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Hotels Above Par An expert-curated guide with under-two-minute articles designed for the hip traveler who is short on time.

Follow us on Instagram at , and be sure to check out our website. Conceptualized by boutique hotel pundit and enthusiast, Brandon Berkson, Hotels Above Par is an expert-curated guide with under-two-minute articles designed for the hip traveler who is short on time. The guide has garnered a strong community of hotel and travel lovers, who use it for a variety of reasons, including as

a source of inspiration for future trips, as well as a place to celebrate and support hotels. Since its inception in April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, Berkson has significantly grown the guide’s following. Its success has seen content expand past hotels to restaurants, destinations, and other travel-related topics. Every story encompasses Berkson’s vision: A look into the coolest, unique, trendy, and boutique-oriented hotels and experiences across the world, which can be read in less time than it takes to brush your teeth. With Hotels Above Par’s rapid growth, Berkson has selected top-line, travel-expert journalists to write articles, each one bringing a new perspective and form of punditry to the guide. When asked about what’s to come, Berkson will tell you, “this is just the beginning.”

So, with that, we invite you to come explore the world’s hottest and unique hotels, destinations, restaurants, and travel experiences with us.

From an artsy Pisces to the worldly Sagittarius, zodiac signs give us signs of the type of people and travelers we are. ...
01/11/2024

From an artsy Pisces to the worldly Sagittarius, zodiac signs give us signs of the type of people and travelers we are. Spontaneous plans or thoroughly planned itineraries are a trait in all of us, which translates to what we pack and how we choose to pack. Below, we share what your zodiac sign says about the type of suitcase you travel with.

From an artsy Pisces to the worldly Sagittarius, zodiac signs give us signs of the type of people and travelers we are. Spontaneous plans or thoroughly planned itineraries are a trait in all of us, which translates to what we pack and how we choose to pack. Below, we share what your zodiac sign says...

At first glance, the Populus Hotel’s striking white-holed façade might leave you pondering its unusual shape. Some liken...
01/11/2024

At first glance, the Populus Hotel’s striking white-holed façade might leave you pondering its unusual shape. Some liken it to a cheese grater, while others see a chorus of singing mouths imprinted on its exterior. These interpretations may spark a chuckle or a sigh of relief for those who, like you, find it hard to pinpoint what the structure evokes. However, the vision behind this architectural marvel is far more inspiring: Studio Gang intends this building to resemble the scar of an Aspen tree, embodying the essence of Denver’s rugged beauty.

Credit: Yoshihiro Makino At first glance, the Populus Hotel's striking white-holed façade might leave you pondering its unusual shape. Some liken it to a cheese grater, while others see a chorus of singing mouths imprinted on its exterior. These interpretations may spark a chuckle or a sigh of reli...

Kinraden just dropped a fine jewelry collection inspired by one of the most exquisite burial grounds in the world. This ...
01/11/2024

Kinraden just dropped a fine jewelry collection inspired by one of the most exquisite burial grounds in the world. This Halloween and beyond, Kinraden’s Eternal Echoes line pays homage to Tomba Brion in San Vito d’Altivole near Treviso, Italy. Now, the 20th-century Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa’s form and magnificence come alive from pure recycled gold and silver through the lens of the architect, founder, and fine jewelry designer Sarah Müllertz.

Kinraden just dropped a fine jewelry collection inspired by one of the most exquisite burial grounds in the world. This Halloween and beyond, Kinraden’s Eternal Echoes line pays homage to Tomba Brion in San Vito d'Altivole near Treviso, Italy. Now, the 20th-century Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa....

For many people who grew up in New England, Maine conjures sweet memories of summer family trips. Even if you’ve never b...
01/11/2024

For many people who grew up in New England, Maine conjures sweet memories of summer family trips. Even if you’ve never been to the Pine Tree State, its rocky coastline, striped lighthouses, seafood shacks, and friendly locals still have the power to evoke nostalgia.

Credit: Katie Nielson For many people who grew up in New England, Maine conjures sweet memories of summer family trips. Even if you’ve never been to the Pine Tree State, its rocky coastline, striped lighthouses, seafood shacks, and friendly locals still have the power to evoke nostalgia.  Credit:...

The Hoxton, Downtown LA, is nothing short of fabulous. The hotel, which is located at 1060 S Broadway, is marked by its ...
01/11/2024

The Hoxton, Downtown LA, is nothing short of fabulous.
The hotel, which is located at 1060 S Broadway, is marked by its retro undertones. Its muted yet rich decor palette, with mauve, tan, and forest green accents, is very aesthetically pleasing.
The 174-room property where luxury meets comfort opened just half a decade ago in 2019 but has a long history. The Beaux Arts building is more than a century old. It first stood complete in 1922—and it didn’t start off as a hotel. It was initially the Los Angeles Railway Building, housing the L.A. Railway Authority. It was also occupied by a candy shop and a garment manufacturer, among others.

