The Fourth of July weekend is officially here, and that means last-minute getaways. Here are some of the top hotels I’ve stayed at in various part of the United States.
TEN GREAT PLACES TO STAY IN THE U.S.
New York City: The Conrad by Hilton in downtown New York is a former Embassy Suites, so you can expect super-large rooms and luxurious touches worth of the Conrad designation. The on-site restaurant, Atrio Wine Bar, is terrific, and the rooftop Loopy Doopy Bar is a fun spot for a cocktail. Lower New York is filled with cool architecture and great shopping.
Santa Monica: The Pierside Hotel is a cool, funky spot that’s just steps from the famous Santa Monica Pier, the westernmost point on Route 66. The hotel has a casual, surf feel without going over the top. The lobby has a fireplace and lots of comfy seating areas, and the on-site Surfing Fox restaurant is a terrific spot for a meal.
A Coastal Suite at the Pierside Hotel in Santa Monica, California. Pierside Hotel Photo
Miami: The Fontainebleau in North Miami Beach is a bright, historic property (it’s been around 72 years) that’s done up in a style called Miami Modern. It sits on 22-acres and has 11 swimming pools. The hotel underwent a $1 billion renovation a few years ago. Frank Sinatra used to visit here a lot, and there’s a lovely hallway decorated with dozens of photos of Ol’ Blue Eyes and other celebrities.
Chicago: The Four Seasons is a luxurious property on a quiet street near the north end of the Magnificent Mile. It’s a very artsy place, The spa and pool are stunning, with Roman columns and skylights and a classic feel overlooking Michigan Avenue. The on-site Adorn restaurant specializes in small plates and often has live music.
San Francisco: The Ritz-Carlton is in the posh Nob Hill area and is located in a former bank. You feel enveloped by elegance the minute you walk in, and that’s a special thing for a hotel. The architecture is stunning, and the food and beverage options equally attractive. Here’s a review from my stay a couple years ago.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, San Francisco. Photo Courtesy Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.
Austin: The Fairmont is a terrific spot in a great city, with tons of style and elegance. The on-site spa is relaxation personified, and you’re very close to downtown and the University of Texas campus. Austin, of course, is one of the great music cities of the world.
Washington D.C.: The Hay-Adams has been entertaining Washington’s elite for nearly 100 years and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028. President Barack Obama (remember him?) stayed with his family prior to his first inauguration. When I stayed, I had a room overlooking the White House. Say what you will about the current occupant, it’s a special place. And the Hay-Adams is a special hotel.
Maui: I’ve been going to the Napili Kai Beach Resort for more than 50 years. The rooms have tasteful, Hawaiian motifs and the grounds are extensively planted with gorgeous flowers and tropical plants. The Sea House restaurant is fabulous for dinner, lunch or breakfast, and is just a yard or two from what I think is the best beach in Hawaii. The hotel feel is elegant but quite casual.
Detroit: The sturdy, handsome Detroit Foundation Hotel exudes a positive, can-do Detroit energy. Located in an old firehall in the heart of downtown, this boutique property has cool rooms and a great, urban vibe. The on-site restaurant and bar, The Apparatus Room, is a great place to see and be seen. They make a very good coffee latte, as well.
Scottsdale: Hotel Valley Ho is one of my fave places to stay in the U.S. It’s a fun, playful property built in the Mid-Century modern style, with tons of artful design elements, great food and a lovely swimming pool. You’re just steps from the vibrant shopping scene in Old Town Scottsdale.
Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jim Byers Photo
BEAUTIFUL MARTINIQUE BOOSTS CANADIAN FLIGHTS
Martinique is pleased to confirm the continuation of its strong momentum in the Canadian market. This coming winter, the island will offer up to 18 direct weekly flights from Canada, thanks to expanded air services operated by Air Transat and additional capacity introduced by Air Canada. This growth reflects steady and sustained progress for the destination, driven both by a favourable geopolitical context and by consistent, long-term efforts on the ground in Canada.
“We are delighted to see this continued growth, which reflects the strength and maturity of our positioning in the Canadian market,” said Bénédicte di Géronimo, Commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority. “Canada is a long-standing partner for Martinique, and this development highlights the growing interest in the destination. In an evolving international context, Martinique stands out as a safe, authentic and accessible choice, and we will continue working to sustain this positive momentum over the long term.”
The Caribbean island of Martinique. Mu photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Air Transat is continuing its strategic expansion with the launch of a new weekly direct flight from Toronto Pearson to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport, starting Dec. 19, 2026. This frequency will increase to twice weekly as of Feb. 16, 2027.
From Québec City, the airline is also strengthening its offering, building on the success of the route launched in 2025, now operating two weekly flights to Fort-de-France, in addition to its established service from Montréal.
At the same time, Air Canada is further boosting this momentum by increasing its own capacity to Martinique.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Club Med in Martinique a couple years ago and had a fabulous time. Here’s a link to my story.
FIVE NEW HOTELS IN CANADA
The New York Post has an item on five new or renovated hotels in Canada, including the Kenrick in Banff and the Clayfield in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Useful information for anyone who loves travelling in Canada.
