Hotels

Some of us may be counting our pennies and looking for deals online, but based on number of new luxury hotels being built around the world, there are still plenty of rich folk out there!

WAtoday has a story about five insanely luxurious hotels that were either just built, or are about to be finished. Most of them are out of reach for one reason or another — this year I won’t be visiting Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai (the Poseidon suite goes for a mere $9300/night), or spending my days on safari in Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India with nights at the luxury lodge Pashan Garh. Only slightly more likely are stays at the W Hong Kong, where they pledge to fulfill any (legal) service request, or the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, which is scheduled to open in April.

But the fifth hotel, which is right here on American soil, is totally on my list of must stay there hotels: The Standard Hotel in New York, developed by Mr. Chateau Marmont himself, (and former Uma Thurman dater) Andre Balazs.

A room with a view of New York

You may have heard about this property, which was profiled in Vanity Fair and countless newspaper travel sections. It’s in the Meat Packing district, and actually straddles the High Line, the elevated railroad that is (mercifully for the hotel guests) no longer in use.

A bathroom made for people watching

The Standard is all glass — seriously, floor to ceiling windows that open, stunning views of the New York skyline and Hudson River, and full views of the guests in the bathrooms if you don’t pull the curtains.

How perfect would a martini be in this room?

Every review has described the outside as looking like an open book, and since they’re right, I’ll copy them. The sheets are Italian, the bath stuff organic, the bar far too cool for me.

I’m dying to stay there.

Of course, so is everyone else, so I doubt there will be many rooms available on Priceline anytime soon. Oh well, a girl can dream.

Photos: The Standard New York

Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo

Bored of the same ole, same ole hotel scene? Lobby, check-in, hotel room, sleep, do it all over again? I came across an article by Mary M. Alward written a few years back, and she put together a fantastic list of “10 Whimsical Hotels.” I’ve included a short sampling of these playful hotels around the country will surely make you smile, and none of them contain an ounce of the mundane. Not even the hotel in a library! These hotels are expensive, but sometimes truly unique experiences are worth a little extra.

Jules’ Underwater Sea Lodge

At the time Ms. Alward’s article was written, this amazing hotel was the only underwater lodge in the world…I believe there are now several others under construction, including the amazing Hydropolis in Dubai. However, Jules’ Underwater Sea Lodge is in Key Largo, Florida, and you can get group packages for as little as $275/person, though you do need to take scuba lessons before you go down to the hotel. There are only two rooms available, so book early! Imagine gazing out of 42-inch window at night at all of the beautiful sea life.

Library Hotel

Do you love falling asleep to the smell of leather-bound volumes? Battling insomnia by pouring over drawers of Dewey Decimal entries? Well, the Library Hotel might be just perfect for you. More than 6,000 books await you at this imaginative hotel, which has designed rooms with themes relating to the books inside them. You get free wine and cheese every evening in the Reading Room, too. There are ten floors, and each one is themed around a Dewey Decimal System category such as Social Sciences, Math & Science and Art & Religion. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a room with a view of frenetic Madison Avenue. Rates start at about $400/night, and there are lots of packages available.

The Madonna Inn

Unfortunately, this is not the Material Girl hotel, but it is amusing nonetheless. The Madonna Inn is located in San Luis Obispo, California and it’s outfitted entirely in pink and white. All 110 rooms have their own themes – check out the Caveman Room, the Swiss Chalet and the African Safari. Some rooms require booking over a year in advance. There’s a helpful Room Grid on the website that lets you read about the rooms and look at pictures. Rates are $179-$300/night. Some of the rooms are wild!

Photo Credit: Omar Omar

The Chateau Marmont where real celebrities party with fans

The allure of David Cook is somewhat lost of me — let’s be kind and chalk it up to me being too old for him — but apparently he has a crazed bunch of groupies who chase, harass and stalk him in hotel rooms.

Gee, I wonder if they use my favorite site, “Hotels of the Rich and Famous” track him down?

However they find him, apparently these enthusiastic girls (guys? the articles don’t mention gender…) are managing to get into his hotel rooms and invade his sacred and holy privacy.

This had David in such a tizzy that he resorted to posting a screed on his MySpace page telling fans that their attempts to provide “turn down service” are unhealthy.

