Four Seasons Solidifies Global Culinary Leadership With Top 15 Placement In World's 50 Best Restaurants And 34 Michelin Stars Across Its Portfolio

Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons continues to set the standard for culinary excellence around the globe, celebrating its latest award wins in style and inviting guests to join in the excitement.

Fresh off the June 5th announcement of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, SÉZANNE, the esteemed French culinary gem nestled within Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, earned the 15th spot on the prestigious list. Earlier this year, SÉZANNE also took the #1 position in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and the distinguished title of Best Restaurant in Japan for 2024.

"Our restaurants and bars are the heartbeat of our hotels. Not only do they enhance the stay experience and foster memorable moments for our guests, they also serve as an anchor to the community, as a place for connection and camaraderie," says Rainer Stampfer, President, Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts, Four Seasons. "We are so proud of everything our teams around the world have accomplished. Through our consistent pursuit of culinary innovation and a most caring service team, we continue to elevate our brand and drive industry leadership."

With more Michelin stars across its global portfolio than any other luxury hospitality brand, Four Seasons also debuted two of its latest projects with one Michelin star each in the past year. Pavyllon London*, the first London restaurant from multi-Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno set within Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane received its first star just six months after opening. Auro* located at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, helmed by Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia, was recognized as the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Calistoga, California.

"This industry recognition is the product of our incredibly talented craftspeople across the globe and is a true testament to our team's commitment to culinary excellence," says Philipp Blaser, Senior Vice President, Food and Beverage, Four Seasons. "These category-defining restaurants and bars are culinary institutions that drive the industry conversation around tradition, excellence, modernity, and sustainability."

Four Seasons culinary leadership sparkles under 34 Michelin Stars across 25 restaurants in 20 hotels and resorts around the world. This includes all restaurants at both Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong holding Michelin stars at all restaurants under their roof. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris holds six Michelin stars and one Green Star for sustainability across its landmark restaurants: Le Cinq***, L'Orangerie**, and Le George* Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong holds eight Michelin stars for its exceptional dining establishments: Caprice***, Lung King Heen**, Noi** and Sushi Saito*.

Beyond Michelin stars, Four Seasons boasts a strong presence in an array of highly acclaimed industry awards including 50 Best, La Liste, Black Pearl, Gault Millau, and Wine Spectator among many others.

Guided by a philosophy of genuine care and service excellence, Four Seasons focuses on creating personal experiences that leave a lasting impact on guests. Across more than 600 dining outlets, guests embark on exquisite culinary journeys, experiencing artfully crafted dishes and unforgettable dining moments.

"Magic at the Table" - A Celebration of Culinary Excellence

This June and July, Four Seasons will host a series of bespoke culinary events and promotions at select restaurants and bars to celebrate culinary excellence. These unique dining experiences will illuminate the personalized service, genuine heart, and culinary artistry that is synonymous with Four Seasons and its talented craftspeople, creating a magical moment personalized for every diner.

Below are some handpicked examples of the distinctive culinary adventures awaiting guests at Four Seasons.

Pelagos on Tour in Greece

Discover the culinary treasures of Greece's lesser-known Aegean islands with Chef Luca Piscazzi's Pelagos On Tour tasting menu from Pelagos at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. This experience is a tribute to the unique flavours and rich culinary traditions of the Cyclades region. Chef Piscazzi and his team invite guests to embark on a journey through the islands, meeting the small-scale farmers and artisans who inspired the menu, and exploring uncharted gastronomic territory together.

Sunset Cruise and Michelin Dining in Hong Kong

Experience a breathtaking Victoria Harbour sunset aboard the Aqualuna Harbour Cruise with Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Then, indulge in an exquisite dining experience at Lung King Heen, the world's first three-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, featuring an eight-course tasting dinner curated by Chef Chan Yan Tak celebrating the highest expression of modern Cantonese cuisine.

Wine Tasting Dinners in Napa Valley

Celebrate the craftsmanship of Napa Valley's local artisans with Auro's Wine Dinner Series at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. A sensory journey featuring a seven-course prix fixe tasting menu meticulously prepared by Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia, showcasing the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with a selection of exceptional wines from esteemed partners, creating an unforgettable dining experience that highlights the essence of Napa Valley's terroir and culinary heritage.

To discover more world-class dining experiences at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world visit fourseasons.com/dining and follow #TasteofFS on Instagram to continue exploring.

