The holiday season is here, and New York City is a aglow with festiveness at every turn. The Rockettes perform their iconic show at the Radio City Music Hall, while steps away is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree illuminating the city and the ice skaters below. The department store windows are decorated with storybook scenes and the latest trends, while shoppers inside seek the perfect gifts to everyone on their list. 

In this edition of Destination Spotlight, we've gathered insider information and recommendations from Luxury Travel Intelligence, a site offering details for the well-informed luxury traveler. For timeless French cuisine Luxury Travel Intelligence recommends Boucherie Union Square, while Casa Apicii in Greenwich Village is a notable new addition serving Italian with a touch of California. Nobu Downtown has a 13-seat sushi bar with omakase and osusume menus, and the restaurant's signature dishes include "black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeño and rock shrimp tempura are all on the menu, as are new dishes like short ribs with jalapeño salsa and bigeye tuna tataki with eryngii mushrooms and Holland hot peppers."

Ready for a holiday trip to New York City?

Here are 5 Top New York City Luxury Hotels:

5. Lotte New York Palace

Overlooking St. Patrick's Cathedral, Lotte New York Palace is a landmark hotel on the corner of 50th and Madison. For dining, the Villard House is the destination for New American fare within an elegantly-restored palazzo, and Pomme Palais provides the feel of a Parisian pastry shop. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include a full breakfast for two daily available in Villard Restaurant or Pomme Palais Bakery or through in-room dining (up to $100 credit per room per day inclusive of taxes and gratuity), a $100 spa credit once during stay (not applicable to products), complimentary WiFi, and a welcome card.

Book a stay at Lotte New York Palace

4. The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

Nestled in lower Manhattan within a historic building dating back to 1883, The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel opened following a complete overhaul of the space. Guest rooms and suites within the landmark structure have bespoke and vintage furnishings, high ceilings, aged oak floors, and craft cocktail tables. Luxury Travel Insider remarked, "We love the spacious marble bathrooms with rain showers. The ground level has a lobby bar and two restaurants from Tom Colicchio and Keith McNally. The nine-story central atrium, which includes Victorian cast iron banisters and pyramidal skylight, is a real stand-out feature to this hotel."

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include continental breakfast for two daily in Tom Colicchio's Temple Court, a $50 food and beverage credit per room/per stay (no cash value), and a $50 minibar credit per room/per stay (no cash value).

Book a stay at The Beekman

3. The Lowell

Steps from the fashion houses of Madison Avenue and the shops along Fifth Avenue, The Lowell offers timeless elegance in the Upper East Side. The property's newest dining additions are overseen by legendary restauranteur Charles Masson, The Club Room is a sophisticated retreat, and the Pembroke Room serves a beloved breakfast and afternoon tea.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the “5 Star Signature Package” rate will also receive full breakfast for two daily in The Pembroke Room (also available through room service), a $100 food and beverage credit, per room/per stay, and a seasonal welcome amenity. 

Book a stay at The Lowell

2. The Plaza Hotel

Set at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza Hotel is a legendary hotel offering the finest services and amenities. Completely revitalized, the property's guest rooms and suites have French decor and Louis XV styling, iPads to customize room environment and contact guest services, plus white-glove butler service. The Palm Court is an iconic destination for afternoon tea, while other culinary destinations include The Todd English Food Hall, The Rose Club, and The Champagne Bar.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Rack Rate" will also include continental breakfast for two daily and a $100 food and beverage credit once during stay.

Book a stay at The Plaza Hotel

1. Baccarat Hotel

Featuring a blend of modern Manhattan design and classic French hôtel particulier, the Baccarat Hotel provides an ideal location across the street from the Museum of Modern Art, just a short stroll from Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue. Luxury Travel Intelligence says "After a few false starts, Paris finally comes to New York". Designed by the esteemed French design team of Gilles & Boissier, there's a private art collection including works from the 18th century to modern day, and the bar is a chic spot for cocktails amidst the glow of Baccarat chandeliers. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include continental breakfast for two daily, a $50 food and beverage credit, a $50 spa credit at Spa de la Mer per room/per stay (no cash value), and $100 to be applied towards dining at 2 Michelin Star Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant in Bryant Park, per room, per stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full).