I have several questions:

• How bad it the hotel security where he stays that people can get into his room? Are they mugging maids? Hasn’t he heard of throwing the deadbolt?
• How ugly are these fans that he’s not “enjoying” their company?
• What kind of a rock star scolds his fans for trying to be groupies?
• WWTLD? (What would Tommy Lee Do? — and I think we all know the answer to that)
• Shouldn’t David be too busy drinking, fornicating and working on his “craft” to complain about too much fan attention?

David Cook is trying to single-handedly destroy the whole celebrity hotel room mystique, and I think he should be stopped. Where is Lindsay Lohan when we need her? Or Britney Spears? One of them needs to set up a private tutoring session at the Chateau Marmont, including proper celebrity hotel etiquette like drunk lobby antics, television tossing, and maid flashing.

The future of rock and roll depends on it!

Hyatt Regency Atlanta

I was surfing the ‘net for some great hotel deals, and I came across this one for Spring Break – it’s a fantastic family deal. Now through May 17,

Available now through May 17, 2009 five participating Southeast Hyatt hotels are offering a “Stay for 1 Night, Get the 2nd Night 50% Off” deal. And, kids twelve and under get to eat for free!

The five participating hotels are:

Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Downtown)

Grand Hyatt Buckhead (Near downtown Atlanta)

Hyatt Regency Suites – Atlanta Northwest

In these Atlanta-area hotels, you’ll be close to all the city has to offer, from the Coca-Cola Museum, to the Fox Theater to Stone Mountain. Atlanta is a great family destination.

Hyatt Regency – Greenville, South Carolina

Hyatt Regency Greenville is located in the center of the city, where you’ll have many entertainment options to choose from. Dining, golf, concerts – it’s all within reach.

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

You’ll be very close to pretty sandy beaches at the Jacksonville Riverfront hotel!

There’s no limit to how many nights you can stay, either. So, you could stay for two nights and get one for 50% off, or for four nights and get two for 50% off, etc. The only small catch is that you have to arrive Thursday-Saturday, but that’s generally when most people start their vacations anyway.

Photo Credits: Word Junky

St. Augustine Historic Area

I credit some friends with the inspiration for this post. They have just returned from a fun-filled week in St. Augustine, Florida, and they spent some time in the the historic Casa Monica hotel because they heard the hotel was celebrating its 120-year anniversary. They brought back a slew of pictures, and the hotel looks gorgeous – time has been kind to her!

Casa Monica opened in St. Augustine in 1888, and it’s fitting that such a beautifula and historic hotel should reside in the country’s oldest continuously operated settlement in the US. The hotel sprung up out of the deep pockets of a Mr. Henry Flager, a co-founder of the Standard Oil Company with John D. Rockefeller, and he saw great potential in St. Augustine as a winter retreat for the well-to-do. The first shovels hit the ground in 1887, and by January 1, 1888 Casa Monica Hotel was ready for business. Things were slow at first – only three guests registered when it first opened, and Henry Flager had to purchase the hotel back from the Bostonian architect he had sold the land to. Soon, Flager had turned Casa Monica completely around, renaming it Casa Cordova, and the hotel enjoyed great prosperity.

Unfortunately, over the years the hotel was somewhat neglected, and the number of guest dwindled. Casa Cordova shut down in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression, but it was finally purchased again in 1962 and transformed into a (large) county courthouse. In 1997, the hotel/courthouse changed hands once again and was gradually renovated and restored to its former beauty. The “new” Casa Monica Hotel welcomed guests again for the first time in 67 years on December 10, 1999, in time for a new generation of wealthy snowbirds to escape their frigid Northeastern climes.

Today, 138 luxurious and welcoming guestrooms make guests feel at home with Spanish architecture, wrought-iron beds and rich Mahogany woods. There’s a remarkable four-story suite which as hosted a line of illustrious guests including the King and Queen of Spain. Rates are around $200-$600 per night for the normal rooms, though I have yet to discover the price of that four-story suite…probably best for my heart if I didn’t ask.

Photo Credit: PlacesAroundFL

This weekend my husband and I took a jaunt down to Monterey. It’s our favorite time of year to make the quick drive — less than two hours from our home base of San Francisco — to see Cannery Row, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and simply enjoy the Northern California coast.

We are city folk, and love to stay right in the thick of things, so we were delighted to accept a weekend at the very centrally located Spindrift Inn, one of the four “Inns of Monterey“. It’s located right on Cannery Row, just a couple of blocks down the street from the Aquarium — perfect if you like to drop off your car and explore as much as possible on foot.