The Peninsula Hotels Reopen In The U.S. With Tantalizing New Art, Culinary, And Wellness Offers

The Peninsula Hotels is delighted to announce the long-anticipated reopening of its iconic New York City hotel – a heritage property that has hosted discerning world travelers since 1988. In celebration of its guests' return, the hotel is unveiling a series of exquisite new art, culinary, and wellness experiences for visitors to enjoy.

Occupying one of the most prestigious addresses in Manhattan, just steps from Central Park along the cultural nexus of Fifth Avenue, The Peninsula New York marks its reopening today with a dynamic new art installation, Life en Route. The exhibit, which includes multimedia works from a group of renowned international artists, immerses viewers in the sensory pleasures of travel and cross-cultural experiences. Several of the works on display will be available for sale to benefit The Peninsula New York's cultural partners. The hotel will also host Dutch neo-expressionist painter Peter Riezebos this summer as part of the group's global Art in Resonance program. While he is in residence in one of the hotel's suites, guests can visit with Mr. Riezebos and watch as he creates artwork especially inspired by the city of New York.

Two exclusive promotions will also be available for guests returning to The Peninsula New York. The Rediscover Manhattan offer (starting at $745 per night) includes daily breakfast, complimentary parking, and tickets to a distinctively New York cultural experience such as Top of the Rock or The Museum of Modern Art. The Suite Escape offer (starting at $1,945) includes daily breakfast, a New York-themed welcome amenity, and complimentary parking or roundtrip airport transfer in the hotel's Mercedes S500 sedan.

Revel in the return of iconic city views and a bubbly party atmosphere by joining Salon de Ning's rooftop to enjoy the tunes of the hotel's DJ series: guests will be able to take in New York City's famed skyline while enjoying tunes curated by top female DJs every Thursday night through July.

The Peninsula Chicago is commemorating its 20th anniversary this June as an acclaimed Windy City landmark. In honor of its vicennial, the hotel is debuting three special offers for guests who appreciate its gracious Far East-meets-Midwest hospitality. First, the hotel's top-rated, refined Cantonese restaurant, Shanghai Terrace, and The Lobby restaurant will debut a special menu of favorites from the last two decades, including Szechwan prawns, Pierrot gourmet chicken salad, rice noodles with shrimp and tenderloin, and a special rainbow patterned veggie dumpling. For every purchase of these Culinary Classics Revived through the end of 2021, The Peninsula Chicago will be donating a meal to The Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Throughout the month, The Spa at The Peninsula Chicago will also extend a 20% discount off all treatments booked on Tuesdays, as well as purchases of Subtle Energies beauty products. Guests arranging a stay during June can additionally enjoy the 20th Anniversary Special package, which includes a 20% discount on rooms and suites, a chocolate amenity, and a Peter Bear with a special anniversary medallion for kids.

Also celebrating its anniversary later this year, The Peninsula Beverly Hills – whose lush gardenlike property sits adjacent to Century City and the legendary Rodeo Drive – will propose a welcoming special offer to guests who visit the sun-washed location. The Beverly Hills Dreaming package (starting at $715 per night) includes daily Continental breakfast, a $100 credit to be used toward pool cabanas or the hotel's award-winning dining, valet parking, and (for guests booking suites) use of one of the BMW vehicles from the Peninsula Beverly Hills's luxury automotive fleet. Other exciting events and offers will be added as the hotel gets closer to its 30th anniversary date.

At all ten of its properties around the world, The Peninsula Hotels is doubling down on its commitment to service and luxury with The Peninsula Promise. This new portfolio-wide initiative provides guests with enhanced flexibility, comfort, and convenience. The many features of The Peninsula Promise include guaranteed connecting rooms, ensuring shared space for guests to safely enjoy with family and friends; fully flexible check-in and check-out times, allowing guests to have their rooms ready as early as 6:00 a.m. on their arrival date and check out as late as 10:00 p.m. on their departure date; PenChat, a private 24-hour e-concierge service, which lets guests text any request or requirement (from dining and transport reservations to in-room delivery of extra pillows) quickly and securely; and custom-fragranced, environmentally friendly in-room amenities like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body milk, made with natural ingredients and packaged in recyclable materials.

To learn more about The Peninsula Hotels in New York, Chicago, and Beverly Hills, please visit peninsula.com.

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel Is Our ...

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel Is Our ...: In our many years of experiences traveling around the world the word "luxury" is commonly tossed around among hotels, resort...

Mandarin Oriental Launches Fans Of M.O. Guest Recognition Programme

Hong Kong- Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is well known for delighting guests with personalized, intuitive service. Now guests will be even better recognized by joining Fans of M.O. and receiving an elevated range of privileges designed to surprise and delight, whenever they stay at Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world.

