Inside US hotels founded by the stars and how guests rate them
Who’s the best celebrity hotelier of them all? Inside hotels founded by the stars, from Robert De Niro’s glamorous New York hotspot to David Copperfield’s $50k a night island (AND how guests rate them)
- On the shores of California, Doris Day was the proprietor of a pet-friendly property for more than 20 years
- Magician David Copperfield remains the proud owner of a private island resort in the Bahamas
- Hollywood legend De Niro opened this celeb-favored hotel in his home city in 2008 and it remains a hot spot
Forget diamond ratings, these hotels have screen stars to boost their curb appeal.
Away from the limelight, a fleet of celebrities have turned their hand to hospitality and put hotels to their names.
On the shores of California, Doris Day was the proprietor of a pet-friendly property for more than 20 years before her death in 2019, while David Copperfield remains the proud owner of a private island resort in the Bahamas, which rents out for $50,000 per night.
Scroll down to see how these star-backed properties rate, along with a cast of other swoon-worthy spots.
Doris Day’s Cypress Inn in California: 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor
From $299 per night
For more than 20 years, Cypress Inn on the Californian coast was jointly owned by the late legendary singer, actress and animal activist Doris Day and her business partner Dennis LeVett
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 1,120 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 1,728
The rooms vary from standard rooms to suites and Mediterranean-inspired interiors run throughout
Following the star’s death at the age of 97 in 2019, the inn fell under new ownership and it remains popular with dog-laden travelers
For more than 20 years, Cypress Inn on the Californian coast was jointly owned by the late legendary singer, actress and animal activist Doris Day and her business partner Dennis LeVett.
The website notes that ‘Doris’s deep devotion to animals helped put Cypress Inn on the map as the ‘pet friendliest’ inn in the ‘pet friendliest’ town in America!’
Amenities tailored to four-legged friends include dog treats, along with blankets and bowls for in-room use.
Following the star’s death at the age of 97 in 2019, the inn fell under new ownership and it remains popular with dog-laden travelers.
The rooms vary from standard rooms to suites and Mediterranean-inspired interiors run throughout.
The communal living room makes for one of the most impressive interior spaces, with a beamed apex ceiling, an open fireplace and designer couches.
On the dining front, there is a cozy restaurant-cum-bar that serves up 50 covers and there is an outdoor patio that can be enjoyed in warmer weather.
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 1,120 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 1,728.
A recent guest said of their stay: ‘We were recommended to visit the Cypress Inn and we were not disappointed. It was just delightful and seemed from a different era. Known because it’s doggie friendly we counted 13 dogs on our two night stay.
‘It was so interesting how dogs bring people together and the conversations that began because of the dogs. However it was spotless and the staff were very helpful. There is live music four nights a week but unfortunately not the nights we were there.’
Paula Deen’s Y’all Come Inn in Georgia: 5.0 rating on Airbnb
From $225 per night
Food Network star Paula Deen put her home on Tybee Island in Georgia up for rent in 2012 before selling it a few years later and now it is being offered as an Airbnb from $225 per night
In total, there are three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, plus a sofa bed on the main floor
The quaint ranch-style home has a light and airy feel, with pastel colors running throughout, along with light wood flooring and oversized windows
With the Deen link, it remains a popular rental home and currently it is largely booked out until August
Food Network star Paula Deen put her home on Tybee Island in Georgia up for rent in 2012 before selling it a few years later and now it is being offered as an Airbnb from $225 per night.
Despite changing hands, the property retains its original name coined by Deen: ‘Y’all Come Inn’.
When the famed chef first offered her three-bedroom property it booked up quick, with a waiting list running up for months.
With the Deen link, it remains a popular rental home and currently it is largely booked out until August.
The quaint ranch-style home has a light and airy feel, with pastel colors running throughout, along with light wood flooring and oversized windows.
In total, there are three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, plus a sofa bed on the main floor.
Moving outside, the property features multiple balconies and a wraparound veranda, while there is a grassy garden to enjoy.
In terms of local attractions, the Airbnb listing states: ‘Just a short walk to the beach and many restaurants, Y’all Come Inn is centrally located in a peaceful section of Tybee Island.’
The hotel has a 5.0 rating on Airbnb but there are currently only three reviews.
