Hospitality tips

Certares, a private equity firm that invests in travel, said on Wednesday it had closed its first real estate hospitality fund, with $284 million of equity commitments.

I’ve been doing these best-of columns for several years now. In addition to highlighting interesting and innovative brands, experiences, and hoteliers, it serves as a barometer for the industry as a whole.

Ennismore, the hospitality company behind brands like 25hours Hotels, Mama Shelter, The Hoxton, Mondrian and SLS is trying something different. Instead of the traditional loyalty program where members earn and redeem points for their stay, it is launching, what it calls, a “dis-loyalty” program. It operates with a paid membership model, which in turn can offer cost savings at hotels and restaurants within its network.

“It’s been a heck of a ride so far,” says John Kiesendahl as he sits in his office overlooking Lake Teedyuskung, the epicenter of Woodloch Pines Resort. “In 1958 my parents who were originally from Long Island purchased 12 acres of land here along with a lodge, annex and two cottages. The rest is history.”

New Delhi is India’s vibrant, multi-faceted capital. The city is a part of the larger Delhi region and serves as the seat of all three branches of the Government of India. The sprawling metropolis known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and is home to several beautiful parks and gardens, like the Lodhi Gardens and the Mughal-era garden Shalimar Bagh. It’s also famous for its bustling markets and numerous monuments, such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Planning a trip, especially a first trip to India, can feel like a mammoth job, and making sure you have a comfortable place to stay on arrival in New Delhi is one of the most important factors. It’s even worth siphoning off a portion of your budget to go towards staying somewhere a little more splashy. After a long flight and the sensory overload of the city, having luxury accommodations, first-class facilities and service to match is priceless. Here’s a reliable selection of New Delhi hotels famed for their traditional (and exceptional) Indian hospitality from world-renowned brands like Oberoi and Taj Hotels and Shangri-La.

Whether you’re planning to visit Austin for the music, the food, the outdoor activities, or the welcoming hospitality of Austinites, Texas’ capital has a superb range of accommodation options to choose from. Hotels here are as diverse and warmhearted as the city itself. From luxury high-rise properties with sweeping city views in downtown to charming boutique accommodations in hip neighborhoods like East Austin or South Congress, there’s something to suit all. Airbnbs in Austin include some of the best in the state and offer groups space and the comforts of a home. But if you’d prefer the amenities and service of a hotel, here are the top Austin hotels ranked exceptional for service, location, amenities, and character.