Hotels

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 »

We all, at least I, dream of staying in the Presidential Suites in the best hotels. It’s the ultimate in luxury. Because it is a top international travel destination, Orlando does not lack in the luxurious possibilities of staying in an upscale hotel suite.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Presidential Suite

Boasting EIGHT Presidential Suites, the Swan and Dolphin Resort sets itself apart. Each of the eight suites features a parlor measuring over 1000 square feet, two-story suites (Dolphin), and a “Personal Pantry” from which to order so you’re stocked up in your suite before you even arrive.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | 1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard | P.O. Box 22653 | Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
888-828-8850
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Four Seasons Bora Bora

In my next life, I want to come back as a rich teenager. They get awesome cars for their 16th birthdays, star in hit reality TV shows, and get to indulge in special beauty pampering treatments, designed just for them at luxurious spas like the these Four Seasons properties around the world.

I have to say, even though I’m a bit past my teen years, I would love to try out some of these hip and cool treatments (plus visit some of these Four Seasons properties!) like:

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Nearly 2,000 years ago, thousands of life-size clay figures – generals, soldiers, archers, charioteers, acrobats – were buried in massive underground pits outside the city of Xi’an, to accompany China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, in the afterlife. Fifteen of these Terra Cotta Warriors, considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century, as well as stone armor, weapons, coins, bronze vessels, and other treasures from the emperor’s tomb, will be on display from November 19, 2009 through March 31, 2010 during the National Geographic Museum’s “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor” exhibition.

Loews Madison Hotel Lobby

Loews Madison Hotel, the official hotel partner for the National Geographic Museum, is offering guests an inside look at this ancient culture with their “National Geographic Museum Terra Cotta Warriors” package. The package includes: Read More »

Four Seasons Chicago

My two favorite hotels in the world are The Ritz Carlton in Orlando and The Four Seasons in Chicago.

Of course, I’ve never once spent the night at either of those places.

My experience with hotels is usually focused on “let’s see how little I can spend without getting bug bites.”  It’s rare, to put it mildly, for me to even consider forking over $400 or more to sleep in a bed – even if it’s a great bed with high thread count sheets.

But oh, how I love a little taste of luxury.

So I cheat.

It’s not actually cheating, per say, but I have found that luxury hotels offer more in the way of luxury than just an overnight stay.  Specifically, I like to indulge in the spas and restaurants of these fine hotels.

The best meal I’ve ever had was at Seasons Restaurant, the restaurant located on the seventh floor of the Four Seasons Chicago Hotel.  Your typical bread basket came in the form of a bread display, and my perfect white table cloth was removed of all crumbs by a small golden contraption resembling a straight edge razor.  The food was beyond divine, and the service was extraordinary.

One of my dining partners asked what beverages were available and our waiter responded with “what would you like?  If we don’t have it, we’ll get it.”

I am not a hard core foodie, but I could become one after eating at Seasons Restaurant.  And I would use words like “caramelized” with reverence and love.

The bill came up to about $125 per person.  That bought us a four hour dining experience, four gourmet courses and a dessert coated with actual gold flecks.

We left the Four Seasons and retired to our $69 per night hotel room with full bellies and angelic smiles.

I’ve never dined (or spent the night) at The Ritz Carlton in Orlando, but I have spent more than one day there soaking in the lap of luxury.  I go to The Ritz for their spa.

Spa NAPS at The Ritz Orlando

The Ritz offers a full spa menu – everything from pedicures to massages – including the massages that involve someone walking on your back.  Of course, there are dozens of places to get pedicures and massages for less money in the Orlando area.

What makes The Ritz unique is that one spa treatment (even if it’s just a pedicure), gives you access to their entire spa and facilities for the day.  I lounge on a comfy couch in one of their relaxation rooms before my “treatments”, and then enjoy a leisurely sit in the steam room afterward.  I might also take a dip in the pool or relax in the sauna before heading off to the showers – which are private and well stocked with amenities.

I might pay just over $100 for an hour long massage, but I typically spend several hours unwinding in an environment of luxury and opulence.

When I’m done, I head home to my own bed where I sleep for free – and boy, do I sleep well.

The great thing about luxury hotels is that they excel at service.  That means that you will never be treated like an interloper while enjoying their non-guestroom amenities.  For a few hours, you’ll be treated like a star, without having to pay a star quality room rate.

Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel and Ritz Carlton Orlando Resort Grande Lakes

At first glance, the Wyvern Hotel looks like a stately, hundred-year old establishment that has been meticulously maintained and lovingly preserved. In reality this 63-room, full service boutique hotel in downtown Punta Gorda, Florida welcomed its first guests in November of 2008. The hotel was thoughtfully  designed to harmonize with historic architecture in this charming Gulf Coast Florida city and is fast becoming a symbol of the renaissance of Punta Gorda, which was decimated by Hurricane Charley in August 2004.

New Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda, Florida

From its location on the broad Peace River at the entrance to Laishley Park and Marina, the Wyvern is an ideal spot to begin a walking tour of the city center. Wander brick-paved, tree-lined streets past historic homes, quaint shops and art galleries. More than 25 giant murals, many depicting Punta Gorda’s history, have been hand-painted on walls of downtown stores and office buildings. Dozens of restaurants and cafes offer a variety of cuisine, ranging from casual wraps and salads to the new Read More »

Just off Michigan Avenue, the Four Seasons Chicago offers the luxury you want

Hotel Site

Dr. House, anyone?

Celebs Spotted: Demi Moore, Madonna, John Cusack, Nicole Kidman, Gary Busey, Diana Ross, Elton John, Hugh Laurie, Victoria Beckham, Drew Barrymore

Chicago is in the news lately, a hopeful for the 2012 Olympics. (This just in: they didn’t make the bid.) Even President Obama has been there. And he’s not the only celebrity spotted in the Windy City. Lots of stars spend time in Chi-Town, and the Four Seasons is one of their favorite places to stay.

Come on up, the opulence is fine

Located right off Michigan Avenue (shopping, anyone?), the Four Seasons Chicago has over 300 rooms with amazing views of Lake Michigan and that spectacular Chicago skyline. You’ll find French decor all over the place. Oh, style, thy name is Four Seasons!

The Conservatory for a nice cup of tea

Demi Moore stays at the Four Seasons, as does Nicole Kidman (who reportedly sends 800-thread-count sheets ahead so they’re there when she arrives, ooh la la!) and Elton John. In fact, there are a couple of ex-Four Seasons concierges who wrote a book about the famous people at the Four Seasons, complete with tantrums and outrageous demands. The book was pulled by the publisher before it went on sale, but still. Juicy stuff.

Check out that view

Chicago skyline looks lovely

Every room has LCD flat screen TVs, wifi, DVD players, and in-room safes. Mix that up with refrigerated private bars, luxurious terrycloth bathrobes, twice-daily housekeeping service, and even a Bedtime Stories Butler for the kiddos. No kidding, the Four Seasons has a special butler that comes to your room to read bedtime stories to the kids! I kind of want one of those myself.

The Spa offers everything from manicures to massages and wraps

There’s also a fantastic spa – you can have a massage in your own room if you prefer – and a fitness room, including locker rooms, sauna, and an indoor 50-foot pool.

Glass dome ceiling, 50-foot pool

A bit sunny for my taste, but you just know that bed is comfy

A Moderate Room starts at $395 a night. The Four Seasons Executive Suite is $560/night. But if you think that’s where Hugh Laurie and Drew Barrymore stay in the Moderate Room, you’re insane.

It’s all about the Presidential Suite, baby. Oh yeah! 2,315 square feet of glamor and opulence, the Presidential Suite sits at the corner of the 46th floor of the Four Seasons. Enough room to seat nine guests in the living room, a dining room that’ll handle eight people.

Have 9 or 10 friends over for dinner

Two private bars, surround-sound stereo, four-poster bed in the master bedroom. Two – yes, TWO - marble bathrooms. Deep pink marble soaking tub, shower enclosed in glass, and a flat-screen TV…in the BATHROOM. If they deliver room service in the tub, I might never have to leave the water.

Presidential Suite

And that, my friends, will set you back $4,300 a night. But hey, if you want to pretend you’re Madonna or Victoria Beckham, that stuff costs.

Drew Barrymore

Fine dining, too, of course. The Seasons Restaurant is beautiful and offers a hybrid French-North American cuisine. A grand marble fountain and a wonderful comfy lounge on the 7th floor ensures that you’ll not only enjoy the food, but the ambiance, too. You may have to provide your own company, though.

And every Thursday through the end of this month, you can enjoy Dine Without Whine. For grownups and kiddies both, there are seasonal food items that will delight your tastebuds. For the children, there’s a special buffet near the adults, where they’ll love the movies, activities, and video games…all with a licensed babysitter. Did I mention the babysitter is free for parents? Yeah. Just in the restaurant, mind you…there are babysitters available in your room, too, but that’ll cost you.

Or spend time at the Chef’s Table for an incredible culinary experience. You and up to five others sit in the kitchen with the Executive Chef and watch your courses fixed right in front of you. A four-course meal starts at $85 a person, $125 with wine.

Chicago is magnificent, particularly this time of year. Loads of restaurants nearby, the Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy it all while bathing yourself in luxurious comfort at the Four Seasons Chicago. And bring me along, eh? I’m tons of fun and will be a gracious accepter of your hospitality. Seriously, I will. I’m the graciousest.

What? That’s totally a word.