One traveler who stayed there in March left glowing feedback, writing: ‘Very appreciative of [host] Edmund’s quick responses and assistance. Excellent communication and reassurance that he would work to make sure our stay was a positive experience.’
Other guests deemed the house ‘clean’ and ‘beautiful.’
David Copperfield’s Musha Cay in the Bahamas: No rating on Tripadvisor
From $50,000 per night
The world’s most successful magician David Copperfield has a second life in real estate with the chain of 11 Bahamas islands he turned into an exclusive Caribbean resort
In 2006, the famed magician bought the 150-acre island of Musha Cay and its surrounding chain for a reputed $50million, and with $40 million and five years of remodeling, made it into his own personal Fantasy Island
All told, the 11 islands comprise 700-acres and are worth upwards of $100 million, and Copperfield describes his resort as ‘the most magical vacation destination in the world
Island rates start at $50,000 a day for up to 12 persons with a five-night minimum. The cost includes all meals and drinks such as fine wines and champagnes
The world’s most successful magician has a second life in real estate with the chain of 11 Bahamas islands he turned into an exclusive Caribbean resort, which has everything from a giant drive in movie theatre on Coconut Beach to ‘The Houdini Room’ filled with memorabilia from his hero.
In 2006, the famed magician bought the 150-acre island of Musha Cay and its surrounding chain for a reputed $50million, and with $40 million and five years of remodeling, made it into his own personal Fantasy Island complete with a staff of 30, with furniture flown in from all over the world – including Harry Houdini’s pool table.
All told, the 11 islands comprise 700-acres and are worth upwards of $100 million, and Copperfield describes his resort as ‘the most magical vacation destination in the world.’
It’s been widely reported that Copperfield found the main island after drawing criss-crossing lines between Easter Island and Stonehenge, and the Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of the Sun in the Yucatan, and determining the exact spot at which the two intersected.
Island rates start at $50,000 a day for up to 12 persons with a five-night minimum. The cost includes all meals and drinks such as fine wines and champagnes.
Select extras range from spectacular fire work events and a multi-island treasure hunt created, written and scored by David Copperfield and his creative team.
Copperfield named his wild mini-archipelago in the Bahamas the Islands of Copperfield Bay and they are also reputed to have a fountain of youth, a secret underground city, and a treasure hunt bearing pirate booty.
‘The island experience is the creation of every great place I’ve ever been combined with the imagination that I have in my theatre work,’ he previously told Forbes. Given its exclusivity, there is no entry for Musha Cay on Tripadvisor or other travel review sites.
Robert De Niro’s The Greenwich Hotel in New York City: 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor
From $925 per night
Hollywood legend De Niro opened The Greenwich Hotel in his home city in 2008. Architect David Rockwell designed the project to the actor’s personal taste
There’s an eclectic feel inside the hotel and none of the 88 rooms and suites are the same apart from the beds, which are from UK manufacturer Savoir
Another draw is the hotel’s slick basement gym and Japanese-inspired spa, complete with a lantern-lit swimming pool
In terms of the hotel’s restaurant, De Niro sticks to what he knows best. Locanda Verde, headed up by Andrew Carmellini serves up Italian comfort food beloved by everyone from Kendall Jenner to the Sussexes
Hollywood legend De Niro opened this celeb-favored hotel in his home city in 2008.
Architect David Rockwell designed the project to the actor’s personal taste, which Wallpaper magazine said he defined as ‘masculinity and comfort, executed with meticulous, refined craftsmanship.’
‘It was a really good, collaborative project,’ Rockwell said. ‘Bob (De Niro) wanted the hotel to fit into the fabric of TriBeCa, so we started looking at brick treatments, among other elements.’
There’s an eclectic feel inside the hotel and none of the 88 rooms and suites are the same apart from the beds, which are from UK manufacturer Savoir.
The most luxurious accommodation offerings are the three penthouses, with the sprawling TriBeCa pad coming in at $18,000 per night.
In terms of the hotel’s restaurant, De Niro sticks to what he knows best. Locanda Verde, headed up by Andrew Carmellini serves up Italian comfort food beloved by everyone from Kendall Jenner to the Sussexes.
Another draw is the hotel’s slick basement gym and Japanese-inspired spa, complete with a lantern-lit swimming pool.
