A Hilton hotel in Pittsburgh

I came across this in a newsletter I received from Hilton Hotels this week. The big hotel chain has plans to debut a new concept in hotels called Denizen Hotels. The site describes the hotels in this way:

“Each property will be smart in design, cultural in character and sensitive in service delivery. Developed as an international intersection of business and pleasure, Denizen Hotels will redefine how guests stay and play. With innovative check-in technologies and in-room comfort controlled at the touch of a button, Denizen Hotels destinations will harness the best and brightest design and technology to provide a seamless guest experience for the modern traveler.”

I was intrigued, so I poked around online checked out the six Denizen hotels that apparently already exist in Istanbul, Montreal, London, New York, Hollywood and Las Vegas. Honestly, the site wasn’t all that good and didn’t tell me much at all about the hotels – it’s one of those modern, hip sites that leaves you with more questions than answers. Check it out for yourself though.

As for the name, I guess they’re going with the definition of a person who regularly visits a place.  It sounds, though, that the Denizen hotels will have check-in kiosks, Internet access throughout and push-bottom access to service in the actually hotel rooms…interesting. They are apparently going to be offered at an “acceptable price point,” though I’m not at all clear about what that means.

Stay tuned – neogitations are in the works to unveil the brand in cities around the world including Austin, Texas, Beverly Hills, California, New York City and Washington DC.

Photo Credits: Brent and MariLynn

Courtesy of Kimpton

The Muse Hotel in Manhattan is pretty, you guys. And they’re doing special things for Valentine’s Day.

Starting at $199 per night, The Muse is offering little things that will make you love them. These little things include:

• Late check-out times
• Hot chocolate and marshmallows at bedtime
• Romantic NY movies on your TV like Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• A guide to romantic places to make out. I’m serious! Okay, well they said “steal a kiss,” but still.
• A map of secret spots in Central Park … wait a minute, that’s just dirty, Kimpton, what kind of a show are you running?
  

  Courtesy of Kimpton

Kidding, kidding. But check this out. Meet Ginger (right).

Ginger is “Director of Pet Relations” and works side by side at The Muse with owner/concierge Lauren Myerson. that’s right. They’re pet friendly. They even have a “Pampered Pooch Package” wherein they spoil your dog for you.

I read about the package. Please, someone. Take me to The Muse and tell them I’m your dog. Kthx.

Times Square New York City

I’ve always thought of New York City as the perfect city for lovers. There’s so much to see and do, so many places to take romantic strolls, cute little candlelit restaurants. It’s pretty chilly in the city for Valentine’s Day most years, but that just means more time spent snuggling in a cozy New York City hotel for the weekend! These hotels are pretty posh, so they’re a good choice for a real splurge for maybe one night:

The Inn at Irving Place:

Rooms are still available for Valentine’s Day as of this writing, and a nice Queen room will cost you about $445 plus tax. But, you get to stay in one of New York City’s most beautiful bed & breakfasts. The beautiful townhouse dates from the 19th century, and it’s located just south of Gramercy Park. You can relax with an in-room massage and with a complimentary (yay!) breakfast in bed.

Hotel Elysee

It must be the economy, because I can’t believe there are still rooms available here for $250 a night on Valentine’s Day! Treat yourself to an amazing Continental breakfast every morning and complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres during the week from 5-8pm. Surprise your loved one with many fun “extras” such as a dozen roses and a nice bottle of champagne. Now we’re talking! This hotel has routinely been rated one of New York City’s best small hotels – and it’s located in Manhattan – so snatch it up while you can.

Mansfield Hotel

This beautiful hotel has lots of classy “Old World” touches like spiral staircases, coffered ceilings and sleigh beds. It’s close to Times Square and many of New York’s best attractions. As of this writing, there are still rooms available for $260 per night, which is amazing for that part of town. Broadway shows are just a short stroll away as are some of the city’s finest restaurants. The interior is dark and cozy – you feel as though there should be cigar smoke wafting around but thankfully, there is not. Coffee lovers — there is a 24 hour espresso, coffee and tea service!

Valentine's Day candies

Photo Credits: Zoonabar, Butterfly Sha

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

When you think of a luxury hotel in New York City, there’s no doubt The Plaza Hotel is one of the first to come to mind. But, for many of us, spending between $700 and $5000 a night on a room room in a six-star hotel just isn’t feasible. At least, not most of the time.

However, if you’re ever going to go a little over the top, Christmas is the time to do it, and The Plaza has the splurgiest of all splurges with their “Christmas Spectacular” package. The guest experience includes Premiere seating for two at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a Christmas Spectacular-themed holiday dessert served in The Palm Court, and, of course, wonderfully luxurious accommodations at The Plaza.

Rates begin at $875 per night, so it’s probably not for everyone, but it certainly would be a fabulous surprise gift for your sweetheart. You can take advantage of this package through December 30th of this year, but seven days’ notice is required, so you might have to get cracking. And, you’ll need to make this reservation by phone — it’s not available online.

The Plaza at night

If this package doesn’t quite work for you this year, there are still some other opportunities to celebrate the season at The Plaza, especially if you don’t mind celebrating sometime after New Year’s. With the Advanced Booking Special Offer, if you book with at least 14 days notice, you’ll get 30 percent off the best available rate. And when the best available rate is several hundred dollars, 30 percent really adds up.

Want to know what other deals you can score at New York’s most prestigious address (perhaps to give a hint to someone who’s struggling to find your holiday gift this year)? Check out The Plaza’s packages right here.