Trump International listed as 3rd worst new luxury hotel of 2016: LTI

Trump International listed as 3rd worst new luxury hotel of 2016: LTI

The Donald may have been voted as US's President-elect, but his latest foray into the hospitality scene is struggling to keep up.

Industry experts at Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) have released a list of best and worst new luxury hotels of 2016, with Trump International in Washington DC trailing behind as the third worst of the year. The organization reviewed 53 new luxury hotels this year. 

According to LTI founder Mr Michael Crompton, Trump International has an impressive façade, but falls short in quality. Mr Crompton added that LTI found the decor garish and that service was poor on occasions.

"The whole experience seems a little forced and therefore this place is not for the true discerning luxury traveller," he concluded.

However there were far more positive reviews on TripAdvisor, with guests commending the hotel for its "excellent service staff" and comfortable rooms.

On this note, Mr Crompton suggested that "tourist hordes will keep the place eternally busy."

The performance ranking is a marked difference from the prior reception it received at its launch. Mr Trump had touted it as "one of the great hotels of the world."

Read more: Celebrity chefs pull out of Trump's Washington DC hotel

In fact it was so great that the property tycoon couldn't wait to launch it two weeks ahead of the US Presidential Elections - a move which sparked controversy among the country's divisive population.

The worst on the list is Palazzo Versace in Dubai with Four Seasons in Oahu taking the second lousiest spot.

According to LTI, Palazzo Versace lost out for being in the middle of ongoing construction while Oahu's Four Seasons failed to meet the chain's standards for an upscale resort.

See the full list in the gallery.

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Best Luxury Hotels

Meanwhile, Helena Bay Lodge in New Zealand was crowned the best new luxury hotel of the year.

Nestled in the sub-tropical region of Northland, New Zealand, the US$50m (S$72m) property is highly exclusive with a grand total of five suites, accommodating no more than 10 guests.

Rates for single occupancy range from NZD$1.7k (S$1.7k) to NZD$3.5k, and guests have quick access to a pristine coastline where water activities like fishing, canoeing and diving are available.

The hotel is also ranked second in National Geographic Traveller Magazine.

Coming up next on the list is Pink Sands Club in Canouan

The Caribbean destination impressed LTI with its immaculate service. It offers private jet transfers right to the door of its "spacious, elegant, accommodation."

Pink Sands Club which hosted its first guests on Oct 10 has 26 suites and six lagoon villas.

See the full list in the gallery.

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debwong@sph.com.sg

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