Despite the name, the hotel is not near Greenwich Village and instead on the edge of De Niro’s favorite neighborhood, TriBeCa. The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 533 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 655.
A recent guest said of their stay: ‘We live in Manhattan and had always heard great things about the Greenwich Hotel. All of them are true – fantastic service, great rooms, world-class spa. We enjoyed a short staycation here and will be back in the future.’
Robert De Niro’s Nobu Ryokan Malibu in California: 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor
From $2,000 per night
One of the most exclusive Nobu hotel outposts in the world is Nobu Ryokan Malibu in California. The Nobu brand is co-owned by De Niro, world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper
Opened in 2017, rates for this slick oceanside spot start from $2,000 per night
On the dining side of things, the hotel is next door to Malibu Nobu and guests get first dibs on tables
Along with The Greenwich Hotel, De Niro has a whole hotel and restaurant chain to his name in collaboration with world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper.
The first Nobu restaurant opened in 1994 in New York, followed by the first hotel opening in Las Vegas in 2013.
Since then, the brand has grown to 50 restaurants and 28 hotels, both operating and in development.
One of the most exclusive Nobu hotel outposts in the world is Nobu Ryokan Malibu in California.
Opened in 2017, rates for this slick oceanside spot start from $2,000 per night.
The resort comprises 11 guestrooms and five beachfront bungalows and, according to a press release, ‘each room has been uniquely designed to offer specialized guest experiences within a secluded oasis.’
Some features that appear in each room include handcrafted Japanese-inspired teak soaking tubs, limestone walls, bamboo towels and cashmere robes by Italian high end designer Loro Piana.
On the dining side of things, the hotel is next door to Malibu Nobu and guests get first dibs on tables. They also have the option to enjoy some of Nobu’s specialties, from his black cod to the hamachi with jalapeño, from the comfort of their room.
Other hotel amenities include a fitness center and an in-room spa service.
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor. Given the high price of staying there, there are just 12 reviews with eight of these ‘excellent.’
A guest said of their stay in February 2022: ‘This is a beautiful small boutique hotel. We had an oceanfront suite and it was a perfect setting to celebrate our anniversary.
‘[When the air conditioning broke down], they could not possibly have been any more responsive and concerned. They did everything they could to make sure our anniversary trip was still special and that we had a cool comfortable place to sleep.’
Robert Redford’s Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah: 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor
From $308 per night
In 1969, actor Robert Redford bought an area of land that is now known as Sundance, which he envisioned as a future community committed to the balance of art, nature and community
The resort offers a wide variety of accommodations tailored to every taste, integrating the mountain environment into the design aesthetic
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 534 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 798
After keeping hold of the resort for many years, Redford went on to sell it in 2020 to Broadreach Capital Partners LLC and Cedar Capital Partners Ltd
In 1969, actor Robert Redford bought an area of land that is now known as Sundance, which he envisioned as a future community committed to the balance of art, nature and community.
Although investors attempted to woo him over the years, Redford held tight to the land, and in 1981, founded the Sundance Institute.
The famed Sundance Film Festival is a program of the Sundance Institute and has now become one of the biggest independent film fests in the world.
The resort offers a wide variety of accommodations tailored to every taste, integrating the mountain environment into the design aesthetic.
Whether you prefer a mountain-view cottage, a condo-style riverside dwelling or mountain cottages, ideally situated adjacent to the Sundance Village, everyone from celebrities to ski enthusiasts will feel at home in the picturesque Utah canyon.
‘To us Sundance is and always will be a dream,’ Redford says in a statement on the property’s website. ‘What we offer in the form of art and culture, spirit and service is homegrown and available to all.’
After keeping hold of the resort for many years, he went on to sell it in 2020 to Broadreach Capital Partners LLC and Cedar Capital Partners Ltd. The price for the resort, covering 10 square kilometers, was not disclosed.
While the resort has been Redford’s Utah home for decades, the property also ‘created a lot of weight for me to be carrying around,’ he said in an interview prior to the announcement.
He added: ‘I had been searching for years for the right people to take it to the next level, so that I could take that weight off my shoulders and enjoy my life.’
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 534 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 798.