The Hoxton, Downtown LA, is nothing short of fabulous.  The hotel, which is located at 1060 S Broadway, is marked by its retro undertones. Its muted yet rich decor palette, with mauve, tan, and forest green accents, is very aesthetically pleasing.  The 174-room property where luxury meets comfort ...

Ludlow House, the Lower East Side location of the international social club Soho House, has a new restaurant concept in ...
01/11/2024

Ludlow House, the Lower East Side location of the international social club Soho House, has a new restaurant concept in its iconic garden. Brasserie Boheme is the Stateside incarnation of Cafe Boheme, a classic French late-night spot in the Soho neighborhood of London. After its recent opening, I visited the new Ludlow Street restaurant and was treated to un petit voyage to the Left Bank.
The restaurant is available to Ludlow House members and guests, and though it takes reservations, walk-ins are welcome and generally accommodated. Diners must check in with the club staff at the front desk and make their way past the dimly lit house bar and seating area, where you’ll find young entrepreneurs clacking away at computers at any time of day and night, as well as edgy-looking creatives mingling over craft cocktails.

Ludlow House, the Lower East Side location of the international social club Soho House, has a new restaurant concept in its iconic garden. Brasserie Boheme is the Stateside incarnation of Cafe Boheme, a classic French late-night spot in the Soho neighborhood of London. After its recent opening, I vi...

Occupying a muted coral-pink edifice building nestled beside South Beach’s iconic Española Way, it’s hard to believe tha...
01/11/2024

Occupying a muted coral-pink edifice building nestled beside South Beach’s iconic Española Way, it’s hard to believe that one of Miami’s chicest boutique hotels quietly resides next to this bustling pedestrian plaza—where restaurants and bars host night-goers from dusk till dawn.

Credit: Jen Castro Occupying a muted coral-pink edifice building nestled beside South Beach’s iconic Española Way, it’s hard to believe that one of Miami’s chicest boutique hotels quietly resides next to this bustling pedestrian plaza—where restaurants and bars host night-goers from dusk ti...

Fishtown often draws comparisons to Brooklyn. But Philly’s hippest hood is distinct with personality and eclectic charm ...
01/11/2024

Fishtown often draws comparisons to Brooklyn. But Philly’s hippest hood is distinct with personality and eclectic charm all its own. The newest addition to the area, Hotel Anna & Bel further proves its exciting evolution.
Located at the intersection of Susquehanna Avenue and Belgrade Street (hence the name Anna & Bel), the property occupies a building that was originally an asylum for unmarried and single women back in the 1850s. An homage to its past life, the reimagined 50-key hotel celebrates female creativity in a place that used to confine it.

Fishtown often draws comparisons to Brooklyn. But Philly’s hippest hood is distinct with personality and eclectic charm all its own. The newest addition to the area, Hotel Anna & Bel further proves its exciting evolution.  Located at the intersection of Susquehanna Avenue and Belgrade Street (hen...

In celebration of The Setai’s 20th anniversary as Miami Beach’s premier luxury hotel, the property has introduced Japón,...
01/11/2024

In celebration of The Setai’s 20th anniversary as Miami Beach’s premier luxury hotel, the property has introduced Japón, a crown jewel in its dining portfolio, alongside the renowned South Asian Jaya and Mediterranean-inspired Ocean Grill. This newly opened restaurant pays homage to Japanese gastronomy through its motifs and cuisine, with an avant-garde high-end dining experience curated by Saladino Design Studios.
A striking torii gate—symbolizing the passage into a spiritual realm—frames the entrance from the hotel’s lush moss-and-mural enveloped courtyard, where guests dine among palm trees and a stunning water feature. Entering through a quieter front entrance beside The Setai’s pearl-tiled lobby bar, guests are greeted by a majestic mosaic of the “Tsuru” crane—a revered symbol of happiness and good fortune. The hostess, wearing a beautiful silk kimono, guides you to your table.

Set the scene. In celebration of The Setai’s 20th anniversary as Miami Beach’s premier luxury hotel, the property has introduced Japón, a crown jewel in its dining portfolio, alongside the renowned South Asian Jaya and Mediterranean-inspired Ocean Grill. This newly opened restaurant pays homage...

