Dubai may have its financial problems these days, but they certainly haven’t impacted CityCenter, the Las Vegas urban metropolis that is a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World.

Distinctive crescent design of the Vdara Resort and Spa

CityCenter will celebrate openings throughout the month, culminating with one final grand opening celebration on December 16. Vdara Hotel and Spa, an all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment, was the first facility to open on December 1st. Vdara is physically connected to Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, offering access to all the amenities and energy of CityCenter while also providing a retreat from it all. Read More »

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - New York

Christmas is barely three weeks away, and if you’re like me, one of the greatest joys of the season is admiring beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You can find all sorts of them displayed in outside environments, but don’t forget to duck inside some hotels! Christmas is an incredibly busy season for most hotels, and many go to great lengths to provide awe-inspiring Christmas displays. Check out some of the following hotels for their gorgeous Christmas trees this season – they’re perfect opportunities to add a little holiday cheer to your family or romantic outing.

What other hotels do you have to add? Please comment!

Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA - Christmas Ice Skating!

1.  The Hotel Del Coronado – San Diego, California

I used to visit this hotel’s beautiful tree every year when I lived in San Diego. It’s usually around 50 feet tall, and is decorated with the pretties ribbons, bows and ornaments. By the way, did you know that the country’s first outdoor, electrically lit Christmas tree was at the Hotel Del Coronado in 1904? The hotel has a grand tradition of Christmas trees. You can go ice skating, too, at this hotel – outdoors, overlooking the beach and ocean.

2. M Resort Spa and Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada

This resort is brand spankin’ new, and on December 12 it will unveil an 109-foot tall White Fir Christmas tree. That’s really, really big – to provide some perspective, the Rockefeller Center tree is generally around 80 feet tall, so this one towers over that!

3.  The Inn at Christmas Place – Piegon Forks, Tennessee

I blogged about this hotel last year because it was so unusual – it’s Christmas here year-round! You can even request a room that has your very own Christmas tree. You’ll see Christmas throughout this Victorian themed hotel, all decorated differently.

The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana

4. Roosevelt Hotel – New Orleans, Louisiana

This hotel was devastated during Hurricane Katrina, and after$145 million in renovations, it is finally open again to the public and is featuring its gorgeous Christmas displays once again, including a host of Christmas trees.

Photos: Ewen and Donabel, armatoj, infrogmation

Santa is very, very mad at the Holiday Inn Las Vegas – something about the huge number of black sheep in Sin City and the Holiday Inn being responsible. Turns out the whole mess is due to a New Year’s Eve promotion rolled out by the hip new hotel near the Strip.

Vegas

They’re inviting guests to submit five New Year’s ‘Anti-Resolutions,’ and in return, you get 15% off on the room rate and a complimentary bottle of Champagne.

No wonder Santa’s miffed. Cheap gifts stuffed into a stocking are no match for a 15% discount on Las Vegas hotels and a bottle of the bubbly to boot.

Sounds like a good deal, so let’s get to work on the anti-resolutions. The Holiday Inn was kind enough to provide a few examples:-

Holiday Inn

•   I will save less money and buy more things I don’t need
•   I will accept more people I do not know as my “friends” on Facebook
•   I promise to shop online more at work next year
•   I vow to over-caffeinate more next year
•   I promise to pay less attention to what people are saying to me in 2010
•   I will get less sleep and do less exercise
•   I will call in sick more often when I am not

I’m sure you get the picture now… All anti-resolutions must be rated PG in nature, approved by management and once submitted, will be posted on the hotel’s Facebook page. You need to submit your entries in writing upon check-in.

Holiday Inn photo credit – VisMedia, courtesy IHG Plc; Vegas photo by Bala

Info: 4055 Palos Verdes Street Las Vegas, NV 89119; (702) 473-6400; www.hilasvegashotel.com/

Related posts:-
Things to do in Las Vegas – New Years Eve
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Las Vegas Style
Top New Year’s Eve Hotels

Gary, IN is cooking up plans to build a Michael Jackson hotel, a museum and a performing arts center in the Jackson family’s hometown, as part of ‘The Jackson Family Project’ aimed at honoring the King of Pop’s legacy. 

Michael Jackson at White House & Gary Mayor Rudy Clay in front of Jackson home

Michael Jackson was born on Aug 20, 1958 in Gary, and the family lived at their home on 2300 Jackson St until 1971, at which time they moved to Los Angeles to further the musical career of the Jackson 5 group.

Joe Jackson – Michael Jackson’s father, accompanied by Rudy Clay – Mayor of the town of Gary, IN – was in Las Vegas late last month, meeting with investors and partners for the hotel and museum project, according to a statement by Brendan Theater Corp.  Read More »

The New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is looking for a brand ambassador with plenty of ’New York attitude.’  And their search for a New York Vinny aka Vincent Roosevelt Scagnetti has been narrowed down to two finalists – the Red Vinny and the Blue Vinny, who are now duking it out in a series of contests and public votes.

