Top Properties for Couples Revealed Based on Millions of Traveler
Reviews and Opinions on TripAdvisor

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba Tops in the World;
Henderson Park Inn in Destin, Florida #1 in the U.S.

NEEDHAM, Mass., Feb. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TripAdvisor^®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice™ awards for Romantic Hotels. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews from travelers on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period with emphasis placed on reviews marked as a couples stay. The average nightly rate of Travelers' Choice award-winning Romantic Hotels on TripAdvisor is $316.

"Travelers looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway with their special someone can confidently book these award-winning properties that consistently win over the hearts of their guests," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "From outstanding service, to lavish amenities and stunning surroundings, it's easy to see why these hotels are beloved by travelers around the world."

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Hotels for Romance in the U.S:

1. Henderson Park Inn — Destin, Florida — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate¹ of $493 per night. Most affordable month² to visit: November ($258)
Located along Florida's emerald Gulf Coast, this magnificent New England-style hotel is ideal for travelers looking for a romantic respite. The adults-only property boasts Victorian-inspired furnishings, sweeping ocean views, as well as wine and flowers upon arrival. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "The Henderson Park Inn is one-of-a-kind. Beautiful location with a pristine beach, lovely low-key charm and elegance, and every accommodation you could want."

2. Wentworth Mansion — Charleston, South Carolina — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $357 per night. Most affordable month to visit: April ($299)
Nestled in Charleston's Historic District amid quaint cobblestone streets, Wentworth Mansion impresses guests with its opulent surroundings and commitment to service. Travelers will be treated to complimentary breakfast prepared by on-site restaurant Circa 1886, evening digestifs such as port or sherry, followed by nightly turn-down service with house made chocolate. "The hotel is a perfect combination of old and new, elegant but relaxed. The small touches such as wine and hors d'oeuvres added to the experience," noted a TripAdvisor reviewer.

3. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort — Poipu, Hawaii — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $488 per night. Most affordable month to visit: April ($480)
Travelers visiting Kauai are invited to experience the friendly "Aloha Spirit" at this luxury hotel located steps from Poipu Beach. Each of the 121 guest rooms and suites are designed to provide spectacular exterior views and come with a private lanai ideal for enjoying the natural splendor of the island. "The hotel is a little slice of heaven on Earth. The location is perfect, the rooms spacious and luxurious, and the staff were all incredibly helpful," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

4. Post Ranch Inn — Big Sur, California — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $1,236 per night. Most affordable month to visit: November ($1,159)
Described as a "sanctuary for the soul," this 39-room property seated on the cliffs of Big Sur offers complimentary yoga, guided nature walks and star gazing. Guests will also have access to a fitness center, hot tub and heated infinity swimming pool that seemingly blends into the coast. A TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, "For peace and tranquility in luxury surroundings, it would be difficult to find any place better than this. From the minute one arrives it is like entering another world away from the stress of everyday living."

5. San Giuliano Hotel — Palm Springs, California — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $289 per night. Most affordable month to visit: August ($179)
Conveniently located in downtown Palm Springs, this desert hideaway boasts eight well-appointed haciendas each with its own private patio and hot tub. Guests of the San Giuliano are encouraged to unwind by the pool or treat themselves to an in-room spa service. "The setting of this property is stunningly serene, like a tropical oasis with a view of the mountains, tasteful decor, and walking distance to restaurants. If you're looking for a romantic getaway to spend quality time with someone you love, you will find no better spot," raved a TripAdvisor reviewer.

6. Honor Mansion, A Wine Country Resort — Healdsburg, California — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $357 per night. Most affordable month to visit: February ($339)
After spending the day exploring the nearby wineries, travelers can settle in at this gorgeous property that's seated on four acres. Indoors, travelers will be delighted by the cozy guestrooms that feature oversized leather chairs and a fireplace, while outdoors they can take a dip in the 40-foot lap pool. "Our room was beautiful with the most comfortable bed and a private patio with our own hot tub. If you want romance, this is the place to go," shared one TripAdvisor reviewer.