Spindrift Hotel, Monterey, California

The Spindrift is a comfortable and friendly hotel, and was just renovated so everything is fresh and clean. We had a gorgeous corner room, with two sunny window seats and a view of the bay. Both mornings we watched the sunrise while enjoying the Spindrift’s signature in-room breakfast.

By the way, just in case you think I can’t give an impartial review to the hotel because they comp’d us, don’t worry.  Sure, I always like hotels because I always like fresh towels and a bed that someone else makes. But also I can’t resist telling the awful truth, if there is one, because it’s always the best part of the story.

The Good

First, the good stuff. The staff is a delight. Sure, they might have been nice to me because they knew I was there to review the place. But I also spied them being equally sweet to everyone, including a rotten, complaining, bitchy woman who I wanted to kick. (Lady, you’re on vacation, chill.)

Also, it was the first weekend of March Madness, so my husband was pleased to see that the room had comfy chairs and a big ass flat screen TV hanging over over the fireplace. More on the fireplace in a minute.

We totally enjoyed the afternoon wine and cheese in the lobby, got great recommendations for restaurants, received our morning room service on time, and they didn’t kick us out when I accidentally put the “Service Please” sign on the door instead of “Do not disturb”.

TV, fireplace with actual unburnt log, and comfy chair

Our My Mistakes

Yeah, the maid sort of walked in on us, but it was totally my fault for that whole sign thing. Also, we weren’t doing anything! At least not right that minute. It was fine, she was perfectly professional, backed out quickly and no one saw anything.

Really, it was fine.

Okay, now about the fireplace. When we got in on Friday night, we ran out for a late dinner, had a couple of margaritas, and then came back and “turned on” the fireplace.

See, it’s wood burning, but you start the fire with gas jets. We thought we turned all of the right knobs, and opened the window as instructed to get a good draw. In the morning, while sipping tea and listening to the waves crash under our windows, I peered over at the fireplace.

“Why is the fireplace still on, but the wood didn’t burn?” I asked my husband.

He shrugged, went over and poked the log, and it started to burn. “Seems okay now,” he said.

No, before you ask, we don’t have a fireplace at home.

Approximately two minutes later, I looked up again from my tea and said, “Hey, does it seem smokey in her–” and then the smoke alarm went off.

We opened windows, flapped towels and shut off the fireplace. No harm done, the hotel did not burn down. Note to all future guests: read all of the instructions about how to open the flue.

The Cashew Test

Cashew-free honor bar with affordable peanuts

I always love to poke through the mini-bar, even if I don’t use anything. I was totally impressed by the Spindrift’s very logical and affordable honor bar — Snickers Bars, husband-approved beef jerky, and an umbrella. Smart, right? Plus, the prices are so legitimate. The big can of peanuts in the photo only cost $4.50. That’s way better than the $16 cashews from the last place I stayed.

Yeah, that's John Tesh. And I liked it!

Also, every room has a cd-player/alarm clock, and three cds. The big surprise here was … Tesh. Yes, John Tesh. His cd, Monterey Nights, blended perfectly with the sound of waves crashing under the window. Stop laughing, it’s true!

Things I’d Change

Really, hardly anything. I’d like to see a little more green effort, considering their location on the edge of a fragile natural wonder. The bathroom was really nice, all brand new and clean, with low-flow water fixtures.  It would have been nice if they’d taken the next step and installed shampoo, conditioner and lotion dispensers instead of having tiny, individual-use bottles.

Also, I didn’t realize they had in room recycling until I poked around and accidentally found the (recyclable) plastic bag they put in the room for you to recycle cans and bottles. People might actually use the bag if it was more obvious.

The Verdict

Would we go back and use our own cold hard cash to stay at the Spindrift? Heck yeah! We might not shell out for the fancy corner room (we loved the space, it’s just pricey), but we’ll definitely go for something on the ocean side. Waking up and listening to the waves under the window, the great location, the attentive staff — all things that make for an enjoyable and memorable stay.

You can check rates and availability on their site. J

Time again for the best deals of the week we’ve found through DealBase:

Let's use that Fairmont spa credit, yes?

Through April 19, sign on for The Fairmont Chicago’s Spring Break in the City package, which includes a free third night, a credit for $100 in food and beverages, free meals for kids under 12 at aria restaurant, a $50 spa credit, discounted parking and free use of the gym. Grand total: $93 per night.

