40 Preferred Travel | Fall 2015

Prepare to be wowed by these outstanding hotels in fascinating locations that promise to make your trip less work and more pleasure

GET

TY

Business not as usual

40-43 Business Not as Usual.v4.indd 40 30/07/2015 12:51

Preferred Travel | Fall 2015 41

destinations

Designed with the business traveler in mind, EAST, Beijing houses an extensive art collection, curated to include artists from all over China. As well as a stunning sculpture in the lobby, you’ll �nd paintings and photographs placed in the guestrooms and hallways.

The 369 stylish rooms come with complimentary wireless internet, and there’s an exclusive business lounge with a dedicated Guest Experience team. Hagaki, the hotel’s lively restaurant, specializes in Californian-inspired Japanese cuisine, and there’s a cool café called Feast. The hotel’s bar and music venue, Xian, was inspired by the nearby 798 Art District. When you’re done with business, you can hit the �tness center or relax in the indoor pool.

EAST, Beijing is conveniently located, with Beijing Capital International Airport, and the central business district just 15 minutes away.

22 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016, China. Tel: +8610 8426 0888

EAST, Beijing, Beijing

Beijing’s 798 Art District is housed

on the site of a factory that

originally produced electronics

Business not as usual

Mina Yan, EAST, Beijing, recommends...

The nearby 798 Art District is the center of contemporary art in Beijing. EAST, Beijing is partnered with the Ullens Center for Contemporary Arts, and guests may visit its eclectic exhibitions free of charge. The area is busy with galleries and small cafés.

Explore fine traditional housing by visiting the rustic hutongs at Houhai. Take a stroll around the lake while you’re there.

For tasty cocktails and a 1930s speakeasy vibe, head to Janes & Hooch in the South Sanlitun village to enjoy the creations of the bar’s team of talented mixologists. Janes is the place to party for Beijing’s low-key elite.

The past meets the present at Temple Restaurant Beijing, a French fine-dining establishment within the walls of a 600-year-old temple. The service is impeccable, and the cuisine is among the best in the world.

40-43 Business Not as Usual.v4.indd 41 30/07/2015 12:52

42 Preferred Travel | Fall 2015

Located between San Diego and Los Angeles, Irvine is an ideal Southern Californian base for business and leisure. In the heart of a�uent Orange County, Hotel Irvine is just 10 minutes from the beach, two miles from John Wayne Airport, and directly next to the Irvine Business Center. Each of the newly renovated guestrooms and suites feature 42in �at screens, wireless Bluetooth facilities, and panoramic views of the city, mountains, or pool.

Hotel Irvine is home to an all-day pub, EATS Kitchen & Bar, the sleek Red Bar and Lounge, and Marketplace – selling locally sourced snacks and produce. Guests can enhance their stay by using the hotel’s personalized REACH ME service that gives guests direct access to a concierge via text message for immediate advice on where to eat, what to do, and anything else they’d like to know.

17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, California 92614, U.S. Tel: +1 949 230 4452

Hotel Irvine, California

Perfectly placed on El Paseo de la Castellana, the cross-section of Madrid’s thriving business, shopping, and culture districts, Hesperia Madrid o�ers a stylish stay in surroundings created by some of Spain’s leading interior designers.

Those wanting to entertain business associates will �nd plenty of options at the hotel, including the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Santceloni, where chef Oscar Velasco cooks up sophisticated cuisine with local �air. Or fans of Asian �avors can try exquisite Japanese dishes at Hikari Sushi Bar.

Business needs are well catered for, with a business center and seven meeting rooms. For some downtime, head to the sophisticated Scotch Bar, perfect for light bites and liquor, and a SkyGym on the top �oor of the building, fully equipped with running machines and weights.

Paseo de la Castellana, 57, Madrid 28046, Spain. Tel: +34 912 108 800

IN THE HEART OF AFFLUENT ORANGE COUNTY, HOTEL IRVINE IS 10 MINUTES FROM THE BEACH

Hesperia Madrid, MadridMICHELIN

STARS

Oscar Velasco is Head Chef of Hesperia Madrid’s two Michelin-starred restaurant Santceloni

JOA

N P

UJO

L-C

REU

S

ALA

MY

Hugo Barba, Hotel Irvine, recommends... Keen golfers should head to world-class courses, such

as Oak Creek® and Pelican Hill®, both short car rides from the hotel.

Take a trip to Bommer Canyon to experience the natural beauty of Irvine. As a designated California Natural Landmark, it’s a favorite for nature walkers, hikers, and mountain bikers.

For an al fresco retail experience, visit Fashion Island®, an open-air shopping centre in Newport Beach. It’s home to more than 100 stores and many dining options.

Just down the street from Hotel Irvine is Diamond Jamboree, a vibrant dining destination with food to please every palate. The variety of cuisine and international flavors includes everything from Korean and curry, to Cajun and seafood.

Pablo González, Hesperia Madrid, recommends... As soon as summer hits the city, the best places to eat

and drink are Madrid’s terraces – head to Marieta, a short walk down El Paseo de la Castellana, for chic dining.

Take a trip to the Museo de arte Thyssen-Bornemisza for the Like a Painting exhibition, running until October 12, 2015, which brings together a collection of photographs from the Vogue archives, inspired by classical paintings.

For an open-air cultural experience, ask for a private tour of Toledo. This ancient town is known as the ‘city of three cultures’ due to its Christian, Jewish, and Arabic heritage.

Experience the true taste of Spain by taking in a flamenco show. The most charming is El Corral de la Morería, which features many of Spain’s most celebrated guitar players and dancers.

40-43 Business Not as Usual.v4.indd 42 30/07/2015 12:52

DALLAS HAS A FANTASTIC ART

SCENE – THE NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

HAS ONE OF THE PRE-EMINENT

COLLECTIONS IN THE COUNTRY

Preferred Travel | Fall 2015 43

destination

Located in the heart of Dallas’ central business district, The Joule Dallas manages to tick more than a few design boxes with its standout amenity, a gorgeous open-air in�nity pool leaning out over the side of the building from the 10th �oor. After a day of meetings, what better way to relax than with a few lengths of this eye-catching feature, complete with stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood thanks to its unique design.

The imposing building was formerly a bank, but today it has become one of the �nest hotels in the city, featuring 14,000 sq ft of meeting and event space that features a state-of-the-art audiovisual system. Added extras include a lobby that has become one of Dallas’ most favored meeting spots, a TASCHEN library, and a luxurious spa by ESPA — for the perfect mix of business and leisure.

Don’t miss a trip to the hotel’s gardens to view the extraordinary 30ft-high eyeball sculpture created by Chicago-based multimedia artist, Tony Tasset.

1530 Main St, Dallas, Texas 75201, U.S. Tel: +1 214 748 1300

The Joule Dallas, Dallas

The Joule’s infinity pool

stretches eight feet beyond the side of the hotel

destinations

ALA

MY

Andrew Bottomley, The Joule Dallas, recommends...

Dallas has a fantastic art scene – the Nasher Sculpture Center has one of the pre-eminent collections in the country.

Klyde Warren Park acts as a bridge between uptown and downtown, hosting yoga classes, DJs, food trucks, and board games. This is the place to come to see the local residents getting together to connect.

If you have a hankering for delicious Italian food, Lucia in the Bishop Arts District is the place to go. The owners are a local couple, and their dried meat appetizers are excellent.

The Highland Park Village is a must-go for those in search of retail therapy. Set in an upmarket neighborhood, the mall is home to high-end retailers, as well as some charming independent stores.

40-43 Business Not as Usual.v4.indd 43 30/07/2015 12:53