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Hotel News
Taj Boston Supper Club Opens
Boston, MA—One of the city’s most prestigious addresses, at the corner of Arlington and Newbury streets overlooking the Public Gardens, is the site of the exclusive Taj Boston hotel, a U.S. member of the Taj Hotels luxury division. The 1927 landmark building now offers a rooftop dining option and special package. Dance to the five-piece Tom LaMark Orchestra and relive the Big Band era of the 1930s and 1940s while enjoying city views on select Friday nights from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. For $55 per person, plus $45 for the summer buffet, you can book for July 11 and 25, August 15 and 29, September 12 and 26, and October 3. The Supper Club Rooms Package, including Thursday and Friday night accommodations, admission and dinner for two, begins at $499. For reservations call (877)482-5267 or visit www.tajhotels.com/boston.
Sunny Savings in Palm Beach
Palm Beach, FL—Saving money is on everyone’s mind these days, so the packages offered by a Florida icon are very welcome indeed. The Breakers Palm Beach hotel, a historic luxury hotel, announced several summer packages with value-added benefits to fit anyone’s pocketbook. The Stay Longer and Save package works just like it says. All room categories are included in this promotion, which drops the price of the room the longer you stay. In June and July, for example, a stay of five nights is priced from $309, while one to two nights are priced from $369. These prices drop to $249 and $299, respectively, for August and September. You can golf, enjoy the spa, relax in the beach cabanas, and enjoy the ambiance of this lovely hotel. Visit www.thebreakers.com/ocean08 to reserve your stay and check out this vacation getaway.
Chicago Legend Opens Retro Bar
Chicago, IL —Chicago’s legendary Palmer House Hilton in April opened Potter’s, a new bar/lounge named after the Palmer House founder. It’s a new hotspot for the theater and convention crowd. Reviving the glamour of the 1930s, glass-enclosed columns of plush, white feathers greet patrons. Inside you can enjoy appetizers and starters prepared by chef Phillip Foss, including a short rib sandwich on a pretzel bun with red wine sauce, horseradish and watercress or truffled potato chips, Caesar salad or steamed Blue Bay Hill mussels. The drinks are classic retro—Singapore Sling, Kir Royale, Gin Fizz, or Whiskey Sour. Check out the Nat King Cole and Louis Prima photographs on the walls, and sit back and enjoy. Potter’s is located at 17 East Monroe Street in Chicago Loop’s emerging night scene (www.chicagohilton.com).
Hot, Hot, Hot!
Miami, FL—Miami’s newest hotel is causing quite a stir with a 110-foot elevated rooftop swimming pool and 18 floors of luxury accommodations overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. The Gansevoort South Hotel, Spa and Residences follows the success of the Hotel Gansevoort in New York City. Boasting 334 guestrooms and 259 condominiums, the property features a full city block of luxury boutiques, a lounge, restaurants, and 50-foot shark tank with 27 types of fish and sharks accenting the lobby. A 40,000-square-foot flagship DavidBartonGym + Spa includes a luxurious spa, yoga studios and private training sessions. On the main level of the hotel, a semi-circular oceanfront pool plaza includes an infinity-edge pool, towering palm trees, plush cabanas, tented alcoves, a bar/restaurant, and an oversized Jacuzzi. Expect celebrity sightings at this hot property and include it on your next Miami “to-do” list. It’s located at 2377 Collins Avenue. For more information go to www.gansevoortsouth.com.
Trump Comes to Vegas
Las Vegas, NV—It’s official. On March 31, 2008, Donald Trump and his three grown children opened up the Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas. And in true Trump fashion, there is nothing unassuming about this property. Rising 645 feet above the city, 64 stories are wrapped in gold glass and 1,282 ultra-luxury suites (non-smoking) offer guests a first-class environment and amenities. From custom furnishings to fully equipped kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows for fabulous views, this new hotel joins the Trump Hotel Collection, which includes properties in New York and Chicago. Plans are underway for Trump signature hotels to open in Ft. Lauderdale, SoHo New York, Toronto, Panama, Baja, Jumeirah, Scotland, and New Orleans. One key amenity here is The Spa, which boasts the “Trump Personal Intention—Calm, Balance, Purify, Heal, Revitalize”—all under the care of your personal Spa Attache. Check it out on a virtual tour at www.trumplasvegashotel.com.
California Dreaming
San Diego, CA—Location, location, location. That’s what they tell you for homes and it’s just as true for hotels. Check out the 16 acres of waterfront views at the renovated Coronado Island Marriott where $15 million resulted in a newly relaxed atmosphere in one of southern California’s premier resorts. Designed by Fernando Del la Rossa of Lifetime television fame, the hotel now boasts private enclaves, including the rejuvenated pool area with wireless service, private villas among the 300 accommodations as well as a spa. New dining options include the Current Restaurant, with California cuisine, and the Tides Lounge. The Marriott Great Room concept envelops the lobby with four zones—welcome/check-in zone, relaxing zone, social zone, and a business center zone. Lush grounds afford privacy and a getaway from a hectic schedule. For hotel rates and packages contact the resort at (866)400-2935 and visit www.coronadoresortmarriott.com.
