San Diego has seen several new hotel properties as of late, with the Hilton San Diego Bayfront being perhaps one of the largest newcomers. Don’t let the size scare you however (a whopping 1190 rooms), as this Hilton property isn’t your “typical” Convention Hotel, nor is it your typical Hilton.

The Hilton Bayfront offers an ideal location for convention travelers, and boasts a waterfront location that is truly dynamite for both business and leisure travelers alike. We particularly like the fact that you’re isolated enough where you’ll get some R&R, but just a stones throw away from the every popular Gaslamp District.

Main Lobby & Adjacent Lobby Bar

We very much like the fact that you won’t feel as though you’re actually staying in a “Convention Hotel” rather, a “Big Boutique.” This Hilton owned and managed property has spared few details, from the forward thinking lobby space to the contemporary lighting features throughout. This new direction for Hilton carries over to just about every area of the property including restaurants, ballroom space and the of course the guest rooms.

Main Ballroom

Hilton has put a special touch on their guest room design at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Expect a “Boutique-Like” guest room experience with plush comfy beds, thoughtful bathrooms (Rooms with 1 King Bed offer Glass Showers) and state of the art technical goodies such as large LCD televisions. For such a large hotel we were impressed by how many rooms actually had great views. We would say that the vast majority of rooms offer at least some view of the water, but pay close attention to the “Rooms to Request” Tab here for the very best information: http://tripkick.com/hotels/view/478/hilton-san-diego-bayfront

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Bay Views (Room 1902)

Hospitality Suite (Connects to Room w/ 1 King Bed) Dining Room Area, Bay Views

“The Other Suite” aka Vice Presidential Suite, 1 King Bed, Bay Views (Room 2901)

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is making its competition nervous, and for very good reason. For those travelers who want a Downtown location (and one that’s also waterfront) with a fresh new smell, and a “Boutique-Like” feel, this is your hotel.  Based on what we’ve seen here, we’re excited to see what Hilton will roll out next.

“The Door” aka Main Entrance of The Sè San Diego

San Diego has had its recent share of new Boutique Hotel Openings, and today we got a first look at The Sè San Diego, literally- the first look! We arrived at the Sè early in the afternoon and were told that we were the first public visitors to actually step foot in the hotel. Today was in fact scheduled to be Sè’s first day of operation, however all guests that held reservations for this evening were re-accommodated elsewhere due to some last minute finishing touches.

The Sè San Diego (originally slated to be the Setai San Diego) is located in Downtown San Diego, on the border of the Gaslamp District. Guests are welcomed by a Lobby that is Asian Inspired and mimics an upscale Boutique Property that you might find in Bangkok Thailand, or the like. The Lobby wasn’t quite finished as of today, but you can get a feel of what it’ll be like when complete: Sophisticated, High Energy, yet very Relaxing.

Setai’s Reception Area

We are told that when guests arrive at The Sè , they are checked-in “Electronically” with no need to visit a “Front Desk” (Unless of course you decide that your room is not to your liking)

Lobby Area (Although not quite finished!)

The Setai prides themselves on offering a variety of personalized touched such as Electronic/Curbside Check-In complete with a welcome drink (spa inspired of course) and a tour of the hotel (if you so choose!) The Setai offers 3 different Standard Room Categories including: CitySide Guest Rooms, CityLights Guest Rooms and Sky Guest Rooms. All 3 Room Types range in size from approximately 350-500 sq. ft. and differ based on view, location and size. There are a variety of Suite Categories as well, including a handful of Condo Residences that will be available to guests through the hotel on a nightly basis. These Condo Suites offer Full Kitchens, creative floor plans and stunning views of the San Diego Bay & Skyline. Regardless of which Room Type you ultimately choose, you can expect Hardwood Flooring, Luxuriously Appointed Bathrooms (Standard Rooms Feature Stand Alone Glass Showers, Suites Feature Separate Showers and Tubs) and a sophisticated “City Condo Feel.” The Sè also offers a “Spa Floor” which gives you easy access to The Spa (a feature we also saw recently at The Trump Chicago) and feature a variety of Spa Inspired amenities.

CitySide (Standard) Guest Room, 1 King Bed, Bathroom w/ Glass Shower (Room 508)

The Setai MiniBar

One-Bedroom Suite, Living Room Area and Balcony (Only Suites offer Balconies) (Room 509)

One-Bedroom Suite Bathroom, Stand Alone Glass Shower (Tub not pictured)

The Sè will feature 2 Bars, one in the Main Lobby and one Poolside. The Rooftop Pool is not quite finished as of now, but here’s a small preview (Keep in Mind that Many Improvements are Still to be Made):

We very much anticipate The Sè San Diego (part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts) to be San Diego’s next hottest hotel. The Sè offers Asian Inspired Sophistication on a Boutique scale, with and endless amount of taste and attention to detail.

Note:  The Setai San Diego officially changed its name to “Sè San Diego” as of December 22nd, 2008 in an effort to avoid any confusion with the Setai Miami.

Donald Trump has left this project to his daughter Ivanka, and we must say that she’s done an impressive job in The Windy City. Chicago offers a variety of high end hotels including The Peninsula Chicago, Four Seasons Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel) and The Park Hyatt Chicago among others. In fact, I would venture to say that Chicago has some of the best hotel offerings in the country.

The Trump Chicago is a mixed-use 92 Story Hotel/Condominium development, just steps from The Chicago River and Michigan Avenue. The hotel occupies Floors 18-27, and offers a wide variety of room types, ranging from 600 Sq. Ft. Studios up to 2 and 3 Bedroom Condominium style accommodations. Ivanka has taken a departure from the typical “Trump Style” and instead opted for a much more contemporary theme.

