The Queen Mary Hotel Named a Top Southern California Hotel in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards
Prestigious Annual Awards Program Honors the World’s Best Hotels, Resorts, Cities, Islands, Airlines and Cruise Lines
LONG BEACH, CA – October 25, 2016 – Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards with The Queen Mary Hotel recognized in the “Top Hotels in Southern California” category with a No. 15 ranking.
“We are truly honored that The Queen Mary Hotel has been recognized by the trusted readers of Condé Nast Traveler, who are themselves experienced and adventurous travelers,” said Taylor Woods, Co-Founder of Los Angeles-based real estate investment and development firm Urban Commons, the leaseholder of The Queen Mary. “This prestigious award is a testament to the unmatched level of personal service from our staff and the truly authentic and historical experiences we strive to provide onboard the ship. In addition to being a popular hotel and attraction, The Queen Mary is a storied landmark that we are fortunate enough to have right here in Southern California.”
Over 300,000 dedicated readers – nearly twice as many as last year – cast votes for 7,394 hotels, 606 cities, 500 cruise ships, and 236 islands, in an average survey time of 8.4 minutes. The result? The 1,402 best travel experiences in the world.
No other hotel can boast traveling three and a half million miles since inception, but The Queen Mary – considered one of the grandest ocean liners ever built – offers guests unique hotel accommodations and a wide array of attractions that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Each of the 346 First-Class staterooms and suites offers 1930s decor featuring rich wood paneling and art deco fixtures with 21st century amenities. Guests can also pamper themselves at the Queen Mary Spa, shop at a variety of specialty boutiques or dine at one of the many fine dining and casual eateries.
In April 2016, Urban Commons assumed the 66-year master lease of The Queen Mary and the 65 total acres of land and water surrounding the ship. Recently, Urban Commons announced a $15 million renovation plan onboard the ship to enhance its original charm and capture the nostalgic excitement of travel. The company is also working on a large-scale development plan that will bring to life a must-visit mix of retail, dining, adventure and entertainment options on the acreage surrounding the ship.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of
travel.” Under Editor in Chief Pilar Guzmán, the Readers’ Choice Awards have become more selective and specific to the passions that inspire today’s travelers.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are announced in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, on newsstands nationwide on October 25, 2016. The full list is published exclusively online, at www.CNTraveler.com/rca.
About The Queen Mary
Located in the heart of Downtown Long Beach for nearly half a century, the RMS Queen Mary offers modern amenities aboard an authentic Art Deco architectural marvel for a one-of-a-kind experience. A historical icon, the ship first debuted as the grandest ocean liner in the world in 1937, ferrying the world’s elite. During WWII, she served as a troop carrier and was dubbed the “Grey Ghost” due to her camouflage paint job. After the war, the Queen Mary was retrofitted as a grand cruise ship once again, before coming to her final resting place in Long Beach. Today, she offers something unique for all who come aboard, from fine dining and pampering in her spa, to behind the scenes tours and special seasonal events. Website: www.queenmary.com
About Urban Commons
Urban Commons is a Los Angeles-based real estate investment and development firm with a successful track record for developing, repositioning and rebranding assets throughout the United States. The company focuses on impacting under-managed and under-utilized assets by developing innovative and emerging properties to promote optimal economic, social and environmental returns. Website: www.urban-commons.com
About Condé Nast Traveler
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Condé Nast Traveler is the most trusted and celebrated name in travel with 6 National Magazine Award wins and 26 nominations in its 28-year history. Advertising Age named Pilar Guzmán Editor of the Year in 2014 and CNTraveler.com attained 4 Webby Awards since 2015. Website: www.cntraveler.com
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