Vinny vs Vinny, New York New York Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

The two wannabe Vinnys were introduced in a press conference at the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday.

And with the introductions over, the gloves came off with the start of an epic series of Vinny vs. Vinny contests – a Nathan’s Hot Dog eating competition, a Rascal scooter race around the Center Bar, a dance-off at Rok Vegas and a belly-flop contest in the pool.

The contests – which include a video game battle, a sports trivia contest and standup comedy, will be held at different areas of the hotel in between now and Nov 6.

You can also vote for which whichever Vinny you like better here. Before you vote, don’t forget to check out their casting pitch video.

As of now the blue Vinny is leading by a mere 2%, but that’s probably because the red Vinny has a shiny top. But to even up the contest, the red Vinny claims he bleeds spaghetti sauce, so that might be interesting enough to give him an edge.

Update: Nov 23, 2009 – Vinny Blue has been declared victorious, crowning him the ultimate go-to guy for all things New York-New York.

Vinny Blue, New York, New York

Photos courtesy New York New York Hotel & Casino

Info: 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South  Las Vegas NV 89109; (702) 740-6969; www.nynyhotelcasino.com/

Bellagio Glass Art by Dale Chihuly In Las Vegas

For me, this glass art throughout the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, never gets old. So beautiful, so delicate…like crystallized clusters of colored jellyfish.

See more Wordless Wednesday entries here.

Photo: O Palsson

Do you have several thousand dollars lying around to spend on an extravagant night of pampering?  Me neither.  But someone in the United States is enjoying the life of luxury.

Here’s where they’re doing it…

10 Most Luxurious Hotels in the US

Enjoy everything from camping to beachfront property at the nation’s top luxury hotels.

1. Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at Palms in Las Vegas

The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has built a reputation as the decadent playground for celebrities in Las.  At $40,000 a night, their Hugh Hefner Sky Villa provides the ultimate luxury for playboys and playgirls alike.  Or, for a mere $4,000 per night, you can connect with your inner child in the Barbie Suite.

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, CA

The Peninsula Beverly Hills (image courtesy of The Peninsula Hotel Group)

Naturally, one of the world’s most luxurious cities needs a place for the visiting Pretty People to lay their head.  The Peninsula Beverly Hills property offers simple luxuries – like complimentary wireless internet and private poolside cabanas.  Of course, Pretty People shouldn’t be expected to rely on front doors – which is why several of the rooms here come with private entrances and guaranteed “discretion”.

3. Halekulani – Honolulu, HI

Halekulani in Honolulu Hawaii - the Vera Wang suite

I suspect everything in Hawaii feels luxurious.  But if you want to step it up a notch, pick a hotel whose name means “house befitting heaven”.  You can go big with an ocean view suite, or settle for a basic room at the Halekulani for just a little over $400 per night.

4. The Peninsula Chicago – Chicago, IL

Private rooftop terrace at Peninsula Chicago

The most luxurious street in Chicago is Michigan Avenue, and The Peninsula Chicago is located in the heart of the famed Magnificent Mile.  The hotel’s restaurants and bars provide gourmet dining and a chance to rub elbows with Chicago’s elite.

5. The Peninsula New York – New York, NY

A dining room inside a hotel room at The Peninsula New York

Are you getting the impression that The Peninsula Hotel Group specializes in luxury hotels for the privileged masses?  The New York property is no exception.  Everything about this hotel says luxury – from it’s prime 5th Avenue location and glass enclosed rooftop pool, to the oversized rooms (unheard of in Manhattan) and 450-count linens.

6. Mandarin Oriental – New York New York, NY

Mandarin Oriental and Central Park in New York City

A suite with a connected room at the Mandarin Oriental will cost you about $3,000 per night.  What you’ll get for the money is the opportunity to enjoy sweeping views of Central Park, 5-star customer service, and access to a world-class spa and fitness center.

7. Four Seasons New York New York, NY

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons New York

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so it’s no wonder that it’s home to so many luxury hotels.  And it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Four Seasons.  Guests who stay in the Ty Warner Penthouse will pay $34,000 a night to enjoy a view from the top of the city as well as a personal trainer, butler, therapist and a private chauffeur.  Of course, a chauffeur isn’t much use without a car – so the hotel throws in unlimited use of either a Rolls Royce or Mercedes Maybach.

8. The Setai – Miami Beach, FL

The Setai - Miami Beach, FL

The Setai is located in Miami’s famed South Beach district and offers privileged sun worshipers luxury on the beach.  The Setai is a favorite destination for celebrities visiting South Beach.  An ocean front suite will run you about $2,400 per night.  Throw in “complimentary breakfast” and you’ll spend $3100.  I assume the eggs are magnificent.