In the Clink in Style
Boston, MA—Boston’s 1851 Charles Street jail is now the Liberty Hotel, a showcase for how to transform a historic landmark into a modern building while retaining its distinctive architecture and character. The old jail’s granite exterior and light-filled interiors remain largely unchanged while its central rotunda’s historic catwalk looks like a setting for a James Cagney movie. In the old jail building there are 18 brick-walled guest rooms while across from a courtyard garden is a new 16-story tower with 280 guest rooms. Overlooking the Charles River and across from Mass General Hospital, the Liberty Hotel is in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. Don’t miss the Eggs Benedict at the Clink restaurant or a drink at the Alibi bar. Doubles begin at about $250. Details at www.libertyhotel.com or (866)507-5245. Also check www.booking.com for special rates.
The Plaza is Back
New York, NY—A New York legend reopened its doors on March 1 after a $400-million, two-year renovation as The Plaza welcomed guests into the 282 guestrooms, 152 of them converted into luxury condominiums. Averaging $1,000 per night, the rooms available for hotel guests feature 24-karat gold-plated bathroom fixtures, flat screen televisions and decorative touches that reflect the hotel’s traditional Louis XV style. The hotel’s famed Palm Court restaurant now boasts the original colored-glass rose and violet ceiling, covered over since the 1940s and costing more than $2 million to repair. It’s the place to go for afternoon tea (also serving breakfast, lunch and dinner). Stop by and see the landmark hotel, now co-owned by the Elad Group and the Saudi-based Holding Company and managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. For details go to www.fairmonthotels.com.
New Orlando Digs
Orlando, FL—Hyatt Place, one of two new properties of the Hyatt brand to open in Orlando, opened in December 2007 and offers physicians an alternative accommodation near the Orange County Convention Center. Called the Hyatt Place Orange County Convention Center, the contemporary hotel offers innovative services and amenities, including free Wi-Fi access, a 42-inch flat-panel high-definition television, continental breakfast, and the StayFit@Hyatt gym. Check it out at www.hyattplace.com or call (888)492-8847.
Family Fun
Cancun, Mexico—The casual, family-oriented Beach Palace, centrally located in Cancun’s hotel zone, reopened in December 2007 following the damages incurred by Hurricane Wilma two years ago. The all-inclusive resort offers a full-service spa, renovated fitness center, daily activities and theme parties as well as trips to the local archaeological sites in the area, including Chichen-Itza and Tulum. Four international restaurants cater to guests and four nightspots offer evening entertainment. Prices range from $180 to $260, based on double occupancy, per room, depending on time of the year. Palace Resorts owns five-star, all-inclusive properties throughout Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, Nuevo Vallarta, and Cozumel. Visit www.palaceresorts.com or call (800)635-1835 for information on rates.
High Acclaim "Inn" a Historic Region
Aspen, CO—Unique Inns, one of North America’s first bed and breakfast inn-keeping organizations, recently announced that Hanford House Inn is the organization’s newest member. Located in Sutter Creek, the inn is 45 minutes from Sacramento and 90 minutes from Lake Tahoe on historic Highway 49 in Amador County. The Sutter Creek area is famous for the discovery of gold 160 years ago, and was also one of the first sites of California’s bed and breakfast inn renaissance 30 years ago. The AAA-rated Hanford House features 10 rooms, including three suites, and in-room amenities that include spa tubs, fireplaces, televisions, phones, wireless Internet, and turndown service. Guests also receive a complimentary gourmet breakfast along with snacks that include afternoon tea and evening appetizers. To contact the inn, call (800) 871-5839 or visit www.hanfordhouse.com. For information on other members of Unique Inns, visit www.uniqueinns.com.
Powering Along the Pacific Coast
Santa Monica, CA—Visitors to Southern California can fuel up and fire on all cylinders when they opt for Fairmont’s latest thrill-inducing package. Both the Fairmont Newport Beach and Fairmont Miramar Santa Monica are allowing guests to get behind the wheel of a Porsche and participate in a Road Rally from Newport Beach to Santa Monica along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. The three-day/two-night package is available through June 2008 and includes suite accommodations in each of the two participating Fairmont locations, dinner, spa treatment, three day Porsche rental, airport transfers, plus additional options. The “Shift into High Gear with Porsche” package is priced at $2,775 and is based on double occupancy, with reservations required seven to ten working days in advance in order to accommodate the guests’ choice of Porsche. For additional information, call (949) 476-2001 or visit www.fairmont.com/newportbeach.
