Hotels & Resorts

By Kelly Chang, TripMatters, a VIRTUOSO travel agency in Tustin, California The location alone would sell me on this one. Here is my honest, room-by-room look at the Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, and how it compares to our other Kyoto stay. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto opened in 2014 on the banks of the Kamo River at Nijo-Ohashi in Nakagyo, a riverside spot favored by Japanese nobility since the 17th century, with views toward the Higashiyama Mountains. It has 134 rooms and suites, a desig

By Kelly Chang, TripMatters, a VIRTUOSO travel agency in Tustin, California The Waldorf Astoria Osaka is the first Waldorf Astoria in Japan, and I got to tour the whole property. Here is my honest look at it. The Waldorf Astoria Osaka opened on April 3, 2025 as the brand's first hotel in Japan. It sits on levels 28 through 38 of the new Grand Green Osaka development in Umekita, steps from Osaka Station, with 252 rooms designed by the acclaimed architect Andre Fu. It has alrea

By Kelly Chang, TripMatters, a VIRTUOSO travel agency in Tustin, California The Conrad Osaka was one of my favorite hotels of the entire trip, and I want to be honest about why. The design is stunning, but it was the people who made it unforgettable. The Conrad Osaka occupies the 33rd to 40th floors of Festival Tower West in the vibrant Nakanoshima area, one of Osaka's flashiest tower blocks. It opened in 2017, and word has it that Hilton's brief to architect Yukio Hashimoto

By Kelly Chang, TripMatters, a VIRTUOSO travel agency in Tustin, California This is the hotel that taught me not to judge a stay by its exterior. Here is my honest, room-by-room look at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, and how it stacks up against its famous neighbor. Sofitel Ambassador Seoul opened on September 30, 2021 as the first Sofitel, and the first French luxury hotel, in South Korea. It has 403 rooms and suites plus 160 serviced residences, and it sits right on Seokchon Lak

By Kelly Chang, TripMatters, a VIRTUOSO travel agency in Tustin, California I have stayed in a lot of hotels, but I have never woken up quite this high. Here is my honest, room-by-room look at SIGNIEL Seoul, and who I would book into it. This is a first hand review. SIGNIEL Seoul occupies floors 76 through 101 of the Lotte World Tower, a 555-meter, 123-story skyscraper that was the fifth-tallest building in the world when it opened and still ranks among the six tallest today,

By Kelly Chang, TripMatters, a VIRTUOSO travel agency in Tustin, California My husband and I traveled to Seoul for what started as a personal getaway, but I could not help approaching the trip with my advisor hat on. I wanted to understand the hotels, the neighborhoods, the way people actually get around, and most of all, who I would confidently send to Seoul and who I would gently steer somewhere else first. What I found was a city that rewards preparation and gives back exp

One&Only Palmilla is one of the most iconic luxury resorts in Los Cabos, known for its oceanfront setting, exceptional service, and long-standing reputation among discerning travelers. Located along the Sea of Cortez, this Forbes Five-Star resort combines classic Mexican architecture with modern refinement and expansive beachfront views. For travelers seeking a high-end resort in Cabo, One&Only Palmilla consistently ranks among the best. Location Los Cabos, Baja California Su

San Domenico Palace in Taormina is one of Sicily’s most iconic luxury hotels, blending centuries-old history with modern refinement under the Four Seasons brand. Perched high above the Ionian Sea, the property offers sweeping coastal views, terraced gardens, and a setting that feels both secluded and cinematic. For travelers seeking a luxury hotel in Taormina, San Domenico Palace delivers location, atmosphere, and elevated service in equal measure. Location Taormina, Sicily,

If you’re looking for the kind of vacation where everything feels effortless, Maui at Wailea Resort delivers exactly that. Located in one of Maui’s most desirable areas, this 5-star luxury resort is the perfect mix of relaxation, upscale comfort, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, or a trip with the kids, Wailea is the type of destination that makes you instantly slow down and enjoy the moment. Set along the sunny coast of Maui,

If you’re looking for a true 5-star London stay that feels polished, elegant, and worth every penny, Corinthia Hotel London is one of the city’s best choices. Located in the heart of London near Whitehall, this world-class hotel blends historic Victorian grandeur with modern luxury, creating an experience that feels timeless but never outdated. Whether you’re visiting for business, a special occasion, or simply want to experience London at its finest, Corinthia delivers on e