9. The Point – Lake Placid (roughly), New York.

The Point - former Great Camp of the Rockefellers

Guests of The Point enjoy luxury before they even arrive in the form of a ride from a private jet.  If you’d prefer to drive, you’ll need to wait until you’ve paid for your stay to receive directions to this exclusive hideaway.  The Point was originally built as a Great Camp for the Rockefeller family – and it retains that prestige and opulence to this day.

10. Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Need a break from home but can’t bear to live without the familiarity of a full staff?  Then the Mansion at MGM Grand is the perfect hotel for you.  Enjoy celebrity neighbors, personal butlers, and an indoor swimming pool while you’re being pampered in the lap of luxury.  Oh – and leave behind $5,000 for the night when you go.

What are the odds I can save some money by booking one of these hotels on Priceline?

Mandalay Bay Pool Area

I guess Las Vegas, Nevada has been on my mind lately. If you go this summer, you going to want a hotel that has a great pool so that you can stay out of that 110 degree heat! Here’s a list of the best pools in Vegas.

Mandalay Bay

It’s going to be a while before Las Vegas comes up with a hotel with a better pool than Mandalay Bay. There’s an 11-acre wave pool that’s absolutely fabulous – it sounds like a real ocean when the waves break! There are at least two other pools besides that one, and a Lazy River that’s great fun as well. Really fun music and activities by the pool during the day. This pool is impossible to sneak into, you pretty much have to stay at the hotel since they swipe room cards and there are turnstiles.

The Flamingo

I haven’t actually stayed here, but I hear the pools here are pretty nice! The pool area is apparently 15 acres, there are four pools actually, and there are lots of foliage and jungle-like foliage. There’s also a 150–foot water slide and an 80 foot heated pool, which isn’t that great during summer, but I guess that one is open year-round! Swim-up bars and black jack tables too.

The Golden Nugget

I have to say that The Golden Nugget appears to be one of those hotels that managed to slip off of my radar, and I’ve never really considered it before – mainly because of the prices I would find for it on sites like Hotels.com ($80/night). BUT – this hotel looks a lot nicer than I though, and newly renovated pool area looka spectacular! There’s a water tunnel you can ride which swooshes through the shark tanks! I’m definitely checking this place out when I go back.

MGM Grand

This pool had me at “1,000 foot lazy river.” It takes 10 minutes to finish! There are actually five pools here to check out, so take your time. There are three whirlpools and places where you can show off your water volleyball and table tennis skills, too.

Have a splashingly good time.

Photo Credits: Chip_P

Twenty Dollar Trick

Have you heard of the Twenty Dollar Trick? It’s a great way to get a free (ok, almost free) upgrade to your hotel in cities like Las Vegas, New York and Boston. My fiance and I used it in Las Vegas, Nevada, this past weekend at Harrah’s and it worked wonderfully! Basically, this is how it works. When you check in, you slip a $20 bill between your credit card and ID, hand them to the receptionist and immediately ask, “Are there any free upgrades available?” If there are, chances are they’ll give you one. And if not, they give the $20 back. We tried this over Memorial Day weekend, and it worked like a charm! We had booked a standard room, and we were immediately upgraded to a Junior Suite that came with a King Bed, a large couch, a printer (really!) and a view of the pool. The room was in the newer tower, so it was nice and large.

I’ve heard that this tactic works in bigger cities like New York as well, so give it a try the next time you check in to a hotel and see what happens! Let good old Jackson do a little work for you. I wonder what would have happened if we had slipped the guy $40…

Harrah's Las Vegas

Photo Credits: StopnLook, ILoveButter

Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada

About one year ago, rooms at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada were pretty darn expensive. My Internet searches kept turning up prices in the $220-$400/night range. Now, though, with the economy in the gutter, room prices have been seriously slashed. I just stayed there with my fiance this Memorial Day weekend for under $200/night, and that was for a holiday weekend! I’m seeing prices now for as low as $89/night with special promotions, and it looks like the average prices are about $150/night.

Grab up these prices while they last! This hotel offers a LOT for your money. There’s an amazing 11-acre beach and wave pool (so cool), at least two other pools to choose from, fabulous restaurants, big, comfortable rooms and first-class service. All we had to do to get two extra keys for friends to get into the wave pool was ask, no questions.

We stayed in a jacuzzi suite on the 17th floor, which was completely awesome. The ONLY thing wrong with this setup was the elevators. I kid you not, we waited 30 minutes for an elevator to get down during checkout time! This is apparently not a problem in the lower floors, but the suite floors have major waiting times for the elevators.

This is my one and only complaint about Mandalay Bay, though. It’s still one of the nicest hotels in Las Vegas, and for right now, it’s an incredible value as well.

And don’t forget that it puts you only ten minutes away from the airport!

Mandalay Bay wave pool in Las Vegas

Photo Credits: Heather0714,

kckellner