TripAdvisor's No. 1 hotels yield some surprises
— -- What's the No. 1-rated TripAdvisor hotel in popular destinations? You might be surprised: Often the top lodgings aren't the most luxurious or best known. USA TODAY travel writers checked into three that were best in their city at the time. Are they indeed rave-worthy?
New Orleans: Wyndham La Belle Maison
Vital statistics: Opened in 2008 and incorporating what had been three separate buildings near the corner of Gravier and Magazine streets a few blocks from the French Quarter, this time-share resort has 134 units, from studios to two-bedroom suites. Each one includes a small kitchen and a queen-size pullout sofa.
Why it's No. 1: Though it slipped to second place after my stay in early February, La Belle Maison was rated No. 1 out of 149 New Orleans hotels for most of 2011 — an eye-opener if you expect a top-ranked lodging to include a bar and restaurant, let alone room and daily maid service. Following an inquiry from USA TODAY, it switched from the "hotel" to "specialty lodging" category.
What La Belle Maison lacks in standard hotel amenities, it makes up for in location, room size (a generous 744 square feet for my one-bedroom) and staff geniality. A high point: guest services supervisor Todd Parks' weekly talks — accompanied by gratis cookies, fruit and coffee — which provide candid advice on restaurants and attractions.
The vibe: More than 80% of the units are typically occupied by Wyndham or RCI time-share owners, many of them couples. I stayed two nights and wasn't approached by sales personnel to learn about time-share options — but some TripAdvisor reviews have warned about phone calls and under-your-door letters that do.
Special touches: Well-stocked kitchenettes include toasters, blenders, microwaves, popcorn makers and coffeepots with New Orleans' own Community blend; free laundry facilities.
The deal: A two-night minimum stay is required for non-owners, who are directed to book through Extra Holidays by Wyndham. Rates vary by season and day of the week, and studios are sold out through August; one-bedrooms are $179-$349 a night plus tax; two-bedrooms run $199-$389.
Information: 866-323-3087; extraholidays.com
— Laura Bly
New York City: Casablanca Hotel
Vital statistics: Steps from Times Square at 147 W. 43rd St., it has 48 rooms and small suites. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are included. Prices, from $199 in slow periods, are moderate for Manhattan.
Why it's No. 1: This is not the best hotel in New York when it comes to rooms (small and simply furnished) and on-site options, but location, service and amenities are top-notch. Every detail is thought out, down to a black washcloth for removing makeup.
"We started really paying attention to TripAdvisor in 2004," says Adele Gutman, marketing vice president for HKHotels, which owns the Casablanca. "We said, 'Let's try to focus on what customers are telling us they want.' We joke that TripAdvisor is the sun, and we're the planets that revolve around it." (All other HK lodgings — Hotel Elysée, The Library Hotel and Hotel Giraffe— are in TripAdvisor's NYC top 10 this week.)
Based on feedback, breakfast has become a generous spread that includes oatmeal, fruit salad (more berries added), cheese, yogurt and hard-boiled eggs, as well as cereal, bread and pastries. Espresso, coffee, tea and snacks are free all day. Complimentary nightly receptions include Prosecco and Mondavi red and white wines, plus hors d'oeuvres. Every staffer is told to "sparkle sunshine on the guest," Gutman says. They do.
Casablanca borrows tricks from five-star hotels: getting in touch before a stay by both e-mail and phone to take special requests (I asked for and received down pillows and a mini-fridge), calling guests by name. A post-stay e-mail seeks feedback and links to TripAdvisor, making it a snap to write that glowing review.
The vibe: The romantic Casablanca theme runs throughout, from ceiling fans in rooms to "Rick's Café" lounge and "Shh We are in hiding" do-not-disturb cards bearing images of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The majority of guests are couples, Gutman says.
The deal: The hotel website has calendars showing lowest rates. I paid $237.30, plus $38.52 tax, in advance for a January weeknight. Prices are shaved if you prepay and get a non-refundable rate. The website also has a "hot dates" list, showing nights with low rates. TripAdvisor members get a discount.
Information: 888-922-7225; casablancahotel.com
— Kitty Bean Yancey
Washington: Hotel Palomar
Vital statistics: The 335-room hotel is close to Dupont Circle on P Street, a few miles from the National Mall. It opened in 2006 in a building that formerly housed a Radisson Hotel.
Why it's No. 1: The hotel has been No. 1 on TripAdvisor's Washington rankings since November, outpacing more venerable and luxurious hotels in a city full of venerable and luxurious hotels. As recent guest John Reifenberg put it upon learning of the Palomar's No. 1 status: "You're kidding. I mean, it's well-decorated. The service is good. It's a nice place. But No. 1 in all of Washington?"
General manager Barry Pollard attributes the top ranking to consistent good service. "If you read the TripAdvisor reviews, a recurring theme is about how well people are treated," he says.
Interestingly, six of the top 14 TripAdvisor hotels in Washington are operated by Kimpton, outranking the historic Hay-Adams (No. 11), the luxury Mandarin Oriental (No. 39), and two Ritz-Carltons (Nos. 35 and 36).
Could part of Kimpton's popularity on TripAdvisor be because the boutique chain happens to attract guests who tend to be avid online reviewers? TripAdvisor spokesman Brooke Ferencsik says he has never considered that hypothesis. But Pollard says that might be a factor. (And employees do sometimes encourage satisfied guests to submit a review, something TripAdvisor endorses.) "But I have to give credit to the staff and their level of service," he adds.
The vibe: Contemporary, artsy and relaxed.
Special touches: A complimentary wine hour (a signature Kimpton amenity) convenes daily around the lobby's double-sided gas fireplace. The outdoor pool (open seasonally) is a popular retreat. Pets are welcome.
The deal: Published rates start about $175 for weekends and in the mid-$200s for weekdays, depending on occupancy. My Saturday night rate was $159, plus tax, for a standard room. I was offered a standby upgrade, from $15 for an executive king room to $60 for a one-bedroom suite. I got the spacious (520 square feet) executive king, almost twice the size of a basic room and well worth the extra $15.
Information: 202-448-1800; hotelpalomar-dc.com
— Jayne Clark