My visit to the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids started off ominously: I attempted to check in to the hotel across the street after being dropped off there by the service. Fortunately, a short walk with my carry-on luggage was all it took to get me to the bright lobby of the downtown hotel. From there I would begin a two-night stay in a luxury hotel that would surprise and delight me.

Room with a View – and a Chaise

Beautiful photographs above the bed and a wall full of windows overlooking Grand Rapids welcomed me to my standard king guestroom. While the bed itself was outfitted with a pillow top mattress and plenty of pillows, it was the chaise lounge that beckoned to me to take a load off, relax a minute. Unfortunately, I had no time for indulging as I was due downstairs for a lunch meeting.

Six One Six is the hotel’s restaurant adjacent to the lobby and looks at first glance to only be able to accommodate a small group of guests. My concern is not seating, however, but food — and in that regard the restaurant shined. My working lunch took place over a California Reuben and truffle fries (a combination designed to send me back to that chaise in a carbohydrate coma.) The next two mornings I’d enjoy a breakfast bar featuring made-to-order eggs and omelets, fresh fruit, and steel cut oats (along with breakfast meat and potatoes for those with more forgiving metabolisms.) The service at every meal was exceptional.

JW Marriott still subscribes to the idea that luxury is about more than fine linens and marble bathrooms. Service is obviously an essential part of their philosophy and it shows in every encounter, from the turn down service you don’t see to the hospitable front desk staff that greets you each day.

The JW has partnered with ArtPrize to offer visitors a special package during the public art contest. The package starts at $249 per night and includes:

• Overnight accommodations for two
• Self parking in the hotel ramp
• Breakfast for up to 2 adults and children 12 and under
• One ArtPrize Value Bag per reservation (multiple night reservations would still receive one bag) which includes:
  • ArtPrize official map
  • ArtPrize official guidebook with discount coupons
  • Two Metro transportation cards per reservation
  • ArtPrize souvenir recycled bag
  • Two ArtPrize souvenir wristbands

Find out more at http://ilovethejw.com.

Disclosure: I stayed at the JW Marriott as a guest of Experience Grand Rapids.

Highest Hotel in Hong Kong

Atop the tallest building in Hong Kong, the world’s highest hotel opens its doors today under The Ritz-Carlton flag.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong now occupies the top 17 floors of the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, Hong Kong. The hotel boasts other “highest” records, including the highest rooftop bar (Ozone) and the highest spa. Guests can enjoy a view from the top at the bar or from the floor-to-ceiling windows in The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the 116th floor. There are 312 rooms in The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong and each of them provides a view of the Victoria Harbour.

In addition to the lofty views, guests of the luxury hotel can also experience The Chocolate Library, a chocolate-themed lounge offering everything from chocolate breakfast to chocolate afternoon tea, and an indoor infinity swimming pool covered by a ceiling with 144 LED screens on it. You can see the world’s highest hotel by hopping on a plane to Hong Kong or watching the video posted on The Ritz-Carlton Facebook page.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is the brand’s 75th luxury property and its 16th hotel in Asia. In February The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto opened as the only property in Canada for the brand and in January the company made headlines with the opening of it’s second property in Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre.

Photo Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

Newly remodeled rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes

I have long been what can best be described as a passionate advocate of the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. My first visit to that dimly lit slice of heaven helped me decide to move my family to Central Florida almost four years ago. And yet, I had never set foot – let alone spent the night – in an actual guest room at the luxury hotel until recently.

As you can imagine, I had high hopes when I checked in.

I stepped into the cavernous marble lobby for the first time on a Monday morning. The elegance was understated but everywhere, from the ornate furniture placed every few yards along the walls to the single flower blossom atop every visible table. The decor on the lobby level, which included a lounge area and bar, was beautiful while remaining quietly in the background. I found myself speaking and even stepping more quietly in response.

Despite having arrived well before a respectable check-in time, the woman at the desk confirmed a room was available for me. After handing me my key, she escorted me to the closest elevators while explaining that I’d be staying in one of the newly-renovated rooms.

