When it comes to hotels, I am loyal to one thing: a great experience. I see each trip I take as an opportunity to stay somewhere new because I believe the hotel you choose directly impacts your overall experience.
What you choose for a romantic weekend should be very different from the hotel you would choose on a business trip or when traveling with small children.
2011 will welcome a nice selection of new hotels around the world. Each with its own uniqueness and most with an eye on environmental sustainability and service.
Here is a quick sampling of new U.S. hotels that have just opened or are set to open in the coming months.
Debut: Opened November 2010; Grand Opening TBD
This perfectly located New York City boutique property is open but is still putting the finishing touches on what I think is one of the best new boutique hotels for the new year. The standard rooms combine modern design and amenities with spaciousness that is hard to find in NYC. Complimentary continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese receptions just add to the warmth and service that will keep even someone like me coming back again and again.
2. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Debut: December 15, 2010
This 52 story hotel on the Vegas Strip offers a balcony view from nearly every room. The décor is urban sophisticated and the rest of this posh new Vegas hotel is inviting. Boasting 12 restaurants from sushi to bustling food hall, three pools, a spa, casino, nightclub, and shops, add this to your list for must-stay hotels.
3. Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills,
Debut: Early 2011
This five-star, five-diamond resort will definitely keep its luxury reputation after coming under Viceroy ownership. The newly refurbished hotel not only has a prime location but stunning views from the roof-top pool. You’ll feel like a celebrity with the attentiveness of the staff at this posh Beverly Hills hotel.
4. Doubletree Napa Valley – American Canyon Hotel & Spa
Debut: February 2011
Doubletree recently purchased Napa Valley’s first environmentally sustainable hotel & spa from Gaia and is updating the property’s look while maintaining its commitment to Mother Earth. The hotel is affordable and reasonably close to nearby wineries (about 6 miles)
Debut: December 2010
Ski some of the best powder in the world while staying at one of the finest new resorts, The Four Seasons Resort in Vail, CO. Not only is it luxurious, it is family-friendly. And when I’m on a ski vacation that is often top of my list. No need is left unmet for guests young or old. Look for great deals during the summer when hiking, biking and relaxation take hold!
Don’t Forget to Reward Yourself!
All this talk about new hotels leads me to an important tip. Sign up for the hotels.com welcomerewards program. It’s a pleasure to book rooms with hotels.com because regardless of what city I am in or what type of hotel I choose, each stay counts toward me earning a free night. Here’s how it works: for every 10 nights you book with hotels.com, regardless of the hotel, you earn a free night. It’s just that simple. Redemption is easy and free from black-out dates typical of most brand-specific programs.
If you have questions or comments for the author of the Travel Smart Blog, Nicole Hockin, please email: 
