The Hotel Monterey Kyoto is a lot like the city itself.  At first glance it’s a modern 16-story high rise hotel, but look at little closer and you’ll find traditional Japanese touches as well. With a great location right in the middle of the city, adjacent to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and within quick walking distance to two different subway lines, the Hotel Monterey Kyoto is a perfect home away from home for visitors looking for a western style hotel.

The 327 rooms feature a colorful and contemporary decor.  There are 96 single rooms, 174 twin rooms, and 39 double rooms, all with complimentary high-speed Internet access, in-room refrigerator, tea making facilities and work area. The bathrooms feature heated toilet seats and a full range of bath amenities.

Playing off the east-meets-west theme the hotel has two restaurants–ESCALE offering French cuisine and Zuien Tei for Japanese cuisine.

With over 5,902 sq. feet of function space, and 4 different types of private event rooms, the Hotel Monterey Kyoto is a favorite venue for business functions, celebrations and weddings. The hotel even has its own beautiful wedding chapel.

For Luxe Hotels’ Top 10 attractions in Kyoto, click here

Last week’s 35th Toronto International Film Festival put the spotlight on Canada’s financial and cultural capital. With a reputation for being one of the most cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse cities in the world, visitors to Toronto will discover that there’s no shortage of arts, cultural, dining and shopping hot spots to explore.

Right in the heart of the city is the Cosmopolitan Toronto Centre Hotel & Spa, a boutique hotel with 78 suites that offers the feel of staying in a trendy and stylish downtown apartment along with all the amenities and services of a hotel. The design of the hotel fuses a clean and simple Zen aesthetic with modern technology to create an urban sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city.

All the suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies with sweeping lake and magnificent skyline views. Luxurious duvets, bathrobes, Egyptian cotton linens, yoga mats, air filtration systems, washers/dryers, fully equipped kitchens with appliances, china and utensils, wireless internet and complimentary breakfast enhance your stay.  Services include the Shizen Spa, fitness centre, business centre, and room service. In addition, two spectacular penthouses, the Designer Penthouse and the Cosmopolitan Penthouse, provide stargazing lofts, wrap-around balconies and decadent decor.

The Cosmopolitan’s own Eight Wine Bar, where eclectic wine offerings are paired with a delectable menu, is one of Toronto’s “hippest” scenes.

The hotel is located just steps from the financial district at Yonge and King, near Massey Hall, Elgin/Wintergarden Theatre, and the Eaton Centre, and is accessible by all major arteries and public transportation.

For the Luxe Top 10 must see attractions in Toronto, click here.

The nip of fall is already in the air, which means leaf peeping season will soon arrive in the northeast. Surrounded by maple trees and with miles of hiking trails nearby, the Roger Sherman Inn is the perfect spot to enjoy the spectacular fall foliage.

This New England inn is one of Connecticut’s most beloved historic landmarks offering 16 individually decorated guestrooms and a two-bedroom suite, all with private bath, cable TV and complimentary wireless internet access.  Guests are served a delicious complimentary breakfast each morning, and the inn’s restaurant offers a French-American inspired menu and gracious service that was rated “Excellent” by the New York Times. There is also a classic bar that is reminiscent of an old English library with rich, dark paneling, hunting prints and high-back chairs.

For special events, there are private rooms and banquet space that can accommodate up to 170 people, making the Roger Sherman Inn the perfect place for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.

The historic town of New Canaan offers antique shops and interesting boutiques as well as a 40-acre Nature Center, a Historical Society and a variety of sporting options including tennis and golf.

One look at Medusa’s luscious design and urban chic vibe and you’ll know this is not your traditional Sydney hotel. With its unmatched style and sophisticated ambiance, Medusa has earn numerous awards for its interior architecture and personalized service, including a vote by, Conde Nast Traveler, which awarded the boutique hotel the distinction of being “One of the coolest hotels of the 21st Century.”  Guests of the Medusa also rave about their stays leaving comments like “This hotel rocks!” and “I’m addicted to this hotel!” on TripAdvisor®.

From the courtyard with its beautiful reflection pool to the 18 guest accommodations, it’s evident that Medusa’s focus is on offering beautiful surroundings, comfort and privacy.  The guest rooms use a stunning mixture of exotic timbers, bold colors and beautiful furnishings to give each one an individual identity. All the rooms have an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette with microwave and coffee and tea facilities.  Other amenities include Aveda toiletries, Lindt chocolates, hairdryers, pure wool blankets, superior 100% cotton bathrobes, toweling and bed linen.

The hotel’s location is also not to be beat. Located in Darlinghurst, an urban area similar to New York’s SoHo, with its unique inner city vibe, lively cafe society, and a bohemian culture that’s an eclectic mix of the old and the new. Some of Sydney’s best restaurants, bars and cafes are just steps from the hotel and the Sydney Harbour, Central Business District and Opera House are all within walking distance.