NEWTON, Mass., Jan. 21, 2010 - TripAdvisor®, the world's most trusted
source of travel advice, today announced its list of the top 10 celebrity-owned
hotels in the world, as determined by TripAdvisor editors and travelers.
From luxurious resorts and spas, to budget hotels and camp cabins, these
famous hoteliers are offering star treatment to a wide variety of travelers.
"While travelers may visit a celebrity-owned hotel hoping for a brush
with fame, these top celebrity-owned properties offer more than just star
power," said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.
"Excellent accommodations, mixed with a famous owner's personal touches,
have earned these A-list hotels high marks with TripAdvisor travelers."
1. Rustic Luxe with Robert Redford: Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah
Ranked #1 in Sundance, Utah - Average nightly rate: $601
Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Romantic Retreat, Honeymoon
Situated at the base of Mount Timpanogos on 6,000 acres of rolling
hills and babbling brooks, the Sundance Kid's retreat has TripAdvisor 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 TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers for: Stylish Decor, 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 TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers 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
TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers 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 TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers 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 TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers for: Cleanliness, Stylish Decor
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 TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers 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
TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers 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 TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers for: Stylish Decor, Pet-Friendly
TripAdvisor 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 decor, including photos of John Malkovich and furry curtains.
One TripAdvisor 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 by TripAdvisor travelers 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. As explained by one TripAdvisor traveler,
"The rooms are stylish and comfortable. The location is excellent, but
note that due to the location in the Temple Bar district, it can be a bit
noisy."
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