Marriott Bonvoy Insiders know a terrific location when they see it. Sometimes an optimum location is found at the center of a city’s action, and other times it’s discovered on a secluded escape, but at all times it requires a hotel with comfort and verve. According to our poll, these hotels offer the best basecamps for your next vacation.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
W Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A stay at the vibrant W Kuala Lumpur sets guests fingers directly on the pulse of Malaysia’s capital city. The hotel provides an unobstructed skyline view and lies within easy walking distance of the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest paired skyscrapers in the world and the most popular tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur.
A 10-minute drive brings you to Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, a 20-acre sanctuary with the largest walk-in aviary in the world, full of peacocks, emus, parrots and more. Back at the hotel, head to the 12th-floor WET Deck for a poolside party with views of the city’s sparkling nighttime lights.
St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection; London
Within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and blocks from the nearest Tube stop, a stay at St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection puts guests in the heart of London while still providing the quiet of a little world apart in the city.
The property offers the amenities of a large hotel while emitting the charm of a boutique, from its striking, chandelier-illuminated and balustrade-ringed lobby and its individually appointed rooms to its rooftop honeybee hives and history as a spy outpost during World War II.
SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park, Utah
Situated near the base of a stunning red-rock cliff just a mile from Zion National Park’s south entrance, SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park is the place to begin a day of exploring with a complimentary breakfast.
After you’ve worn yourself out in Utah’s wilderness, relax in comfort by the outdoor fire pit or hot tub. Parking in national parks can be challenging, but the park’s shuttle serves a stop near this hotel. Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary are also within day trip reach when you stay at SpringHill Suites.
The St. Regis New York
A hotel with history, The St. Regis New York accommodates guests in grand Beaux-Arts style in the midst of midtown Manhattan’s bustle. Step out the door and walk five minutes to reach Central Park or the Museum of Modern Art, seven minutes to visit Rockefeller Center, 10 minutes to Radio City Music Hall or 15 minutes to explore the Theater District.
After a day in the city, work out at the fitness center, sip a Red Snapper (bloody mary) or Madison Avenue cocktail at the King Cole Bar or order in from your personal butler.
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, Georgia
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, whose restoration from a 1912 power plant preserved its twin smokestacks while adding modern flair, is one of the key buildings in the revitalization of Savannah’s Riverside District.
The sweeping lobby houses a gallery whose collection includes a 135-foot dinosaur skeleton, a replica of Amphicoelias fragillimus, its bones dipped in chrome. Enjoy the view from the rooftop bar overlooking the Savannah River, or take a quick walk, drive or ferry ride to the riverside attractions, the Telfair Museums, Forsyth Park and more.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
The Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel is the spot for travelers who want to be where the action is. Guests can book Terrace Rooms featuring outdoor balconies with Times Square views, making them popular for New Year’s Eve and other festive occasions.
In the R Lounge, visitors can enjoy a cocktail, meal and sweeping views from the huge picture windows overlooking Times Square. The hotel sits in the thick of the Theater District, so you’ll be on time for your Broadway shows, and if you still need tickets to a performance, the discount TKTS booth is only a block away.
After an evening of carousing, enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep behind soundproofed windows.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa earns raves for its stunning, tranquil surroundings on Lhaviyani Atoll, even from travelers who have seen it all. Catch a seaplane in from Male and staff can whisk you in a golf cart to an overwater villa — your choice between one that faces sunrise or sunset.
In the villa, you can soak in the tub and enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and tinted-window privacy. Or if you prefer dipping your toes in the sand, choose a beach room. Snorkel, kayak and take a yoga class straight from the pristine beach.
The Barcelona EDITION, Spain
If you enjoy walking to must-see sights, bars and restaurants, the elegant Barcelona EDITION, located near Old Town, which includes the Gothic Quarter and El Borne, is the place to stay.
Walk to the Barcelona Cathedral, the Picasso Museum and Barceloneta Beach, and then return to dine at The Roof, the rooftop terrace restaurant that displays city-spanning views, from the Torre Glòries to the Mediterranean Sea.