With the user experience top of mind, joining Fans of M.O. is simple either online or at check-in. Members enjoy complimentary wi-fi, a welcome amenity and exclusive offers at Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world. By listing additional preferences, guests can further personalize their stay to ensure maximum comfort.

Guests who join Fans of M.O. and book their stay directly through the Group’s website at mandarinoriental.com, will not only be assured of the best and most flexible rates, but can also choose two additional privileges to enjoy during their stay. These may include early check-in, late check-out, a dining or spa credit, daily breakfast, a room upgrade, streaming wi-fi access, pressing services or a celebratory treat.

“We are delighted to launch Mandarin Oriental’s unique guest recognition programme, Fans of M.O., which we believe offers our guests a range of appealing and engaging benefits designed to make each and every stay with us a memorable one,” said Michael Hobson, Chief Marketing Officer for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “Our mission has always been to delight our customers, and this programme allows us to personalize each visit and anticipate guest needs, at every Mandarin Oriental destination,” he added.

For more information on how to become a Fan of M.O., visit mandarinoriental.com/fans-of-mo

ABOUT MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL GROUP

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 31 hotels and eight residences in 21 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development, and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel Is Our Recommended Choice For A True Luxury Experience In New York.

In our many years of experiences traveling around the world the word "luxury" is commonly tossed around among hotels, resorts and cruises, but rarely is the experience totally as promised. In New York many times we've also been disappointed in offerings, even selecting not to write about hotels and restaurants when they have been complementary to us. You will not be disappointed with any aspects of the Peninsula, making every effort to cater to your needs as should be expected from a true 5-star  hotel.

The Peninsula is housed in a magnificent neoclassical  building built in 1905, on what is considered the most expensive street in the world. Nearby are flagship stores including De Beers, Fendi, and Armani. Nearby attractions include Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), and Radio City Music Hall.
Dining at the Clement is one of the more special experiences in New York with modern versions of classic preparations, relaxed atmosphere, and outstanding service. Pictured is their excellent Dover Sole Grenobloise and seasonal vegetables.  Our recommended wine selection was a pinot noir from Patagonia, a 2012 Bodegas Chacra 'Cincuenta Cinco',  a light and elegant choice with complex fruit undertones.

Amenities and services at the hotel include a world class spa, health club, and beautiful rooftop pool and outside 'sunning' space. Wi-fi is also complementary.

The Peninsula Hotel New York is located at 700 5th Avenue at 55th Street. For more details please visit: Www.NewYork.Peninsula.Com