7. Olea Hotel — Glen Ellen, California — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $293 per night. Most affordable month to visit: March ($277)
Set on a sunny hillside in the Sonoma wine region, Olea Hotel offers a variety of rooms including the secluded Garden Cottages, which offer a spacious living area, soaking tub, and private outdoor patio. Guests will receive a complimentary two-course breakfast and have the option of a soothing massage for a fee. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "Exquisite rooms, gourmet breakfasts and impeccable service make this a real find. Romantic, convenient, magical are a few of the words I can think of to describe this place."

8. Marquesa Hotel — Key West, Florida — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $367 per night. Most affordable month to visit: June ($237)
In the center of charming "Old Town" Key West is the romantic Marquesa Hotel. This property is comprised of four luxurious buildings centered on an enchanting garden with two swimming pools. All guest rooms boast natural light, marble bath tubs, and nightly turn-down service complete with Godiva chocolates. A TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, "Best boutique hotel in Key West; just a block from Duval Street, so the location is excellent. The grounds are beautiful and the courtyard is a little slice of paradise."

9. Grand Harbor Inn — Camden, Maine — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $330 per night. Most affordable month to visit: March ($216)
Quietly overlooking Camden Harbor, this Travelers' Choice award-winner provides a quintessential New England experience. Each of the plush guest rooms and suites feature a gas fireplace, custom marble rain shower and private balcony where travelers can watch boats cruise by. "This must be what heaven is like. The view of the harbor was spectacular and the hosts were very gracious. By far one of the nicest places I have ever stayed," gushed one TripAdvisor reviewer.

10. Casa Sedona Inn — Sedona, Arizona — Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $294 per night. Most affordable month to visit: February ($289)
Set against Sedona's placid red rocks, this adobe-style property is the ideal hideaway for couples. Guests are invited to kick back in the peaceful Juniper garden where they'll be surrounded by panoramic views of the majestic landscape. A TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, "We booked the beautiful ‘Moondance Room' that offered a deck where you can sit, relax and watch the sunrise, or gaze at the stars at night. The staff was gracious and helped with recommendations for restaurants and sightseeing."

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Hotels for Romance in the World:

1. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba — Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $443 per night. Most affordable month to visit: July ($334)

2. The Old Rectory Hotel — Martinhoe, United Kingdom

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $146 per night. Most affordable month to visit: May ($142)

3. Spicers Vineyards Estate — Pokolbin, Australia

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $369 per night. Most affordable month to visit: August ($364)

4. Anastasis Apartments — Imerovigli, Greece

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $406 per night. Most affordable month to visit: April ($370)

5. Komandoo Maldives Island Resort — Komandoo, Maldives

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $814 per night. Most affordable month to visit: September ($631)

6. Lindos Blu — Lindos, Greece

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $334 per night. Most affordable month to visit: April ($274)

7. Coco Plum Island Resort — Coco Plum Cay, Belize

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $271 per night. Most affordable month to visit: April ($212)

8. Baros Maldives — Baros Island, Maldives

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $1,173 per night. Most affordable month to visit: June ($877)

9. The Place Luxury Boutique Villas — Ko Tao, Thailand

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $228 per night. Most affordable month to visit: March ($223)

10. Tokoriki Island Resort — Tokoriki Island, Fiji

Bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of $598 per night. Most affordable month to visit: September ($577)

For the complete list of winners from the 2016 Travelers' Choice Awards for Romantic Hotels, more reviews and candid traveler photos, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cRomance.

To see the best hotels for luxury, bargain, and more, as honored in TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for Hotels from January, go to http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels.

Notes to editors:

¹Average nightly rates of properties are based on TripAdvisor pricing data for February 1 through July 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.

²Most affordable month to book each property is based on TripAdvisor pricing data for January 1 through December 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 350 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 290 million reviews and opinions covering 5.3 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 47 countries worldwide.

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*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, July 2015

**Source: TripAdvisor log files, average monthly unique users, Q3 2015

CONTACT:
Julie Cassetina
(781) 800-5194
jcassetina@tripadvisor.com