A recent guest said of their stay: ‘First time visiting Sundance Resort and so glad we did. First of all the snow was at a record level so that provided lots of fun on the hill. Are at two of the restaurants and both were fantastic. The pepper steak has been in the menu for ever we were told. It was very good.
‘Staff were exceptional. The Owl Pub was fun but tough to get a seat sometimes. Nice micro brews once we were able to get a table though. We will be back for certain.’
Jason Priestley’s Terrace Beach Resort in British Columbia: 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor
From $149 per night
Tucked away on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, is this beachfront property lovingly developed by Beverly Hills, 90210 actor Jason Priestley
There are six different types of accommodations available, each bookable per night or in five-night packages, which range from beach cottages to boardwalk lofts
All of the accommodation offerings at Terrace Beach Resort offer breathtaking views of the lush Pacific Rim National Park Reserve landscape
After years of promoting the West Coast, the Priestleys decided to retire in the summer of 2020 and Island Creek Developments purchased the property
Tucked away on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, is this beachfront property lovingly developed by Beverly Hills, 90210 actor Jason Priestley.
There are six different types of accommodations available, each bookable per night or in five-night packages, which range from beach cottages to boardwalk lofts. But don’t worry, all offer breathtaking views of the lush Pacific Rim National Park Reserve landscape.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled to note that the Wild Pacific Trail runs adjacent to the resort, which offers avid trekkers the chance to walk the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.
There is also the chance to go surfing, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, and cycling – and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a bear.
The property was developed in 1999, with Jason as one of the original investors, along with Lorne and Norma Priestley, and is designed to resemble a 1920s west coast fishing village. This means that it’s entirely built on pilings, with boardwalks that meander among the 400-year-old trees for which the area is famous.
After years of promoting the West Coast, the Priestleys decided to retire in the summer of 2020 and Island Creek Developments purchased the property. After fix up the resort, the company decided to share it with a collection of owners from around BC. Now each suite is individually owned while being taken care of by a local team.
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 460 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 619.
Despite the positive reviews, one recent guest who stayed there in July 2022 said they were disappointed. They wrote: ‘Stayed at the Terrace Beach Resort in July. Our room did not have a promised cot/ sofabed for our son and so had to spend a bunch of our vacation time calling customer service and looking for another last-minute hotel, to no avail.
‘We wound up buying an air mattress. The resort eventually promised to reimburse us but has yet to do so despite more than a dozen follow-up calls, texts and emails and several promises to get back. The cabin was clean and comfortable and the location was nice near trails and a quiet beach, but the customer service was so awful and unresponsive, I would not recommend here.’
Richard Gere’s Bedford Post Inn in New York: 4.0 rating on Tripadvisor
From $575 per night
This stunning historic inn, in upstate New York, is co-owned by beloved Hollywood actor, Richard Gere
With eight luxury rooms, guests can choose from one of five different room layouts – and many have a working fireplace, which helps to enhance the cozy, romantic feel
The Yoga Loft is one of the property’s unique features and the perfect place for a spot of relaxation
According to the inn’s website, Richard along with business partner Russell Hernandez ‘joined together in 2007 to rescue and restore this historic property dating back to the 1860’s’
This stunning historic inn, in upstate New York, is co-owned by beloved Hollywood actor, Richard Gere.
According to the inn’s website, Richard along with business partner Russell Hernandez ‘joined together in 2007 to rescue and restore this historic property dating back to the 1860’s.’
Though just an hour from Manhattan, the Westchester property feels thousands of miles away from the concrete jungle, boasting a yoga studio and a charming outdoor patio.
With eight luxury rooms, guests can choose from one of five different room layouts – and many have a working fireplace, which helps to enhance the cozy, romantic feel.
Some of the rooms even have private terraces, which overlook the wooded area nearby.
But it’s the Yoga Loft, the property’s on-site yoga studio, that is of particular note for those embarking on such a relaxing country weekend.
Offering daily classes, private sessions and guest speakers, the studio caters to locals and Bedford Post Inn visitors alike, having been named the area’s best yoga studio in 2012 and 2013.
The hotel has a 4.0 rating on Tripadvisor, with 116 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 198.
A recent guest said of their stay: ‘I was weary to stay here because the reviews made it seem mediocre. However, my husband and I decided to spend our anniversary here. We found the Inn lovely.
