Travel News Blog

Miami Pool Parties, At The Four Seasons

If it's summer, there must be a pool party goin' on. Are we wrong?

In Miami, the newest one in town is not in South Beach but downtown in the fancy Brickell Ave neighborhood. Surprisingly, since it's at the Four Seasons Miami, it's also one of the more laid-back pool scenes we've come across in the 305.

Banish visions of those boom-boom dance music fests that dominate the beach hotels all winter. Summer is more of a locals scene in Miami, and while this pool party had a DJ, the vibe was more chill-out than burn up the dance floor.

The crowd was a mix of hotel guests, locals, and members of the on-site Sports Club/LA, with a healthy sprinkling of kids who were happy to share the shark- and gator-shaped inflatable pool toys with the grown-ups.

 

Two indispensible new travel items

When traveling there is always the dilemma of which travel products  to to take with you. In preparing for a one month trip through some safe and not-so-safe countries, Vagablond Travel has tested a bunch of new travel products to see which will be good enough to win a corner in their carry-on luggage. Read more for the results.

Via: Vagablond

Spent a Night in a TreeHouse - Norwegians Build the TreeHotel

Ever want to spend a night in a tree?  Here's your chance to have a luxury experience ... in a tree. A new concept based on cooperation from well-known designers and architects. The result gives us a unique collection of hotel rooms. The denominator in common is the treehut. The concept "live in a treehut" is given a new dimension. As our guest you will have a memory for your life. 

Totally Rad: Florida's Postcard Inn Gets Even Cheaper

We already loved the Gidget look of The Postcard Inn when it reopened last October. Now, with slush lining the NYC streets, and cheap-as-chips rates courtesy of Travelzoo, it looks even more seductive. The ’Zoo alerted us to savings of 60% off regular rates—$79 a night—at the boho-budget hotel, for travel dates through March 4, and again from April 11–23.

But if you prefer to hit up Florida with the frat boys, The Postcard Inn is still pretty cheap during the Spring Break high season too. From March 5–April 10, rooms start at $119 a night. Much cheaper than buying a bunch of paint and recreating the hotel’s rad surf’s-up mural in your apartment! To score these discounts, you must book by next Monday, February 15, and use the Travelzoo promo code TZOO.

Via: Hotel Chatter

The Cliffs Ocean Resort, Dominican Republic

Miami-based Desires Hotels has announced the latest international addition to their modern boutique collection, The Cliffs Ocean Resort, which is situated between Puerto Plata and Samana along the stunning north coast of the Dominican Republic. Opening in the Summer of 2011, room amenities will include large living areas and private terraces with unmatched views to the ocean and the mountains while being completely surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. Built on 25 acres of ocean-side property, the resort will include a luxury spa featuring a wide array of Asian treatments that soothe the mind, body, and soul. For those wanting to relax poolside, there will be two salt-water infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea along with a Beach Club that offers another form of respite in the bar and cigar lounge — the club also consists of a food and beverage outlet and area for teenagers. The resort has 24-hour room service, a Fitness Centre, helipad, and commercial shopping area. For those seeking a more active holiday there is golf practice facility, sports centre with tennis courts, and equestrian centre.

Via A Luxury Travel Blog 

Boston's Historic Copley Square Hotel Now Open

The Copley Square Hotel a historic gem located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay, is now open as its $17 million renovation and reinvention nears completion. Guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations at an undeniably attractive rate, while getting a sneak peek at what will soon be Boston's hottest contemporary boutique hotel. Within walking distance of many of the city's most popular restaurants, nightspots, shopping, and attractions, The Copley Square Hotel offers visitors these unique opportunities to enjoy highly competitive hotel rates while experiencing all the city has to offer.

Sneak Peek Special Rate: Guests will enjoy 20% off the best available rate, available now throu gh February 28, 2009. Rates start at $159. Based on availability.

2009 Resolution Package: Jump-start the New Year with a one-of-a-kind fitness resolution. Guests will be weighed-in upon check-in, and when they re-book a stay within the year, their weight loss will be deducted from the nightly room rate as a percentage. Guests will enjoy a personal training session at BodyScapes, an in-room Yoga kit and more. Book the first reservation between now and March 31, 2009. Rates start at $619, based on availability.

Retro Room Rates Package: Past guests may book a night's stay at the same rate they paid for a previous visit, as long as they show up with the receipt. This package offers vintage prices and incredible savings on a luxurious stay. Rates start as low as $6.50 based on historic records. Package is available now through April 15, 2009, based on availability. Black out dates may apply.

The Fairmont In Washington DC Goes Green For The Inauguration

Who says you can't get hotel deals these days. If you are willing to pay $40,000.00 during inauguration you will be able to stay at a hotel that is ecofriendly presidential suite at The Fairmont Washington DC.
 
What you get is a four-night stay in its 2 bedroom Lexus Hybrid Living Suite, the use of a Lexus LS 600 Hybrid, organic spa treatments with massages, manicures, and makeup. The suite was completed last May and the decor is black and white and the only colors are the paintings on the wall. The suite also has a kitchen, siting area, dining room and ecofriendly throughout.

Via: Washingtonian.com  

Hotel Bel-Air Los Angeles

One of the newest hotels in Los Angeles is the Hotel Bel-Air has 91 guest rooms and suites set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, privately nestled in Stone Canyon. Constructed in 1946 by Texan entrepreneur Joseph Drown, it has developed into one of the most iconic and respected properties in the world and is perhaps most famous for ‘Swan Lake’ with its own resident swans.

Private garden entrances, trickling stone fountains and wood-burning fireplaces are just a few of the unique features that keep sophisticated travelers returning again and again to our legendary hideaway.

 Guest Services include:

• Exceptional Concierge Services
• Family Services
• Water Therapy: Pool-side Pampering  
• La Petite Boutique
• Pet-Friendly Services
• Transportation Services 
• Wireless Internet services, a daily newspaper of your choice delivered to your room or suite, and a digital interactive Panasonic© entertainment system.
• Personal Services: Complimentary shoeshine; 24-hour room service; laundry and dry cleaning.  Left something at home? Just ask us.

The Opening Of Westin Verasa Napa

The Westin Verasa Napa in California is now accepting reservations for arrival on or after September 26, 2008.

Nestled on the banks of the Napa River, in the heart of North America’s premiere wine growing region, The Westin Verasa Napa is a serene, relaxing haven with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Explore Napa's beautifully restored architectural gems, attend outstanding performances in the renowned Napa Valley Opera House, frequent fine art exhibitions, drop in on jam sessions, and sample world famous cuisine.

TripAdvisor's:Dirtiest Hotels In The U.S.

Did you ever stay at a dirty hotel and wished someone had warned you? TripAdvisor has the top 10 Dirtiest Hotels in the U.S. chosen by their members.

Dirtiest Hotels In The U.S.

• Hotel Carter, New York, NY
• Ramada Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, NY (Hotel now closed)
• Nashville - Days Inn Vanderbilt / Music Row, Nashville, TN
• Red Carpet Inn, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Regency Inn & Suites, New York, NY
• St. Augustine Beachfront Resort, Saint Augustine, FL
• Travel Inn Civic/Medical Center, Miami, FL
• Eden Roc Motel, Wildwood, NJ
• Days Inn Lancaster, Lancaster, PA
• Pacific Sands Motel, Santa Monica, CA