Chicago is being attacked by yet another superhero action film crew. This time, it is for the shooting of the new Superman movie “Man of Steel” starring Henry Cavill.

Comicbook superhero fans seeking a glimpse of the shooting or the stars will find them in Downtown Chicago until Sept 17. Parking on South Wells Street is on hold until Sunday because of the filming, and the film crew’s trailers are in the 311 South Wacker building parking lot nearby.

Hotel 71, Chicago

Among downtown Chicago hotels in the Loop, the usual suspects that cater to these film crews include Hotel 71 on East Wacker Drive and the Trump Tower across the river.

When “The Dark Knight” was being filmed, Hotel 71 was one of the stars in the hit Batman movie when the ballroom on the hotel’s 39th floor was used as Bruce Wayne’s penthouse.

The hotel started offering a Bruce Wayne package with a stay in a penthouse similar to the one shown in the movie.

Man of Steel star Henry Cavill was in the hotel earlier this year in July, and did a photo shoot on the same 39th floor.

Hotel 71 also offered a ‘Transformers’ package when some scenes from the third installment of the Transformers series were shot outside the hotel on Wacker Drive last year.

Hotel 71, located perfectly for leisure on the Magnificent Mile, has just completed a $15 million renovation, and offers nightly rates from $159. They have guest rooms and suites with views of Downtown or the Chicago River.

Trump Tower has benefited just as much from its role in both movies. In fact, the Transformers stars actually were staying in the hotel too, so it’s a good choice for getting up close to the Man of Steel shooting and the stars.

Just remember the not-so-secret codeword “Autumn Frost” under which the movie is being filmed.

Photo – Hotel 71

More info: 71 East Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601; (312) 346-7100

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Think Tall, Think Trump
A Chicago Rom Com Walking Tour

The Exterior of the Aruba Marriott

Are you already ready for a warm-weather vacation?  Here in New England, Labor Day weekend really did signal the end of summer, as our weather all week is supposed to be cool and rainy.  This fall, several popular resorts in the Caribbean are offering some fabulous rates if you act fast.

Set your clocks for 9.10.11, when three of these deals both start and end.

Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

Receive nearly 50% off of resort rates when you book on 9/10/11.  Rooms must be reserved between midnight and 11:59 p.m. September 10, 2011 ONLY.  Valid for travel through December 23, 2011.  For reservations, visit www.arubamarriott.com or call 1-800-228-9290.  Promotional code D56

Kura Hulanda Resorts, Curacao

On 9/10/11, purchase one night at regular price and get the second night for $9.10 – a savings of nearly 50%!  Deal valid for travel through December 23,2011.  For reservations, visit www.kurahulanda.com

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casinos

Receive 30% off reservations when you book on 9/10/11!.  The 30% discount will automatically be applied on all bookings made on September 10, 2011, but bookings cannot be combined with any other offers.  Valid for travel through December 15,2011.  For reservations, visit www.marriottsanjuan.com or call 1-800-228-9290.

With rates like these, there’s no time like the present to plan a trip to the Caribbean!

Photo credit: the Aruba Marriott

Santa Croce in Florence, Italy

Budget Travel recently alerted its readers to a new hotel tax in Italy – not for every city, but for some of the major ones. Like many countries around the world, Italy is feeling the economic pinch and is weathering these rough economic times by passing the buck onto tourists. What this means for travelers to Italy is that, in some cities, they can expect to pay between $1-$4 more per person per night than they paid last year at the same time. The majority of cities imposing these new taxes began charging them this spring and summer, but a couple, namely the Sorrento Coast and Capri, will not begin charging them until early next year.

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Listen to the waves from your Sea Ranch Cottage

Looking for a place to escape the crowds and truly kick back and chill out on your Maui vacation? Head for heavenly Hana and the Travaasa Hana.

Formerly known as the Hotel Hana-Maui, the Travaasa Hana sprawls across 69 lush, coastal acres. The hotel’s 70 rooms include Sea Ranch Cottages with spectacular ocean views and Garden View Suites with vistas of the vast garden and mountains. Many of the rooms have private lanai hot tubs.

All-inclusive rates at the Sea Ranch Cottages start at $499 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, excluding taxes and service charges. Rates include adults-only accommodations, three meals per day plus snacks, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, daily spa treatments, all resort activities, use of sports equipment, wellness classes and use of spa facilities.

Rates at the Garden View Suites start at $399 per night, double occupancy. Garden View Suites are offered as packages or are charged as hotel rooms alone, allowing activities and meals to be booked á la carte.

Aside from the luxurious rooms, laid-back atmosphere and beautiful views, one of the best things about the Travaasa Hana is the wealth of experiences offered to guests. Choose from adventure, culinary, culture, fitness, or spa and wellness activities—from learning to play the ukulele to yoga to snorkeling. In just four days, my grab bag included massages, a cocktail course, Hawaiian throw-net fishing, a ukulele lesson and a garden tour—complete with information about the origins of the plants and their place in Hawaiian life.

The wellness pool at Travaasa Hana

That said, if you’d rather just laze by the pool all day, it’s certainly an option. While the hotel staff is friendly and extremely helpful, nobody’s going to tell you what to do. It’s your vacation, after all.

Don’t miss tasty drink and food options at the Ka’uiki restaurant or the Paniolo Lounge, where Thursday nights include performances by local musicians. You may not be ready to jam with them after one ukulele class, but the music adds to the relaxing environment. And with everything else at Travaasa Hana, it adds up to one great aloha experience.

Travaasa Hana, (808) 248-8211
5031 Hana Highway, Hana, Maui, HI 96713

Photos courtesy of Travaasa Hana

Related information:
Maui’s Road to Hana