Athena Members’ Favorite Hotel Stays of 2025

Looking back in 2025, Athena members had some standout hotel stays, from sleep‑optimized hotels in the middle of Manhattan to glamping with a front‑row view of Mt. Fuji.

Here are some places they loved most, in their own words.

Hotel Clermont (Atlanta)

“A well‑designed, vibey boutique hotel with amazing skyline views from the rooftop bar. Rooms are airy, boho vibe with rattan furniture, chartreuse velvet headboards - everything is very intentionally designed.  Tiny Lou’s is a standout, and it definitely caters to design types Brooklyn crowd vibes.  It’s also in a historic building, within walking distance of the Atlanta beltline (22 mile trail on a former railway), so great for running! And also very close to Ponce City Market (a multi-vendor mixed retail & food hall space)”

Why it stands out: a storied building with real character, a design‑forward, vibey boutique stay. Tiny Lou’s French‑American brasserie.

Equinox Hotel New York (Hudson Yards)

“Instead of a typical welcome drink, you get more of a “welcome to recovery”: I opted for  two minutes in something best described as a cryogenic wind tunnel, followed immediately by a sauna session that felt like stepping into a well-designed kiln.

Then you get to the “sleep experience” rooms - the air is filtered, the humidity is calibrated, and the room temp was actually 66°F.  They had supplements, sleep drops, eye masks on the nightstand.  I actually slept well, even though the kids were in our room.  And the kids slept too, which NEVER happens.  

I usually stay in SoHo but for this hotel, I’m willing to be in the West 30s/Hudson Yards (an area I never go to).”

Why it stands out: Sleep tech that helps you recharge (Equinox’s signature Sleep Experience), a wellness circuit designed for real recovery, cryo, cold plunges, and IV drips as part of the experience.

Flemings Mayfair (Mayfair, London)

“A hidden gem that is good for families without adults having to sacrifice too much, the rooms here are spacious for London.  You can get a small apartment with full kitchens if you bring the kids.  The water pressure is terrific and room service is from the Michelin-starred Ormer Mayfair (those pancakes and scrambled eggs were unreal). We fit our family of four comfortably. Right across from a great running park, quiet neighborhood, but close to everything.”

Why it stands out: Apartment-style layouts that work for families, surprisingly spacious rooms for London, Prime Mayfair corner with real neighborhood calm.  Room service comes straight from the hotel’s MICHELIN-recognized restaurant.

HOSHINOYA Fuji (Yamanashi, Japan)

“This place was pretty affordable especially when you compare it to the Amans in Japan, and it had an extraordinary restaurant.  I believe it’s one of Japan's first luxury glamping resorts, and is set on a quiet hillside facing Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. They kit you out for glamping: backpack, supplies, an enormous warm coat, even shoes. The square cement rooms open to a patio facing Mt. Fuji and the lake, with a heated blanket table so you can eat and play cards outside, cozy even when it’s snowing. Everything here is purposefully simple and beautifully done.”

Why it stands out: Fully equipped, four-season glamping, cozy winter terraces with heated kotatsu tables, and direct Fuji views from bed or patio

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills (Los Angeles)

“While my favorite in town will always be Hotel Bel-Air, L’Ermitage is a AAA‑5 Diamond and on the Michelin list (2 keys) but about half the price of all similar 5 star hotels in Los Angeles. The rooms are big for the area, with an impressive dressing room and nice bathroom (although the weaker water pressure is a drawback).  The pool and rooftop bar is quieter, less of a scene, and Amex FHR perks like free breakfast and late checkout. L’Ermitage feels like a chic apartment, and it’s very walkable to the Rodeo Drive area of shops and restaurants.  They also have a steam-room in the women’s bathroom on the top floor by the gym!”

Why it stands out: Large suite-style rooms, polished, quiet, residential feel and strong value for Beverly Hills/Westside.

Islington Hotel (Hobart, Tasmania)

“We tacked on a short trip to Tas after work meetings in Sydney.  One of the things I loved the most was Islington - it feels like you’re staying in a beautifully furnished private estate with gorgeous art, mixed media. The interior design is impeccable, and the breakfast is delicious. Bathrooms are spacious.  There’s nothing like eating their fresh made breakfast while reading the Australian in the morning. It’s not in the middle of the CBD but close enough to everything.”

Why it stands out: Thoughtful design and estate-like calm, memorable, linger-worthy breakfast, and easy access to both culture and nature

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa (Carefree, Arizona)

“I came here on a girls trip and it was perfect - we only left the resort once for dinner out, but Civana basically took care of the rest.  It’s much more reasonably priced than Canyon Ranch and Miraval, which works better if you’re traveling with a group of people.  Classes run all day with high‑quality instruction (from TRX to pilates to numerology and feng shui), and the food is healthy and delicious enough for us to eat most of our meals on property. I love that the classes and activities minimize decision fatigue, you can just show up, and there are plenty of communal spaces to hang out. The spa has a great hot-cold hydrotherapy circuit as well.  ”

Why it stands out: High value to cost ratio, quality instruction across ~30 daily classes, healthy food that tastes good, low decision fatigue, easy-to-relax vibe

Suncadia Resort (Cle Elum, Washington)

“A really great resort for families: biking on shaded paths in the morning, swimming with amazing waterslides in the afternoon, and the driving range before dinner. It’s only about an hour and a half from Seattle through the beautiful Cascades. There’s a spa for parents, and the Kids Club lets kids choose things like biking and kayaking, not just movies and video games.  They have a couple of different room configurations too so you can get suites with kitchens, 2 bedroom suites while staying in the main lodge, or you can rent actual vacation homes in the Suncadia community.  We loved the hike down the steps and along the rushing river.”

Why it stands out: Lots of active options for every age, easy drive from Seattle, and flexible rooms and vacation homes that fit real families

Have a stay you loved this year? Tell us, we’ll add it to the next roundup.