AAA The Extra Mile. Sept 2024.

If you like the thrill of knowing that you have a chance to run into celebrities or an opportunity to receive the same level of pampering as they do, here’s a list for you. Spotting a celebrity on your vacation can add some extra sparkle to your travel memories. So, where are you most likely to run into a celebrity on your next getaway? You can maximize your chances of seeing a famous face by taking a star-studded escape to any one of these hotels around the world that are frequented by A-list guests. 

So, get your camera ready, and always keep a lookout as a star may just be around the corner relaxing by the pool, enjoying a cocktail in the lounge or simply riding the elevator at one of these posh properties, which are some of the best hotels to see celebrities here in the U.S. and abroad. 

Four Seasons Hotel Houston; photo courtesy of UGC and Four Seasons Houston

FOUR SEASONS HOUSTON

From The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift, to Bad Bunny and Chris Stapelton, top names in the music industry as well as top players from major sports teams choose to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston when in town visiting the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park.

Because the hotel is just steps away from entertainment and sporting venues, Four Seasons’ 400 lavishly appointed luxury guest rooms and residences are the perfect place to decompress in style after an event. At the hotel, you may run into famous people shopping at the haute perfumery Le Salon Krigeler, borrowing a designer hand bag from the Vivrelle checkout counter at the lobby, or pouring a rare bottle of bourbon from the private lockers at Bayou & Bottle. Time a late breakfast at Toro Toro or a post-game drink at the 20-person speakeasy at Bandista to increase your chances of seeing celebrities.FIND AN AGENT

AAA Travel Advisors can provide vacation planning guidance to make your next trip unforgettable. Find a Travel Advisor   

NOBU HOTEL ATLANTA

Georgia is a premier destination for musicians, actors and professional athletes, and many of those living and working in the city frequent the opulent Nobu Hotel Atlantain the luxurious Buckhead neighborhood. The hotel frequently hosts special events with celebrities present, such as an evening with Usher and Taste of Nobu. The Nobu Villa and Nobu Restaurants are hot spots for VIP celebrations, including private birthday parties like those recently thrown for India Arie and Marlo Hampton. You will even find actors and filming crew staying at the hotel while working on projects around the Peach State. Fun fact: One of the scenes in the movie Bad Boys 4 was filmed here while the cast stayed at the hotel.

During your stay, you can also enjoy complimentary chauffeur service with Porsche to Buckhead Village, a VIP shopping experience at Phipps and Lennox, and an adrenaline-packed Porsche Driving Experience on a nearby custom track.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas; photo by JHVEPhoto/stock.adobe.com

FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS

Whether you are in town for a concert, sporting event, meeting or convention, the 67-story-tall, 3,644-room Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the hottest place to be on the Strip. It is not uncommon to spot the likes of Jay-Z, Beyonce or Paul McCartney at one of the 36 on-site restaurants. In fact, Reba McEntire, Jay Leno, Scheena Shay, Alicia Keys, Winnie Harlow, Kevin Durant, Lamar Odom, and Lil Yachty have all been spotted in a single weekend.

If you want to feel like a celebrity for a night, book one of the 76 Fleur de Lis Suites, which also includes pick up in a Rolls Royce, private butlers, welcome chocolates from Patrice Caillot, fresh-cut flowers from Jeff Leatham florals, and access to the exclusive Poodle Room and private VIP pool. 

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park hotel; photo by Anne Czichos/iStock.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON NEW YORK

Whether you are in town for a Yankee game or a Broadway show, you’ll want to stay in the middle of all the action on your trip to New York City. And to catch a glimpse of celebrities walking the red carpet during the hottest fashion event in the Big Apple, head to The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park over the Met Gala weekend in May.

When high-profile guests need a place to crash in the city, they book the sprawling suites with panoramic views of Central Park. Just wait outside the entrance for a great chance to spot famous figures—perhaps the Kardashians—coming in and out the hotel. 

