For many VIPs, discretion while traveling is paramount. We’ve rounded up a list of hotels that can allow A-listers to come and go without the fear of running into prying eyes or flashing cameras.
Trump Hotel Toronto has created a special private arrival location where guests can escape the crowds and media frenzy. VIPs are escorted to a private elevator landing away from the lobby area. Cool Touch: This arrival location can be reached by motorcade. Travelers can fly into Toronto via Toronto Pearson International Airport.
 |
| The Waldorf=Astoria occupies an entire city block, with exits on each of the streets that border it. |
While staying at the hotel, we suggest booking either the Presidential Suite or the Executive Two Bedroom Suite. Both are on the 30th floor. The Presidential Suite sprawls out over 4,000 square feet and is ideal for CEOs: It has its own media room with projector screen and plasma display for presentations and screenings, and access to a boardroom and lounge. There’s also a full dining room and kitchen. Groups and families can book the whole floor. (While none of the suites connect to one another, booking the floor guarantees privacy.) Note: The Trump Attaché service can be arranged for any room.
For bookings, reach out to Luxury Travel and Entertainment Manager Frank Campo ([email protected]; 416-637-4428).
We think the Quartz Crystal Spa is one of the highlights of this hotel. The 15,000-square-foot facility has an indoor, saltwater-heated infinity lap pool. We hear the most requested massage therapist is Holly Henderson, while the top recommended esthetician is Ernesta Petrini. Be sure to make bookings as far out in advance as possible. Contact Director of Spa Operations Daphne Swenerton ([email protected]; 416-637-5591) to secure the ultimate privacy for your client.
When it’s time to dine, visit Stock Restaurant Bar & Lounge for a wine-pairing dinner with Master Sommelier John Szabo. While there is no “best seat” in the house, dining on the sky patio (think a glassed-in balcony with six tables for two) is by far the most exclusive experience.
No doubt the most well-heeled guest will want to arrange customized experiences. We suggest reaching out to Chief Concierge Rhonda Chan-Maloney ([email protected]; 416-637-5535); she can arrange outings like a limo service to Toronto Island Airport where guests can board an amphibious floatplane for a lake landing in Muskoka, Ontario; guided fishing trip including a fish fry shore lunch; and a round of golf.
Good to know: The hotel is at its busiest during May, June, September and October.
New York is known for its bevy of high-end visitors. When in town, we hear The Waldorf=Astoria is the perfect spot for VIPs to hide away. The hotel occupies an entire city block, with exits on each of the streets that border it. There is also a motorcade that runs the entire length of the hotel underneath it. It is easy for the hotel to obscure views of the people who enter through any of its doors. The Waldorf=Astoria can also hold elevators so that high-profile visitors can have a private one that takes them from their desired entrance point straight up to their room floor. It also has a host of sales managers to handle different VIPs, from diplomats to athletes to entertainers.
We love this iconic hotel’s eclectic collection of suites. There are 26 presidential-style suites ranging from one bedroom to five bedrooms; they include full kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms. The Royal Suite was home to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for 25 years. The Cole Porter Suite housed Cole Porter, followed by Frank Sinatra. There is also the General MacArthur Suite, the Trianon Suite, the Penthouse Suite and the Marilyn Monroe Suite. Butler service is available upon request for all rooms.
Contact Director of Travel Industry Sales Jennifer Nuoffer ([email protected]; 212-872-4578) with questions.
Spa devotees will love the new features at the Guerlain Spa. The revamped facility opened a year ago. New features include the locally sourced Seasonal Spa Food & Beverage Menu; access to one of New York’s top-tier boutique gyms; and—our favorite—the Abeille Royale Expert Treatment facial. VIPs will snuggle into a cozy spa bed for this 80-minute ritual, which includes a microdermabrasion and massage with warm plant infusions. The treatment, recommended for younger clientele, promotes key mechanisms of the healing process within the skin to help repair wrinkles and tissue firmness.
 |
| The Fairmont Pacific Rim Owner’s Suite has 2,250 square feet of space over two levels and includes a rooftop patio. |
Sitting on the 19th floor of the hotel, the spa is ice castle-chic at its best (think whites, grays and creams highlighted with hanging crystals and Diamante tile). The 14,000-square-foot space has 15 treatment rooms consisting of 12 dry rooms and three wet therapy suites.
For appointments contact Spa Director Angela Portella ([email protected]; 212-872-7212).
Want something extra special? Reach out to Michael Romei, chef concierge and secretary general of Les Clefs d’Or International ([email protected]; 212-872-4618); he can arrange an underground Grand Central Station tour of FDR’s railroad car, as well as private tours of Yankee Stadium (among other exclusive opportunities).
Jet-setters and celebrities heading to the Pacific Northwest can find discretion at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, British Columbia, specifically in the Owner’s Suite, appropriately named the “Rock Star Suite.”
Inspired by a Balinese Villa, this two-story abode has its own private west wing elevator to ensure a very private arrival. It also includes a custom Swarovski crystal chandelier that dips down to the second story (how chic!). The 2,250-square-foot space has a master bedroom featuring a fireplace, king size bed and a 500-square-foot marble bathroom. A living room, kitchen and butler’s pantry round out the posh offerings. We love the outdoor rooftop patio with views of Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains. Guests of the suite are also entitled to private check-in for the ultimate in anonymity. To book the suite, reach out to Director of Sales & Marketing, Helen Pratt ([email protected]).
While at the hotel, be sure to visit the 15,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa, which has its own infrared sauna.
Contact Spa Manager Becky Campbell to book treatments. ([email protected])
Looking for something extra special? We suggest contacting Chef Concierge Matthew Scott ([email protected]). Scott is able to arrange VIP outings such as a private float plan to fly the guests to Whistler for a picnic lunch on one of the local glacial fed lakes.
Are your A-listers looking to tie the knot? Fairmont Pacific Rim also has a dedicated proposal planner on site. The Proposal Planner offers a little something special for everyone (think fireworks to an airplane banner in the sky).