Hotels

Want a free tour of New York’s Fashion District? NYC & Company – the Big Apple’s official marketing & tourism organization, has teamed up with The Westin New York at Times Square to offer an exclusive ’Project Runway’ promotion.

The Westin New York at Times Square

As part of the launch promotion for the seventh season of Lifetime Television’s “Project Runway” premiering on January 14, Westin guests in New York will receive a complimentary customized two-hour CitySights “Project Runway” bus tour with their reserved room on select dates between December 29 and January 18.

The tour will run on Saturdays January 2, 9, 16, and Sunday, January 10, visiting fashion landmarks as well as sites from past Project Runway seasons including Bryant Park, Parsons The New School Fashion Design building, and Mood Designer Fabrics - the supplier store for many of the contestants’ creations.

The hotel itself has been the setting for several past episodes. Gerard Widder, general manager of The Westin New York at Times Square, said that ”We are thrilled to partner with NYC & Company and “Project Runway” for this exclusive tour… Our proximity to the Fashion District adds another synergy that makes this project work so well.”

Use promo code RUNWAY.

The Westin New York at Times Square offers 863 rooms and suites with spectacular views of the New York City skyline, Empire State Building and the Hudson River.

Also a good place to check into if you’re planning a family vacation in New York to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik

Info: 270 West 43rd Street, at 8th Avenue, New York NY 10036; (212) 201-2700; www.westinny.com/

With a reputation for providing “everything in one place,” Gaylord Resorts are a fabulous choice any time of the year, but at Christmas the four hotels (located in or near Washington D.C.; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee) are transformed into a fanciful world of thousands of twinkling lights, colorful trees, over-sized wreaths and ornate details that provide a breathtaking view from every direction. Atriums inside each of the four resorts feature a wonderland of lighted icicles, towering Christmas trees, and illuminated fountains with choreographed shooting waters that dance to Christmas melodies.

Christmas decor in the Gaylord National atrium

Christmas decor in the Gaylord Texan atrium

The resorts’ signature holiday attraction, ICE!, is hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice by more than 100 artisans from Harbin, China (a city known for its master ice carving skills), who travel to the U.S. each year to work on the displays. A Read More »

World Class Golf @ Hotel Principe Felipe in Murcia Spain

Are you looking for a vacation that includes lots of warm weather and golf or maybe tennis? If you are wild about golf and want to get away from the cold this winter, right now you could stay at this five-star Spanish resort and play unlimited golf for seven days at about $450 per night. Staying here at the Hotel La Manga Club Príncipe Felipe is definitely a luxury but for many it might be the perfect getaway regardless of the price.

There are two types of accommodations within La Manga Club, both ideally placed to make the most of the resort’s facilities: The gorgeous five-star La Manga Club Hotel Príncipe Felipe or the comforts of the self-catering apartments and guestrooms at nearby Las Lomas Village. While we were there in November, the mild temperatures had everyone out walking the paths through the extensive resort property. We had only one morning of fog that caused the morning tee off to be delayed a little, and to cause a few to pull on a sweater. Otherwise, our week in La Manga was a wonderful Spain vacation with the family. Read More »

Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel

Do you live on the west coast?  Do you travel to Europe and want a better way to make that transfer to the continent? During my most recent visit to Europe, we took our standard nonstop flight from San Francisco International to London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom. However this time, rather than the pricier route, we took a different less expensive flight out of Gatwick Airport to the coast of Spain, adding a day to each end of our trip.

In order to make our transfer smooth, we decided to take advantage of staying at the only hotel located within the South Terminal at London’s Gatwick Airport. The Hilton London Gatwick Hotel is literally on the airport property, and you can walk from within the hotel through a covered walkway into the South Terminal.  However if you are flying from the North Terminal, you have a nice hotel option as well.  Since we were traveling during November and there were thunderstorms, we loved being able to roll our luggage to check in without worry.

How could our stay get any better? We booked our room paying in advance, and saved 20% off of their best rate. And by the end of our stay, we decided to become Hilton HHonors members. Read More »

The Landmark London Hotel reception

One word, posh. If it was convenient, Beyonce or her luggage would stay here. If she didn’t have Beckingham Palace, Posh Spice would stay here. The atmosphere and decor of The Landmark Hotel in central London is truly lavish. Built in 1899 and originally known as the Great Central Hotel, this hotel is on par with The Plaza or The Carlyle in New York.