Deluxe Guest Room (Studio) 1 King Bed, River Views (Room 2334)

The Trump Chicago takes on a very residential feel (similar to the condominiums located above.) In fact, most guest rooms offer a kitchenette or full kitchen equipped with Miele Appliances, Dishes and even a Nespresso Cofee Machine.

Kitchenette, Nespresso Machine and MiniBar Snack Box (Room 2334)

Guest suites offer separate living rooms and bedroom areas, as well as Full Kitchens, Larger Bathrooms (w/ 2 Sinks) and some even feature Fireplaces. Suites also offer an additional 1/2 Bath in the Living Room Area.

One-Bedroom Suite, 1 King Bed, River & Lake Views (Room 2336)

The Trump Chicago has designated 2 Floors as “Spa Levels” (Floors 14 & 14M) Guest rooms on these levels afford easy access to Trump’s magnificent Spa Area, and boast a cool soothing decor with lighter colors and amenities that will appeal to even the most serious Spa goer. For those who love to work out, do Yoga, and are just looking for an inspiring “Zen-like” guest room experience, treat yourself to a “Spa Room” at the Trump. In addition to all the other features an amenities you’ll find in other rooms, “Spa Rooms” come equipped with Healthy MiniBar selections, In-Room Gym Equipment, Special Towel/Eye Mask Refrigerators and Spa Toiletries that are out of this world.

Spa Room, 1 King Bed, River & Lake View (Room 1407)

The Trump Chicago has fantastic dining options, including “Rebar” and “Sixteen Restaurant” which both feature stunning views of the Chicago River & The Wrigley Building and offer innovative menu selections that will appeal to any palette.

No request at the Trump is too large, and the staff is incredibly accommodating. Service levels are truly impressive, and we think the Trump Chicago is well on its way to become one of North America’s next Mobil Rated 5 Star properties.

Montage Beverly Hills Main Entrance (Canon Drive) -and- Side Entrance View

Any hotel aficionado will tell you that Montage Hotels & Resorts is quickly climbing the “Luxury Hotel Ladder”, as The Montage Beverly Hills is now their 2nd Property, and several others are in the works. We hear Cabo San Lucas Mexico, Deer Valley Utah and Northern California (most likely Sonoma/Napa area) are also on the way.

The Montage Beverly Hills has just opened, and we were able to catch a peek at this highly anticipated Beverly Hills property. To compete with the likes of Peninsula, Raffles L’Ermitage, Four Seasons and The Beverly Hills Hotel, Montage had their work cut our for them. If any of you however are familiar with The Montage Laguna Beach, you know that Montage is a viable 5 Star Contender, and one that was fully prepared to enter the Beverly Hills market. Unlike the Craftsman design of The Montage Laguna Beach, the Beverly Hills property has opted for a “Vintage Hollywood meets Modern Day Luxury” design. We think it works quite well, particularly given the clientèle and what they’re already accustomed to, ie. Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Lobby Hallway

There are two entrances to the property, a Main Entrance on Canon Drive which leads to the Lobby area, and a Side Entrance just adjacent to Beverly Drive. Upon entering The Montage Beverly Hills, one could easily feel as though they’ve stepped into someones private residence, luxurious-yet not overwhelming. Montage has done a great job of delivering luxury and elegance, without too much pretension.

We got a chance to see one Deluxe Guest Room and one Grand Deluxe Suite on our recent visit. There are a total of 10 Room Categories ranging in price from $495-7,500 per night, depending on what you’re will to shell out. The Deluxe Category Guest Room (One category above the Standard Guest Room) offers a generous 500 sq. ft. of space, along with a small outdoor balcony. Having seen just about every hotel in the Greater Los Angeles Area (particularly the 5 Star properties) Montage has really outdone themselves. The attention to detail, ranging from the In Shower Mirrors (great for shaving!) to the Integrated Bathtub Televisions, this place was simply fab! The guest rooms have a very residential feel, aren’t imposing (like some 5 Star properties can be) and offer just about every amenity and feature you can think of.

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed, LCD Television/Desk Combination (Room 358)

A Closer Look at the TV/Desk Area, MiniBar/Cocktail Area (Room 358)

Tastefully Appointed Bathroom, Separate Shower & Soaking Tub (Note the In Shower Mirror & Bathtub Television) (Room 358)

Montage Beverly Hills offers 7 different Suite Types, ranging in price from $795-7,500/night. We had a chance to see a Grand Deluxe Suite, which offers a separate living room area and bedroom with 1 King Bed. I was about ready to move in, and I think most very well could! The entrance area leads to a Half Bath, and Living Room space that includes a wall mounted LCD Television (above the fireplace of course!) as well as a small Bar Area and large couch. The bedroom area includes all the comforts of a Deluxe Room, but also features a huge walk-out terrace.

Grand Deluxe Suite (Note the Large Terrace adjacent to the Bedroom Area)

And what would a Beverly Hills property be without a Rooftop Pool, Cabanas, Bar & Restaurant? Naturally, the Montage Beverly Hills has incorporated a Rooftop Area that includes all of these features. On any given day, you’re likely to see a celebrity, or two, enjoying poolside drinks and lunch. Each Cabana comes equipped with a MiniBar, LCD Television, and front row seats to all the happening you might expect at a 5 Star property.

Rooftop Pool

There are several other reasons to visit The Montage Beverly Hills, the location of course is one of them. Guests will find themselves at the heart of BH’s best shopping and restaurants. And speaking of restaurants, The Montage features two signature restaurants that are both designed to impress, whether you desire casual or formal. If the food is any reflection of the style and quality of Montage Laguna, you’re in for a real treat.

We think The Montage Beverly Hills has already earned its right to join the ranks of Peninsula, Four Seasons and the like, but you tell us! We look forward to profiling The Montage Beverly Hills on TripKick.com in the upcoming weeks.