Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

I was in Seagrove/Seaside, Florida last week, and I noticed that stand-up paddling was kind of a big deal there. I saw the stand-up paddlers for the first time in Hawaii, but little did I realize that apparently, this is a whole trend now that’s making its way over the mainland. The article lists the following hotels (and I’m sure there are many, many more in Hawaii) that currently offer stand-up paddling lessons and outings:

The Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii

This hotel is all about the stand-up paddle boarding. They even offer yoga on paddle boards now!

The Kahala Hotel and Resort – Hawaii

Gorgeous surroundings and calm, crystal clear waters make this relaxing place to give stand-up paddle boarding a go.

One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa – Miami

This resort is posh, posh, posh. Wear your nicest swimsuit when you stand-up paddle!

And, if you find yourself near Henderson Nevada, consider staying at or near the Loews Hotel. They offer stand-up paddling on Lake Las Vegas. There’s a full-moon paddle boarding party coming up on August 13 that sounds like a lot of fun!

Stand-Up Paddling is hard work but relaxing at the same time

Photos: Mike Baird, n.hewson

Before MTV trashed their good name, a Jersey Shore hotel meant a nice beachfront hotel. Now it means a nice non-beachfront hotel where Snooki slept. And it’s not even in the same state. 

Metropole Hotel & Jersey Shore

Would you be willing to pay $2000 for a hotel suite in Florida just because Snooki slept there? The Metropole Hotel in South Beach isn’t sure, but they’re willing to find out – by offering the ‘Jersey Shore Suite’ for $2000. 

For Season 2 of the reality show, Snooki, The Situation, JWoww and the other Jersey Shore cast and crew have been living it up at this hotel off Collins Avenue under a 2-month specially discounted deal. 

The hotel has a notice up on its site which says they’re full-up until May 26, 2010. After that, its time to test the power of the phrase: “Snooki Slept Here.” 

The hotel’s owner says he’s not really sure if anyone will pay $2000 for a suite in a hotel where rooms usually cost $250, which is located 2 blocks off the beach, and does not have a spa, restaurant or full-size pool – all must-haves for South Beach hotels. 

The Metrople isn’t the first hotel to try and cash in on Jersey Shore’s new-found infamy. The Tropicana in Atlantic City is offering a VIG (Very Important Guido) package, which includes a stay in the same suite where the Jersey Shore cast stayed. 

The Tropicana’s 1-night Jersey Shore package with a stay in the Baccarat Suite costs a whopping $4,250. If you can’t afford that kind of outlay, the Tropicana also has a Jersey Shore package for $877 - with a standard room replacing the Jersey Shore suite. 

If you’re not getting the Jersey Shore suite, why would you pay $877 in a hotel where you can get a room for less than $50? All hype and no substance – same as the VIGs on a certain show on MTV. 

Metropole photo courtesy South Beach Hotels 

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There are dozens of books filled with excuses that you can use to get the day off from work, but the staff at the Biltmore in Coral Gables Fla. are blazing new trails in this field.

The Biltmore, Coral Gables, Fla.

For 62-year old Thomas Hudnall – a steward at the hotel, a get-out-of-work chit means calling in a bomb threat. The Coral Gables Police recieved a 911 call at 4.51 am on March 29, 2010.

Went something like this – “There is a bomb at the Biltmore Hotel. …and death to all Jews.” Then the caller hangs up.

The cops were able to trace the call back to the executive chef’s office in the hotel, and surveillance footage showed Hudnall lurking around. When confronted he broke down and fessed up.

Apparently he has no illwill against anyone – neither the hotel nor Jews. All he wanted was the day off, so he added the line about the Jews, hoping the hotel would be evacuated.

Hudnall is 62 and probably due for retirement, so its no surprise he wanted the day off. But is the Biltmore so bad that employees will call in bomb threats to get a day off?

Let’s see – Historic 1926 hotel with 275 guest rooms, including 130 suites. 150 acres of tropical landscape, with an 18-hole championship golf course, followed up by a restaurant called the 19th Hole and three more fine dining establishments to boot, a luxury spa, 10 tennis courts and the famed Biltmore pool with its private cabana suites.

Top all this off with the great location minutes from South Beach and downtown Miami, and a chance to hangout with celebrities. Doesn’t seem all that bad.

For the record, the hotel released a statement that said the threat was not credible, Hudnall had a clean prior record and all their employees undergo a rigorous screening process.

Photo courtesy The Biltmore

Info: 1200 Anastasia Ave Coral Gables, FL 33134; (800) 727-1926; More Info…

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Cardozo Hotel
1300 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305.535.6500
Toll Free: 1.800.782.6500

CELEBS SPOTTED: Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Cindy Crawford, Kate Hudson

Gloria Estefan owns the Cardozo

Art Deco comes to life in the Cardozo Hotel in southern Florida, otherwise known as the “Jewel of South Beach.” Owned by the Conga Queen herself, Gloria Estefan and husband Emilio, the famous building has been in lots of flicks, including “Something About Mary” and Frank Sinatra’s “A Hole in the Head.” Casual, yet elegant is the flavor at the Cardozo, which is why everyone from Kate Hudson to Cindy Crawford have been spotted there.

The Cardozo Bar and Grill offers Cuban flare

With 43 rooms ranging from doubles to deluxe suites, you’re going to love the calm atmosphere with Atlantic views. Dine in at the Cardozo Bar & Grill, another spot the celebs like to hang in South Beach. Plus, you’re within walking distance of tons of shops and restaurants along Ocean Drive, and Lincoln Road is blocks away. Walk with your family, take the dog, see live music and art galleries.

Beauty and elegance abound at the Cardozo

Look at that view!

Rooms start at $250 a night (until the off season starts in April, when they drop to $215 a night). All rooms have cable TV, minibars, bathrobes, and computerized door locks. WiFi, too, and room service. But you can really relax in the spacious suites, which include pullout sofa beds, dining areas, and Jacuzzi tubs. And every room is ADA-equipped.

Luxury in double at the Cardozo

You want to drink in South Beach and all the Miami goodness it has to offer? Hard to find better than the Cardozo…luxurious yet (relatively) affordable. The ocean views await. So do all those tanned botoxed beings.

Nearby restaurants/bars: The Grill at the Setai, scrumptious Italian eatery Escopazzo, or just chill with a beer at Zeke’s Roadhouse.

Photo Credits

First exterior shot of hotel: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pkeigan/ / CC BY 2.0

Gloria Estefan: Daylife

All other photos: Cardozo Hotel web site