The St. Regis, San Francisco; photo courtesy of Marriott

THE ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

If you want to surround yourself by the most brilliant minds in technology, commerce, culture and art, The St. Regis San Francisco in SOMA (South of Market) District is one of the go-to hotel in the city designed with the rich and famous in mind.

Celebrities like Joaquin Phoenix, Warren Beatty and Tom Hanks have stayed at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property while in town to perform and attend games and concerts. For potential opportunities to hobnob with luminaries, grab a Champagne À La Cart with caviar service or a craft cocktail at the newly redesigned St. Regis Bar.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona; photo courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

SANCTUARY CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN, A GURNEY’S RESORT & SPA, SCOTTSDALE

It’s no secret that Beyoncé and Jay-Z spent their honeymoon at the glamorous Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. The historic property boasts a legendary past guestlist of Hollywood stars, prominent political figures and international sports professionals. Jack Kemp, Robert Loggia, Art Buchwald, Johnny Carson, Stan Smith, and Jimmy Connors are among those who found this private hideaway set upon 53 acres of lush desert grounds a perfect escape from Hollywood.

Stay at one of the 110 luxuriously appointed casitas offering some of the most breathtaking views in Paradise Valley, destress in the infinity-edge pool, and pamper yourself at the 12,000-square-foot Asian-inspired Sanctuary Spa.

BEST HOTELS TO SEE CELEBRITIES ABROAD

Rosewood Baha-Mar hotel in The Bahamas; photo courtesy of Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board

ROSEWOOD BAHA MAR, BAHAMAS

Imagine starting your day with a sunrise flamingo yoga at Rosewood Baha Mar only to find yourself next to social media star Charli D’Amelio, perfecting her poses alongside you. As you stroll through the lush grounds, you might cross paths with NFL legend Rob Gronkowski, soaking up the sun and basking in the tropical ambiance. You also may run into reality television personalities on-site filming the latest episodes of The View, The Bachelor, or The Real Housewives TV series.

Whether you’re lounging poolside, hitting the high-end shops, or indulging in the luxurious spa amenities, you never know when a GRAMMY Award winner or celebrity chef might just be enjoying the same experience at Baha Mar, a hub for entertainment, nightlife, dining and sports on the island.

Turtle Island Beach Resort in Fiji; photo courtesy of Turtle Island

TURTLE ISLAND BEACH RESORT, FIJI

For an intimate experience at a private 500-acre island, book one of the 14 spacious Fijian-style private bungalows at the Turtle Island Beach Resort on the tropical island of Fiji. The island first appeared on Hollywood’s radar with the filming of the 1980 movie The Blue Lagoon, starring a then-14-year-old Brooke Shields. A few years ago, the Oprah Winfrey Show featured the island as one of the world’s outstanding honeymoon destinations. Today, it is a popular celebration destination for John Travolta, Al Gore, Brittany Spears, and Jessica Simpson, who all have held special celebrations—from birthdays to honeymoons to vacations—at the resort.

The resort’s secluded location makes it ideal to spot celebrities away from the crowds while they might join you for a sundowner cocktail, communal dinner, game of beach volleyball, or nightly kava ceremony hosted by the staff.

Saxon Hotel; photo courtesy of Saxon Hotel

SAXON HOTEL, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

When you first enter the Saxon Hotel’s lobby, you’ll see photos of Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and other important figures from around the world. Many discerning travelers, including royalty, statesmen, Nobel Prize winners, and best-selling authors, are drawn to the historic and stately home-turned-hotel tucked in a tranquil upscale neighborhood in Johannesburg.

You’ll see presitigious art around the property as well as the renovated designs of South African Nelson Kubheka to reflect the African cultural and artistic heritage of Johannesburg. Book the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, home to Mandela himself for six months while he was editing his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. The Platinum Suite features bespoke pieces of art and furniture with an authentically African look and feel that take you on a journey through Mandela’s life, from his days as a young militant through his years as a wisely statesman.

You will surely feel the presence of VIPs all around you at the Saxon.

These nine hotels not only cater to the rich and famous but also provide chance encounters with celebrities for the star-struck. Check into one of these to hotels to see celebrities, and you’ll never know who you’ll meet!