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Concierge Tips

Best Domestic Airlines: Top Picks For Comfort, Value and Service

September 17, 2025 by Laura Goodman No Comments
Silhouette of plane taking off with bridge in the background

We take for granted that we can skip across our 50 fine states, but who do you choose to do it with again and again? Are you brand loyal or do you share the love? Are frequent flier points your raison d’être? Airline rankings tend to take into account things like: value for money, ticket flexibility, comfort on board, customer service, baggage allowance (and of course any mishandling of that baggage), flight delays and cancellations, loyalty programs and availability of WiFi but different things are important to different people – consider your criteria. Perhaps you live for a good snack menu, or cannot abide poor punctuality.

The main domestic airlines in the United States (sometimes called the Big Three) are “legacy carriers”, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines – and Delta consistently outperforms the other two. Many travelers seem to see Delta as a safe pair of hands. But let’s have a look at how the others stack up – these are our best domestic airlines right now.

 

JetBlue

It started its life as one of the low cost airlines though it was never as stripped back as some, always offering free drinks and snacks and a free carry-on. Nowadays, JetBlue serves over 100 airports in the United States, offering a reasonable economy fare whether you’re flying LAX to JFK or making a “short” hop from Miami to Washington DC. The airline is beloved of travelers who eschew being taken for a ride – the economy fare is straightforward, with few frustratingly hidden extras, other than checked bags (but domestic airlines almost never include free checked bags these days). JetBlue also scores highly for cabin features thanks to seatback screens, free WiFi and relatively generous legroom.

Read Next: Best Flight Meals in the Sky: Airlines That Serve Gourmet at 30,000 Feet

jetBlue plane on the runway at an airport

Delta Airlines

Why are American travelers so loyal to Delta? It seems to be about consistency. It’s not that Delta wins out in every category, just that Delta is consistently strong. The quality of the in-flight service is high, and (as a result of such extensive coverage – over 200 airports nationwide), the amenities on the ground are impressive, with Sky Clubs for premium cabin passengers at major airports and a dazzling new $4 billion terminal at LaGuardia. Delta is also one of the best domestic airlines for its business class offering, which includes access to Delta One lounges, Missoni amenity kits and a 180-degree flatbed seat.

Delta plane taking off with city buildings in the background

Alaska Airlines

Alaska knows how to keep its frequent fliers happy and at least part of that is the range of snacks and drinks, which definitely works a little harder than the average. On the menu: Straightaway Nitro Espresso Martinis (made with espresso from Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters), an exclusive Cloud Cruiser IPA from Fremont Brewing (Seattle-based) and wines from WA-based Browne Family Vineyards. These are just some of the markers of what frequent fliers say is a pleasant all-round experience, with friendly staff, reliability and a sense of ease. The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has a lot of fans, too and the airline’s range of partners includes the oneworld alliance.

Read Next: The Airlines With the Most Luxurious First Class Bathrooms Have Been Revealed

Alaska Airlines plane flying against a blue sky

Tradewind Aviation

Consistently named one of the best domestic airlines by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Tradewind Aviation is a private and scheduled service in the Northeast, Southeast, and the Caribbean, known for flying to luxury destinations like Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and St. Barths. Tradewind flies out of private air terminals which is helpful for eliminating TSA delays and means passengers don’t need to check in more than 60 minutes before take-off, rather than the traditional two hours. Conde Nast Traveler readers say Tradewind staff are helpful and generous, and that the experience is stress-free.

Woman standing in front of a private plane

Hawaiian Airlines

One of the best domestic airlines hands down for being on time (which is almost everything in this game), Hawaiian was unbeatable on punctuality for 18 years but was knocked off the top spot by Delta in 2023. Still, frequent passengers cite reliability as well as an excellent safety record, Hawaiian spirit, n0 change fees, comfy seats, free Wi-Fi and island-themed refreshments (furikake chips, macadamia popcorn, craft beer from Maui Brewing Company), among the reasons they fly Hawaiian Airlines whenever they get the chance. There’s also lie-flat seating in the premium cabin on longer flights.

Hawaiian airlines plane landing over green treetops and vegetation

Southwest Airlines

No longer serving merely its namesake region, Southwest serves over 110 airports across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the United States. It’s one of the lower cost airlines and the only one we’re aware of still offering free checked bags. As well as having the most reasonably priced seats in the clouds, Southwest is considered one of the best domestic airlines thanks to its culture of great hospitality, attention to smaller cities, flexible policies and straightforward booking processes.

Read Next: Airplane Etiquette: Your Ultimate Guide

Southwest airlines plane flying over a freeway with city buildings in the background

American Airlines

Let’s end on another of the Big Three. American Airlines is the world’s largest airline in terms of fleet size and number of scheduled passengers. The extensive network is a huge boon for frequent fliers, as is the AAdvantage loyalty program, particularly as American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld alliance. American, of course, has all the modcons: comfortable lie-flat business class seats, good in-flight entertainment and spacious seats. American Airlines continues to invest in enhancing its routes, too.