I’m always interested in hotels that might fit into the Celebrity Hotel of the Week feature. If you know of any, please email me. southernyank01 at gmail dot com. Thanks.

Photo Credits

Hotel Photos: Four Seasons web site

Hugh Laurie: Celebutopia.net

Drew Barrymore: Zimbio.com

The flamingo-pink Don CeSar is one of those grand old hotels that just oozes history. The resort was the dream of Thomas Rowe, who made a fortune in Florida real estate. In 1924 he purchased 80 acres of land in St. Petersburg, Florida for $100,000 and hired the best architects and contractors to build a “pink castle” that incorporated architectural details such as Moorish arches, red-tile roofs, sun-splashed terraces, and Mediterranean bell towers.

The Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa, commonly known as the "Pink Castle"

From the moment it opened in 1928, the Don CeSar was a hit with the rich and famous of America’s Great Gatsby Era, playing host to the likes of W. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Even the great depression couldn’t keep the Don down. But when Rowe died unexpectedly without a will, the property was taken over by his estranged wife, who let it fall into disrepair and lost it to back taxes. When the U.S. entered World War II, the facility was acquired by the U.S. Army and subsequently used as a military hospital, convalescent center, and a Veterans Administration Regional Office. By 1969 the once grand hotel was graffiti covered, vacant, and scheduled for demolition.

Room at the Don CeSar

Fiercely opposed to the plan, local residents found a buyer for the property, who renovated and updated the hotel, adding a 4,000 sq. ft. spa, signature restaurant, and second outdoor swimming pool. Upon reopening in 1973, the new owner changed the name of the hotel to the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa. Now a Loews Hotel, the luxury Don CeSar promises: “from powder-white sand to tropical sunsets to the luxurious Spa Oceana, each detail of our St. Pete Beach resort is designed with your pleasure in mind.”

Don CeSar, enthroned on the white sands and turquoise waters of St. Pete Beach

Photo credit: Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa
Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

Deniver Colorado

The Warwick Denver Hotel , a luxury hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado, is offering to match the price of a hotel room to the price of a hotel guest’s airfare, starting at $89 for the Classic Rooms. The struggling economy has resulted in airlines continuing to offer terrific airfare opportunities, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to take advantage of this deal. All guests have to do is present their ticket receipt displaying the flight cost at check-in. More expensive rooms are available at an additional cost.

The Warwick Denver is located in downtown, and it’s a beautiful luxury hotel. The property is in the final stages of a $25 million renovation to the guests rooms with amenities including 32″ flat screen tv’s and 200 thread count satin stripe sheets. Comfy! Most of the rooms already have balconies and lovely floor-to-ceiling windows with picturesque views of either the Denver downtown skyline or a beautiful park.

You’ll be very close by to some of Denver’s most popular attractions including the 16th Street Mall, the Pepsi Center and the Colorado Convention Center. You’ll even have access to a complimentary car service on a first-come basis.

Call the hotel directly to book this deal at 800-525-2888 or 303-861-2000 or by emailing res.denver@warwickhotels.com.

This deal is good through January 23, 2010.

Photo Credit: respres

Now you can book a room in NYC and have enough left over to hail a few cabs

According to a recent article in the New York Times, hotel rates in Manhattan have been drastically reduced to counteract sagging occupancy rates.

Now, the New York Times is concerned with whether or not this is a wise move for hotel operators.  They question whether this will actually attract new visitors and ultimately improve the financial health of Manhattan properties.  The article discusses whether there are better alternatives for hotels to entice guests to stay.

I, personally, don’t care if it’s good for the hotel industry or not.

I am simply thrilled that the end result makes Manhattan a more affordable place to visit.

Hotels in Manhattan are, on average, cheaper to book than they were a year ago.  That’s good news for budget conscious travelers with an eye towards the Big Apple.  Period.

How much cheaper?

According to the New York Times article, the average price for a Manhattan hotel room in 2008 was $280 per night.  The average hotel room rate for 2009 is $198 per night.  Spread that out over a 3 night stay, and you’re saving almost $300 for the exact same hotel stay.

You’ll find comparable savings if you choose to stay in a luxury hotel in Manhattan.  Rates for luxury hotel rooms in Manhattan have gone from a 2008 average of $401 to a 2009 estimated average of $289 per night.  Now might be the best time to finally splurge on a little New York City luxury, if your budget will allow it.

How long will these savings stick around?

Obviously, no one can say for sure, and even estimated guesses are still just guesses.  But experts predict it will take years before hotels can get their rates back up to pre-economy crisis levels.  While customers will happily jump on a good deal, they’re much more reluctant to go along with rapidly increasing prices.

The bottom line is this:

If you’ve been considering a trip to New York City, now is a great time to finally book the trip.

Photo Credits: Miss Britt on FlickR