On Experience

Here is a list of inspiring hospitality experiences and properties to consider for 2018 travels. The selections are tied together by each property's vision, uniqueness, and focus on guest experience.

In the rush to smash together retail and hotels, brands have to focus on doing this with a lot of care and intention. Sometimes a brand just isn't that important.

It would be easy to dismiss a concierge as a relic of another time. But concierges are the secret weapon of the educated traveler, and when the job is done well, it is vital.

Here's to some of the most innovative and thoughtful brands in travel today. These companies are doing the heavy lifting to make travel and hospitality more inspiring.

As airlines double down on investment in business class, there are some experiential table stakes for customers paying the money to sit up front.

While much of the news media focuses on bigger-picture geopolitical issues emanating from the Saudi-led blockade, it is actually the small constrictions that can be the most painful in Qatar. But, despite increased travel friction, Doha remains one of the most intriguing places in the world at the moment.

In an age of Permanxiety, there exists an opportunity for old, classic, elegant hotels to be newly relevant. High-touch and anti-digital is newly cool (for some).

First class is becoming more rarified as carriers emphasize dense business class configurations. But the most exclusive product does still play a role for well-heeled customers and the marketing departments of top carriers.

An airport lounge needs a lot of logistical heavy-lifting and finesse to get it right. But Amex has had some success executing on this mission, and is expanding internationally to Hong Kong.

Hotels built to last all have backbone, a strong bearing, and a reliable customer base even in the world of competitive online price warfare and disposable, digital consumer culture.