Unlike at its larger Heathrow sibling, the Gatwick airport hotel situation is easily-navigable, diverse in options, and fairly priced (relative to the rest of England). The only types of accommodations missing are at the ultra-high and ultra-low ends of the spectrum. Otherwise, do you want to feel like you are in the English country side? The Langshott Manor is your answer. Want a top business hotel walkable from the airport? The Hilton and Sofitel are there. What to sleep inside the airport itself? Check out the “cabins” at the Yotel. Want a relatively inexpensive and comfortable room with free wireless internet? Read on for our three excellent selections.

Overall Best Gatwick Airport Hotel:

Langshott Manor
It is a special airport hotel that can envelope its guests in the local atmosphere and make the airport seem a world away. And the Langshott Manor is a special airport hotel. Built on the framework of an 1850 Tudor house, the Langshott is the sort of fairy tale mansion that catches the eye when driving by on the road and makes one think “I wish I lived there!” Not that it is easy to see from the road; the Langshott sits on three acres of woods and sculpted gardens framed by herbaceous. Inside, the lobby feels Elizabethan, warmed visually by wood panels and physically by a fireplace. The rooms themselves tend to exert a more modern and sophisticated ambiance. Each of the 22 rooms are individual in design; none disappoint but we are especially partial to the elite Henry VII suite, and the Leeds bedroom (overlooking the croquet lawn). The one complaint that we, and some other guests, have is that the dinning experience feels a little snooty. But then this is an English manor. And there’s no complaint about the price — all of this luxury is yours for less than what you’d pay at one of the international chain hotels. (You’ll likely get a discount over the rack rate when you book through Airport Hotel Guru) . Request your free airport transfer when you book. In short: most highly recomended!

READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST GATWICK AIRPORT HOTELS

The Hotel & Resort Insider just released its list of the most happening London hotels. It is only natural that in a city where at every block old meets new, urban meets green gardens, and people of all nationalities and ethnicities are intertwined, that its hotels would also carry distinctive contradictions that make them both intriguing and a pleasure to stay at.

Of course, this level of sophistication and style comes with a hefty price tag, but a trip to London would not be complete with out either and it certainly pays to have excellent cuisine and posh lounges just down the elevator. Here’s some of the happening London hotels, from the HRI list and a few of our favorites as well…

Threadneedles: Attracting both business and leisure travelers alike, this hotel presents itself with a highly luxurious experience for both work and play, with detailed personal service and attention.

Haymarket Hotel: Décor to die for, this hip yet inviting hotel has specially designed guest areas including a library, conservatory and indoor pool. In London’s Theatre District, it’s close to many vibrant London areas.

Metropolitan: This is apparently the place to see and be seen, if that’s your scene. Home to the well-known Nobu restaurant, the hotel is pure modern luxury and service situated amongst a few of the most well known and high-end areas of London.

The Berkeley: Fancy meets family-friendly in this historic hotel that dates back to the 19th century and offers an array of services to make life traveling with children a luxury breeze.

Sanderson Hotel: This Morgan’s Hotel Group creation radiates hipness with colorful yet modern furniture displays and playful elements such as the giant red lips couch and the gorgeous pool table. 2 bars, a courtyard and more make Sanderson the place to stay and to play, in London.

Find Luxury Hotels in London at Perfect Escapees.

Find other Luxury Hip Hotels at Perfect Escapes.

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes

Just as frequent spa-goers could recite the vast differences between a hot stone massage and a deep tissue, so could they explain that destination spas and resort spas are two wonderful, but very different, spa experiences. Luckily, Perfect Escapes wants to ensure every luxury traveler gets exactly what he or she is looking for, so here is a rundown of the intricacies and delights of each type of spa experience…

Destination spas are destinations designed for guests who seek total immersion in a spa experience. They offer an adult environment where the emphasis is on getting and staying healthy. These spas are intended to be the destination and not simply an added bonus to a vacation. As such, destination spas offer guests a wide range of therapeutically oriented activities to keep them occupied. These activities are intended to help guests find inspiration and become energized among a like-minded community of participants. They equally balance spa treatments with health-building activities such as education and seminars, exercise routines, and meditation to create an overall sense of growth and inner peace.