MGM Grand in Las Vegas

MGM Grand in Las Vegas offers its Maximum Escape package, with a discounted room rate, $35 activity credit, two passes to their nightclub, and 25% off spa services. That’s $75 and up per night for this four-star hotel.

The -re suffix means the Rosen Centre is fancy (or fancie?)

Already planning a trip for Labor Day? Check out Orlando’s Rosen Centre Hotel, with a Labor Day package this year that includes a discounted room rate, free breakfast for two each morning, and complimentary self-parking for just $109 per night, a 51% savings, a significant deal round them there parts.

Rosen Centre photo by TimWilson on Flickr Creative Commons

Have you heard of the Greenbrier Resort? It a gorgeous, historic hotel in West Virginia which has catered to the rich and famous since 1778. Twenty-six presidents have visited the hotel, and Joseph and Rose Kennedy even honeymooned there. Well, it looks like the economy has taken its toll on this fine resort, as it has been reported by the Washington Post on Friday, May 20th that the resort has filed for bankruptcy. Apparently, the 720-room resort might be purchased by the Marriott hotel chain for a reported $130 million.

This makes me sad, on one hand, but happy on the other. It’s great that the resort is going to (hopefully) survive, and that it won’t simply be bulldozed to make way for a newer, more modern property with less heritage and charm. I am, however, concerned that Marriott will end up changing the “feel” of the property, though the company has gone on record as saying that they have no intention of changing either the name nor the “overall identity” of the property. I hope not! This hotel is a true gem, and it has a lot of history. Plus, it’s an amazingly posh hotel – it’s a five diamond property, and I’d hate to see such a beauty be changed in any significant way.

There’s something remarkable about walking around a building that’s over 230 years old, and it’s fun to imagine what the hotel walls have seen and heard over the years. It’s something that can never be replaced if significant changes are made to a building, so here’s to hoping.

Photo Credits: uuzinger

Hotels in Space?

Sweden’s Ice Hotel, one our favorite Weird Hotels Around the World, announced that they’re working with Virgin Galactic to send paying travelers into space.

Tickets for the trip, which will blast off from the town of Kiruna in northern Sweden, will set you back about $200,000. Yes, I got my zeroes right: that’s two hundred thousand dollars. Travelers may elect to fly during winter’s aurora borealis or the midnight sun of summer.

How I imagine it, but with Sir Richard Branson

As I’m typing this, I’m thinking two things:

1. Crazy!

2. My incredulity may seem later as bizarre as stories predating the Wrights 1903 flight. ”Scientists report that persons living in future-times may use ‘flying machines’ to transport themselves from North Carolina to Texas in as few as nine hours. ‘Dubious, kind sirs! Flight was meant only for winged beasts, as the lord intended!’ comes the rejoinder of all sensible Christian men.”

Back on topic, Ice Hotel is just one of five “accredited space agents” Virgin Galactic named to sell tickets on its flights. Agents will be trained in medical issues, space technology and g-forces.

And what do you expect a space hotel will look like in 3 years? Since they’re working on purifying urine into drinkable water at the space station, I’m going to guess your mini-bar isn’t stocked with Voss and M&Ms.

Just sayin’.

Did Justin Timberlake stay in this room at the Palms? Maybe!

Say you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, and want to stay in a hotel that gives you the maximum chance of seeing your favorite singer, Justin Timberlake.

You could try to call his manager and ask for a hotel recommendation. Or you could go to Hotels of the Rich and Famous, and check their database of celebrity actors, musicians, athletes, and models — yes, Jenna Jameson is one of the “models” listed — to see where he likes to stay.

So much easier!

In case you’re wondering, Justin and Jenna both like to stay at the Bellagio, when they’re in Vegas. Justin also likes the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and The Palms.

And hey, you know who else likes The Palms and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino? Kim Kardashian. But, wait, oh no! John Mayer also likes the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and he’s gross. You totally want to avoid him!

So now, thanks to the celebrity stalking powers of Hotels of the Rich and Famous, you know you should stay at The Palms. Good luck finding Justin, and remember to bring money for bail, just in case you freak out a celebrity and get arrested.

Hat tip to the Times Online for leading me to my new favorite website!

Photo: The Palms Hotel and Resort