Book a stay at the Baccarat Hotel

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Love art, history, food, and sea breezes? In our latest Featured Journeys we are heading to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Our adventure begins in Barcelona where artists have created awe-inspiring spires and works of art. Then we venture to Provence to the port city of Marseille for history and waterside culture. Last but not least, we finish our multi-destination itinerary in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where the glitterati venture for the Grand Prix. 

Barcelona, Spain

An intersection of cultures for more than 2,000 years, Barcelona is the autonomous capital of Catalunya. While it is located in Spain, the city is Catalonian in every way from its beachside cafes to the medieval streets of the Barri Gotic. Visionary artists have influenced the style of the city from Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia to the Picasso Museum. Foodies and gourmands flock to La Boqueria Market for goat chees, seafood bars, olives, and Iberian ham. Park Guell is a sprawling outdoor green space filled with sculpted greenery, and the tree-lined La Rambla leads down charming alleyways to the Santa Maria del Mar church. Ready to relax? Barceloneta Beach is the destination for locals and tourists alike. 

Neri Hotel

Situated right beside the city's Cathedral, the Neri Hotel is a chic and exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. A member of the Relais & Chateaux, the property occupies two historic buildings, including a Medieval Palace from the XII century. Featuring sophisticated design throughout, the property blends music and sensual aromas to create a one-of-a-kind retreat in this ancient area of central Barcelona, steps from Las Ramblas, la Boqueria market, and the Picasso Museum. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily, private transfer from the airport, and a welcome bottle of Spanish olive oil.

Book a stay at Neri Hotel

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Marseille, France

Dating back to classical Greece, Marseille is a multicultural port city where grandeur and grit blend together. Named the European Capital of Culture in 2013, the city has welcomed world-class museums in recent years. Vieux Port (old port) is the heart of the city where yachts and pleasure boats set the scene. The Cathedrale de Marseille Notre Dame de la Major is the center of the Joliette neighborhood, and the Republique quarter is the destination for Haussmannian architecture and stylish boutiques. 

InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu

The historic InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu is an iconic landmark property offering commanding views of the city of Marseille, Vieux-Port, and the iconic Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. Designed by Mansart's nephew, the property is ideally situated at the gateway to Provence with 194 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, grand outdoor terrace, and a 10,000-square foot Spa by Clarins. Guests of the hotel can bear witness to the property's impressive historic via its majestic staircases, vaulted passages, French gardens, and terraces. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK:  Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily in Les Fenetres, a 50 EUR food and beverage credit in Les Fenetres per room/per stay, (or for stays in 2020, an 85 Euro or $100 USD hotel credit per person/per stay – not valid for Alcyone Michelin Star Restaurant, Spa by Clarins and Conciergerie), complimentary WiFi, access to the Clarins Spa facilities and an automatic room category upgrade to a Seaview room at booking, based on availability. With a stay of three (3) nights or more, guests also receive a bottle of Champagne.

Book a stay at InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu

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Monte Carlo, Monaco

Surrounded by France on three sides and the Mediterranean on the fourth, the city-state of Monaco is home to the world's greatest number of billionaires per capita. A haven for celebrities and high-rollers for centuries, most of Monaco's revenue comes from banking, tourism, and gambling. The world's second-smallest country is just 200 hectares, and it is home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix. Monte Carlo is dominated by glass and concrete, with high-rise hotels and super yachts along its meandering streets.

Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Situated a stone's throw from the famous Casino Square, Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo provides carefree elegance. Located in the heart of Monaco, this historic palace hotel combines tradition with contemporary comforts and offers guests extravagance at its finest. There are three restaurants and bars, including  one-starred Michelin Le Vistamar restaurant, to experience “la dolce vita à la Rivera” with Grand Cru wines, plus a wellness center with a heated seawater pool and fitness center with panoramic views. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive daily buffet breakfast for two at Eiffel Mezzanine, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per room/per stay (excluding the minibar), the Cercle Monte Carlo Card with added special privileges, complimentary WiFi, and a VIP welcome.

Book a stay at Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

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Blending art, culture, heritage, and creativity, Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo is a luxury hotel set within a former prison, just around the corner from the Grand Palace. Set amidst cobbled streets, the hotel's historic architecture is accented by the latest in modern comforts, providing guests with a range of chic rooms and suites with views of either the Grand Palace or the rooftops of Brussels. Learn more about the hotel and an exclusive Five Star Alliance Perk below the photo.

