When the American president travel, only the very best will do – especially when it comes to hotels. Privacy, luxury and impeccable service are just some of the necessary qualities hotels must offer if they’re to host one of the most powerful people in the world (why do you think they’re called Presidential Suites?). Here is our list of U.S. President’s 10 favourite hotels from around the world.
, Honolulu, Hawaii This Honolulu hotel has hosted every president from Lyndon B. Johnson to George W. Bush in its 1500-square-foot Presidential Suite. The most expensive hotel in the world when it opened in 1964, this 338-room is very popular among high society, with other notable guests including Elizabeth Taylor, the Dali Lama, Michael Jackson and the Rolling Stones.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort is located on the island of Oahu, ten minutes from Waikiki, snuggled among exotic gardens complete with a waterfall and a lagoon that is home to Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and tropical fish.
Frequent guest Ronald Reagan used to stay in Bungalow Five of this southern California hotel’s 12 bungalows. While in office, he also held a number of press conferences here.
This 5-star oceanfront resort is set among 22 acres of jungle and gardens, 4 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. Built in a colonial Spanish style, the hotels features two restaurants, a poolside cafe/bar, a cocktail lounge, two pools, three tennis courts and a spa.
This 90-year-old New York hotel has served as the residence of the past two Democratic presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. In fact, Clinton made the hotel his headquarters during his presidential campaign in 1996.
Following an extensive $180-million renovation earlier this year, the 5-star InterContinental New York Barclay now features 702 rooms and suites, a gin bar, club lounge, 15,000 square feet of event space and a gym. The hotel’s Presidential Suite spans 3,600 square feet, boasting a marble entrance, private fitness room, library, office and a baby grand piano.
Dwight D. Eisenhower stayed at the iconic Dorchester in 1942, commandeering a first-floor suite (104/105) which is now named the Eisenhower Suite. Due to its construction with reinforced concrete, the 5-star hotel was thought to be one of the safest buildings in London. It also claims to have the deepest baths in the capital, made of Italian marble, of course.
Located in Mayfair, The Dorchester opened in 1931 and still retains its original charm despite being modernised. Guests staying in the glamorous hotel can relax in the spa, enjoy Michelin-starred dining, or indulge in an award-winning afternoon tea.
, Seattle A number of presidents have stayed at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, including Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The hotel’s Presidential Suite, now known as the Cascade Suite, features two bedrooms, a spacious parlour with fireplace, and an elegant dining room. The hotel also boasts one of Seattle’s oldest oyster bars, Shuckers, as well as the impressive French-inspired The Georgian.
, Vietnam Bill Clinton is just one of many world leaders who have checked in at the Sofitel Hotel Metropole Hanoi, joining the likes of Vladimir Putin and Fidel Castro. Clinton stayed in the 750-square-foot Charlie Chaplin Suite on the third floor of the historic Metropole Wing, known for its well-preserved French colonial decor.
Located in the heart of Hanoi, the 5-star hotel offers 364 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, seven function rooms, a spa and swimming pool.
, California A favourite of Ronald Reagan and his wife, the Spanish hacienda-style Ojai Valley Inn dates to 1934. Located just outside Santa Barbara, it has also played host to Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, who stayed at the oasis-like hotel when it hosted the U.S. – Japan Leadership Council meeting in 1990.
Set among mountains, oaks and a pristine golf course, the luxury resort offers several restaurants and bars, including signature restaurant Olivella and Vine, as well as an elegant spa and pool.
, Los Cabos This upscale 57-room resort played a big part in the G-20 Mexico Summit in June, 2012, as it was the official accommodation of the entire U.S. delegation (including President Obama and Hillary Clinton) during the meetings.
With a convenient beachfront location, the resort offers 57 chic rooms, suites and villas, many with stunning ocean views. The hotel also features a gym, a seafood restaurant, a bar/lounge, spa, infinity pool and a hot tub.
A long time favourite of the rich and famous, notable guests of the Hotel Adlon Kempinski include Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, Henry Ford, John D Rockerfeller and Queen Elizabeth II. It was also the residence of choice for Barack Obama when he passed through Berlin on his campaign trail in 2008.
Located on Pariser Platz, this most famous of German hotels is adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate and only a 3-minute walk from the Berlin Wall. Its luxurious rooms feature marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and minibars, whilst suites also include kitchens, separate dining/living areas, Jacuzzis, fireplaces and city views. Additional amenities include three restaurants, a spa, gym, bar and lounge.
Dublin’s finest and most exclusive hotel, The Merrion was home to Barack and Michelle Obama when they visited the Irish capital in 2011. Barack was even taught “is féidir linn” (“yes we can” in Irish) by one off the 5-star hotel’s receptionists.
During his stay, The President booked all 142 rooms in order to accommodate his entourage. He and Michelle stayed in the 204 square metre penthouse suite at Mornington House, one of the four Georgian townhouses that comprise this hotel.
Follow in the footsteps of some of the most powerful world-leaders by staying in the Presidential Suite at one of these stunning hotels.
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