renowned for its lavish belle epoque decor, crystal chandeliers and white-glove service. Ernest Hemingway, Ingrid Bergman and Coco Chanel were among its most famous guests.
Claridge’s, London: It’s an Art Deco property that is England’s most storied hotel. Daily afternoon tea is served in the foyer, as a cellist plays.
The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin: Ireland’s oldest and most historic hotel, it is also one of the most beautiful, with its Renaissance-style facade, marble pillars and ornate crystal chandeliers.
Raffles, Singapore: An opulent, Colonial-style hotel that is arguably the most famous in Asia. Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book while staying at the property, which is also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail.
Peninsula Hong Kong: Located at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, this hotel is known as the “Grand Dame of the East.” It offers plenty of luxury amenities a private jet available for guest use and a fleet of green Rolls Royce Phantoms.
