When it comes to hotels, The PR Net members in the travel space know the best of the best. From hidden gems to iconic stays, this series highlights the properties they can’t stop recommending – and what makes these hotels worth a visit. This week, we spoke with Michel Heredia, director of sales and marketing at The Mark; Veronica Speck, founder of VHS Ventures; and Amy Bailey, brand consultant and writer, to discover their top hotel picks.
Recommended by: Michel Heredia, director of sales and marketing, The Mark
What’s the name and location of the property?
At the corner of Madison Avenue and 77th Street, just steps from Central Park and The Met, The Mark is an Upper East Side icon.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
A discreet haven for fashion insiders, art collectors, Hollywood stars, and global travelers who value privacy, style, and service that feels personal yet effortless. During the Met Gala and New York Fashion Week, it becomes the stage where New York’s most glamorous stories unfold.
What makes it special?
Designed by Jacques Grange, The Mark blends classic grandeur with contemporary comfort. From its black-and-white marble lobby to The Mark Bar’s late-night allure, every detail reflects an unmistakable sense of chic. Guests can dine by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, visit Frédéric Fekkai’s salon, or step out in style with The Mark Pedicabs and Bicycles. It’s a hotel where New York sophistication meets a touch of whimsy.
Don’t miss:
Recommended by: Veronica Speck, founder, VHS Ventures
St. Regis Doha
What’s the name and location of the property?
St. Regis Doha and St. Regis Marsa Arabia, The Pearl in Doha, Qatar
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
The two St. Regis Doha properties cater to both locals and tourists alike. As Doha is a major airline hub for Qatar airways, the hotel welcomes many guests for long layovers and stops on their way to final destinations. It is also a destination in itself, especially for sports and arts/culture as Doha is set to host the 2025 Fashion Trust, 2025 F1 Grand Prix, 2025 Fifa U-17 World Cup and World Cup Ball, 2025 Boat Show, and 2026 inaugural Art Basel edition.
What makes the property special?
The properties' locations are each unique with the St. Regis Doha sitting in West Bay on a stretch of the Arabian Gulf with direct access to its own beach; Marsa Arabia on the other hand is located on its own island in the heart of Porto Arabia and all suites have large balconies overlooking the Gulf. Signature St. Regis rituals such as Afternoon Tea and champagne sabering (sabrage) are also part of its experience.
Guerlain Spa
What are the musts – any specific food to try, activity to do, etc.?
Of course, the beach access and the variety of restaurants, including Fauchon Paris Patisserie, are impressive; however, I am partial to the spas! The Guerlain Spa offers a full range of treatments in luxurious surroundings, and the exclusive Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie is one of only a few globally.
Recommended by: Amy Bailey, Brand Consultant and Writer
Borgo Santo Pietro pool | Photo credit @amylouise_bailey
What’s the name and location of the property?
Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany, Italy. Just outside Siena, this 800-year-old estate has been reimagined as a luxury retreat that blends Tuscan heritage with modern refinement.
What types of travelers does the property cater to?
It’s ideal for couples, families, and anyone who values exceptional food, design, and a sense of calm. It’s incredibly photogenic, but it’s not the kind of place people go to see and be seen—it’s more about being present and making memories with loved ones. The atmosphere is intimate and immersive, making it especially appealing to travelers who prioritize discretion and quality over trends.
What makes the property special?
Everything from the architecture to the interiors feels deeply connected to the surrounding landscape and the history of the region. The design is richly layered and elegant, without ever feeling over-styled. Hand-painted frescoes, antiques sourced from across Europe, and natural materials give it a warmth and authenticity that’s increasingly rare.
It actually reminded me of the venue where my husband and I had our wedding in Auckland, Mantells, with that same sense of timelessness and rustic elegance. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an elopement or destination wedding venue.
The property was brought back to life by a Danish couple with backgrounds in fashion and design, and their influence is evident in every detail. Their vision was to create a retreat that feels both elevated and connected to nature, and they’ve achieved that in a way that’s thoughtful and unpretentious. From the curated interiors and expansive gardens to the Michelin-starred dining, biodynamic farm, and their own Seed to Skin skincare line, every element reflects that philosophy. It’s rare to find a property where design, sustainability, and five-star service are so seamlessly integrated.
Borgo Santo Pietro restaurant | Photo credit: @amylouise_bailey
What are the musts—any specific food to try or activity to do?
The private garden picnic is a standout experience, styled as beautifully as any editorial shoot. They prepare carefully curated baskets complete with fresh juices, Champagne, and local delicacies, and set everything up for you in the gardens.
The food overall is a major highlight: Saporium Chiusdino, their Michelin-starred restaurant, is exceptional and centers around ingredients grown right on the estate’s biodynamic farm. For something more casual, Trattoria Sull’Albero offers a charming dining experience that feels like eating in a treehouse.
Beyond dining, the property offers hands-on culinary experiences including cooking classes, chocolate workshops, and fermentation sessions—perfect for anyone looking for an immersive activity (and to leave with a few new skills).
They also have their own skincare line, Seed to Skin, made from ingredients grown on the property (the spa treatments also incorporate these products). For those seeking more of a wellness-focused retreat, sound baths and private yoga sessions are available.
