In a frugal age where hotel owners are counting every penny spent on upkeep, the Custom Hotel in Los Angeles has enjoyed two major renovations in 4 years.

The 250-room Custom Hotel at LAX is being “re-introduced” after yet another makeover given to it by JDV Hospitality, which is now in charge. The previous owners had spent more than $20 million on a full renovation as recently as fall 2007.

Custom Hotel LAX

One of the obvious advantages is its Westchester location – one mile from LAX and a few minutes from Los Angeles attractions like the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Monica Pier.

While a gazillion other LAX airport hotels can lay claim to the same convenient location, the Custom Hotel still manages to stand apart as the only boutique property among the lot.

As per the JDV custom that each of its hotels have a unique personality befitting its location and culture, this one too has a decor and theme that harks back to the golden years of air travel in the 60′s, when flying was fun and glamorous, and 9/11 didn’t mean anything much.

The guest rooms and suites offer more choice than the cookie-cutter brand-name hotels lined up on W Century Blvd, since each floor of the Custom Hotel has its own graphic concept. In fact, you can actually custom-ize your room, because the LED lighting allows you to change the color of the lighting to suit your mood. Read More »

Faneuil Hall in Boston (by the Freedom Trail)

Do you want to take an American Revolution history lesson in Boston this fall?  The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common is offering a Freedom Trail package through November 14, 2011.  With the package, you’ll be able to learn about the Freedom Trail, and America’s break from England, from a costumed guide – something the kids will just love.  The package starts at $531 per night, and includes the following:

• One night luxury accommodations at the Ritz Carlton, which overlooks the famous Boston Common
• Choose from the public Freedom Trail with a costumed guide, or the audio guide walking tour
• An American Breakfast for two in the Ritz-Carton Boston Common’s Avery Bar
• Overnight Parking at the hotel

The Ritz Carlton Boston Common offers 193 guestrooms, including 43 suites, located right in the heart of Boston overlooking Boston Common.  Many popular Boston attractions, including the Public Garden, the Freedom Trail, the Theater District, Faneuil Hall, and Quincy Market, are within walking distance.   All rooms were renovated in 2008 as part of an $11 million dollar renovation, and offer large marble soaking tubs, separate showers, twice-daily housekeeping, deluxe bedding, large flat-screen televisions, DVD players, and much more.

The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
10 Avery Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 574-7100

Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common

Island escape at the Wyndham Rio Mar

Sometimes social media pays off. Puerto Rico’s Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa is rewarding their Facebook “likers” and Twitter followers with a sweet deal.

When travelers “like” Wyndham Rio Mar on Facebook and follow the hotel on Twitter, they can get 20 percent off with double occupancy nightly rates starting at $120 for resort view rooms.

Located among 500 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the El Yunque Caribbean National Forest, the hotel gives visitors a blend of relaxation and activity. The 600 guest rooms and 72 suites have ocean, mountain, or resort views—so choose your favorite and settle in.

Loungers can relax next to the two swimming pools, or on the beach. Spa lovers can check in to the Mandara Spa for a list of pampering treatments. Sporty types can take advantage of two world-class golf courses, Har-Tru tennis courts, or countless beach sports. Feeling lucky? Head into the casino to see how good you really are. Top off your stay with a choice between seven restaurants, and you’re set for an island escape.

The deal is good through Dec. 23, 2011, and does not include taxes and gratuities. In addition, rooms at the $120 rate are subject to availability. To book, enter booking code DISEDD at www.wyndhamriomar.com, or call the resort at 877-636-0636.

Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa—A Wyndham Grand Resort, 787-888-6000
6000 Rio Mar Boulevard, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Photo courtesy of Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa

Puerto Rico-related information:
Beach, Food; Puerto Rico
Bioluminescent Bay at La Parguera, Puerto Rico

The Exterior of the Hotel Viking

This fall, come discover why the wealthy families of the Gilded Age called Newport, Rhode Island their home away from home in the summer.  The Hotel Viking, located steps from Newport’s historic waterfront, is offering two great packages for the fall.  It’s the perfect time to visit with lower rates and smaller crowds!

With the Newport Mansion package, you’ll be able to visit your choice of Newport’s famous historic mansions.  Personally, I’d choose to visit the Breakers, which the largest and most luxurious of the Mansions (and a place where I worked during my college years!).

The Newport Mansion package includes the following:

• Overnight accommodations
• Complimentary Parking
• Breakfast for 2 in One Bellevue
• Tickets for 2 people to the Historic Newport Mansions

If you’d prefer a more relaxing and rejuvenating spa weekend, the SpaTerre Escape package may be more your speed.  The SpaTerre package includes the following:

• Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Viking
• Two 50 minutes Spa treatments
• Complimentary valet parking
• Complimentary wireless internet

This package is based on double occupancy, and you’ll need to call SpaTerre  at 401-848-4848 in advance to book your appointments. Preferred times cannot be guaranteed. This package cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion, and is based upon availability, with some blackout dates.

Hotel Viking
1 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840-3205
(401) 847-3300

Photo credit: The Hotel Viking