Achieving Prominence in Providence
Providence, RI—Hotel Providence, a luxury boutique property, has been recognized as the top rated hotel in the Rhode Island category for rooms and service in Zagat’s 2007 Guide for Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts and Spas. The 80-room Small Luxury Hotel member opened in early 2005 and has since received several awards and recognitions including Four Diamonds by AAA. The hotel is also home to the Four Diamond L’Epicureo Ristorante. According to the guide, Zagat reviewed more than 1,000 places to stay as the best for business or pleasure in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the 2007 edition. Located in the center of the Downcity Arts and Entertainment District, the hotel is within walking distance to the theater and shopping districts, convention center and other city attractions. For reservations and information, call (800) 861-8990 or visit www.hotelprovidence.com.
The Rebirth of a Legendary Resort
Bedford Springs, PA—After 21 years and a $120-million restoration and expansion, the historic Bedford Springs Resort reopened and set upon a path to reclaim its former glory. Having played host to former presidents, heads of state and countless celebrities, the resort now features refined public spaces, enlarged and updated guestrooms, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, casual and fine dining in six restaurants, and the new Springs Eternal Spa. Bedford Springs dates back to 1796 when its seven original mineral springs lured guests for a healing cure, and counted the likes of Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison and Pennsylvanian native James Buchanan, as frequent, featured guests. The critically acclaimed Bedford Springs Old Course has also been officially re-opened and restored to its original splendor as one of America’s oldest and most distinguished courses. The 216-room destination resort now offers a variety of room styles and designs, plus two hospitality suites. Rates range from $249 to $299 per night, based on views, day of week and seasonality. Spa suites start at $309. For more information or reservations, visit www.bedfordspringsresort.com or call (866) 623-8168.
The Best of the Big Easy
New Orleans, LA—The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, was recently named one of the 65 best new hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveller’s UK Edition as featured in their 2007 Hot List. The hotel was the only one in the State of Louisiana to appear on the Hot List and the only Ritz-Carlton hotel to be selected out of 64 luxury properties worldwide. According to the Conde Nast Traveller UK, “The 65 best new hotels in the world range from a safari lodge in Tanzania to a club hangout in Italy. What they all have in common is the style and talent to see off even the toughest competition.” Only eight other hotels in the United States were chosen as part of the annual Hot List. The article also stated that “They (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) have pumped up the hotel’s luxury quotient by upgrading the already palatial spa and enlarging and polishing the already stellar staff. The hotel is a visual and emotional anchor for New Orleans, open to commercial Canal Street on the front and French Quarter at the back.” For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/NewOrleans/Default.htm or call (504) 524-1331.
Hooking Up at the Hyatt
San Francisco, CA—Situated in one of San Francisco’s most popular destinations, the newly renovated Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is all business in their approach to accommodate traveling executives. As an alternative to typical downtown accommodations, the hotel is ideally located for guests to indulge in the area's bustling activities and active nightlife that’s lacking in other business districts. Free car service is also offered to the nearby Financial District to get business travelers to their downtown meetings. The Hyatt features 313 newly renovated and spacious guest rooms, and offers unique amenities and services that include multifunction workstations with ergonomic furnishings, Wi-Fi service throughout the hotel, express check-in, iHomes in all guest rooms, a 24-hour automated business center, fitness facilities, and more. For reservations and additional information, visit http://fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call (415) 363-1234.
Orlando’s Newest Gem
Orlando, FL—The American Automobile Association (AAA), one of the country’s most respected authorities on travel and hospitality, recently awarded Orlando luxury hotel Rosen Shingle Creek the prestigious Four-Diamond Award rating for 2008. The 1,500 room hotel sports Spanish-revival style architecture and is situated on 230 acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. To achieve AAA’s Four Diamond Award status, a property must be deemed upscale in all areas with refined and stylish accommodations that include extensive amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. Rosen Shingle Creek also features an onsite Shingle Creek Golf Club and 18-hole championship golf course, plus 12 dining and lounging options, a world-class spa, numerous recreational activities for guests, and is located nearby many of Orlando’s renowned attractions. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com or call (866) 996-9939.
A Highpoint in Hudson Valley
West Point, NY—The Thayer Hotel at West Point
offers travelers in the Hudson Valley region of New York an ideal
location for sightseeing, entertainment and relaxation. Now in its
81st year, the acclaimed hotel is a member of the National Trust
Historic Hotels of America and the only full-service hotel on the
Hudson River from the George Washington Bridge to Albany, NY. Aside
from enjoying dramatic views of the Hudson River, guests can participate
in nearby recreational activities such as a tour of the U.S. Military
Academy at West Point, a boat ride to Constitution Island, theater
outings, golfing, hiking, and area shopping. The Thayer is also
renowned for its Sunday Brunch, offered from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. For more information on special events and promotional packages,
visit www.thethayerhotel.com
or call (800) 247-5047.
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