New furnishings at Ritz-Carlton Orlando

The hotel is about halfway through a renovation that’s scheduled for completion next fall. The project includes a replacement of the furnishings and decor in the guest rooms and a makeover of the hallways on guest floors. One of my favorite things about my guest room was the powder blue chaise lounge that has been added to king guest rooms as part of this overhaul, which I noticed immediately when I entered my room. (I would spend most of my evening in that chair curled up with my Kindle. It’s just as comfortable as it looks!)

In addition to the perfect spot for reading, my room also included a large desk and work area, granite-topped dressers and entertainment stand, flat screen TV, balcony overlooking the lake, spacious bathroom, and a king bed with linens so luxurious I had to rely on Twitter to talk me out of taking them home with me. The theme of refined details that I’d noted in the lobby was repeated in the room.

My only complaint about the room was the towels. In a hotel with bedding that encourages a late checkout, I was surprised to find the soaking tub and marble-tiled shower stall outfitted with white towels that felt over bleached and rough. It’s a minor complaint, but everything about the hotel and the room seems designed to soothe the senses; the sudden scratching on my skin gave me a temporary jolt back to reality. Fortunately, I had only to get dressed and make my way down to The Vineyard Grill to be quickly lulled back into a fantasy land.

The Vineyard Grill is one of nine dining options at the Grande Lakes resort and I was fortunate to enjoy a breakfast there with the property’s PR Director during my stay. In the evening the vast restaurant is a steakhouse, but it serves an impressive buffet for breakfast and Sunday brunch that includes made-to-order omelets and a sinful array of pastries. You’ll also find fresh salmon, local fruit and a variety of classic breakfast staples continually replaced by an attentive staff.

Pool area at Ritz-Carlton in Orlando

No matter where you are in The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, you feel a sense of both peace and refinement. That calm extends beyond the thick walls into the surrounding grounds. The citrus garden provides a beautiful spot for quiet reflection or a romantic wedding ceremony. Lounge chairs and stone statues surround the pool and hot tub, which looks more like an Italian fountain than a jacuzzi. The resort itself, including the attached JW Marriot, covers more than 500 acres and offers access to a golf course, private lake, and the headwaters of the Everglades. When you tour the property, it’s easy to forget that you’re just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of major theme parks and a large city.

I think that’s what The Ritz-Carlton Orlando does best – make you forget. You can forget about the rush and stress of real life, if just for a little while. Sure, you may be visiting to attend one of the many conventions and meetings held in the ballrooms, but deep relaxation is always just a moment away at The Ritz. Head to the spa, have a drink in the bar, or simply enjoy the view from one of the floor to ceiling windows; you’re sure to find exactly the kind of escape you need.

I received a complimentary room for an evening at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando.

Photos courtesy of Ritz-Carlton and Britt Reints

Boston, Massachusetts is a city every traveler will visit at one time during their lifetime. It’s full of American history landmarks, great food, and some of the best hotels in the world. The Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf is arguably one of the best hotels in Boston. In a city known for its architecture, the Boston Harbor Hotel blends itself into the landscape of the skyline with grace and definable distinction.

Boston Harbor Hotel, Wharf View

Every guest room in this Forbes Five Star hotel boasts downtown Boston or harbor views out its picture windows. As a guest relishing in luxury would expect, every room is furnished with quality furniture, a full-size umbrella at your disposal, top-notch turn-down service, and high-tech audio/visual equipment. In-room babysitting and specialized children’s amenities are available upon request. Suites at the Boston Harbor Hotel are over-sized and include everything the polished traveler expects.

Being a Five Star hotel requires Five Star dining, and Meritage, The Restaurant does not disappoint as it is recognized as one of Zagat’s “Five Best Restaurants in Boston.” 24-hour in-room dining is available within the hotel with service from the notable Rowes Wharf restaurant.

Just because the Boston Harbor Hotel is Five Star in every detail doesn’t mean they aren’t offering specials and deals for their guests. Seasonal packages can be found on the Boston Harbor Hotel website.

Typical room rates begin around $300/night for a standard room and suites at $550/night.

Boston Harbor Hotel Room

Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf
70 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA 02110

As with several other posts I’ve written, the Boston Harbor Hotel was suggested to me by a friend on Twitter. Thanks to @hamletsmistress for this one!

Photos courtesy: Boston Harbor Hotel