Pera Palace, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Le Pavillon des Lettres, Savoy

Pera Palace, Istanbul

Pera Palace, Istanbul — In 1934, Agatha Christie published Murder on the Orient Express, a book inspired in part by her stays at this peerlessly atmospheric grand hotel. The property reopened on September 1 after a $30 million restoration. Set in the elevated Pera (Beyoglu) district, it affords glorious views of Galata and the Golden Horn. Its museum-like interior is now complemented by modern amenities in the 145 rooms. A new spa offers a menu of Turkish bath treatments, plus gym, sauna/steam and a jet-streamed indoor pool.

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — The enchanting highland town of San Miguel, with its fine baroque architecture and vibrant arts scene, will shortly see the debut of a lavish new 67-room Rosewood resort. Located at the heart of the historic district, the property is scheduled to open in “early 2011.” Surrounded by landscaped gardens and terraces, the hotel will have three restaurants, including 1826 for “traditional and innovative” Mexican cuisine, and Luna, a rooftop tapas bar. A spa will offer eight treatment rooms, plus a yoga and Pilates studio.

The Savoy, London — Having been closed for nearly three years for a $150 million restoration, this classic Thames- side grand hotel finally reopened on October 10. Established in 1889, and originally managed by César Ritz with Auguste Escoffier as Maître Chef, The Savoy achieved instant fame, thanks to its revolutionary “ascending rooms” — which we now know as elevators! The property’s art deco interior has been restored by Pierre-Yves Rochon; the Savoy Grill is now under the supervision of Gordon Ramsay; and cocktails are once more being shaken at the legendary American Bar.

Le Pavillon des Lettres, Paris — The Right Bank is renowned for its majestic palace hotels, with nearly all of the city’s more intimate properties being located on the opposite side of the Seine. However, this 26-room newcomer will prove an exception, being situated in the 8th arrondissement, close to the Champs-Elysées. Sister hotel to the much-loved Pavillon de la Reine on the Place des Vosges — itself the subject of a recent lavish renovation — the hotel has a literary theme, with accommodations named after famous international writers. In a sign of the times, however, each room will be provided with a complimentary iPad!