Discount Travel Guide

Top 5 Hotels - Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:06:00 +0000

1#Hyatt Summerfield Miami

5710 Blue Lagoon Drive Miami, FL 33126

Description of Hyatt Summerfield Miami
Located in Waterford Corporate Park just minutes from Miami International Airport, the hotel is in the geographic center of Dade County. This allows for convenient travel to nearby Coral Gables and downtown Miami. The powdery white sands of Miami's South Beach are 15 minutes away. The Bayside Market is nearby, and ready to receive eager shoppers. The Miami Seaquarium and Miami Metro Zoo are just a short drive away. PET POLICY: Will accept up to two household pets per suite. Only one pet can be a dog weighing no more than 50 pounds. Cats must be declawed and house broken. A $150 USD non-refundable fee will be charged for a one bedroom suite and $200 USD for a two bedroom suite. Complimentary outdoor self parking is provided for registered guests. A parking fee of $7 per day will be charged for each additional day after check out.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Hyatt Summerfield Miami

Kathy from Kansas City,MO
Family Traveling with Teens
Pro : It had a full complimentary breakfast and they upgraded our room to a 2-bedroom suite at no charge-beautiful hotel!
You can't go wrong staying at a Hyatt hotel. They are always wonderful and the customer service is outstanding!

Anne from Palm Bay,FL
Senior Travelers
Pro : Layout of the room was very spacious. A very nice to stay and convenient to all routes and expressways.

Youliana & Christian from Austin,TX
Couple
Pro : Clean, fridge; free Wifi, parking, breakfast - overall, the suite concept/equipment.
Con : Carpet could be renewed.
Great value for money! Free parking, breakfast, WiFi. Overall very clean, plenty of space in the Suites, great if you'd like to prepare your own food: full kitchen equipment, great for families, biz travelers - everybody. Convenient location: next to airport (hardly noise), 15 min. to South Beach by car.

2#Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Miami-Kendall

13475 Sw 131St Street, Kendall, FL 33186

Description of Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Miami-Kendall
Welcome to our Beautiful Hotel in Miami's Kendall Neighborhood You will love the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Miami-Kendall- one of the newest hotels in the southwest Miami area. This stylish hotel is located halfway between Homestead and downtown Miami with easy access via FL's Turnpike & 874/821. Our hotel is conveniently located across from Kendall Tamiami Airport (TMB)- exclusive homebase of Falcon Trust Air- Reliance & Dean Int'l. Easily accessible to major corporations such as Beckman Coulter- Noven Pharmaceuticals and Assurant Group- we are also within minutes of Baptist & Kendall Regional Hospitals- Ministerio El Rey Jesus and Alper JCC. Miami International Airport (MIA) is only 24 miles away. Leisure travelers seeking the sunny fun of Miami will enjoy this Kendall hotel near the Metro Zoo- Gold Coast Railroad Museum- Kendall Ice Arena- Homestead Miami Speedway & Monkey Jungle. London Square- Dadeland Mall and The Falls are within minutes of our Miami-Kendall hotel. Our well-designed Kendall hotel features choice amenities to entice a SMART traveler. We offer an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub area surrounded by fabulous palm trees emitting a tropical ambiance. We also have a Business Center and Fitness Center- as well as high-speed Internet access. Our professionally designed putting green and our modern non-smoking hotel provides you with the best Miami has to offer! This hotel is committed to providing accessible facilities under the American Disabilities Act. If your accessibility needs are not met, please contact the Hotel Manager on Duty. Should you require additional information regarding accessible facilities for guests with disabilities, please call 1-800-Holiday (U.S. and Canada) or contact the hotel directly. For the hearing impaired, TDD service is available at 1-800-238-5544 within the U.S. and Canada.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Miami-Kendall

Oscar from Allen,TX
Couple
Pro : I liked the friendly service from house keeping.
Con : Many of the employees said they couldn't help me with small things (milk from the cafe in the evening, finding extra bags for dirty clothes, etc).
It was an overall good experience. The hotel is super nice and new. The breakfast area is very nice and comfortable. The food selection for breakfast was
okay but it could have improved.

Karen from Elgin,IL
Family Traveling with Teens
Pro : The entire staff was fantastic.
The hotel is spotless. Very clean and new. I had a few special needs while I was staying there and the staff was completely helpful. They went out of their way to make sure I was very comfortable. Have stayed there before and will definitely stay there again.

Milagros
Family Traveling with Teens
Pro : My stay was only for a night, but the experience was very good. It was a clean spacious room, with a comfortable bed.
Great hotel for business trips or short stays. New and clean accommodations.

