Anthony Bourdain is well known in the food world, from his landmark expose Kitchen Confidential and of course his wildly popular show “No Reservations.” In the course of traipsing around the far flung corners of the globe, he’s racked up hundreds of thousands of miles flown and hundreds of hotel stays, from humble hostels to Presidential Suites at 5-Star hotels. His new show, “The Layover,” follows him cramming as many of his personal favorites as possible into a 24-48 hour layover in some of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities. The series has kicked off with Singapore and New York, with the Eternal City (Rome) up next.
Here at TravelSort, we’re making it easy for you to stay at Tony’s favorite luxury digs—just check out our new collection Anthony Bourdain’s The Layover (no celebrity endorsement implied):
Why Tony digs it: “All the dishes at ‘Straits Kitchen are authentic and made from scratch…they bring in specialists for this stuff.”
Why we like it: Convenient to tons of shopping and entertainment on busy Orchard Road, yet the hotel, as big as it is, is a peaceful oasis, especially the relaxing outdoor pool and the fabulous massages in Damai Spa.
Why Tony digs it: “If you want to do the whole old-world British colonial thing.”
Why we like it: The Fullerton is the perfect base if you want gorgeous views, colonial charm and a super central location right on the river. Book one of the Quay Rooms, with a private balcony that overlooks the river, or enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool with its own stunning views of the Singapore skyline. And don’t forget to try authentic hawker delights such as satay, seafood hor fun, chicken rice and more at Lau Pa Sat and the Maxwell Food Centre.
Why Tony digs it: “If you’re willing to spend some bucks, I love the St. Regis. If you’re looking to live large, particularly around Christmas season with all the shop windows on 5th Avenue done up and stuff…it’s pretty cool.”
Why we like it: The St. Regis New York is not only the first St. Regis and the luxury chain’s flagship property, it’s like staying in a palace in the heart of New York, complete with private butler service and complimentary Bentley car service within a few blocks of the hotel. Sip a Bloody Mary at the place it was invented—the hotel’s own King Cole Bar.
Hotel de Russie, Rome
Why Tony digs it: A “swankadelic” hotel in the city’s historical center. Tony recommends the Hotel de Russie if you want to “blow it out and live large…and pay bigtime for the privilege.”
Why we like it: Hotel de Russie is just a 3 minute walk from the Spanish steps and close to all the sights of Central Rome, yet it's a tranquil hideaway, with its own serene private garden and leisurely terrace dining al fresco in the summer. The concierge staff is incredible and has a suggestion for almost any request you can dream up.
The Raleigh, Miami
Why Tony digs it: The Raleigh offers a great bar, old-school interior and a nice pool. The Raleigh feels like home to Tony. Tony recommends the Raleigh Beachfront. “Another great place besides the pool. Can also take out jet skis.”
Why we like it: We like the art deco decor and classy vibe of The Raleigh, and especially the fact that it's almost always a peaceful oasis (= good night's sleep) yet only a walk or very short cab ride to all the wild SoBe nightlife you can handle. Yes, the rooms are rather small, but come on, who goes to South Beach to spend time in their room, especially with that gorgeous pool and white sand beach right there?
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Why Tony digs it: This was where Tony based himself for all his food adventures in what is arguably the greatest food city on earth. Easy to see why–the Mandarin Oriental is right in the heart of everything.
Why we like it: It's not hard to see why the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong consistently ranks as one of Hong Kong's top 3 hotels. Beyond its superb central location and of course elegantly appointed rooms and suites, service here is exquisite–don't be surprised if your shoes are returned not only polished, but with new shoelaces, or if the staff greets you by name, even on your first visit. 3 of the hotel's eateries have been awarded Michelin stars, and the housemade pastries in the Mandarin Cakeshop are divine. Don't miss the spa, with its Asian-inspired treatments and fantastic massages–it's one of only 30 spas in the world to be rated 5 stars by Forbes Travel Guide.
And now some travel tips and advice from Tony, gleaned from his interviews over the years:
Favorite Travel Destinations: “Vietnam is way up there…I love San Sebastian, Barcelona, anywhere in Italy, Sardinia, parts of South America. I’m a Mediterranean at heart with a love for South America and South East Asia. Clean, orderly countries I’m not as happy in. I like hot, messy countries and dysfunctional, passionate countries with spicy food.”
How Tony Travels: “After my first couple hundred thousand miles, I got down on my knees and begged for business class… you’re flying 20 hours to Asia—I’m 6’4” [so] I’m at the pointy end of the plane, and I’m in business.
I have become, regrettably, over time, an elite traveler. That doesn’t mean I don’t sleep on my share of insect infested jungle floors or in cold tents in winter…but these days, there’s generally a hot shower and a comfortable bed waiting for me somewhere within a few days of travel.”
Advice on Flying: “Don’t eat on the plane. I generally knock myself out with Valium and try to sleep through the flight.”
To Really Get the Feel of a Place: “Hit the central food market early in the morning.”
How to Eat Local: “[Find a place with] Locals and nobody else, no outsiders. I mean, if they don’t speak your language, there’s nobody like you, and it seems to be popular with the locals, you’re already on pretty solid ground, even if you don’t recognize the food. It’s gonna be good.”
Stay tuned as we update this with more of Tony’s favorite hotels from The Layover!
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Sources and credits: Travel Channel, A.V. Club, BootsnAll, Not Quite Nigella