Where The Rich Will Travel In 2016

By Chris Fair

It makes sense that the wealthiest among us would travel the most, but just how much the top 5% of households travel may surprise you.  For the new Resonance 2016 U.S. Luxury Travel Report, we interviewed 1,667 U.S. travelers in the top 5% of households (household income of at least $200k or net worth of $2 million+) with 724 travelers falling in the top 1% (household income of $400k+ or net worth of $8 million or more) - the wealthiest 1% in the country. Our goal was to find out where the richest among us want to travel, their preferred hotel brands and the activities in which they participate while on vacation. We found that the wealthiest 5% take an average of 14.3 trips per year compared to just 4.8 by the average U.S. traveler (about half for business and half for leisure). With an average expenditure of $3,115 per person per vacation and an average of 2.9 people per household, that adds up to spending of more than $390 billion per year just on leisure travel alone - making wealthy U.S. travelers the most lucrative leisure market segment in the world. So where are they planning to spend that time and money in 2016? While Mexico, Canada and Europe are the most popular international destinations among both wealthy and general U.S. travelers, Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas, Anguilla and the U.S. Virgin Islands stand out when it comes to attracting the top 1% of U.S. travelers. Top 10 Vacation Destinations for the Wealthiest 1% of Households 1. Mexico (26%)  2. Canada (24%) 3. Italy (24%) 4. England (22%) 5. France (22%) 6. Germany (14%) 7. Bahamas (14%) 8. Anguilla (13%) 9. Australia (12%) 10. U.S. Virgin Islands (11%) The key to attracting the wealthy is offering hotel brands that resonate with them –  both the top 5% and top 1% rate “upscale/luxury hotel or resort” as their preferred type of accommodation – and then providing exciting and experiential activities.  In Anguilla, where Resonance is currently marketing a Viceroy property, the government has focused almost exclusively on the development of luxury resorts, likeViceroy Anguilla, CéBlue Villas and Beach Resort, Malliouhana Resort, and the Zemi Beach House, which will open in February 2016 with beachfront residences starting at $2.1 million. And these efforts are paying off. Total visitor arrivals to Anguilla increased by 17 percent from 2013 to 2014 and new projects like The Reef by CuisinArt, Manoah and Solaria contributed to a 38 percent increase in construction as they prepared for their openings. For a country that relies so heavily on tourism – ranking 7th globally for Travel and Tourism’s total contribution to GDP – Anguilla needs to attract a high net worth travel market if it is to maintain market share in the highly competitive Caribbean market.   Similarly, Mexico attracts the luxury crowd thanks to established and highly rated resorts like Four Seasons and St. Regis in Punta Mita and the re-opening of high end resorts in Los Cabos that closed following 2014’s Hurricane Odile. The cliffside Resort at Pedregal on the southernmost tip of Cabo debuted a new champagne terrace overlooking the Pacific; One&Only Palmilla reopened after $140 million of renovations; and Montage Los Cabos will open its doors in 2017 boasting a 1,400 acre luxury community with 122 guest rooms, 52 ownership residences and a main pool spanning two levels overlooking the Sea of Cortez. And not to be over looked, Ritz-Carlton’s Reserve (a luxuriously experiential offering) is also preparing to open in Los Cabos in 2017. Features include a desert botanical theme park, fisherman's wharf, a 500-slip marina, and two private championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.  According to our study the hotel brands most highly regarded by the Top 5% of U.S. Travelers are: 1. Ritz-Carlton (82%)  2. Four Seasons (81%) 3. Peninsula (81%) 4. Mandarin Oriental (74%) 5. Aman (72%) 6. Montage (72%) 7. St. Regis (70%) 8. Viceroy (68%) 9. Waldorf Astoria (67%) 10. Fairmont (60%) President and CEO of top-ranked Ritz-Carlton, Simon Cooper, told Bloomberg that the key to the brand's success is to develop such a strong emotional engagement between hotel staff and guests that a guest won’t even consider staying anywhere else.  “It’s all about people. Nobody has an emotional experience with a thing. We're appealing to emotions,” Simon says. Cooper told Forbes that Ritz-Carlton’s appeal also comes from being more than a hotel company.  “Whether you are spending a night, spending a week, buying five weeks of fractional ownership or buying a lifetime in the Ritz-Carlton, we feel that we represent lifestyle, that we have moved beyond being just a hotel company.” However, the hospitality field is increasingly crowded with lifestyle brands, and Ritz-Carlton, like all others, need to continue to distinguish themselves.   To learn more about the destinations the wealthy plan to visit in 2016, the brands favored by the Top 1%, the activities and experiences that resonate with them and the distinct types of luxury travelers we’ve identified, you can purchase our new 2016 U.S. Luxury Travel Report here.

Four Seasons Introduces Complimentary Wi-Fi For Unlimited Devices

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts is shaking things up for all of its guests, announcing a series of Wi-Fi upgrades this week, including complimentary Internet service across a majority of the company's portfolio.

"We have introduced new global standards to give Four Seasons guests a seamless, convenient and higher quality internet experience, whether staying with us, using our mobile app or visiting the public areas of our hotels and resorts," Four Seasons' Senior Vice President of Rooms Scott Taber said in a statement.

On top of saving guests money by eliminating Wi-Fi fees, the new service will provide added convenience.

Guests will be able to connect to the Internet with one click regardless of where they are inside the hotel. That means no more hunting down logins and passwords. 

"In addition to free, faster Wi-Fi, with seamless, one-click service, guests no longer need multiple logins in different areas of the hotel, and they can access our Wi-Fi network with as many devices as they wish," added Taber.

Since guests can connect to Four Seasons' Wi-Fi on multiple devices, they'll have additional range when it comes to getting work done or simply connecting.

For example, guests won't have to rely on their data plan inside the lobby or at the hotel bar.

There is a limit to the free service, though, as guests requiring additional bandwidth for large file downloads and uploads, HD streaming, gaming and conferences will have to pay a fee to access Four Seasons' 20 MB premium service. 

For now, Four Seasons says the single click Wi-Fi connection is unavailable in China and India because of local regulations. The service also remains unavailable at Four Seasons properties in very remote locations due to limited bandwidth.

