The Lobby Experience: More Than Just a Check-in at these Luxury Hotels

A Lobby Fit for an Inca God at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

A former 16th century convent, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is one of the city’s newest five-star hotels, built to preserve and honor as much of the site’s history and culture as possible. Submerging guests in both as soon as they set foot inside, the lobby is one of the areas that was most successfully restored, featuring colonial stone walls and arches that were once part of the convent’s chapel. Its main attraction and arguably most stunning element is the giant Swarovski lamp that dangles behind the reception desk — the sparkling 70,000 crystal accessory is a tribute to Inti, the Inca god of sun. The check-in experience is anything but traditional — guests are personally greeted and escorted to the adjacent Nina Soncco, where they are invited to sit by the fire and sip coca tea, a typical tisane in the Andes made to help guests adjust to Cusco’s high altitude, as associates take care of the check-in process. Throughout their stay, guests find themselves frequenting the lobby, coming back for more marveling of the unique structure that surrounds them.



Home Away From Home Lobby Experience at Casa Palopó

As guests arrive to Casa Palopo, located in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, they are welcomed to a colorful lobby filled with original paintings and artifacts from the country’s rich culture. Since the boutique hotel was once a private household, the lobby still retains a comfortable sense of home where guests can gather around the fire pit and cozy up with cup of coffee before settling into their luxury suites. With only nine rooms on property, this lobby is a very detailed addition to the hotel where most of the guests spend a huge amount of their time. Not to mention, the lobby is connected to some of the most essential parts of hotel including the open patio restaurant -- 6.8 Palopó (because… delicious food), as well as a gorgeous, quaint library where mesmerizing views of the lake’s majestic volcanoes can be enjoyed in addition to a relaxing reading session.



An Art Deco-Inspired Surprise at W Minneapolis - The Foshay

In the heart of one of the Midwest’s most iconic cities, W Minneapolis - The Foshay welcomes guests with an art deco-inspired entrance that features original design elements from the roaring 1920’s illuminated by signature ‘W’ pink neon lights. Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by The Living Room — a chic and sophisticated lounge featuring edgy, dark leather furnishings, a full bar and freestanding marble fireplace at the focal point. Right behind the welcome desk, an original mailbox from the Great Gatsby era beckons guests with the opening slightly ajar. An envelope inside contains an invite to an exclusive #WInsiderExperience — complimentary cocktails at the speakeasy-style Prohibition bar located on the hotel’s the 27th floor, where guests can enjoy sweeping city views in a sexy, sultry setting.



Las Olas Ceviche Bar at Playa Largo Resort & Spa

Just an hour’s drive from Miami along US-1's sun-soaked highways, Playa Largo Resort & Spa welcomes guests in style - from pulling up in the breezy port cochere, to docking their yacht at the resort’s private marina. Upon entering Key Largo’s newest property and the future home of the Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, Playa Largo greets guests with gorgeous panoramic views of the Florida Bay. Designed to resemble a compass, the semi-circular lobby invites guests to stay a while. And there’s no check-in desk in sight - the tech-savvy Autograph Collection resort allows guests to check-in on iPads. The lobby is home to Las Olas Ceviche Bar, a lively Peruvian restaurant where travelers can enjoy fresh flounder, local grouper, tender octopus and Key West pink shrimp all cured in tropical citrus juices derived from nearby Homestead-grown fruits. Top off the experience by pairing the fresh ceviche with one of Playa Largo’s house-crafted cocktails, including a Lychee Sakerinha, Coconut Batida or a signature SUN-Gria.



A La Italiana - Palazzo Victoria | Verona, Italy

Starting with its in-house Roman remains, Palazzo Victoria is perceived first as a museum for guests checking in to the property. Located in the ancient heart of the city of Verona, birthplace of the Opera and home to the famed Arena, and just off the Corso di Porta Borsari, the 14th century palazzo embraces the charm, history and sophistication of the city, allowing it to flow through its doors and throughout the entire property. No area represents Verona as much as its lobby does, seamlessly blending ancient architecture and contemporary style, and dubbed it’s own “square” within the city. The space has become a gathering spot for guests and the local Veronese, with highlights that include an indoor courtyard in typical Veronese style, a living Zen garden wall, and plush sofas and armchairs by Gaetano Pesce, the unquestioned Maestro of Italian design.



Check-in With A View at The Westin Playa Bonita | Panama

Situated on a mile-long stretch of private, golden Pacific coastline, The Westin Playa Bonita is an exotic oasis just minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Panama City. From the moment guests arrive at the resort, floor-to-ceiling glass windows with views of the turquoise ocean and lush rainforest transport them to a tropical locale that feels like more like a fijian island than one of Latin America’s most thriving destinations. The best part? Catching views of ships waiting to enter to enter the Panama Canal and toasting to the spectacular sunset on the veranda of the Oasis lobby bar & lounge.



Pastry Making at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa

Nestled on the hill of an expansive two-mile estate in the heart of Italy’s most beloved region, Tuscany, the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa overlooks the mountainous Serchio Valley, one of the most unexplored areas of Italy. Upon arrival to the property, guests can grab a bite or enjoy local home-made snacks like fried sage leaves at Nour Lounge, located right in the lobby. In addition, every Thursday in the lobby, guests can enjoy a pastry making demonstration presented by the resort’s pastisseur and every Friday, guests can start off their weekend with a wine tasting presented by local vintner Gabriele Da Prato.