Sensational Stays with a Famous Past
When thinking about their plans for 2018, more than one in three (36%) travelers say that they are inspired to visit a destination because they saw it on TV, in a film or in a music video. With 40% also saying they want to try out a unique kind of stay that they've never experienced before, the possibility to spend the night in a sensational celebrity home is a seriously enticing option for many.
With that in mind, we have scoured our more than 28 million listings to present some unique stays that were formerly home to a few fabulously famous personalities. So even if you aren’t a movie star or a best-selling author or a notorious socialite in your regular life, you can still live like one when you're on vacay.
Hacienda San Angel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Located in Puerto Vallarta, the one-of-a-kind Hacienda San Angel has a history that's filled with glamour and romance. Part of this beautiful property once belonged to the Oscar-nominated actor Richard Burton, who purchased the main villa as a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife, Suzy Miller. Today it offers guests all the modern comforts with relaxing suites that overlook Banderas Bay and the property's lush gardens. After you've spent some time relaxing and exploring the grounds, you can wander through the city's beautiful cobblestone streets.
The Villa Casa Casuarina, Miami Beach, USA
Also known as the former Versace Mansion, the impressive Villa Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 as an extravagant apartment building inspired by the Alcazar De Colin in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic). Later it was purchased by the infamous Italian fashion designer, Gianni Versace, who fell in love with it while in Miami Beach on vacation. Today, this luxurious villa is as elegant as ever, with custom Italian marble furnishings and opulent, oversized bathrooms. You can rest your head in one of the many gorgeous suites where Versace once hosted some of the world's most famous celebrities, soaking up some of the glitz and glam of the property's illustrious past.
Palazzo Margherita, Bernalda, Italy
Built near the end of the 19th-century, Palazzo Margherita is located in the charming Italian town of Bernalda, where Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather was actually born. In 2004, the famous American director purchased the property with the dream to transform it into a luxurious, authentically Italian boutique hotel where he could introduce visitors to the stunning beauty of the surrounding region. Today that dream has become a reality. You can book one of the lavish rooms and then relax in the swimming pool, courtyard or gardens, which are protected by the Italian Cultural Heritage Department.
GoldenEye, Oracabessa, Jamaica
Nestled in lush, tropical surroundings, GoldenEye features private beaches, hidden coves and a saltwater lagoon. This Caribbean getaway was once a private retreat for Ian Fleming and is actually where all fourteen James Bond novels were written. As the birthplace of the James Bond character and books, it's no suprise that this unique escape is just as exotic and mysterious as the iconic super spy himself. Book a room and, who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to take up a life as a secret agent...or perhaps just to write your own series of internationally acclaimed fiction.
The Charlie West Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
Built in 1924 and once home to world-famous actor, filmmaker and composer Charlie Chaplin, this historic hotel is centrally located in West Hollywood. The home has hosted many famous movie stars throughout the years, including Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Swanson and Bette Davis, just to name a few. This hidden gem features luxurious, individually-styled suites named after Hollywood personalities, including spacious living rooms and private patios that will make you feel just like a spoiled startlet.
Grace Vanderbilt, Newport, USA
An American family of Dutch origin, the Vanderbilts were once considered one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States, with a financial success and influence that started with the railroad and shipping empires built by family patriarch, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Now you can travel back in time and live like a member of this glamorous, aristocratic family with a stay at the Grace Vanderbilt, a summer cottage built by the family in 1909. Today this historic Newport mansion features a luxurious spa, an elegant restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, a garden terrace with an outdoor pool and beautiful waterfront views.
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Based on research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 18,509 respondents were surveyed (1,000+ from the UK, US, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, India, Singapore and Russia and 500+ each from Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Thailand and Taiwan). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2017.