HOTEL & RESORT | PATRICK CLARKE 

Survey: Mandarin Oriental And Ritz-Carlton Are The Most Expensive Luxury Hotels In The USA

The seven priciest city hotels in the United States are all located in Manhattan. A recent survey conducted by Luxury-Hotels.com Luxury-Hotels.com has put The Ritz-Carlton and the Mandarin Oriental at the very top of the rankings among these luxury establishments.

The survey compared luxury hotels based on their cheapest available rate for a double room during the month of October 2015. The website select October as its comparative basis because hotel rates in the majority of U.S. cities, including New York City, reach their highest average levels during that month.

The Ritz-Carlton and the Mandarin Oriental, both located one block from the United States’ most visited urban park, Central Park, share the top of the rankings. A minimum nightly rate of $995 for a double room put them in the survey’s number one spot. The Baccarat Hotel, also located in Midtown Manhattan, takes the third spot, at only five dollars cheaper.

The most expensive city hotel outside of NYC is located in Los Angeles. With a minimum nightly rate of $800, the Montage Beverly Hills ranks eighth most expensive overall in the nation. Just one dollar cheaper per night, the SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand is Las Vegas’s most expensive hotel.

The following table shows the 10 most expensive city hotels in the United States. The prices listed indicate the cheapest available rate for a double room during the month of October 2015.

1. Mandarin Oriental (New York) $995
1. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park (New York) $995
3. Baccarat Hotel & Residences (New York) $990
4. The St. Regis (New York) $945
5. The Plaza Hotel (New York) $893
6. The Peninsula (New York) $845
7. Park Hyatt (New York) $834
8. Montage Beverly Hills (Los Angeles) $800
9. SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand (Las Vegas) $789
10. The Lowell (New York) $785

For the full rankings of the survey and for more information about its methodology,click here.

Study Ranks World’s Most Popular Luxury Hotel Brands For 2015, Ritz Carlton Taking Top Honors

The Ritz-Carlton, owned by hotel giant Marriott International, takes top honors by a substantial margin. Some of the industry's most established and best-known names fail to make the Top 10, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

A new study by Luxury Branding, a London-based consultancy that specializes in the global luxury market, reveals a fresh and unexpected ranking of the most popular high-end hotels and resorts worldwide for 2015. Surprising highlights, based on independent analysis of 2.25 million travellers' reviews, include:

- The Ritz-Carlton, owned by hotel giant Marriott International, takes top honors by a substantial margin—particularly impressive given its large network of nearly 90 properties and nearly 40,000 employees worldwide

- "Traditional" luxury marks, including Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, dominate the Top 10. These classic, high-end brands generally outrank less conservative luxury brands such as Firmdale, EDITION and Andaz. So-called luxury "lifestyle" brands, including Morgans Hotel Group and W Hotels Worldwide, fare considerably worse by missing out on the Top 50 entirely

- Some of the industry's most established and best-known names fail to make the Top 10, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (#13), The Peninsula Hotels (#20), St. Regis (#26) and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts (#50)

- Luxury Branding's study is based on its independent analysis of more than 2.25 million public reviews on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel feedback site with 375 million unique monthly visitors ranking more than 950,000 hotels and lodgings around the world. The study, which provides a "snapshot" of the entire body of reviews posted up to and including 14 August 2015, represents one of the largest luxury study samples ever analyzed in the hospitality industry. While TripAdvisor graciously allowed Luxury Branding to analyze its publicly available data, the study is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, TripAdvisor.

Social media and internet outlets continue to revolutionize the role of consumers in shaping brand perceptions, even at the higher end of the luxury spectrum. Piers Schmidt, Luxury Branding's founder, said:

"The luxury hotel sector, which traditionally has been ranked by industry organizations, travel operators and specialty publications, is becoming democratized by the advent of TripAdvisor and similar portals that allow consumers to act as vocal, real-time critics, champions and commentators."

Mr. Schmidt noted that despite a persistent industry perception that high-net-worth consumers "don't write reviews" or engage with social media, digitally native travelers rely both on their own experiences and those of friends and family in making brand decisions. Luxury brand operators that embrace the trend of peer-to-peer reviews and respond thoughtfully and consistently, rather than impulsively, can build greater brand loyalty and transparency among today's connected and ever more demanding luxury clients.