3#Sagamore Hotel

1671 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

Description of Sagamore Hotel
The Sagamore Hotel was selected by Conde Nast Traveler as *One of the Top Twenty Hottest Beach Resorts in the World*. With its prominent and unique private collection of art and photography the Sagamore is a modern interpretation of a classical European resort. The property boasts 93 striking suites including 16 two-story bungalows. All Suites have large bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and wireless internet access. The Sagamore Hotel has direct beach access and is walking distance to all the South Beach has to offer. The Miami Beach Convention Center- Lincoln Road- Ocean Drive- shopping- galleries and exotic night life are all within walking distance so there is no need to rent a car.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Sagamore Hotel

Trish from Miami,FL
Couple
Pro : Art in public areas.
Con : Slow elevators, poor service at front desk, loud A/C in rooms.
Overpriced and overrated. Service at front desk upon arrival was slow and rude. Bellman service was also slow as we got to our room, settled a bit and then head back down only to find our luggage in the exact same place as when we originally went up. The room was modernly dressed, but we could hear through to the neighboring rooms all day. The pull out mattress was very flimsy so ended up just sleeping on the couch itself. A/C in the room was ridiculously loud. Drinks were so expensive at the restaurant and bar. Note that a 15% gratuity is automatically added to the bill now - and the servers are not the first to point it out.

Athena
Group Traveler
Pro : The bungalow and staff were amazing.
Con : If I have to say something negative, food and liquor very expensive.
Had a fantastic time! Staff was more than courteous. Location perfect, beach access was convenient. Bungalow was definitely roomy for 4 girls. The only reason I would not recommend it for families is all of the nude photos in the hallway. Would not want to explain that to my boys!

Alan
Couple
Pro : It was different and artistic.
Con : Their were several additional fees/taxes at check out that were unexpected.
The hotel felt luxurious with excellent staff. The suite was beautiful but the pool area and gym felt small. Spa services were good.

4#Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel And Marina

1633 North Bayshore Drive Miami, FL 33132

Description of Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel And Marina
Experience everything Miami at Marriott Biscayne Bay, a luxury hotel in Miami, FL. Located at the intersection of the Downtown and Miami Arts District, our Miami Biscayne Bay hotel offers gorgeous waterfront views just minutes from the Port of Miami. Enjoy our Biscayne Bay hotel's action-packed location near the fine dining and shopping of Bayside Marketplace, the hip Art Deco District, or nearby Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts with opera, jazz and symphonies. With a $17 million renovation, our luxurious Miami hotel's Biscayne Bay rooms and suites now feature laptop, MP3, and video connectivity. In addition, this Miami Biscayne Bay hotel's amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center with Miami Bay views, plus more than 17,000 sq of event space, featuring high-speed Internet, exceptional catering and the latest audiovisual equipment. Make your next visit a memorable experience at the finest of hotels in Biscayne Bay, Miami, right on Bayshore Drive!

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel And Marina

Richard from Orlando,FL
Couple
Pro : The room was outstanding!
Con : The room was small for what I paid for.

Hotel Guest from Bronx,NY
Solo Traveler
Pro : Cleanliness and service.
Con : Considering the fact that the pool is very small it should be cleaned daily.
Nice place to stay for short term or if you need a nice place to rest after a long day out.

Tami from Winterville,NC
Couple
Pro : Amenities, location, comfort, and decor.
Excellent hotel for proximity to the port. Great way to begin your vacation if you are cruising.

5#Sofitel Miami

5800 Blue Lagoon Drive Miami, FL 33126

Description of Sofitel Miami
""Experience Sofitel Miami - Where European style fuses with the excitement of America's Riveria! This hotel is located 5 minutes from Miami International Airport and Coral Gables, 10 minutes from Downtown and the Port of Miami, 15 minutes from South Beach and Coconut Grove. There is complimentary shuttle transportation to/from Miami International Airport.

Other services include nightly turndown service, complimentary bottle of Evian water and a fresh flower in every room. Enjoy contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at """"La Riveria"""" or delicious breads and pastries at Le Petit Marche and 24 hour Room Service. There is also a fitness center, outdoor pool, 2 lighted tennis courts on site as well as golf and shopping within 10 minutes.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Sofitel Miami

Gavin from Royal Oak,MI
Business Traveler
Pro : Ambiance and I also liked the workout facility.

Jason from Pittsburgh,PA
Family Traveling with Young Children
Pro : Clean.
Con : The next room was very noisy in midnight.
Very clean and good swimming pool.

Walter from Tucson,AZ
Solo Traveler
Pro : Helpful staff, free workout room and easy parking.

Feng from West Lafayette,IN
Business Traveler
Pro : Friendly staff, comfortable bed..
Con : Somehow old, the carpet looks faded.
Excellent staff. Bed is very comfortable. The carpet in room looks old. But generally good for the price.

