As 2020 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 2020.
As a reminder, this is not a top-1o all-time list , but only my hotel stays in this travel-compromised year. A confession. I stayed in only 11 hotels in 2020. Thus, this list isn’t so much a “best of” as much as a recount of all my hotel stays in 2020…it was that kind of year! But without further ado, here’s my top 10 hotel stays in 2020.
10. Hyatt Regency Toronto
I’m really scraping to include the Hyatt Regency Toronto on the list, but I appreciated excellent service, a good breakfast, and a generous suite upgrade at this hotel. I do look forward to the re-opening of the Park Hyatt (and Canada itself) in 2021.
> Read More: Hyatt Regency Toronto Review
9. Hyatt Regency Honolulu
I’m not a big fan of Waikiki, but this hotel takes such good care of me and the staff is lovely. Plus, Waikiki is growing on me a bit as I find good coffee and enjoy the ocean view.
8. Hilton Helsinki Strand
Helsinki is a cool city and I enjoyed one night here in February. The hotel is centrally located, offers recently-refreshed rooms, and was easy to reach from the train station.
> Read More: Hilton Helsinki Strand Review
7. Hotel 2 Fevrier Lomé
Prostitute incident aside, this was a nice hotel and a welcome oasis in Lomé, Togo.
> Read More: Hotel 2 Fevrier Lomé, Togo Review
6. Mar Monte Hotel Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a perfect weekend getaway from Los Angeles and I had a wonderful stay with my family in November.
> Read More: A Return To The Mar Monte Hotel In Santa Barbara
5. Hyatt Regency Mainz
Only two stays at this hotel in 2020, a hotel that served as my European base of my other business prior to the pandemic. Oh how I look forward to returning in 2021 under brighter circumstances.
> Read More: Hyatt Regency Mainz Review – Coronavirus Edition [2020]
4. Westin Cape Town
From the renovated room to the wellness area to the breakfast, this was a great stay and conveniently located in the heart of Cape Town, one of my favorite cities in Africa.
> Read More: Westin Cape Town Review
3. Andaz West Hollywood
This hotel was such a pleasant surprise and made a perfect date night / staycation for my wife and me in LA.
> Read More: Andaz West Hollywood Review
2. Kempinski Gold Coast City Accra
The finest hotel in Accra, I really wished I had more time to enjoy the facilities here.
> Read More: Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra
1. The Kahala Honolulu
My stay at the Kahala seems like it occurred ages ago. Oh how much our world has changed since February. The Kahala remains a tremendous hotel…my brother just got back from a visit last week and raved about it.
> Read More: Kahala Hotel & Resort Honolulu (Dolphin Lanai Room)
CONCLUSION
The only hotel that did not make the cut was the Marriott Accra. Not because it was bad, but because I found the other 10 better. But if you’re in Accra and looking for a points hotel, the Marriott is certainly your best bet.
Let’s hope I can squeeze in more than 11 hotel stays next year…
I’ve stayed at that Hyatt in Waikiki and I actually do like it a lot. Sure, it’s not the Halekulani, but I love the views from the towers and the service and food have always been good. Room and beds comfortable too – overall the hotel does a really good job with the normally huge amount of people and turn it experiences.
I actually really like Waikiki. Sure it’s busy and touristy. But fantastic Japanese food can be found in many places, I agree with your comments on the coffee, and several great walks can be had from there. Plus it’s then easy to get out of there and explore several other great spots all over Oahu. I’m a fan.
I’ve stayed at that Westin in CApe Town. When I was there in 2014 there was a great club floor that had an outstanding breakfast a la carte. I’m with you that the location was good and it’s an overall very nice hotel, but now when I go back to Cape Town I stay in other places and other neighborhoods. I cannot wait to go back, hopefully some day soon.
For those that are not Waikiki Fans, now is definitely the time to go visit. The crowds are gone, and while it is still slowly opening, you can actually appreciate what is there without getting swept out in the crowds. I just got back from a two week trip, and love the atmosphere, and got to take advantage of many opportunities that are normally packed full with reasonable crowds.
What’s the 1 hotel that didn’t make the cut this year?
Marriott Accra. Nice enough. But the others were better.
Agreed with the selections especially the Westin in Cape Town and Hyatt Regency in Mainz. Not sure about Hyatt Regency in Toronto. There were roaches at the breakfast buffet when I was there and it was not a pleasant experience, although I do agree with the staff was excellent.
Agree. That hotel is not very good, but the staff is nice. But damn, that isn’t a Hyatt IMO.