The Top 10

The World's Most Popular Luxury Hotel Brands, 2015 are:

1. The Ritz-Carlton
2. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
3. Raffles Hotel & Resorts
4. Langham Hotels and Resorts
5. Rocco Forte Hotels
6. Dorchester Collection
7. Capella Hotels and Resorts
8. Park Hyatt
9. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
10. Armani Hotels & Resorts

- See more at: http://hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/study_ranks_worlds_most_popular_luxury_hotel_brands_for_2015#sthash.bBXhMBWk.dpuf

J.D. Power Reports: Hotel Guest Satisfaction Reaches All-Time High; Incidence Of Problems Hits Record Low

The Ritz-Carlton; Omni Hotels & Resorts; Hyatt Place; Drury Hotels; Wingate by Wyndham; Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham; Homewood Suites by Hilton; and Candlewood Suites Each Rank Highest in Guest Satisfaction in Their Respective Segments

Hotel guest satisfaction has risen to a record high, while the number of guests experiencing problems during their stay has dropped significantly, according to the J.D. Power 2015 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study^SMreleased today.

The study, now in its 19^th year, measures overall guest satisfaction across eight hotel segments: luxury; upper upscale; upscale; upper midscale[1]; midscale; economy/budget; upper extended stay; and extended stay. Seven key factors are examined in each segment to determine overall satisfaction: reservation; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; hotel facilities; and cost and fees. Satisfaction is calculated on a 1,000-point scale. 

Overall satisfaction in 2015 reaches an all-time high with a score of 804, up 20 points from 2014. This is the first time satisfaction has surpassed the 800-point mark. The record-high performance is driven by a significant 20 percent reduction from 2014 in the number of guests who report experiencing a problem during their stay, the lowest incidence since 2006. Staff interactions with guests have a great impact on mitigating problems. There is a 50 percent reduction in the average number of problems experienced when staff members greet guests with a smile “all the time,” compared to when guests are only greeted with a smile “sometimes.”

Hotels have an opportunity to substantially improve satisfaction by proactively addressing guest needs. While service recovery is often emphasized as a strategy to regain guest loyalty, it’s even more important to prevent problems from occurring in the first place, which is underscored by a 310-point satisfaction gap between guests who say they “strongly agree” that the hotel staff anticipated their needs and those who “strongly disagree” with this statement (912 vs. 602, respectively). 

“Hotels that proactively meet guest needs have the ability to create a positive guest experience,” said Rick Garlick, global travel and hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power. “While service recovery is extremely important in the hotel industry, it’s most effective when the entire guest experience is a positive one. Hotel staff members need to maintain a proper balance between proactively addressing needs and responding to problems effectively. Doing so can help guests feel good about their selection of the hotel brand and increase the likelihood they will return for another stay or recommend it to others.”

KEY FINDINGS

Among hotel guests who are “delighted” with their experience (an overall satisfaction rating of 10 on a 10-point scale), 80 percent say they “definitely will” recommend the brand to a friend, relative or colleague, compared with only 2 percent of those who are “disappointed” (ratings of 5 or below). Additionally, among hotel guests who are “delighted,” 66 percent say they “definitely will” stay again, compared with only 4 percent of those who are “disappointed.”

There is a strong relationship between guests’ perceptions of how well the hotel brand   meets their needs and overall satisfaction. Among Scrutinizers—guests who thoroughly research their hotel choice to ensure it meets their specific needs—56 percent say the hotel brand they selected was “perfect for them.” Satisfaction among Scrutinizers is 898, which is the highest among all guest groups. In comparison, among Price Buyers—guests who select their hotel based primarily on price—only 15 percent say the hotel brand they selected was “perfect for them.” Satisfaction among Price Buyers is 740, the lowest among all groups.

Hotel Segment Rankings

The following hotel brands rank highest in guest satisfaction in their respective segments:

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton

Upper Upscale: Omni Hotels & Resorts

Upscale: Hyatt Place

Upper Midscale: Drury Hotels (previously ranked highest in the Midscale segment for 9 consecutive years)

Midscale: Wingate by Wyndham

Economy/Budget: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham (for a third consecutive year)

Upper Extended Stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton (for a third consecutive year)

Extended Stay: Candlewood Suites (for a second consecutive year)

The 2015 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study is based on responses gathered between June 2014 and May 2015 from more than 62,000 guests in Canada and the United States who stayed at a hotel in North America between May 2014 and May 2015.

About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules www.jdpower.com/about-us/press-release-info

About McGraw Hill Financial www.mhfi.com 

[1] The two midscale segments were re-structured in 2015 to upper midscale and midscale segments (formerly midscale full service and midscale segments), in accordance with the chain scale classifications of Smith Travel Research (STR). This change resulted in brands changing segments, with all segment-level trending based on the new segmentation.