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Cheap Orlando Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Holiday Inn Express Orlando Airport

From : $79

7900 Conway Road Orlando, FL 32812

Overall Quality Score 9.0

Description of Holiday Inn Express Orlando Airport
Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Orlando International Airport. This first-class hotel is located just 1.5 miles to Orlando International Airport and offers free airport transfer shuttle service to all airlines. Easy access to major roadways and just minutes to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Port Canaveral Cruise Ships, Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, Orlando Orange County Convention Center, Florida Mall and several shopping areas and restaurants. Close proximity to business areas including Lockheed Martin, Cessna, Flight Safety, Galaxy Aviation and Orlando Military facilities. Stay Smart and start your day with our complimentary Express Start breakfast bar including hot items and our signature hot cinnamon rolls. Spacious interior corridor oversized guest rooms all feature refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and portable telephone. Both the business and leisure traveler can take advantage of free high speed Internet access throughout the hotel, free business center, free local telephone calls, free USA Today, outdoor swimming pool and fitness center. Our Tradeport meeting room is available to host your next meeting. We pride ourselves with outstanding customer service&regStay Smart! Active Military and Government, Police and Fire Rescue rates available at this hotel. This hotel is committed to providing accessible facilities under the American Disabilities Act. If your accessibility needs are not met, please contact the Hotel Manager on Duty. Should you require additional information regarding accessible facilities for guests with disabilities, please call 1-800-Holiday (U.S. and Canada) or contact the hotel directly. For the hearing impaired, TDD service is available at 1-800-238-5544 within the U.S. and Canada.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Holiday Inn Express Orlando Airport

Karen from Sterling Heights,MI
Family Traveling with Teens
Pro : The staff was very friendly.

Colleen from Port Moody,Canada
Business Traveler
Pro : Very clean. Large rooms.
Staff was very helpful. I booked a room with only one bed by accident, and it was myself and a friend traveling. The front desk upgraded us to a room with 2 beds and an extra sitting area for no fee.

Rob from Jacksonville,FL
Couple
Pro : They were always clean and staff was friendly.
Con : The air condition unit was very noisy, bed was uncomfortable and hallway was hot.

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Top 5 Hotels - San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:07:00 +0000

1#Omni San Francisco Hotel

500 California Street San Francisco, CA 94104

Description of Omni San Francisco Hotel
The Four Diamond Omni San Francisco hotel is conveniently located at the corner of California and Montgomery Streets in the heart of the city*s financial district. This historic landmark has been opulently restored to its full Florentine Renaissance glory. All of our guest rooms offer plush beds, Chinese marble vanities, sophisticated 1920*s decor and modern amenities including dual line phones and high speed internet access. Our signature guest rooms feature upgraded amenities including DVD players, Bose sound systems, in room color copier, printers, fresh fruit and bottled water daily. The hotels restaurant Bob*s Steak and Chop House is a prestigious Dirona Award winner and its bar offers a view of San Francisco*s famous cable cars. Located at the base of Nob Hill the hotel is convenient to all the many special places that define the city, Chinatown, Fisherman*s Wharf, Union Square shopping and the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are each just 20 minutes away. The hotel offers complimentary towncar service within the downtown area. *** Four diamond luxurious comfort embraces style.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Omni San Francisco Hotel

Nadine from San Diego,CA
Solo Traveler
Pro : Great location, good staff, close to everywhere, nice rooms/ lobby.

Liz from Spring Valley,CA
Solo Traveler
Pro : Super friendly staff and like the water and fruit.
The Omni was beautiful and It was the perfect get away.

Pamela from Temecula,CA
Couple
Pro : Lovely room, exceptional staff, great location.
Con : Expensive parking.
Our hotel was within walking distance to Chinatown, which I love! We were close to the BART station, the MUNI and trolley stops. We were able to walk to church on Sunday as well. Lovely hotel, great staff...we felt well cared for and had a very memorable vacation in San Francisco!

2#J W Marriott Hotel San Francisco

500 Post Street San Francisco, CA 94102

Description of J W Marriott Hotel San Francisco
With a style all its own, the architecturally stunning JW Marriott San Francisco takes center stage in Union Square, the cultural heart of San Francisco. Let your sensibilities loose in a wide array of galleries, museums, theaters, fine dining and shopping near our luxury hotel by San Francisco's Financial District. Retreat to comfort in our San Francisco Financial District hotel's spacious, sophisticated rooms offering 42-inch LCD TVs with a fully adaptable plug-in-panel. Discover our state-of-the-art fitness center or indulge in the culinary talent at our dramatic atrium where food and libations are shared. Your meeting goals will be met at our Financial District area San Francisco hotel's meeting space with sophisticated technology, exceptional catering, and attentive service. Take delight in our San Francisco Financial district hotel's location near Moscone Convention Center, Chinatown and Nob Hill, all just steps away. Experience The Art of Living Well at the JW Marriott San Francisco luxury hotel.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the J W Marriott Hotel San Francisco

Cathy from Los Angeles,CA
Family Traveling with Teens
Pro : Location, great beds and nice bathroom.
Con : Parking was way too expensive.
Great location, no pool, clean and comfortable room.

