When it comes to these destinations, an exciting summer vacation starts with where you stay. With brands like Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton will help you leave the everyday behind with luxurious hotels and resorts and unforgettable experiences in more than 94 countries. From Old World elegance in Paris to a modern marvel in New Zealand, here are 9 exceptional hotels sure to exceed expectations.
Life looks different on this hotel’s 56th floor. Stay at the Conrad Dubai, and everything from the sleek, modern suites to the sweeping city views will make you feel as though you’ve made it. Even though it’s just a 2-minute walk to the Dubai World Trade Center, the hustle and bustle of the surrounding financial and shopping district will fade away as you sip sundowners poolside on the sixth floor or venture down to the Cave, a wine cellar where you can nibble on cheese and select one of 1,500 bottles on hand.
Paris is always a good idea, but it should be your only idea when you can check into the 126-year-old Hilton Paris Opera, which recently underwent a $50 million renovation. Start your days off sipping coffee beneath hand-painted frescoes on 46-foot-high ceilings in Le Grand Salon, and then shop until your heart’s content at elegant boutiques and high-end department stores on Rue du Faubourg St. Honore.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
There is no shortage of luxury accommodations in Venice, Italy, but the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice manages to stand out on several counts. Originally a 19th-century flour mill, it is now the largest hotel in the city, and its industrial feel is a stark contrast from the typical palazzos. The stunning panoramic Skyline Bar also boasts the only rooftop pool in Venice. Since it overlooks the canal, you can be whisked away to the city’s most famous attractions in minutes via shuttle boat.
Hilton Athens is located in the center of the city, overlooking an area rich in ancient history. The hotel is only a short walk to the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood, National Art Gallery and Athens Concert Hall. Be sure to check out the chic rooftop Galaxy Bar, where locals and tourists mingle over cocktails and gaze ardently at the glowing Acropolis.
Conrad Hilton himself called the Waldorf Astoria New York “the greatest of them all.” The internationally renowned, 5-star hotel has housed every US president since Herbert Hoover, as well as celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. Its enviable Park Avenue address in Midtown (meaning visitors have easy walking access to Central Park, Times Square and Fifth Avenue), as well as its ornate furnishings, has made it an iconic New York City landmark, right up there with the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa
The private villas at Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa are nestled on an island called Motu Toopua. A semicircle of stilted bungalows is surrounded by breathtaking views of the turquoise-blue lagoon and Mount Otemanu in the distance. Enjoy a day of snorkeling, indulging in spa treatments with uninterrupted ocean views, or lounging by the infinity pool before retreating to the privacy of your villa. Accessibly only by the property’s private boat, this remote resort is truly a paradise in the South Pacific.
Experience all New Zealand has to offer in the heart of Auckland, its largest city. Giving the illusion of a giant cruise ship jetting out into the harbor, the Hilton Auckland’s sleek, minimalistic design provides bay views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in the finest local seafood at Fish, or start your day off with a signature peach-and-prosecco cocktail at the Bellini Bar. Insider’s tip: There’s more to the outdoor, heated lap pool than there seems to be; it’s hiding scenic harbor views through its underwater window.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
From the moment your seaplane touches down, expect barefoot luxury from the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. The resort is located in the South Ari Atoll and consists of not 1, but 2 private islands, connected by a 1/3-mile-long footbridge. Of its 12 restaurants, the 1 you won’t want to skip is the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, where you’ll have the surreal experience of dining in a glass-enclosed space 16 feet below the ocean’s surface. Whether you want to snorkel with a whale shark or prefer to explore the coral reef from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat, the resort’s unique excursions will keep the entire family entertained.
With its own airport, Koh Samui is perhaps the most luxurious and accessible of Thailand’s many islands. Situated on the southwestern tip of the island, this award-winning resort is made up of a collection of magnificent villas spread over 25 acres, each with panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. Explore the coral reef with the help of the on-site diving center, test the waters of your own private infinity pool, or sample from more than 3,000 vintage wines and relax on a floating pier.