The best hotels for night owls

Words: Sarah Jappy

If your ideal night involves a takeaway, a heated blanket, Maltesers and a mug of Ovaltine, look away now. If, on the other hand, cosy sofas and 40 winks appeal less than city-slicker hotels, buzzing bars, showstopping entertainment and clubs with vibes for daaays (and nights), keep reading. These USA stays at RIU hotels promise PM to AM adventures. Pyjamas? Probably not required.

Best for waterfront fun: RIU Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

The lowdown: Wake up – if you sleep at all, that is – at RIU Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf, just a clam’s throw from Pier 39, one of San Fran’s most iconic ’hoods. The bustling waterfront locale puts a holiday’s worth of restaurants and drinking spots on your doorstep. Dust off any cobwebs from the night before in the outdoor pool or at the well-equipped gym. Refuel with an American-style buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Daytime pursuits include trips to the Golden Gate Bridge and the famous ‘Painted Ladies’ (colourful Victorian houses on Steiner Street), cable car rides up and down those legendary hills and expeditions to eerie Alcatraz Island, whose former federal prison housed the likes of Al Capone.

Late-night lures: After cocktails at the hotel bar, head to Fisherman’s Wharf to explore your nocturnal neighbours. Further afield, districts such as North Beach, Nob Hill, Union Square and the Embarcadero offer vibrant entertainment for all tastes. Tick off a tiki bar or two: they’ve been a thing here since the late 1930s (Tonga Room is a local fave).

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Best for beaches and beats: Hotel RIU Plaza Miami Beach, Miami

The lowdown: Combine waves and raves in one punchy, all-hours trip, bedding down (however briefly) at Hotel RIU Plaza Miami Beach in the popular Art Deco district. Wannabe mermaids and mermen will relish the location bang on the beach. If you can resist the siren call of the white sands and sapphire sea, spend your days catching rays by the hotel’s outdoor pool, cooling off with refreshing dips and nibbling on flavour-burst appetisers from the comfort of your sun-lounger. Active types can hit the gym or enjoy aquatic South Beach Miami highs, including sailing, snorkelling and kayaking. Fear not, landlubbers, as tennis courts and golf courses galore await nearby. Savour international cuisine at the hotel restaurant and kick off each night in style at the lobby bar or pool bar.

Late-night lures: Explore a twinkling constellation of restaurants and bars along the Art Deco district’s avenues. Later on, discover Miami Beach’s (most) hedonistic side as the nightclubs on Washington Avenue open their doors: try Mango’s or Voodoo.

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Best for a backstage pass to Broadway: RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square, New York

The lowdown: Take the hint from the Big Apple: if the city never sleeps, why should you? RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square puts guests at the heart of ‘Restaurant Row’ on arterial W47th Street, with iconic Broadway theatres – and Times Square, obvs – as your neighbours. Inspired by its setting, the hotel has theatrical flair; admire the lobby’s oversized comedy and tragedy masks, paired with dramatic quotes. Begin the day like champions with the signature buffet breakfast, then pick up drinks and picnic provisions from Grab & Go, the hotel’s bougie grocery store. There’s also an on-site gym, if you can squeeze in a workout between urban highs. Close to the hotel, the subway connects you to all areas of NYC: take the 7 train to Queens and visit trendy Long Island City. Hop on the A and C trains to Brooklyn and roam around Prospect Park. Or choose the 3 train for the Bronx and ferry trips to Staten Island.

Late-night lures: It’s New York! Where to begin? Expect everything from Broadway shows to cool-kid hubs such as the Meatpacking District and Greenwich Village. Don’t miss Lower Manhattan’s bars and restaurants, Hell’s Kitchen for pub pints, or Midtown for dive bars and flawless cocktails. Try Jimmy’s Corner for the former and Nothing Really Matters for the latter.

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All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a dedicated 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at RIU Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel RIU Plaza Miami Beach or RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.