Jan 19, 2011 6:52 - By: Britt Reints
Napa - hotel restaurant at Peabody Orlando
For many travelers, the hotel restaurant is a last resort dining option. It’s only to be used in cases of poor public transportation, lack of rental car, or extreme exhaustion that make getting to a real restaurant possible. However, more and more hotel restaurants are stepping up their game, becoming dining destinations worthy of foodies even if they aren’t planning to spend the night.
My husband and I recently experienced the newly opened Napa at The Peabody Orlando and the food was among the best I’ve tasted in the city regardless of location. According to Zagat, this is a trend that can be seen across the country. A recent survey by the notable review publisher says that hotels restaurants are providing some of the best dining options in cities all over America. Many of these hotels are bringing in celebrity chefs to beef up their menus and their credibility. Diners should, of course, be prepared to pay a double premium for convenience and quality at these on-property eateries.
Which hotels offer the best meals at their restaurants? According to the Zagat survey, the best meals in town can be found at these hotel restaurants:
Have you experienced an exceptional meal at a hotel restaurant? Tell us where in the comments!
Jan 17, 2011 10:29 - By: Britt Reints
The Ritz, Palm Beach
In recent years, hotels have slashed prices in an effort to fill vacant rooms. But a deep discount pricing strategy doesn’t make as much sense for luxury hotels, many of which have also struggled during the recession with a slow-down in business and pleasure travel. How can upscale hotels encourage guests to spend the night?
Many high-end hotels have started to get more creative with the amenities they offer guests. The luxury experience goes beyond high thread count sheets and turn down service and may include VIP treatment when your away from the hotel. Hotels in LA, for example, are offering guests tickets to exclusive industry events like the Golden Globe or Emmy Awards.
Hollywood hotels aren’t the only ones offering star treatment. If you prefer sports to movies, The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach’s Take Me Out to the Ballgame package takes you out of the suite and into the dugout for baseball spring training.
Read More »
Jan 12, 2011 17:32 - By: Britt Reints
Pampering at Gaylord Palms' Relache Spa
Hotels across the country are trying to entice sweethearts to indulge in a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day with packages aimed at trips for two. Gaylord Hotels resort destinations are offering deals all over the United States with their “Remember the Romance” special.
The Remember the Romance package at the Gaylord Hotels includes:
- 1 night room accommodations at a Gaylord Hotels resort destinations
- Romantic welcome amenity upon arrival
- Breakfast for two
- 20% off select spa services at Relache Spa
Self-parking, daily bottled water in the room and the resort fee is included with package prices.
Lovebirds can take advantage of this deal at:
*per couple, does not include tax
Of course, anyone with kids will tell you that finding a babysitter on Valentine’s Day can often take an act of Congress and God, and it seems someone at the Gaylord head office just might have kids. The romance package is actually available all spring and into the summer, with three of the properties extending the discount to July 31st. The Gaylord Texan is running Remember the Romance through April 30th.
While I have not (yet) checked out a spa at a Gaylord hotel, the Gaylord Palms is one of my favorite hotels in the Orlando area. I think I can speak for women everywhere when I say that I’d be more than happy with a pampering service from a Relache Spa as a Valentine’s Day gift. Throw in an overnight stay and breakfast and I won’t even mention my birthday this year.
Photo courtesy of Gaylord Hotels
Jan 11, 2011 9:00 - By: Jill K. Robinson
Get great views of San Francisco from the Mandarin Oriental
Boost your cultural intake on your San Francisco vacation this winter with the “Symphony of Delights” package at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco. The San Francisco Symphony celebrates its centennial season in 2011-12, and if you’ve never been to a live performance, this is an ideal opportunity to sneak a luxe hotel stay in as well.
The one-night package includes a deluxe king room accommodation, breakfast for two and a 25 percent discount on seats (Orchestra, Upper Orchestra, First and Second Tier) in the San Francisco Symphony’s Davies Symphony Hall. Available in January and February, the package price is $415 per night (with additional nights available at published rates); taxes and gratuities not included.
To reserve, call the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco at 800-622-0404, or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco. Once you book the package, you’ll be given a code and instructions to select your seats.
Relax in your room before the concert
When you’re not lounging in your room, enjoying the breakfast menu at the hotel’s Silks restaurant, or attending the concert—you’re in an ideal spot to get out and discover some top San Francisco attractions. Stop by the Ferry Building Marketplace (a foodie’s delight), amble along the historic Barbary Coast Trail, ride a cable car, or shop ‘til you drop. That’s only scratching the surface, so extend your stay and add more things to do!
Mandarin Oriental San Francisco, 415-276-9888
222 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
Photos courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco
More San Francisco-related information:
Nopalito—San Francisco, CA
Hog Island Oysters in San Francisco: Best Lunches With a View