American Airlines plane in flight

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Cuisine, Europe, Luxury Journeys

Best Restaurants in Geneva, Switzerland

September 9, 2025 by Laura Goodman No Comments
la chaumiere, one of the best restaurants in switzerland

The Geneva food scene is a dream for a visitor, because no two meals are alike. You might eat a perfect fondue on the lake one night, and be dining on a Michelin star menu the next; you might snack your way happily through a Geneva happy hour, or start your day with a Geneva brunch; for lunch, you could do something traditional in the old town, or go for Lebanese food, or poke, or a burger. For all of these scenarios and many more, we have compiled a list of some of the best restaurants in Geneva right now. 

Our Majestic Switzerland itinerary begins and ends in Zurich and takes in Geneva along the way, as well as St Moritz, Zermatt and the Glacier Express. There are Michelin star dinners, vineyard visits and fondue experience along the way.

 

 

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Le Blanc Valet

This is a French-Swiss dream of a restaurant, convivial and traditional with a well-stocked cellar, various wines by the glass and lots of local beers. It’s the ultimate Geneva happy hour, whatever the hour. Food-wise, the offering is seasonal and fun, with oozing tartiflette served in the colder months and impeccable sashimi in the summer. The cocktails are super-refined and the mood is always right, so you may want to stay for an espresso martini. 

Related reading: 12 Best Restaurants In Spain

 

Buvette at Bains des Pasquis

This is one of the best restaurants in Geneva with a view thanks to its quite special location – on a long jetty over Lake Geneva. The jetty acts as a sort of cultural hub with a hammam, Turkish baths and glittering views over the lake in all weathers. At Buvette, the simple, excellent menu includes breakfast, sandwiches, beachy snacks like nachos and tuna salads, and a legendary, deeply rich and cheesy fondue made with Cremant de Dardagny. 

 

 

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Maki Poke

If you like exquisitely vibrant poke bowls with beautiful bottled Hawaiian beers, Maki Poke is the spot for lunch in Geneva. The Sunny Hawaii bowl is abundant with salmon, tuna, cucumber, wakame, edamame, mango, crispy onions, sesame seeds and wasabi vinaigrette – guaranteed to put a little pep in your step. The homemade green, mint, lemon and honey tea is the stuff of local legend, making this a very worthy spot for a pitstop. 

 

 

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La Chaumière

We always include the best restaurants in Geneva in our Majestic Switzerland journey and this one is an all-time favorite. Chef Serge Labrosse’s generous, thoughtful menu wows our guests, every time. They are whisked out of the city to the lush Geneva countryside for an unforgettable meal in La Chaumière (the cottage) – depending on the season, technicolor tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins, côte de bœuf and foie gras maison are brought to life by the rural setting.  

Related reading: 20 Best Restaurants in France

Parfums de Beyrouth

If you’re looking for lunch in Geneva, this Lebanese classic is a long-time love of locals, whether they’re popping in for chicken shawarma sandwiches, or filling celebratory tables with meze plates. It’s right in the heart of the city, which makes it a very handy address to keep in your back pocket for sightseeing days. There is very simple seating within, but the pavement tables are the best place for soaking up the best of Geneva. 

 

 

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Domaine de Chateauvieux

One of the best restaurants in Geneva with a view happens to be just outside of the city in Satigny, which is one of Switzerland’s leading wine-growing regions. It’s so nearby, it would be rude not to. The terrace at Domaine de Chateauvieux, with its idyllic vineyard views, is the perfect spot to celebrate the seasons, over a tasting menu, a surprise menu (composed according to “the mood of the chef”), or – if you time it right – a special morel or truffle menu.  Chef Philippe Chevrier has been honing his cuisine here for 40 years. 

 

 

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Breitling Kitchen

A restaurant concept from a luxury watch brand – well, you are in Geneva, after all. The interior here is all brown leather, cognac, bricks and metal – a space to sink into. And the menu is exactly what you might expect a luxury watch owner to eat for lunch in Geneva; there’s a healthy corner with various quinoa-based bowls, a Swiss grilled ham and cheese, and a luscious lobster roll (brioche, lobster, celeriac, spring onions, mayonnaise). Cafe gourmand for dessert. 

 

Spinella

Three brothers run this casual but chic Sicilian restaurant and bar, close to Cornavin station. The atmosphere is always excellent, as are the brimming plates of antipasti, the risottos, the cocktails, the Sicilian wines and the tiramisu. You could easily come here for lunch, for happy hour, or for a long, luxurious Sicilian dinner with your extended family, ending on an amaro high. 

 

Related reading: Embrace Winter in One of These Luxury Resorts in Switzerland

 

Inglewood

If you want fine dining in Geneva, this isn’t it. But this little slice of Americana – named for the city in the Los Angeles County, California – is a stalwart on the Geneva food scene. There are 12 burgers on the menu, including the “dzodzet” which is resplendent with egg, bacon, gruyere, Raclette and the house mustard sauce. Plus, salads, chicken wings, cheesecakes and ice cream sandwiches. And Swiss beer. One might go as far as calling the very American Inglewood a Swiss picnic.

