DALLAS, Jan 10, 2010 / FW/ — Depending on the type of outdoor activities you like, the arctic wind blowing all over the U.S. can decide where you will go for a getaway weekend or just for a winter vacation.
TripAdvisor, the world’s most trusted source of travel advice, announced its top 10 celebrity-owned hotels in the world. From luxurious resorts and spas, to budget hotels and camp cabins, these famous hoteliers are offering star treatment to a wide variety of travelers.
1. Rustic Luxe with Robert Redford: Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah
Ranked #1 in Sundance, Utah – Average nightly rate: $601
Situated at the base of Mount Timpanogos on 6,000 acres of rolling hills and babbling brooks, the Sundance Kid’s retreat has travelers raving about the resort’s rustic beauty, excellent service, and outdoor activities.
“Robert Redford did us all a favor by opening this resort, remaining loyal to nature, and preserving the beauty of the canyon,” noted one traveler.
2. City Chic with Robert De Niro: The Greenwich Hotel, New York, New York
Ranked #104 in New York, New York – Average nightly rate: $579
Recommended for: Stylish Décor, Romantic Retreat
Travelers are talking about the understated elegance and complimentary in-room snack baskets found at Robert De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel in New York City.
Located on a quiet street in Tribeca, De Niro’s hideaway features 88 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, plus a zen-like indoor pool enclosed in a 250-year-old Japanese bamboo farmhouse.
One traveler commented on the celebrity clientele that The Greenwich Hotel attracts, “We stopped by the drawing room for coffee and were surprised to see that Mel Gibson chose to do the same at the table next to us.”
3. Rejuvenation Retreat with Olivia Newton-John: Gaia Retreat & Spa, Brooklet, Australia
Ranked #1 in Brooklet, Australia – Package deals start at $1,825 for two nights, shared accommodation for two people
Recommended for: Relaxation, Spa Vacation
With only 20 rooms, this boutique retreat features tranquil grounds, healthy food, a full-service spa, fitness center, and relaxing pool. One traveler said, “The one thing above all else was the incredible feeling of calm I felt as soon as I arrived on the property. It’s almost magical.”
4. In the Jungle with Francis Ford Coppola: Blancaneaux Lodge, San Ignacio, Belize
Ranked #5 in San Ignacio, Belize – Average nightly rate: $317
Recommended for: Staff/Service, Honeymoon
At Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge in San Ignacio, Belize, architecture blends effortlessly with nature. Situated in the northwest corner of the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the lodge’s high-end cabanas and villas enhance the natural surroundings with thatched roofs, open-air living areas, and hammocks.
One traveler noted that, “Blancaneaux definitely provides a luxurious experience – though the setting is rustic, the accommodations are not.”
5. Life’s a Beach with Gloria Estefan: Costa d’Este Beach Resort, Vero Beach, Florida
Ranked #7 in Vero Beach, Florida – Average nightly rate: $320
Recommended for: Prime Location, Beach/Sun Getaway
One thing guests won’t experience at Costa d’Este, Gloria Estefan’s posh Vero Beach resort, is a diva attitude from its celebrity owner. Costa d’Este boasts a beachside location, pool, spa, and a Cuban restaurant.
As one traveler revealed, “We had drinks at the pool before dinner and to our surprise Gloria Estefan was there with some friends. We saw many people approach her for pictures and she was as sweet and gracious as could be.”
6. Haute Travel with Donatella Versace: Palazzo Versace, Main Beach, Queensland, Australia
Ranked #1 in Main Beach, Queensland, Australia – Average nightly rate: $538
Recommended for: Cleanliness, Stylish Décor
High fashion and hospitality join forces at Donatella Versace’s trendy Palazzo Versace resort on Australia’s Gold Coast. All aspects of the resort were designed to reflect the Versace brand, including luxe freebies like mini bottles of Versace perfume. With so much lavishness in one place, it’s no surprise that one traveler said, “Staying here is like having a taste of what it can be like living ‘rich’!”
7. On a Mission with Clint Eastwood: Mission Ranch, Carmel, California
Ranked #2 for Specialty Lodging in Carmel, California – Average nightly rate: $200
Recommended for: Location, Culture/Sightseeing
When celebrated actor and director Clint Eastwood purchased the historic Mission Ranch in 1986, he saved 22 acres of prime real estate on Carmel’s Monterey Peninsula from impending development. Eastwood, who owns a home nearby, is still spotted on occasion at Mission Ranch, a cozy farmhouse with 31 unique rooms, ocean views, and sheep grazing in the meadow.
One traveler offered, “We admit it – we wanted to stay at ‘Clint’s place.’ It was worth every penny.”
8. Camp Fever with Kate Pierson: Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel, Mount Tremper, New York Ranked #1 in Mount Tremper, New York – Average nightly rate: $150
Recommended for: Location, Pet-Friendly
After jet-setting around the world as a lead singer for the B-52s, Kate Pierson caught cabin fever and decided to open Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel near Woodstock, New York. Visitors have their choice of kitschy 1950s camp cabins, or vintage Airstream trailers. While guests note that these are not luxury accommodations, one traveler wrote, “Kate’s has an aura of ‘cool’ and you feel cool because you’ve stayed there.”
9. Counting Sheep with John Malkovich: The Big Sleep Hotel, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
Ranked #8 in Eastbourne, United Kingdom – Average nightly rate: $92
Recommended for: Stylish Décor, Pet-Friendly
Travelers admit that they were attracted to Hollywood heavyweight John Malkovich’s Big Sleep Hotel because of the budget-friendly prices, seaside location, and trendy reputation. While many travelers praise the hotel’s overall value and excellent free breakfast, opinion is divided on the funky décor, including photos of John Malkovich and furry curtains. One traveler sums it up, “Cheap and comfortable with a wee bit of cool and trendy.”
10. Rockin’ Out with Bono and The Edge: The Clarence, Dublin, Ireland
Ranked #74 in Dublin, Ireland – Average nightly rate: $270
Recommended for: Young Singles, Nightlife
Purchased in 1992 by world-famous rockers Bono and The Edge of U2, The Clarence Hotel in Dublin, Ireland is adjacent to Temple Bar, a popular nightlife area. Although most travelers praise the hotel’s location, some cite the evening noise as a problem.
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