Top 5 must-stay hotels for a luxury city break

Take a break from your daily routine and soak up some culture, indulge in fine dining or enjoy some last minute Christmas shopping in New York, Boston or Chicago. Rekindle the romance in Paris and Rome or immerse yourself in the colourful souks of Marrakech with our top 5 must-stay hotels for a luxury city break. The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park, Midtown Manhattan This elegant New York townhouse style hotel boasts a prime location on Central Park South with some of the most breathtaking views in the city. The rooms and suites are incredibly spacious and those with park views have their own telescope so guests can enjoy spotting some of the city’s interesting sights from the comfort of their room. For an afternoon of pampering, head to La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa followed by an evening savouring traditional cuisine in Auden Bistro and Bar. The Club Lounge offers Club level guests a special concierge service and complimentary cocktails, whilst the Star Lounge is the place to go for afternoon tea or wine tasting. Capella Washington D.C. Set on the historic waterfront in the centre of Georgetown, this urban luxury retreat opened in April 2013 and is the ideal place to stay to enjoy Washington’s vibrant nightlife. The stylish rooms and suites have their own personal assistants on hand around the clock. They are available to curate exclusive elements of your stay – whether it be a walk-on role in the Washington Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, or star-gazing on the hotel rooftop with the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy. Spend an afternoon relaxing by the rooftop infinity pool followed by a massage in the comfort of your own room. Dine in the gourmet Grill Room and end the evening with a night cap at the Rooftop Bar taking in the beautiful views or sampling rare whiskies at Rye Bar. Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris is an infusion of innate architectural and elegance, transformed by Philippe Starck into a palace of fine art and design. The individually designed rooms have an intimate French flair, each with unique personal touches. Le Cinéma des Lumières – the hotel’s own bookstore – is Europe’s most cutting-edge screening room, and also has an impressive art gallery. Gastronomic delights can be enjoyed at La Cuisine followed by aperitifs and cocktails at Le Bar Long. Rocco Forte’s Hotel de Russie, Rome Located close to the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, the Rocco Forte’s Hotel de Russie is a key member of Rocco Forte Hotels. Its traditional style suites offer a spacious bedroom, bathroom and separate living room. Enjoy an indulgent afternoon of relaxation in De Russie Wellness Zone, followed by an evening sampling the culinary delights of Chef Fulvio Pierangelini in the sophisticated Jardin de Russie restaurant. Alternatively dine alfresco beneath ancient trees and fragrant rose bushes in the charming terraced gardens. Palais Namaskar, Marrakech, Morocco Named ‘Hotel of the Year 2013’ by Harper’s Bazaar, Palais Namaskar exceeds expectations on every front. It is located in the Palmeraie region, surrounded by tranquil ponds, cascading waterfalls and enchanting gardens, offering inspirational design, outstanding dining options and an exceptional spa. Guests have the choice of staying in a room, suite, villa or palace, all with terraces and many with outdoor Jacuzzis, heated pools, private gardens and a butler service. Rejuvenate your senses in one of the many outdoor baths, tropical showers and heated pools or relax with a wellbeing treatment at the Le Spa Namaskar by ilā and Guerlain. Maxine Roberts is Head of Marketing at Carrier. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.