If we stayed long enough, I imagine we would have seen a sweet little British Eloise roaming amidst the ladies enjoying their afternoon tea. The Landmark London Hotel is a 5-star hotel with more luxurious amenities than I have seen before, starting with our basic room for 550 GBP upto the Lifestyle Suites for 2,700 GBP per night. Really. Our stay gave me plenty of material for my imaginary life as a famous writer.

Given the level of service and beauty of the hotel furnishings we experienced, I am not surprised this hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.  Stay at The Landmark London and you could dine next to a sheik or maybe a regular family like us.  21st century bonus: The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) is the first luxury brand to, not only provide consumers the option of having a carbon-neutral travel experience, but also to make the financial contribution on their behalf to offset their energy consumption. Read More »

When you’re in town for the cool weather, incredible light decorations, visiting family, or all of the above, save yourself some time and heavy-duty cooking and treat yourself to a mouth-watering Christmas Dinner or Holiday Buffet at a local Orlando hotel.

Below are a few of the best Christmas buffets available along with a sampling of their buffet menus:

Caribe Royale
SALADS
Mixed Green Salad with Choice of Dressing
Grilled Sirloin & Haricot Verts, Wild Mushroom Salad
Brandied Seafood Salad

ENTRÉE
Sautéed Breast of Chicken topped with a Morel Sauce
Stuffed Clams Fantasy, Shrimp, Scallops, Clams, Coriander White Wine Sauce

CARVING STATION
Black Pepper and Herb Crusted New York Strip

DESSERTS
Freshly-prepared selection

$37.00 Adults
$15.00 Children Ages 3 – 9
Children under 3 Eat Free

December 25, 2009 – 3pm to 9pm
In The Tropicále Restaurant

Reservations Required.
Online » or call 407-238-8020

Caribe Royale Orlando Hotel
8101 WORLD CENTER DRIVE | ORLANDO, FL 32821 | 407-238-8000

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JW Marriott
Traditional-style carved ham and turkey
Seafood stations
Champagne and Wine Bar
Children’s delightfully fun buffet

Live Entertainment and a visit from Santa from 12 – 2pm

December 25, 2009 – 12pm – 4pm
Citron

$70 Adults
$30 Children

Reservations: 407-206-2400

JW Marriott
4040 Central Florida Parkway | Orlando, FL 32837 | 407-206-2300

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Celebration Hotel
BRUNCH
An Assortment of Composed Winter Salads
Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Berries
Citrus Poached Salmon Smoked Salmon Array

ENTREE
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Dutchess Potatoes
Oven Roasted Cornish Hens with Pearl Onion Demiglace

KIDS’ BUFFET
Chicken fingers
Macaroni & Cheese
French Fries

December 25, 2009 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Plantation Room

$49.95 Adults
$19.99 Children (ages 3-12)

Reservations: Book online

Celebration Hotel
700 Bloom St. | Celebration, FL 34747 | 407-566-6000

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Rosen Centre
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BRUNCH 2009
Marinated Grilled Vegetable Salad with Fresh Dill & Feta
Cheese & Fresh Fruits Displays
Peppered Sirloin of Beef  With Au Jus & Creamy Horseradish
Wild Mushroom & Cornbread Dressing

December 25, 2009 – 11:00am – 5:00pm
$39.95 Adults
$16.95 Children (ages 4-12)

Reservations recommended, call 407-996-9840 ext. 3593

Rosen Centre
9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819

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Grand Bohemian Hotel
Merry Christmas at The Boheme 2009 – A Brunch Celebration
Duck Confit, Wild Rice and Cranberry
Waffles with Whipped Cream and Assorted Fruit Toppings
Snow Crab Legs Chilled and Steamed
Hand Carved Clove Studded Virginia Ham
An Array of Christmas “Petite Cakes” and Pies
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Fruits

December 25, 2009
$49.95 Adults
$19.95 Children 4-15 (Under 4 are free)

Please call 407.313.9000 for reservations

The Boheme Restaurant at Grand Bohemian Hotel
325 South Orange Ave. – Orlando, FL 32801

If you know of, or if you have, a Christmas dinner buffet at a hotel in the Orlando area, please leave a comment below including the link to the buffet.

Happy eating!

*Photo courtesy of JW Marriott

The Charles Hotel at Night

Are you visiting the Eastern Massachusetts area this Thanksgiving holiday, and looking for a great place to stay?  The Charles Hotel, an independent hotel located right in the heart of Harvard Square, Cambridge, is offering a fabulous Thanksgiving hotel package, called the Trimming and Thanks package.

