Articles Mentioning Upscale

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

The upscale, family-friendly Paradise Point Resort and Spa is set on a 44-acre island in Mission Bay, a short drive from downtown San Diego and SeaWorld. Housed in bungalows with private patios, the resort’s 462 rooms are spacious and stylish, with subtle nautical decor elements, sleek bathrooms with quartz finishes, and free Wi-Fi. Aside from a mile-long beach and a marina with water sports (for a fee), Paradise Point offers a slew of on-site activities, including five pools, a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, and daily wellness classes. The spa is a highlight here, complete with private and couples’ massage rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and a courtyard. Food options are good and varied, but many guests find them overpriced. An obligatory resort fee, plus additional charges for some activities and steep parking rates, make some guests feel nickel and dimed. The nearby Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is another good option in the same price point.

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City

Open since 1980, the upscale Harrah’s Atlantic City is a massive hotel and casino located in the Marina District. The resort offers 2,590 rooms in five towers, as well as a slew of amenities, including 13 restaurants, four bars, many shops, and a fitness center. Unlike at other Atlantic City resorts, the casino is not the main draw here; rather, action is centered around the adults-only indoor pool, a glass-domed oasis with constant 82-degree temperatures and tropical plants. At night it becomes “The Pool After Dark,” a lively club scene with DJs and occasional celeb appearances. Other highlights include a full spa, entertainment such as jazz concerts and comedy shows, and a seasonal family-friendly pool. Rooms renovated in 2019 are spacious, well-equipped, and contemporary, while older units need renovations and a good scrub. Those looking to stay closer to the boardwalk may want to compare rates at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

The 347-room Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is an upscale property located across the street from a lovely beach and two blocks from Santa Monica Pier. Rooms are stylish and sunny and feature great amenities such as terry towels, Bluetooth radios, premium minibars, and large flat-screen TVs, plus furnished balconies — many of which offer beach views. Some units have private fire pits on the patio. Although rather narrow, the pool is a great spot for a relaxing day in the sun, while the fitness center is equipped with a wide array of cardio and strength-training machines. The hotel’s two restaurants offer good farm-to-table cuisine in casual spaces with outdoor seating. Travelers seeking an even more luxe stay may want to compare rates at Hotel Casa del Mar, which is right on the beach and features a spa.

Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana

Part of a sprawling five-hotel complex, the 676-room, family-friendly Riu Palace Punta Cana is an upscale all-inclusive resort set along a beautiful white-sand beach dotted with palm trees. The pool complex is stunning, complete with three large pools, a swim-up bar, and several whirlpools. Clean, spacious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, free minibars with liquor dispensers, coffeemakers, and furnished balconies. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all local and imported drinks, as well as non-motorized water sports, daily entertainment for all ages, and access to most amenities and a number of restaurants at neighboring sister properties. For something a tad more luxe, check out the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort, though its grounds aren’t as impressive.

Paradisus by Melia Los Cabos

The upscale, 305-room Paradisus Los Cabos is a sprawling, beachfront all-inclusive resort in between the cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Aside from spacious, elegant rooms with upscale amenities and pretty views, the resort’s top selling point is its swimmable beach, which is unusual in San Jose del Cabo, where waters are rough. With separate adults-only and family-friendly sections, the Paradisus by Melia draws all types of travelers seeking a fun, relaxing vacation by the sea. The pool — offering loungers, a few cabanas, and a lively swim-up bar — is a definite highlight, as is the spa, complete with six treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a salon, and a well-equipped gym. Dining is good and varied thanks to seven restaurants, including a Basque eatery helmed by 10-Michelin-starred Spanish Chef Martin Berasategui. It’s worth considering the similarly upscale Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos all-inclusive resort, which tends to have cheaper rates.

Soho Grand Hotel

With chic decor and a youthful, almost-nightly party atmosphere in the lounge, the Soho Grand Hotel NYC offers an authentic but accessible taste of the hip downtown scene. Rooms are stylish and upscale, with industrial-inspired decor, tons of cool designer touches, and high-end amenities, such as smart TVs, C.O. Bigelow toiletries, and gourmet minibars. Many also offer expansive city views, and a handful of them have terraces. The Grand Bar & Lounge is a great spot to grab a bite, brunch, or taste some of its many whiskeys. The Club Room draws locals and visitors alike with live music and a great, lively atmosphere. The gym is a nice perk, but those wanting to get pampered may miss having a spa on-site. The hip James New York – SoHo is a great alternative with a rooftop pool.

Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations

Housed in a 39-story tower overlooking the beach, the 331-room Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club is an upscale time-share condo property popular with families and couples. Contemporary, homey suites have one, two, or three bedrooms, plus full kitchens, washer/dryers, balconies, and an array of solid amenities. There isn’t much on-site, but guests have full access to the adjacent Hilton Hawaiian Village resort, which features five pools, 18 restaurants, shops, a spa, a kids’ club, and a gym. The complex is massive, and crowds should be expected everywhere. Travelers seeking something more upscale may prefer the The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki.

Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya

Set in the Playacar district of Playa del Carmen, the upscale Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort set on a pristine section of beach. Renovations in 2019 brought a sleek, modern style to common areas and the 460 rooms, while grounds are well-manicured with greenery. Suites have furnished terraces (none with full ocean views), free minibars, and separate tubs and showers, but the open-plan bathrooms lack privacy and may be an issue for families. All-inclusive rates cover dining at buffet and a la carte Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants, in addition to non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, daytime activities, and nighttime entertainment. Outdoor pools – one with a swim-up bar — a kids’ club, full-service spa, and non-motorized water sports keep guests occupied. This is a good option for the area, but couples may prefer the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, which has excellent dining and in-room jetted tubs.

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana

While not as flashy as Punta Cana’s newer or larger alternatives, the upscale Majestic Elegance Punta Cana is a solid all-inclusive resort choice for all types of travelers, with a family section and an adults-only Elegance Club area. The list of amenities ticks all the right boxes for a proper oceanfront vacation: a beautiful beach, two massive pools, tons of restaurants and bars, and an elegant spa. Entertainment includes foam parties, and the staff organize games by the pool and beach. All 598 suites are spacious and traditionally decorated, equipped with free Wi-Fi and minibar items, hot tubs, and private (optionally swim-up) terraces. The beach can be overcrowded, and the property is starting to show its age, but it’s still a good value among comparable area all-inclusives. The Majestic Mirage Punta Cana — the newer neighboring sister property — offers a more sophisticated, adults-centric vibe and nicer rooms for slightly higher rates.

Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

The upscale Secrets Royal Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a party atmosphere along Punta Cana’s beautiful Bavaro Beach. Its 464 air-conditioned rooms are attractive and modern, and feature free minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with hot tubs; some feature ocean views. Three pools — two with swim-up bars — and generous all-inclusive rates mean things can get a bit loud as the day goes on, and it’s worth noting that amenities like the spa are at kid-packed Now Larimar Punta Cana next door. Reservations aren’t required for any of the five on-site restaurants, but wait times can be long and food gets mixed reviews. Preferred Club upgrades include a private pool and lounge, as well as great in-room perks. Couples seeking a quieter all-inclusive option should consider the luxurious Sanctuary Cap Cana.


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