Words by Rowena Carr-Allinson
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1. Hotel Metropole, Monte-Carlo
The family run Metropole is one of Monte Carlo’s historic hotels, grandiose and awe-inspiring. It’s really rather beautiful, from its gorgeous OTT creamy white façade to its Karl Lagerfeld designed Odyssey pool bar and rooftop pool, down to the luxurious rooms all designed by interior guru Jacques Garcia.
It’s also the only hotel in the world to have three Joel Robuchon restaurants, giving you a choice of a classic gastronomic experience, ranging from Mediterranean to Michelin-starred sushi at Yoshi where the blackened Cod and Green Tea ‘Financier’ deserts are to die for. Although the hotel is discreet about its celebrity visitors, the car parking valet’s ‘selfie’ with RiRi made it online and let the famous feline out of the bag…
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, 4 Avenue de la Madone, 98000 Monaco, France, 00 377 93 15 15 15, metropole.com
Double rooms from £398 (Room only)
2. Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
A popular choice for visiting musicians and rock stars, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is right in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Place Vendome’s Obelisk, the Jardin des Tuileries and the Rue de Rivoli.
The huge suites, a real home from home for the likes of Lady Gaga and Rihanna are both sexy and sleek. Golden trims, dark mahogany woods, mustard and black velour, marble fireplaces, plenty of mirrors and all the gadgets one expects, from the flat-screen to the full size in-room spa and sparkling mosaic covered Hammam!
Each room comes with those little extras like tasty little macaroons, Billecart-Salmon pink champagne on ice and lovely Breton butter biscuits!
The hotel is also famous for its Art collection, with over 200 pieces throughout. The recurring Giacometti inspired bronze statues that adorn light fixtures and door handles give the entire place an even more luxurious feel.
Downstairs, the Crème de la Mer spa is petite but perfect, cosy and dark, while the ground floor is home to a cosy Michelin-starred restaurant and an airy outdoor patio with beautiful olive trees that could almost make you forget you are in Paris.
Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, 5 Rue de la Paix, Paris, France, 00 33 1 5871 12 34, parkhyattparis.com
Double rooms from £474 including VAT (Room only)
3. W Istanbul, Istanbul
This new W outpost in the Turkish capital is the perfect swanky designer haven to hide away in from the crazy cosmopolitan city. Rihanna checked into one of the 136 Ottoman inspired guest rooms during her Diamonds tour and made the most of the first W hotel to open in Europe.
In addition to the private gardens, terraces and cabanas there are two restaurants, a W Day Spa, SWEAT® state-of-the-art fitness centre, W Lounge, and the infamous W service philosophy: Whatever/Whenever®. Something Rihanna must be used to by now. The hotel has a reputation for a hotspot at night, thanks to its resident DJs and Minyon lounge - party central and hip designer hotel all rolled into one. What’s not to love?
W Istanbul, Süleyman Seba Cad. No:22, Akaretler - Beşiktaş, 34357 Istanbul, Turkey, 00 800 325 25252, whotels.com
Rooms from £189 including VAT (Room only)
4. Sandy Lane, Barbados
Born and raised in Barbados, Rihanna heads home to the Caribbean island regularly for some R’n’R. Rumour has it the star spent $22million on a 10,000-square-foot villa at One Sandy Lane right next to the celebrity favourite Sandy Lane Hotel in St James. Rihanna’s hideaway comes with five en-suite bedrooms, private terraces, pool and plenty of staff. Naturally.
For those not wanting to invest quite that budget, there’s always the legendary hotel next door, which is where you’ll find the likes of Coleen Rooney or Simon Cowell taking a break.
The five-star outpost has all the luxury trimmings, including a picture perfect white sandy beach, choice of pools, lavish bedrooms, adorable kids’ club, and several restaurants including the beach level, Bajan Blue which believes in “more is more” with heaps of menu choices, from West Indian to Steakhouse style, South East Asian or Mediterranean.
What’s more, the restaurant’s terrace is one of the best place in the world to people watch!
Sandy Lane Hotel, Hwy 1,St James, Barbados, 00 1 246 444 2000, sandylane.com
Rooms from £774 (Room only)
5. The London, West Hollywood
A favourite haunt for the Beckhams due to its Ramsey restaurant, it’s also a regular stop for famous faces like Adele, Halle Berry and Scarlett Johansson. The story goes that when Rihanna stayed she took some rather daring selfies here…
Set in the West Hollywood hills on the legendary Sunset Boulevard, this celebrity haunt has a gorgeous rooftop pool and a stunning duplex Penthouse Suite spread over 6,000 square feet: a vision in deliciously soothing golden and creamy tones with jaw-dropping LA skyline views.
Just passing through? If the budget does not stretch to the Ramsey restaurant, Gordon also opened the smart yet casual Boxwood café where you can sample a good old fashioned Afternoon Tea or a surprisingly affordable three-course lunch menu such as grilled octopus tagliatelle and beef risotto for those on a less than an A’ list budget.
The London, 1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States, 00 1 866 282 4560, thelondonwesthollywood.com
Rooms from £180 excluding VAT (Room only)
