Brandon Berkson

New York

Founder at Hotels Above Par

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Articles

Oaxaca on a Budget? This Well-Dressed Boutique Hotel Is the Ultimate Find

4 weeks ago | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

Nestled in the heart of Oaxaca's historic center, the Majagua Hotel Boutiqueoffers an adults-only haven where charm and comfort meet affordability. Recently renovated with sleek finishes that elevate both its style and atmosphere, this intimate 14-room stay strikes a perfect balance between cosmopolitan flair, Oaxacan-tinged vibrancy, and colonial charm.
The Urban Lafayette Hotel & Club Proves San Diego Is More Than Just Pretty Beaches

2 months ago | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

The Lafayette Hotel & Club is where Hollywood's Golden Age meets modern-day San Diego flair, a maximalist extravaganza where no two common areas look alike. From the moment you walk through its grand entrance, the hotel radiates an air of glamorous nostalgia. A place where starlets once roamed, today, it offers a quirky mix of mid-century history, juxtaposing motifs, and an enlivening local vibe, making it a true gem in the heart of one of San Diego's most hipster neighborhoods, North Park.
A Travel Guide to Jaipur-India's 'Pink City'

Jan 22, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of India's Rajasthan state, beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural delights. Known as the 'Pink City' due to the color of its buildings, Jaipur offers a blend of traditional Rajasthani heritage and modern amenities. Here's where to stay, eat, drink, and visit while here, courtesy of HAP CEO Brandon Berkson.
This Tiny Sri Lanka Hotel Sits Above a Breathtaking Cinnamon & Tea Estate

Jan 22, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

Sri Lanka keeps getting more popular. The South Asian island attracts a medley of different travelers: the social media-obsessed want to take 'Instagrammable' pictures at the country's hallmark tea plantations, surfers aplenty search for the perfect wave on the isle's free-spirited southern shores, and we at HAP make a beeline for the destination's wealth of boutique hotels. And on the topic of inimitable stays, let us introduce you to one of our favorites on the island: Glenross Living.
This Sterling Pacific Carry-On Is the Crème-de-la-Crème of Aluminum Suitcases

Jan 21, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

The Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case is a premium luggage option designed for both functionality and style, making it an ideal choice for short trips, weekend getaways, or carry-on luggage for longer vacations. This suitcase combines sleek aesthetics with high-end features, crafted to meet the demands of modern travelers. With a capacity of 40 liters, the Cabin Travel Case offers just the right amount of space for a few days' worth of clothing, accessories, and essentials.
Maniumpathy Hotel Is a Charming, Quiet Oasis in the Heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Jan 17, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

Tucked away in the lively city of Colombo, Maniumpathy is a hidden gem that combines Ceylonese history with colonial elegance. Named after Manipay, a town in Jaffna, this boutique hotel occupies a stately mansion passed down through five generations of the accomplished Hallock family. Once a family home, it has been transformed into an intimate retreat with only eight suites, each one unique and arranged around a tranquil centerpiece courtyard with a petite pool.
2025's Hottest Boutique Hotel Openings

Jan 16, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

We love nothing more than a new trendy boutique hotel. Being it's the beginning of the year, HAP CEO & Editor-in-Chief Brandon Berkson shares his hyper-curated selection of the soon-to-open stays he's most excited to spend the night at in 2025. Below, we share 11 boutique hotel openings on our radar.
Lungi Puts Sri Lankan Cuisine on the Map in Manhattan

Jan 16, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

If you're looking for bold, aromatic Sri Lankan flavors in the heart of New York City, Lungi is your destination. Situated in Manhattan's Upper East Side, this new culinary hotspot is the brainchild of Chef Albin Vincent, Chef Vasantha Kumar, and Sous Chef Andrew Simethy-all of whom were raised in Southern India and Sri Lanka.
Where Every Detail Feels Like a Toast to Japanese Hospitality

Jan 15, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

The original 1962 Okura Tokyo, a mid-century modern icon designed by architect Yoshiro Taniguchi, was a stunning fusion of modernist flair and Japanese craftsmanship. Built just in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the Leading Hotels of the World member quickly symbolized the era's design ambition. However, in 2015, the hotel's owners made the controversial decision to demolish the main building, including its beloved lobby, a move that sparked a global outcry from architects and preservationists.
This Luxe Sri Lanka Boutique Hotel Proves Life's Better by the Lake

Jan 14, 2025 | hotelsabovepar.com | Brandon Berkson

An upmarket lakeside haven at the end of a dirt road that's a 40-minute drive from Sri Lanka's most charming colonial city, Galle, Tri Lanka is a hidden gem that proves you don't need to chase sunsets on the beach to experience jaw-dropping beauty. Overlooking the serene Lake Koggala, this eco-friendly retreat is luxury in its purest and most natural form.

Journalists covering the same region

Andrea Romano

Writer at Il Fatto Quotidiano

Writer at Freelance

Andrea Romano primarily covers news in various locations across Europe and the Americas, including cities like Paris, France, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.