Just 90 minutes outside of bustling Charleston, South Carolina, lies a small town by the name of Beaufort. Be warned, it...
01/11/2024

Just 90 minutes outside of bustling Charleston, South Carolina, lies a small town by the name of Beaufort. Be warned, it’s pronounced Bew-fort; say “Bow-fort,” and folks will know immediately that you’re not from these parts (especially since “Bow-fort” is how the Beaufort in North Carolina is pronounced). But even if you commit this cardinal sin, the unfailing southern hospitality of this classic low country town won’t flinch—especially at the stunningly renovated Cuthbert House.

Credit: Cuthbert House Just 90 minutes outside of bustling Charleston, South Carolina, lies a small town by the name of Beaufort. Be warned, it’s pronounced Bew-fort; say “Bow-fort,” and folks will know immediately that you’re not from these parts (especially since “Bow-fort” is how the ...

The Alchemix sets the bar for an cocktail in Barcelona. For the epicurean and adventurous, the modern speakeasy’s cock...
01/11/2024

The Alchemix sets the bar for an cocktail in Barcelona. For the epicurean and adventurous, the modern speakeasy’s cocktail menu features a White Truffle Pisco Sour, a secret cocktail unveiled with invisible ink and preparation, Beetroot Negroni, custom-created mocktails, and more. Between the atmosphere, service, and sultry decor, this award-winning gastro-cocktail bar meets prohibition-era hidden hot spot is a must.

The Alchemix sets the bar for an cocktail in Barcelona. For the epicurean and adventurous, the modern speakeasy’s cocktail menu features a White Truffle Pisco Sour, a secret cocktail unveiled with invisible ink and preparation, Beetroot Negroni, custom-created mocktails, and mo...

When you tell people you’re heading to Miami Beach for the weekend and follow it up with, “I’m staying at The Setai,” yo...
01/11/2024

When you tell people you’re heading to Miami Beach for the weekend and follow it up with, “I’m staying at The Setai,” you can almost always expect an approving smile or an ‘ooh-ahh.’ That’s the effect this legendary hotel, celebrating 20 years in South Beach, has on anyone who has stayed, dined, or even just walked past its iconic doors.
Housed in a landmark Art Deco building on Collins Avenue, history runs deep in The Setai’s grand lobby. Established initially as the Dempsey-Vanderbilt Hotel in 1936 and designed by Henry Hohauser, its extensive 2004 renovation didn’t diminish its historic charm. Instead, it enhanced the Bauhaus-meets-Oriental flair, ultimately elevating the hotel to Leading Hotels of the World status.

When you tell people you’re heading to Miami Beach for the weekend and follow it up with, “I’m staying at The Setai,” you can almost always expect an approving smile or an 'ooh-ahh.' That’s the effect this legendary hotel, celebrating 20 years in South Beach, has on anyone who has stayed, ...

Childhood dreams of living in castles and frolicking in gardens followed me into adulthood. While we may not be royalty,...
01/11/2024

Childhood dreams of living in castles and frolicking in gardens followed me into adulthood. While we may not be royalty, staying in a castle is still within reach. For a luxurious vacation, castle hotels offer a magical experience—complete with horseback riding, archery, and fairytale views. From rustic estates to grand castles that even inspired Disney, we’ve rounded up eight of the most beautiful castle hotels worldwide.

Childhood dreams of living in castles and frolicking in gardens followed me into adulthood. While we may not be royalty, staying in a castle is still within reach. For a luxurious vacation, castle hotels offer a magical experience—complete with horseback riding, archery, and fairytale views. From ...

For most hotels, the promise of a home away from home rings a bit hollow—after all, for most hotels, a room is a respite...
01/11/2024

For most hotels, the promise of a home away from home rings a bit hollow—after all, for most hotels, a room is a respite from the familiar surroundings of your everyday zip code. But at The Docent’s Collection in Portland, Maine, you’ll find not only an escape from your tried and true, but more importantly, a place that you could call home whether for a couple of days, a couple of weeks, or even a couple of months.
This curated collection of private, luxury lofts designed both for short- and long-term stays has redefined the entire category of temporary lodging, whether for business travelers, families, or even locals looking for a staycation. With open floor plans, high ceilings, and custom furnishings, the lofts in the Docent’s Collection are the pied-a-terres of your dreams.

For most hotels, the promise of a home away from home rings a bit hollow—after all, for most hotels, a room is a respite from the familiar surroundings of your everyday zip code. But at The Docent’s Collection in Portland, Maine, you’ll find not only an escape from your tried and true, but...