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Concierge Tips, Europe, Luxury Journeys

10 Best Hotels in Florence, Italy

August 15, 2025 by Laura Goodman No Comments
montebello splendid florence exterior

A-listers are wont to flock to Tuscany, aren’t they? Florence is not only one of Italy’s finest cities, it’s also the gateway to Tuscany – opening into rolling hillsides and vineyards, the like of which you’ve seen on the pages of glossy magazines, at celebrity weddings. Clearly, the stars know where to find the best hotels in Tuscany. But where do celebrities stay in Florence? They – like the rest of us – love the city for its opulent Renaissance architecture, impeccable food and world-class art, but there are so many special places to stay, one could easily find themselves quite spoiled for choice. It is uniquely hard to pull together a list of the best hotels in Florence because there are simply so many – it’s palazzo after palazzo, pool after pool, fresco after fresco. A Renaissance banquet for the senses.

Here are some of our favorite luxury hotels in Florence. 

 

Villa Cora

This is a villa in the most fairytale sense of the word – an imposing standalone building, twinkling with lights and surrounded by pristine lawns, oak trees and roses. The villa was a private residence for centuries, welcoming elite guests through its halls, from Princess Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III) to the French pianist Claude Debussy. Rooms and suites are richly adorned with history and refinement, laced with jewel tones and velvet. 

 

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The St Regis, Florence

Set along the banks of the Arno River, this palazzo designed by Filippo Brunelleschi is one of our favorite hotels with a view. The luckiest guests can peer out through heavy damask drapery over the Ponte Vecchio and Tuscan hills. It’s a view that really encapsulates the grandeur of this city. There’s no less grandeur within, though – think, crystal chandeliers, four poster beds, reproductions of Renaissance artwork, frescoes, stained glass, the works. The lobby is a sensation. 

 

Related reading: 21 Most Beautiful Places In Italy You Need To Visit

 

Hotel Calimala

One of the best hotels in Florence for blending old and new, this 19th century palazzo has been filled with modern furniture, terrazzo floors and mirrored headboards, though rooms feature lots of exposed original brickwork, too. There is a little more glamor here, a little less opulence – lots of black and white marble and careful lighting. 

 

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Villa San Michele

The rumor mill strongly suggests that previous guests of this 15th-century villa carved into a hilltop include Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian and Julia Roberts. It’s currently undergoing a renovation and will reopen in 2026, which is thrilling because it’s already hard to picture a more perfect place to stay – it makes so many of the best hotels in Florence look basic. The Belmond website correctly describes Villa San Michele as a “perpetual Renaissance dream of Italian indulgence” – picture yourself walking among the garden’s lemon trees and fragrant roses (in 2026). 

 

Related reading: These Are Our 15 Favorite Michelin Star Restaurants in Italy

 

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

This 15th-century Medici palace is a Florentine classic with all the extras you could wish for: Michelin starred cuisine, glittering pool and sprawling botanical gardens, abundant with majestic trees, like the umbrella pine, weeping beech and ginkgo. Floral displays abound indoors and palettes are cool and creamy, though the hotel is palatial from its frescoed ceilings to its marble floors. 

 

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Brunelleschi Hotel

Of all the views in the world described as ‘breathtaking’, the view directly over the Duomo from rooms at this very central boutique hotel, actually are. All eyes are on the dome; pared back rooms with parquet floors and angular furniture are designed to cool you off from the sheer excitement and drama of the view. Downstairs, an unexpected treat: a tiny, private archaeology museum.

 

Related reading: Best Hotels In Europe In 2025

 

Riva Lofts

This is one of the best hotels in Florence despite actually being 10 meticulously crafted lofts (by the architect behind Dolce & Gabbana’s boutiques). Riva is a collection of early-20th-century stone buildings that were once artisan workshops. The lofts themselves are chic, airy spaces that feel a little Mediterranean, with stone walls, calm colours, linens and squishy but cubist sofas. 

 

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Il Salviatino

What is the best area of Florence to stay in? We love the lush hills of Fiesole in the north-east, which feels like a rich, tranquil blend of Florence and Tuscany, but is only a 20-minute taxi away from the duomo. Here, Il Salviatino provides the most fabulous retreat, with contemporary but noble Tuscany-adjacent rooms and a spectacular botanical garden spa that uses products by Florentine’s best perfumiers and cosmetologists. 

 

Hotel Montebello Splendid

This is where guests on our Ultimate Italy journey rest their royal heads for three nights – in between sampling the flavors of Umbria and dipping a toe in the sea on the sparkling Cinque Terre. Hotel Montebello Splendid is one of our chosen accommodations in Florence thanks to its understated neoclassical charm, and the serenity and elegance it provides, despite its  wonderfully central location – it’s just a short walk to the Ponte Vecchio. 

 

hotel montebello splendid florence italy restaurant

Hotel Montebello Splendid, Florence

 

Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites

A slightly offbeat choice in both location in style, Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites is more like a chic and characterful Florentine home – a place to really get comfortable. Though not central, it’s only a 15-minute walk to key sights, and the interiors are jungle-themed, festooned with palm fronds and drapery in lush shades of teal, sage and fern. The suites have canopy beds and rainshowers with chromotherapy lights.

 

See Florence in luxury on our Ultimate Italy journey. 

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