As 2019 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on my 10 favorite hotel stays from 2019.
As a reminder, this is not a top-1o all-time list nor does it even contain the 10 most luxurious or expensive hotels I stayed at this year. Rather, it represents my subjectively favorite stays. With the vast majority of my hotel stays at Hyatt, it is no surprise that 8/10 on the list are Hyatt properties.
10. Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
I spent a week at this hotel in January while dealing with a shipment in Holland for my other business. I love the staff here, love the quiet neighborhood this hotel is located in, and appreciate what a wonderful city Amsterdam is and how this hotel contributes to that image.
> Review: Hyatt Regency Amsterdam (Regency Executive Suite)
9. Hyatt Regency Mainz
This hotel has more nostalgic value for me than actual luxury, but I stayed here more than any other hotel in 2019. I look forward to every stay and started (and ended) 2019 here.
> Review: Hyatt Regency Mainz
8. Park Hyatt New York
No suite upgrade this year, but a great stay at my favorite hotel in New York City. I think New York has a lot of mediocre Hyatts, but this hotel is the “flagship” Hyatt property for a reason.
> Review: Park Hyatt New York
7. Andaz Vienna
While I greatly prefer the Park Hyatt Vienna due to its location, the Andaz Vienna is a beautiful new hotel near the central train station that
> Review: Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere
6. Grand Hyatt SFO
The newest hotel at San Francisco International Airport is a perfect place to stay before or after your flight. The tarmac views from my room were excellent…I took a bath with KLM 747-400…
> Read More: My Bath With A KLM 747-400
5. Park Hyatt Zurich
I was upgraded to a beautiful park suite for my one-night stay, the first time I’ve ever actually received a true suite upgrade at this hotel.
> Review: Park Hyatt Zurich (Corner Suite)
4. Hotel Sofia – Barcelona
This Hyatt Unbound Collection property greatly impressed me, especially after a subpar stay at the Hyatt Regency the first night. Not only is the location central, but the rooms are stunning, the breakfast superb, and the wellness area luxurious.
> Read More: My New Favorite Hotel In Barcelona
3. Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Six nights at this hotel, a family favorite. I love Carmel, this “rustic” hotel, the restaurant staff, and all the happy memories associated with it.
> Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands
2. Shangri-La Colombo
What a pleasant surprise this hotel was. I so enjoyed my stay here and the excellent service I received. The only sad thing was how empty it was…I hope tourism makes a full recovery in Colombo.
> Review: Shangri-La Colombo
1. Kahala – Honolulu
This year, I received (paid for) a suite upgrade at my favorite hotel in Hawaii and appreciated so much the quiet location, beauty of the room and common areas, upgraded amenities, and longevity of the wonderful staff at this hotel. Sorry Hyatts, this is my hotel in Honolulu.
> Review: Kahala Hotel & Resort Honolulu (Suite)
CONCLUSION
Having re-qualified for Globalist for another year, look for more focus on Hyatt in 2020. But with several great new properties opening, including Park Hyatts in Auckland, Kyoto, and Jakarta, I look forward to more great hotel reviews in 2020.
The Kahala is also my preferred hotel choice on Oahu. It’s not the most luxurious hotel I’ve stayed in, but I love the location in Kahala – away from the stress of Waikiki but still within the city so not too far away like the Turtle Bay or Ko Olina resorts. Also, I appreciate the human scale of the property (not too large or sprawling) and the lobby decor with its mid-century chic.
Matt is a Hyatt WHOOOOORE.
Pretty much…