Hotels Above Par Founder Brandon Berkson here. There’s no city like Berlin. You tour its nefarious, poignant historical ...
01/11/2024

Hotels Above Par Founder Brandon Berkson here. There’s no city like Berlin. You tour its nefarious, poignant historical vestiges during the day, then by night, you dance until morning at its famous techno clubs. An abundance of trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique hotels now populate its streets. Repurposed institutions give you goosebumps, from erstwhile Stasi headquarters that are now interactive museums to recreational parks that used to be N**i training grounds (and, in one case, a former airport for the tainted cause). The resilient city now brims with a free-spirited ethos, a confounding, ironic personality trait that juxtaposes the authoritarian intolerance for which it was most known last century. Anyway, it’s a heavy yet lively place with skeletons in the closet—and that’s probably what fascinates me so much about it. So, without further ado, here’s my pocket guide to Berlin.

Hotels Above Par Founder Brandon Berkson here. There’s no city like Berlin. You tour its nefarious, poignant historical vestiges during the day, then by night, you dance until morning at its famous techno clubs. An abundance of trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique hotels now populate its...

Mediterranean design and local artistry just landed in the El Born Neighborhood of Barcelona. The newest Miiro hotel, Bo...
01/11/2024

Mediterranean design and local artistry just landed in the El Born Neighborhood of Barcelona. The newest Miiro hotel, Borneta, presents a modern fusion of culture and decor that extends from the cozy, open bar & restaurant through to the rooftop terrace. So, it’s time to book your next flight to Spain.

Mediterranean design and local artistry just landed in the El Born Neighborhood of Barcelona. The newest Miiro hotel, Borneta, presents a modern fusion of culture and decor that extends from the cozy, open bar & restaurant through to the rooftop terrace. So, it’s time to book your next flight to S...

Instead of heading slightly North to speedy yet far-from-scenic Highway 98, take the scenic route along the Gulf. That’s...
01/11/2024

Instead of heading slightly North to speedy yet far-from-scenic Highway 98, take the scenic route along the Gulf. That’s where you’ll find 30A, a 26-mile road that’s gone from sleepy to chic in the 50 years since it was finished being paved. Located right between Destin and Panama City, 30A has been deemed “the Hamptons of the South.” After spending a couple of nights at The Court in Seaside, Florida, we can see why.
There are 16 neighborhoods that line 30A, each with its own distinct vibe. In contrast to Grecian Alys Beach and Alpine-esque Rosemary Beach, you might recognize Seaside as the set of 1998’s The Truman Show. Its pastel homes cheerily greet passersby with signs with not only the house number, but also the family name and the monikers of all of the pets who live there.

Instead of heading slightly North to speedy yet far-from-scenic Highway 98, take the scenic route along the Gulf. That’s where you’ll find 30A, a 26-mile road that’s gone from sleepy to chic in the 50 years since it was finished being paved. Located right between Destin and Panama City, 30A ha...

The dilemma with a carry-on is mind-boggling for most. Though convenient as we simply exit the airport with calm minds k...
01/11/2024

The dilemma with a carry-on is mind-boggling for most. Though convenient as we simply exit the airport with calm minds knowing that we have everything, the question is do we really have everything? Every over-packer thinks, “I’m definitely going to wear that at some point, ” and heads straight towards a checked bag, never wearing that one garment. After years of experience, countless sessions of web surfing ways to pack a carry-on, and some secret tips shared between friends, below we share the absolute essentials to pack in a carry-on.

The dilemma with a carry-on is mind-boggling for most. Though convenient as we simply exit the airport with calm minds knowing that we have everything, the question is do we really have everything? Every over-packer thinks, “I’m definitely going to wear that at some point, " and heads straight t...

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The Story of Hotels Above Par

Conceptualized by young boutique hotel pundit, Brandon Berkson, Hotels Above Par is an Insta-guide — geared towards the hip, discerning traveler — which showcases and inspires hotel enthusiasts around the world. Amidst the travel industry’s decimation from the pandemic, Berkson, who has worked in hotels as well as in Travel PR in both Europe and the United States, created the guide to celebrate hotels around the world, as well as support them during a time when they need our love most. Having garnered a hotel enthusiast community of over 34,500 followers on Instagram in less than five months, Berkson has also started an IG Live series, “CheckingIn with Hotels Above Par,” which features discussions with influencers, hotels, and travel journalists — including ones who have written for Forbes, USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, ShermansTravel, POPSUGAR, DuJour, and Sunset. In addition to a weekly Hotels Above Par travel segment on leading Mexican network, Radio Formula (Baja California), Berkson, in September 2020, debuted HotelsAbovePar.com, which houses everything from the Instagram in an easy-to-access, streamlined fashion.