Most destination spas include lodging, meals, programs and some spa treatments in their base rates. Guests average longer visits to a destination spa with stays commonly being five days to multiple weeks. Destination spas are a great way to address particular health issues or initiate a healthier lifestyle. While much time is spent looking inward, destination spas are also a good way to enjoy the company of a close friend or partner looking to achieve the same relaxation and rejuvenation goals.

Resort spas, on the other hand, are for those guests seeking to enjoy some spa treatments as part of their overall experience. They often offer a family environment and a full range of dining and recreational experiences in addition to the on-site spa, such as golf and tennis. These spas offer a great way to pamper oneself as part of a larger getaway and are for the less formal spa-goer. So if you want to work those muscles playing sports, expand your mind site-seeing or simply relax on the beach, a resort spa often has all those activities close at hand, and you can go back to the resort for a body treatment to heal from all those adventures.

Most resort spas offer spa packages that bundle room nights and spa treatments but most guests book spa treatments separately from their lodging. Either way, be sure to book spa treatments ahead of your stay as they are generally difficult to get last minute due to limited treatment rooms and staff.

Need further help deciding whether a destination spa or a resort spa is for you?
- Go to a destination spa to rid your body of toxins. Go to a resort spa to tie on a couple of intoxications.
- Go to a resort spa to dine on lamb chops dressed in lemongrass. Go to a destination spa to nibble on lettuce dressed in grass with lemon.
- Go to a destination spa OR a resort spa for a perfect escape.

Top Destination Spas
If you are looking for an ultimate spa getaway, then consider a trip to any of these twelve amazing spas whose focus is on personal wellness and growth.

Agua Spa at the Delano Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida
Amandari, Bali, Indonesia
Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany
Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
Canyon Ranch, Lenox, Massachusetts
Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas
Mii Amo at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
Miraval Resort, Tucson, Arizona
Plateau at Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong

Top Resort Spas
If you are looking to enjoy a terrific spa as part of a greater getaway, then consider staying at one of these twelve properties or go to Perfect Escapes for a list of great spas at many luxury hotel properties:

American Club, Kohler Waters Spa, Kohler, Wisconsin
Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara, California
Bathhouse at Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, California
Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, Carefree, Arizona
Esperanza, An Auberge Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Fairmont Banff Springs, Willow Stream Spa, Canada
Hotel Le Sirenuse, Aveda Concept Spa, Positano, Italy
One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, New York City
Spa Halekulani, Honolulu, Hawaii
Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand
Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Palazzo Las Vegas, Nevada

By Eric Jeck, CEO for Perfect Escapes

As our favorite holiday destinations come out from winter hibernation, so does the fun and excitement of a spring city escape. This week on our User Reviews Suite Life Blog Segment, Perfect Escapes brings you comments from guests who stayed at The Sutton Place Hotel, Chicago.

Since our launch of the user reviews application, Perfect Escapes has been overwhelmed with responses from people around the world sharing their unique hotel experiences. In this special blog segment, we take the chance to share some of the particularly thoughtful reviews with you in the hope that it will aid you in deciding where to stay on your next trip, and spur you to share your memorable experiences with us as well.

See what people had to say about their experience at The Sutton Place Hotel Chicago …

“Everything at the hotel met or exceeded our expectations. The room was very clean, the bathroom was amazing, and the location was right in the heart of all the action in downtown Chicago. It was walking distance to all of the shops on Michigan Ave. and all of the restaurants and night clubs on Rush Street. We would stay here again.” – Jesse from Madison, U.S.

And…

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Sutton Place Hotel. A great Location!!! Very quiet and really quite romantic. We were pleasantly surprised. All of this at a fair price.” – Dave from Hastings, U.S.

Remember, user reviews are open to anyone who has stayed at a Perfect Escapes-listed hotel or resort, no matter where you booked your trip.

To read more user reviews on your favorite luxury hotels, visit Perfect Escapes. Search by destination or for the specific hotel of your choice and then click on the “user reviews” tab on the hotel’s page.

See all Luxury Chicago Hotels offered on Perfect Escapes.

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes

Welcome to the latest edition of the “Three + Three” in which the Perfect Escapes Suite Life Blog brings you three great deals in three top destinations around the country. Published twice monthly, you can also get your 3 deals delivered directly to you by subscribing to our RSS feed.