Best Hotels In The USA For 2015

Selecting the perfect hotel can be difficult. Which is more important: location or amenities? Are you more concerned about getting a good night's rest or making sure the property offers plenty of perks like a pool, gym and business center? What if you're looking for a combination of all of the above? Determining a hotel's quality and assessing all of its offerings can prove challenging from afar. That's where U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Hotels in the USA rankings come in.

The travel editors at U.S. News researched and analyzed an array of resources -- from guest reviews and expert recommendations to travel websites and industry award lists -- to solidify an extensive list of the best places to stay in the United States. Our editors used a comprehensive methodology to evaluate more than 1,700 luxury hotels across the USA, taking into account the hotel's class rating, the number and prominence of industry awards it received and traveler reviews. From historical hotels set in the heart of cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago to charming resorts found in secluded areas in the South and across the islands of Hawaii, this group of properties highlights the numerous and diverse lodging choices across America.

Quite a few newcomers cracked the top 10 list this year, thanks in part to their improved ratings among travelers and additional industry accolades. The 10 top hotels in the USA for 2015 rise above the rest of their hospitality peers because they offer the right mix of what most travelers are looking for in a hotel -- picturesque locations, comfortable accommodations, luxe in-room amenities and superb service.

See the full list of the Best Hotels in the USA»
10. The Jefferson, Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

The Jefferson is set in the heart of D.C., just north of the White House, making it a convenient spot for visitors to the nation's capital. Thanks to its higher traveler satisfaction rating and its collection of awards, the hotel made an impressive jump on U.S. News' Best Hotels in the USA list, rising up the ranks from No. 99 in 2014 to No. 10 in 2015. The historic hotel is host to a wealth of amenities, including an on-site spa, free Wi-Fi access, upscale dining venues and a cozy lounge, and its charming decor features tributes to its namesake, Thomas Jefferson, and his Monticello home. Aside from honors from Fodor's and Frommer's, The Jefferson earned recognition from more industry experts in 2015, including Travel + Leisure and Lonely Planet. Plus travelers praise The Jefferson (it nabbed a spot on the Condé Nast Readers' Choice List), noting the hotel's staff members went out of their way to make their stays memorable.

9. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Chicago

Peter Peirce/Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Impressive customer service, rooms with city and Lake Michigan views and a 50-foot-long indoor swimming pool are just a few of the perks that set this hotel apart from its other Chicago competitors, according to recent guests. Visitors were particularly impressed with the housekeeping staff and the friendliness of the hotel's employees. What's more, the property offers the Four Seasons brand's luxury amenities like MALIN+GOETZ toiletries, spacious accommodations and innovative dining. Situated on the Windy City's popular Magnificent Mile, the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago also earned the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for 2015 and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for 2014. The combination of industry accolades and praise from guests helped propel the hotel up from its No. 50 rank last year.

8. The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
Scottsdale, Arizona

An oasis of tranquility on the outskirts of Phoenix, The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician sits at the base of Camelback Mountain. Aside from amazing mountain and desert views, the smaller boutique operating within The Phoenician complex offers oversized suites with private terraces, marble bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. The property, which ranked No. 31 in 2014, also houses a 27-hole golf course for those interested in hitting the links and a Tennis Garden featuring 11 courts. The private infinity pool is another standout amenity for guests at the Canyon Suites. "Opulent," "accommodating" and "divine" are just some of the adjectives visitors use to describe the hotel, which earns plenty of additional praise from critics and patrons: The hotel received a Frommer's Exceptional rating and Condé Nast Readers' Choice Award this year, on top of the 2015 AAA Five Diamond and 2014 Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards.

7. The Grand Del Mar
San Diego

Courtesy The Grand Del Mar
The Grand Del Mar is consistent -- year after year guests laud the hotel's outstanding service, impeccable grounds and beautiful location in Carmel Valley just north of San Diego. Its consistency has earned it numerous industry awards, including the AAA Five Diamond Award and a spot on Travel + Leisure 500 World's Best Hotels list in 2015. Its awards and overwhelmingly positive guest reviews helped the Grand Del Mar secure the No. 7 spot on the Best Hotels in the USA ranking for the second consecutive year. The property offers guests the choice between rooms, suites or villas, and the Grand Del Mar is home to a sprawling five-star spa, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and award-winning restaurants. Plus, complimentary services like transportation to the beach, organized Saturday morning waterfall hikes and fitness classes put the Grand Del Mar a touch above its nearby competitors.