The Trimming and Thanks package, which is available for stays from November 20th – November 29th, includes overnight accommodations, a personal signed copy of Chef Peter’s cookbook – Fresh and Honest, choice of pie (apple, pumpkin, and pecan) from Henrietta’s Table, and breakfast for two at Henrietta’s Table.

The package price starts at $279 per night for double occupancy (not including taxes or fees) and the free breakfast cannot be used at weekend brunch at Henrietta’s Table.

The Charles Hotel has some wonderful amenities, including:

• High-speed internet access in all rooms (wireless in public areas)
• Complimentary newspapers on weekdays
• Free local and domestic long distance calls
• 24-hour concierge
• 24-hour room service
• Valet, indoor/outdoor parking, and car salon
• Library in lobby with autographed bestsellers
• Complimentary cribs with bumpers, fitted sheets, and blankets

In addition, the Charles Hotel also has an on-site skating rink, an adjacent spa and fitness center, several on-site and highly rated restaurants, and a jazz club.  The hotel is both kid friendly and pet friendly.

The Charles Hotel
Harvard Square
One Bennett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Toll Free: 800.882.1818

Photo Credit: The Charles Hotel

Marriott’s Custom House in Boston, Mass. a Marriott Vacation Club resort

If you’ve ever been to Boston and visited Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, you are probably already familiar with the Marriott Vacation Club’s Custom House.  The clock tower is known as Boston’s first official skyscraper, and is a major fixture in the Boston skyline.

The Marriott Vacation Club’s Custom House is located literally just steps from Boston’s famed Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the New England Aquarium, the Boston Harbor Waterfront, the North End, and the Freedom Trail, so it’s a great location for a family who wants to stay active during their vacation.  The hotel offers one bedroom/one bathroom family suites that are 450-650 square feet and include kitchenettes and a separate dining and living area.  Its got some other unique features – the 26th floor is an observation deck with views of the city, and the 30th floor is home to a unique nest of birds, the Peregrine Falcons. While the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant on site, there are so many nearby that it’s really not a drawback.

This fall/winter 2009 season, the Custom House is offering a great deal for their 25th anniversary. Guests can save 25 percent off room rates from now through December 20, 2009.  To book the 25th Anniversary Rate, visit the promotional page of the Marriott Web site and use promotional code FSZ or call 1-800-VILLAS-9.

Photo credit: Marriott’s Custom House

I’ve probably said this before, I’m saying it now, and I’ll be sure to say it again. I’m lucky to live in the heart of so many hotels. I have a “thing” for hotels. (It’s a good thing since I write for a hotel blog.) I LOVE staying at hotels.

Recently though, with the arrival of my two girls, I’ve started to really notice hotel pools. When we look for places to stay, one of the first things I look for on the hotel’s web site is the pool and its amenities. It must be awesome. I’m not spending my time at a hotel if it doesn’t have a pool worth visiting with my girls.

Marriott Orlando World Center Pool at Night

The Marriott Orlando World Center Resort just outside of Disney World, touts itself as a “The Hotel with the Best Pool in Orlando.” It’s pretty much like getting a waterpark for FREE included with your hotel stay. With four heated indoor pools and outdoor pools, TWO hotel kids pools, and SIX whirlpools, there’s hardly a reason to leave the hotel since it’s an attraction in itself. And look at that picture above. To me, swimming outside on a warm summer night is near bliss.

Read More »

A view of the Seaport Hotel from the Boston Harbor

When the Seaport Hotel in Boston opened back in the 90s, it was one of the first hotels on the about-to-be-revived South Boston waterfront.  Now, finally, the waterfront is a Boston hot-spot, with the Boston Convention Center, Institute for Contemporary Art, and the Boston Children’s Museum easily within walking distance.  The Seaport is still one of the best hotels in Boston, with deluxe accommodations, a fabulous restaurant, and family activities nearby.  It is also a “green hotel“, featuring environmentally friendly policies.

This Thanksgiving Holiday season, the Seaport Hotel, in conjunction with their on-site restaurant Aura Boston, is offering a wonderful special with two options.  If you are certain of your plans, you can fully pay for your room in advance, with no option for cancellation, and lock-in the fabulous rate of $99 per night, which includes overnight accommodation, usage of the Wave fitness club and pool, and wireless internet access.

If you need the option of canceling or changing your reservation, you can get the flexible holiday rate of $149 per night. Both rates are available from November 22nd – November 30th, 2009.

To book this special rate, visit the Seaport Boston’s promotions page.

If you do stay over the Thanksgiving holiday, you can also book reservations for Thanksgiving dinner at Aura Boston.  The special Thanksgiving menu includes a kid’s menu.

Photo credit: the Seaport Boston