Offering a central location in the city's Old Town, the hotel makes an ideal base for exploring historic and cultural sights, European Parliament, and the financial district. Brussels is a destination for world-class contemporary art, and guests of the hotel can enjoy the property's extensive on-site collection of artwork including original Magritte lithographs, prints of Herge’s enduring classic, Tintin, and pieces by Goossens, Moulinsart, and Broodthaers. Read more below the photo.

For dining, Ristorante Bocconi provides a menu showcases fine Italian cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. While the glamorous Bar A serves cocktails in a candlelit atmospere with live music. Learn about an exclusive Five Star Alliance Perk below the restaurant photo.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for two daily at Ristorante Bocconi, and an 85 Euro food and beverage credit per room/per stay.

Check availability at Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo

Set along the Danube, Budapest offers a sophisticated setting steeped in history with a thriving nightlife scene. Featuring Hapsburg architecture throughout the city, visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the Hungarian State Opera house, Royal Palace, and the grand boulevards. 

Travelers will want to visit the Castle District, home to the Royal Palace and the gothic Matthias Church. Heroes Square is a spot known for frescoes and Old Master paintings, and the City Park provides a lake-dotted green respite in the city. 

Due to an array of hot springs, locals and travelers having been "taking to the waters" since the Romans first arrived. Today, travelers can choose from a variety of bathhouses reflecting various styles from art nouveau like Széchenyi to the Turkish-style Rudas. 

While foodies will have plenty to discover in Budapest as well. The flavors of Eastern and Central Europe combine to create a cusine of its own, which pairs well with Hungary's fine wines ranging from Eger's reds to Somló’s crisp whites. 

History enthusiasts will find remnants of the past throughout Budapest including the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, and the House of Terror that is now a museum detailing the stories of the parties that ruled Budapest. While evidence of bullet holes and shrapnel pockmarks remind visitors of the past.

Here are 5 Top Budapest Luxury Hotels:

5. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Featuring a landmark setting along the Danube, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is a luxury hotel blending historic grandeur with a youthful spirit and Four Seasons hospitality. The restored palace has an ornate Preciosa chandelier, dramatic stairways, and two million mosaic tiles. The spa pays homage to Budapest's heritage in wellness, and named after the Hungarian word for collage, Kollazs is a contemporary European brasserie serving contemporary interpretations of European classics. 

Book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

4. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Comprised of 351 rooms and suites, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is located a short walk from the Danube River. The property offers culinary attractions within its Gastronomic Quarter Downtown Budapest, including two restaurants, two bars, a coffeehouse, and a deli. Close to the city's main attractions, the hotel has Kempinski The Spa for a variety of treatments, along with ten meeting and event venues. 

Book a stay at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

Blending modern luxury with a touch of tradition, The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest is a luxury hotel set within a 20th century heritage building. Located a short stroll from St. Stephen's Basilica, Erzsébet Square, and the River Danube, the hotel offers residential-style accommodations, a European spa, and Hungarian-infused cuisine at Deák St. Kitchen. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for two daily, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per room/per stay to be used in Kupola Lounge, Kupola Bar, Deak St. Kitchen, or via room service, and one bottle of mineral water daily per person.

Book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

2. Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Opened in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest is a grand hotel blending the highest standards of contemporary luxury with the glamour of a bygone age with marble floors, a six-story atrium, glimmering chandeliers, and a ballroom. Plus, The Royal Spa has been fully remodeled with the finest modern treatments and services, as well as a 15-meter swimming pool.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily at Brasserie and Atrium Restaurant, a complimentary one-way transfer between the hotel and the Budapest Airport, and a personalized welcome in-room water and fruit amenity.

Book a stay at Corinthia Hotel Budapest

1. Aria Hotel Budapest

Blending a lavish palace with the feel of a private residence, Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury hotel infused with a music theme. The glass-enclosed Music Garden is set within a climate-controlled courtyard with piano key floor tiles, LED imaging screen, and sophisticated atmosphere. Accommodations are located within four wings dedicated to the major genres of Classical, Opera, Contemporary, and Jazz. While the High Note SkyBar is a full-service rooftop garden with landscaping, dining, cocktails, sunbathing, and one-of-a-kind views of the Basilica and historic city. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for two daily in Music Garden/Stradivari Restaurant, an EUR 80 SPA credit, per room/per stay, and a welcome fruit plate and chocolate amenity.

Book a stay at Aria Hotel Budapest

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