6. The Langham, Chicago
Chicago

First opened in September 2013, The Langham, Chicago has already become a standout in the luxury hotel scene. The property earned distinction from Travel + Leisure on the 500 World's Best Hotels list and "It List," as well as the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award in 2015. The Langham is set in the heart of the city along the banks of the Chicago River, making it an ideal spot for visitors traveling for work or for play thanks to its proximity to downtown businesses and the Windy City's top attractions. On-site amenities include everything from the 22,000-square-foot spa and indoor swimming pool to the tasty dishes at Travelle. In its short time open, The Langham has received praise from numerous visitors for its upscale accommodations and the staff's helpfulness and attention to detail.

5. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Seattle

Peter Vitale/Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle impresses guests with its outdoor pool, rooms with sweeping city and Elliot Bay views, and excellent service. And the hotel's tailored packages make visitors feel like VIPs, whether they're interested in a private tour of Dale Chihuly's studio and the Chihuly Garden and Glass or a romantic retreat complete with a sunset sailboat ride. This Four Seasons outpost's location isn't too shabby either -- it's within walking distance of the Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Art Museum. Also winning favor with travel experts, the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is a 2015 Condé Nast Traveler Gold Award recipient and a 2015 AAA Five Star Award-winning property.

4. The Allison Inn & Spa
Newberg, Oregon

Solidifying a spot in the top five Best Hotels in the USA for the second year in a row, The Allison Inn & Spa is nestled in Oregon's wine country, the Willamette Valley. The intimate property boasts just 77 rooms and suites, all of which have floor-to-ceiling windows, gas fireplaces and balconies or terraces. Highly regarded by travelers for its seclusion and quiet atmosphere, the hotel also houses a 15,000-square-foot spa that offers guests a chance for even more relaxation with treatments like its signature grape seed body scrubs and mimosa massages. What's more, The Allison Inn & Spa -- a Lonely Planet Top Pick, Travel + Leisure 500 World's Best Hotel and 2015 AAA Five Diamond Award recipient -- gains recognition from travelers for the delectable dishes and wine served at JORY Restaurant & Bar and the hotel staff's willingness to make guests' stays exceptional.

3. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort
Bluffton, South Carolina

Courtesy The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff's mix of Southern charm and active pursuits just west of popular Hilton Head Island attracts vacationers year after year. Guests can kayak, canoe or paddleboard along the May River, try their hand at fishing or explore the more than 20,000 acres of land by hiking, biking or horseback riding. Experts and travelers alike love this property's quaint, Southern-style cottages complete with vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and screened-in porches, and its top-notch service staff. So much so that, aside from being recognized by U.S. News, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff also made the 2015 AAA Five Diamond Award list and the Condé Nast Readers' Choice List.

2. The Lodge at Sea Island
Sea Island, Georgia

The Lodge at Sea Island is no stranger to accolades -- it was named a 2015 Travel + Leisure 500 World's Best Hotel and received the 2015 AAA Five Diamond Award, plus last year it was named U.S. News' No. 1 Best Hotel in the USA. Though it was nudged out of the top spot, this hotel still maintains a high standard of excellence by providing guests with an abundance of amenities and attractive accommodations. The property features three championship golf courses, a massive spa and fitness center, tennis and squash facilities and multiple restaurants. Meanwhile, the Lodge's English country manor-styled rooms are outfitted with hardwood floors, Oriental rugs, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and 24-hour butler service. Plus, according to recent travelers, simple gestures like employees calling guests by their names make visitors feel truly special at this hotel.

1. Rancho Valencia Resort & SpaRancho Santa Fe, California

Courtesy Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Soaring to the No. 1 spot on the Best Hotels in the USA ranking this year (up from No. 9 in 2014), the Mediterranean-inspired Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa sits on 45 acres of verdant gardens and olive groves in southern California. In addition to racking up some of the industry's most distinguished accolades, including the Condé Nast Traveler Gold Award, the 2015 AAA Five Diamond Award, and recognition as one of Travel + Leisure's 500 World's Best Hotels, the Relais & Châteaux resort receives plenty of compliments from satisfied guests. The hotel's staff is often described as warm, friendly and helpful and the grounds as well-maintained. The casitas are also met with praise for their custom wooden furnishings, comfy beds and ample amenities, including Illy espresso machines, private patios and nightly turndown service. Previous visitors also appreciate the variety of on-site activities and features, which include a pool, yoga classes, tennis courts and bikes for use.

See photos of the top 50 hotels »

Contributed by Erin Shields, a Travel Editor at U.S. News. You can follow her onTwitter, circle her on Google+ or email her at eshields@usnews.com.

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