This week’s 3 deals are exclusive Perfect Escapes offers that bring you the best deal in the most luxurious accommodations from New York City all the way across the States to Los Cabos, Mexico and San Francisco. As always, each deal comes with special amenities exclusively for Perfect Escapes guests. So pick your deal and your destination, and make your escape.

A Muse in Manhattan – The Muse New York

Inspired by its central Manhattan location, The Muse New York — like all Kimpton hotels — offers comfort with creativity, service with style, and logic with luxury. Book the A Muse in Manhattan exclusive offer and you’ll receive luxurious room accommodations as well as a bottle of champagne upon arrival.

Plus, book this or any other stay at The Muse with Perfect Escapes and receive a guaranteed upgrade to an Executive Room when you book a Deluxe Room and confirmed early check-in and late check-out.

Los Cabos Luxury – Casa Natalia, Los Cabos, Mexico

Experience the charm of Casa Natalia, a gracious, European-style boutique hotel — a serene oasis in the heart of historic San Jose del Cabo. Glass doors open onto your private terrace, where you can relax on your own personal hammock shaded by a canopy of bougainvillea and bamboo. Three waterfalls add their music, gently cascading into the heated swimming pool. With the Los Cabos Luxury exclusive offer, book 4 nights or more and save 20% off the best rate – it’s like getting your fifth night free!

Plus, when you book this or any other Casa Natalia stay with Perfect Escapes you’ll also receive, daily breakfast for two, welcome margaritas and appetizer upon arrival, complimentary room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out.*

San Francisco Escape – Argonaut Hotel

Welcome to the Argonaut Hotel, a Kimpton Hotel in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. Experience the luxury of a boutique hotel built inside the historic Haslett Warehouse at The Cannery, When you book your San Francisco Escape, you’ve got a ticket to ride the country’s only mobile historical landmark – the world-famous San Francisco cable cars that stop just steps from the hotel’s entrance. Ride to the top of Nob Hill for breathtaking views, or continue on to explore Union Square’s world-class shops and restaurants downtown.

The San Francisco Escape package includes overnight accommodations, a pair of Cable Car passes good for unlimited rides each day as well as Continental breakfast for two each morning, complimentary room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out.

Remember, these special offers are exclusive to Perfect Escapes. Find more luxury hotel deals at Perfect escapes and for each for each of this week’s featured destinations: New York City, Los Cabos, San Francisco.

* Room upgrade, check-in and check-out amenities based on availability upon arrival.

One of our Perfect Escapes travel specialists had the chance to get an inside look on the progress of the upcoming Gansevoort South Hotel in South Beach, now accepting reservations beginning March 1, 2008.

Despite some lingering construction dust, the luxurious feel of the hotel and residences was prominent from the minute you walk into the hotel. Upon entering the lobby you are greeted by an immense, 50ft long and 50,000 gallon shark tank with 27 unique species of fish.

The amenities match the impressive entry with the renowned David Barton Gym and Spa just up the stairs. As you continue up to the 18th floor, the Gansevoort South’s trademark rooftop pool presents amazing ocean views, Brazillian Ipe decks and exclusive access for members and hotel guests.

Back on the ground level lays the hotel’s second pool, an infinity oceanfront pool with cabanas, Jacuzzi, outdoor showers and tented alcoves, all directly in front of a pristine sandy beach.

If you’ve had enough sun for the day, you can wander out the front of the hotel and onto Collins Avenue, an area quickly making a name for itself thanks in large part to the unique collection of shops and eateries partnered with Gansevoort South. They include STK Steakhouse, The Opium Group (nightlife purveyor who developed hotspots like Prive, Mansion, Set and Opium Garden), Philippe Chow (Asian cuisine restaurant) to name a few… Add to the growing luxury environment the nearby development of the newest W Hotel and Miami’s newest and hottest place to play, stay and now, to live, has been born.

Find luxury hotels in Miami at Perfect Escapes.

Find the Gansevoort Hotel and Gansevoort South Hotel on Perfect Escapes.

See all the W Hotels on Perfect Escapes.

By Sarah Ziering and Mathew Hansen for Perfect Escapes.