I recently read an article in which two travel writers debated whether great facilities or great service was more important in a hotel. Of course, I want both, but for me, it’s invariably the people who really make or break the experience once I’m there. These awards go to those who elevated our stays to another level.

Staff of the Year: Regent Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica, California

When reviewing a new property, I sometimes make allowances for moments of minor service clumsiness. But there was certainly no need to do so here, despite the fact that I stayed not long after the hotel opened. The property had formerly been a Loews, and Regent kept on many of the staff members. They already had an obvious sense of esprit de corps. Waiters remembered our names, the general manager checked in with us personally more than once (she always seemed to be around), and when two maintenance issues arose, the staff handled them quickly and graciously. To experience such fine service in such a new hotel is rare indeed.

Read more about our stay at Regent Santa Monica Beach »