Hyatt Regency Dallas

Together with the Hyatt Regency Dallas, for the fourth year in a row SoupMobile Inc., a non-profit in Dallas, Texas, that provides meals to homeless people, made Christmas Eve a little warmer and brighter.

Hyatt Regency Dallas room

Each year, as part of the annual Christmas Angel Project, SoupMobile holds a banquet for participants, who also receive clothing. Following the banquet, which was sponsored by Pizza Hut and Chick-Fil-A, the participants got to spend the night at the luxury Hyatt Regency Dallas hotel!

Hyatt Regency Dallas pool

The Hyatt Regency Dallas is a beautiful hotel, with several suites, a rooftop pool, deluxe fitness center and a range of dining options. Located in downtown Dallas, it is easily accessible from both DFW and Love Field airports. The four star property consistently gets excellent reviews from guests.

I suspect the participants of the Christmas Angel Project will be echoing those good reviews, too!

All kinds of interesting things happen in hotels, and often celebrities are involved.

Kiefer Sutherland

The holidays can bring out the stress monster within, especially when you’re far from home. Back in 2006, Kiefer Sutherland dealt with seasonal anxiety by having a few drinks with some friends at the Strand Palace Hotel in London. Then he attacked the Christmas tree in the lobby.

I’m sure at the time, to Kiefer, it seemed like an eminently reasonable thing to do. He even made arrangements to pay for the damages before he took the tree down with a flying tackle, which was caught on video for him “enjoy” watching for the rest of his life.

The staff at the Strand, who clearly have outstanding customer service training, are reported to have handled it calmly and professionally, prompting Sutherland to say, “This f—ing hotel rocks!”

Merry Christmas!

photo: ballookey on flickr

In the mood for a vacation that’s unique, strange or a even a bit bizarre? Check out these not-to-missed options: Perched near the Arctic Circle in Sweden, the Ice Hotel is, as you might guess, a hotel made of ice. Several room options are available, from “cold room” options that include sleeping on actual blocks of ice (brr!) or reindeer skins to the “warm room” options with designs that look like they’re ripped out of an IKEA catalog. Choose the cold room and you’ll be warmed in the morning by a delivery of hot lingonberry juice, welcome respite after the 5 degree night.

White Cliffs Hotel

White Cliffs in New South Wales will put you up in an underground hotel carved out as opal mines. The room rental includes a free tour of the mine and an unforgettable stay in Australia’s outback. Photo courtesy Gourmettraveler.

Cappadocia Cave Suites

Weird but also wonderful are the Cappadocia Cave Suites in Turkey, carved during Hittite, Byzantine and Roman days, but now used as lodging. Your ancient room, nestled among caves used as places of worship, includes wifi and an espresso machine.

Dog Bark Park Inn

Right here in the USA in Cottonwood, Idaho, is the Dog Bark Park Inn which is in the shape of a gigantic beagle. Enter the body of the dog through a private deck, then check out your spacious room, which comes with homemade pastries and granola. The hotel’s website includes this incredible quote from former guests: “Our girls had a fabulous time in the dog’s head.”

Tree House Lodge in Costa Rica

In case you like a more aerie like environment we recommend a tree house in Costa Rica.

Skye Lighthouse is now a hotel

Some prefer the sound of crashing waves and beach access.  In that case check into the Skye Lighthouse, in Scotland. Photo courtesy of Jon & Allison.

Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas

If you prefer more action, nightlife and well, gambling then Las Vegas offers all sorts of strange hotels, with the most wierd and my favorite– the Luxor.  It is so American to think we can replicate the pyramids.

Genting Highlands Hotel in Kuala Lumpur

Or if you just want more than just a little local color, go to Kuala Lumpur for a rainbow-like stay.  I think it looks like a child’s painting, full of whimsy. Photo courtesy of CLF.

Marques de Riscal

I also love the flowing lines this luxury Starwood Resort in Elciego, Spain.  The architect is of course, Frank O. Gehry. He is never dull. Photo courtesy of whomsie.

Underwater Hotel in Itanbul, Turkey (under construction)

And finally, we return to the sea, with an underwater hotel, slated to be finished in 2010, but don’t hold your breath.

Want even more weird hotels? Read the “More Weird Hotels” follow-up post.

Palm Desert

Palm Desert, California is a gorgeous oasis. You have the scenic mountains full of snow during the winter, the sweeping valleys with stunning desert flowers during the spring and a collection of new and historic communities. Love golf? You’re definitely in the right place. It’s an easy place to spend a lot of money in.

If you’re planning a trip to Palm Desert in the near future, check out some of the following Palm Desert area hotels. They’re not cheap, but oh, the luxury…

Marriot Desert Springs

This beautiful resort has not one, but two eighteen hole golf courses. The spa is second to none, and the suites are very spacious and have marble and granite bathrooms and ridiculously comfortable beds. There are about six high class restaurants to enjoy onsite, and if you’re looking to get off the hotel grounds, there is so much to see and do, including nearby Joshua National Park.

Renaissance Esmeralda Palm Desert

Esmeralda

It’s been said that this place is so high-end that even the valets get valet parking. You’ll have views of Eisenhower Peak everywhere in this resort, which is located in Indian Wells, about three miles from central Palm Desert. The outdoor pool is heated, and it’s spectacular. There’s even a sandy b each for kids! The lounges and restaurants are modern and classy, and they’re the hub of the hotel’s social activity. The scenery surrounding this resort is worth the price alone, in my opinion.

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Another stunning option near Palm Desert. And how can you not stay in a place that was thought up by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz? This resort is actually considerably less expensive than the previous two, and though it’s been completely remodeled it still has a class Old Hollywood feel to it, at least on the outside. On the inside though, everything looks European and snazzy. I think it’s a great option if you want to have the same scenery and similar service, but you still want to have some money left over toe explore the excellent restuarant scene in the area.

Photo Credits: LIberalMind1012, Esmeralda website,