Discretion in Demand
That Brangelina or Tony Blair would want to be shielded from public view is a given. But these days, even those who aren’t household names are demanding more privacy—and are willing to pay a high price for it. The hospitality industry is responding to the demand, with special suites, separate elevators and security sweeps.
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The Carlyle, New York
Since before John F. Kennedy entertained Marilyn Monroe at this Upper East Side classic—a fact only unearthed decades later—it has been known for maintaining a strict barrier between the well-known and the world. J.F.K.’s favorite duplex was sold to Hyatt heiress Karen Pritzker, but other top suites, such as the Royal and Deco, continue to draw guests like British prime minister Tony Blair.
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Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
This century-old hotel has been the scene of everything from Marlene Dietrich’s discovery to Michael Jackson’s dangling his baby son over a terrace railing. After Germany’s reunification, the hotel increased its ability to receive high-level diplomats. It now has a presidential suite with bulletproof windows, armored doors, and separate communications systems.
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Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
Located behind gates and spread over 12 acres, this hotel assures privacy by allowing its guests to be driven directly to their lodgings, never passing through common areas. The 16 most in-demand suites, including one named for longtime resident Grace Kelly, undergo security sweeps before each guest’s arrival. Cameras and a key system that identifies anyone entering a room ensure that guests remain undisturbed.
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The Lanesborough , London
This lavish hotel is like a rabbit warren, according to its managing director, Geoffrey Gelardi, in that it offers a choice of routes for guests who don’t want to be seen. The staff will accommodate unusual privacy requests—the hotel even blacked out one guest’s windows at his request. The security system is upgraded every few years and has portable components to allow monitoring outside a guest’s suite.
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The Lowell, New York
The minuscule lobby, mum’s-the-word staff, and suites designed to feel more like residential apartments contribute to guests’ feeling as if this intimate hotel is a home away from home. And it’s definitely a paparazzi-free zone.
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Palacio Duhau, Buenos Aires
Most of the rooms are located in the newly constructed section of this chic hotel, but the most private are the 23 in the restored 1934 palace. Most exclusive of all is the Duhau suite on the palace’s top floor, which has bulletproof windows and special security systems approved by the United States for representatives of its government. The suite can also be sealed off from other floors—and curious guests.
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Peninsula, Hong Kong
The helipad on the roof allows guests to enter without parading through the lobby; elevators can be set to provide dedicated service to guests of the premier suites. The hotel also uses pseudonyms and patrolling security personnel to maintain privacy.
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Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
The Valley Wing is a separate building, and is the ministry of foreign affairs’ preferred hotel for visitors. Everyone from U.S. presidents to international royalty (including the kings of Jordan and Sweden) to soccer nobility (David Beckham) has stayed there. Separate elevators and service areas, armed security patrols, and metal detectors are routine; screening traffic on roads leading to the hotel is optional.
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St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora
This new resort is already private thanks to its location on an island. But to accommodate high-profile guests, says Benjamin Sinclair, director of sales and marketing, “We have to come up with new initiatives every week.” The St. Regis has decoy boats to fool paparazzi in pursuit of guests, and security on Jet Skis. The most in-demand quarters: the two-bedroom villas on the outer reef, near the helicopter pads.
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The Waldorf Towers, New York
“Discretion is part of our culture,” says Joel Freyberg, executive director of Waldorf Towers. It would have to be—one suite was created for Queen Elizabeth II; another has hosted U.S. presidents for eight decades. The elevator from the private garage is guarded, and Secret Service is practically on speed dial. The staff goes into overdrive when the United Nations is in session.
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