Experience incredible hotels and accommodations around the world that have hosted some of the biggest names in show business, from Elton John and The Rolling Stones to Beyoncé and Britney Spears.
US
The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Mariposa, California
Designed and built in the 1920s, The Ahwahnee hotel has hosted presidents and royalty as well as other famous personalities within its walls. Guests can book a stay in the Tresidder Suite, which is where Queen Elizabeth II stayed during her March 1983 visit to Yosemite National Park. The entire hotel was reserved for her private use. At the east end of Yosemite Valley, the hotel is surrounded by many of Yosemite’s most famous icons – a casual stroll of the hotel grounds reveals views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point. Within The Ahwahnee hotel’s walls, the Grand Lounge provides a welcoming place to relax in the evening with a book whilst crackling fires provide warmth and light from the lounge’s enormous fireplaces. The Dining Room’s 34-foot-high beamed ceilings soar above floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the beauty of the surroundings. www.yosemite.com
The Edgewater, Seattle, Washington
Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, The Edgewater has hosted some of the most famous names in music, such as Led Zeppelin, Neil Young and Kurt Cobain. Most famously, The Beatles were caught fishing from the window of the suite into the Puget Sound, a now iconic photograph that can be found hanging on the walls of the hotel. Rich with musical past and surrounded by breath-taking views of the Olympic Mountains, Elliot Bay and the city skyline, and boasting beautiful water views, the hotel’s suites are named after its iconic residents. Guests can even loan complimentary rental guitars, sheet music and record players to fully experience life on The Edge. visitseattle.org/
The Andaz, West Hollywood, California
Being the first hotel to open on the iconic Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood (formerly Hyatt House), has played host to countless rock legends. In the 60s and 70s, the hotel was often referred to as “The Riot House” with touring rock groups like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Doors all staying there regularly and throwing wild parties. In 1972, Keith Richards raised eyebrows, and the hotel’s profile, after dropping a TV out of the window of room 1015. Now, the property promises to give guests the ultimate celebrity experience, offering breath-taking views of the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Hills coupled with all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Not forgetting its iconic history, the hotel features floor-to-ceiling art displays commemorating the legendary artists that once walked its halls. The onsite restaurant and bar, aptly named Riot House, also pays tribute to that history with its eclectic Southern Californian menu and craft cocktails. www.visitwesthollywood.com
The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado
Known as one of America’s most luxurious alpine destinations, it is no surprise that Aspen has hosted a huge variety of celebrities over the years, from Justin Bieber to Mariah Carey. Beyoncé and Britney Spears have been seen frequenting Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, The Little Nell. Its stylish and sophisticated interior and prime slope-side location attracts the glitterati and their families wanting a chic mountainside stay. The hotel offers an incredible range of on- and off-mountain activities throughout the year such as off-road sunset adventures and private wildflower picnics. Element 47, the hotel’s main restaurant, offers incredible food cooked by world-renowned chefs whilst the Ajax Tavern serves up Aspen’s favourite burger and truffle fries on the sun-drenched mountainside patio. www.aspenchamber.org
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills, California
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills at one of the world’s most famous intersections – Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard – the Beverly Wilshire has been a hotspot for Hollywood’s high-profile celebrities since its opening in 1982. The hotel has hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty and Steve McQueen. It was also the location of the iconic rom-com Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Fans of the film can now try the experience offered by the hotel ‘Pretty Woman for a Day, which includes shopping on Rodeo Drive, spa treatments and a stay in the Wilshire Presidential Suite, now coined the ‘Pretty Woman Suite’. www.visitcalifornia.com
Rest of the world
The Park Hyatt, Sydney, Australia
Located in The Rocks, one of Sydney’s most famous neighbourhoods, the Park Hyatt Sydney has hosted a wealth of celebrities since it opened its doors back in 1990. Over the years the hotel has spent thousands of dollars ensuring that their celebrity guests’ privacy is respected as they welcomed the likes of Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Bette Midler and most recently actress Jennifer Coolidge whilst she attended the city’s biggest festival, Vivid Sydney. With arguably one of the most iconic views on the planet, , the Sydney Suite is any celebrity’s dream, covering a palatial 350 square-feet and with a 360-degree balcony overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. www.sydney.com
Le Kaila, Meribel, France
When those in the know head to The Alps in search of a haven away from prying eyes, they head to Meribel. Nestled in the infamous Three Valleys ski area, the resort boasts some of the best terrain in the world. Celebrities love its low-key vibe away from the glitz of Courchevel, whilst enjoying its picturesque setting and plethora of high end accommodations and facilities on offer. Since Brigitte Bardot was spotted on the slopes back in the 1960’s, the resort has also played host to the Beckhams and the Cambridges, while Emma Watson owns a chalet in the town. Meribel’s most prestigious five-star hotel, Le Kaila offers 42 rooms, two suites and a Nuxe spa with large pool, six treatment rooms, sauna, hammam and spectacular ice fountain. Guests can enjoy access to a private ski lift, direct from the rental ski shop to the top of the slopes.