‘The room was extremely clean and beautifully decorated. Zach at the front desk was extremely helpful and kind. We would definitely stay here again. My only semi issue was the service at The Barn was quite slow, but what restaurant isn’t post-2020.’
Gloria Estefan’s Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Florida: 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor
From $210 per night
In Vero Beach, Florida, lies a luxury beachfront resort owned by award-winning singer, Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio
In total there are 94 guestrooms and suites offering prime views over the Atlantic
Ideally located along central Florida’s Treasure Coast, there is plenty of gold sand beach for guests to enjoy, as well as an oceanfront infinity pool, luxurious spa and several dining options at the resort
The couple opened the Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in 2008 and invested $50 million in the development
In Vero Beach, Florida, lies a luxury beachfront resort owned by award-winning singer, Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio.
The couple opened the Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in 2008 and invested $50 million in the development.
Ideally located along central Florida’s Treasure Coast, there is plenty of gold sand beach for guests to enjoy, as well as an oceanfront infinity pool, luxurious spa and several dining options at the resort.
The Cuban-born sensation’s personal taste is woven throughout the property, right down to the chic room decor and Miami-inspired exteriors, despite being almost two and a half hours north of bustling South Beach.
In total there are 94 guestrooms and suites offering prime views over the Atlantic.
In terms of the restaurant offerings, The Wave serves classic selections along with select Cuban specialties developed by Emilio and Gloria from their Estefan Kitchen Cookbook.
Meanwhile, the Cabana Bar is described as the perfect place to ‘enjoy an ocean breeze while you sip your beverage of choice.’
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 2,054 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 2,799.
A recent guest said of their stay: ‘We absolutely love visiting Vero Beach and staying at the Costa d’Este. Lovely property and an even better staff.
‘The food and experience at The Cabana was amazing-the calamari was incredible. Our son lived off the daiquiris during his entire vacation! Hoping to return!’
Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch Hotel in California: 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor
From $140 per night
This serene, Clint Eastwood-owned property in Carmel, California is a far cry from the bright lights of Hollywood. The actor bought the ranch in 1986, and rescued it from an impending fate as a condominium development
Prior to Eastwood’s ownership, the ranch took various forms and it operated as a private club, then as an officers’ club for the Army and Navy during World War II
There are 31 hotel rooms among 10 different buildings, as well as an on-site restaurant and piano bar, from which you can watch the sheep graze in the meadow
Eastwood purchased the ranch and ‘sought out the best craftsmen for renovation who have replicated moldings, doorframes and hardware to match the style of the original buildings’
This serene, Clint Eastwood-owned property in Carmel, California is a far cry from the bright lights of Hollywood. The actor bought the ranch in 1986, and rescued it from an impending fate as a condominium development.
Prior to Eastwood’s ownership, the ranch took various forms and it operated as a private club, then as an officers’ club for the Army and Navy during World War II.
The website notes that during that time ‘it had a rollicking reputation, with dance bands and a lively bar scene.’
Portions of the property were then sold to the Carmel School District and the State before Eastwood purchased the ranch and ‘sought out the best craftsmen for renovation who have replicated moldings, doorframes and hardware to match the style of the original buildings.’
Today the refined 22-acre retreat has plenty of lodging options and offers spectacular views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
There are 31 hotel rooms among 10 different buildings, as well as an on-site restaurant and piano bar, from which you can watch the sheep graze in the meadow.
The site adds that ‘each structure reflects a different architectural period’ from the 1840s through to the 1900s.
Along with accommodation offerings and a restaurant, the ranch is also home to a private tennis and fitness club which is accessible to members and hotel guests. There are six hard surfaced tennis courts in total and a fitness club with ‘state of the art equipment.’
The hotel has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 408 ‘excellent’ reviews out of 675.
A recent guest said of their stay: ‘This was a special night for my teen girls and myself. We loved the ranch, the people, the comfy beds, and the way we felt like we were staying with family. We won’t ever forget this stop on our spring break mom/daughter road-trip.
‘Thank you for helping us make lovely memories. (For the detail oriented: quiet, comfy sleeping quarters, good water pressure, warm water, felt secure, easy parking, soft sheets, great staff, beautiful views – just do it!)’
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