Greg. from Lakewood,NJ
Solo Traveler
Pro : Beds were like sleeping on a cloud.
Con : Poor view of the city.

Kathy from Orlando,FL
Couple
Pro : Upscale feel, decor was very nice and felt newly remodeled.
Very nice upscale hotel for short stays.

3#Intercontinental San Francisco

888 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94103

Description of Intercontinental San Francisco
InterContinental San Francisco is the Bay Area&regs newest upscale hotel destination. The 32-story glass tower sparkles high above the city, standing sentry over the South of Market (SoMa) area. The smoke-free hotel is convenient to everything, including the Moscone Convention Center, Union Square, Chinatown and the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround. This hotel is committed to providing accessible facilities under the American Disabilities Act. If your accessibility needs are not met, please contact the Hotel Manager on Duty. Should you require additional information regarding accessible facilities for guests with disabilities, please call 1-800-Holiday (U.S. and Canada) or contact the hotel directly. For the hearing impaired, TDD service is available at 1-800-238-5544 within the U.S. and Canada.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Intercontinental San Francisco

Tony from Hollister,CA
Solo Traveler
Pro : New hotel with great attention to detail. Loved the electronic do not disturb sign.

Sherry from Peoria,AZ
Business Traveler
Pro : The staff were very friendly and the rooms were fantastic!
I will definitely stay at this hotel again! The rooms are very spacious and clean with awesome views. All staff were courteous and helpful.

Silvia from Phoenix,AZ
Couple
Pro : Great concierge.
Con : Lack of free amenities lack of free WIFI.
Lovely lobby, somewhat out of the way location.Hotel looking for every way to milk money out of guests, eg., lack of free WIFI, lack of amenities.

4#Argonaut Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel

495 Jefferson Street San Francisco, CA 94109

Description of Argonaut Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel
The Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco is a luxury boutique Kimpton Hotel in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Located in San Francisco's most popular destination, our historic waterfront hotel - named for the Gold Rushers who sought their fortune here - offers guests an inviting atmosphere, personal services and amenities, and the experience of a luxury San Francisco boutique hotel.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Argonaut Hotel, A Kimpton Hotel

Katie from Pleasant Grove,UT
Couple
Pro : Great location, very nice and clean.
Great location, upscale, friendly staff and super clean. Would definitely stay here again.

Armand from Merced,CA
Family Traveling with Teens
Pro : The hotel was just everything that we could have wanted. View wonderful and very quiet.
If we need to be in the city again for an overnight stay, we will certainly return to this hotel. We were very satisfied and happy.

Stacie from Santa Rosa,CA
Family Traveling with Young Children
Pro : Wine hour in the evening by the fireplace and apple cider for the kids.
Con : Put on hold every time we called the front desk.
We liked it a lot, friendly, kid friendly, clean and a great location.

5#Le Meridien San Francisco

333 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111

Description of Le Meridien San Francisco
Le Meridien San Francisco is a luxury hotel located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. Our hotel is connected by a landscaped pedestrian bridge to the historic Federal Reserve Building, and the shops, entertainment, and cafes of the dynamic Embarcadero Center. Le Meridien is also steps away from San Francisco's main leisure attractions such as Chinatown and the California Street cable cars, with easy access to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. The guest rooms are spacious and many offer sweeping views of the bay as well as the city. The rooms have an attractive, contemporary decor and appointments with fine furnishings. Accommodations are 100% non-smoking and are equipped with wired and wireless High Speed Internet Access, plush robes, beds with 300-count Frette sheets, down duvets, and a Nakamichi stereo/CD player. Room service is available 24 hours a day. A professional staff and superior facilities, including onsite catering and audiovisual resources with state-of-the-art telecommunication services, provide support for all your conference needs. Le Meridien San Francisco...the premier choice in the downtown area for your next executive conference, meeting, or retreat.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Le Meridien San Francisco

James from Lighthouse Point,FL
Couple
Pro : Very attractive room with an excellent view.
Kudos to the La Meridien for providing a recyclables container and opening window/doors. The rooms all have corner wrap around windows with great views and sliding doors that open enough to let in fresh air. Very attractive European designed room with comfortable bed and seating.

Lynette from Honolulu,HI
Couple
Pro : Location and professional staff.
Con : Would have been nice to have a room refrigerator.
Great hotel with lovely views. Enjoyed sunning on the lanai. Proximity to the Embarcadero, Ferry Building and AT&T Park.

Julie from Tampa,FL
Couple
Pro : The room, view and bed.
Con : Spotty service, unprofessional staff, no wireless.

I wanted to like this hotel, but other than the concierge, I don't have much good to say. The doorman was so busy chatting up the valet that we opened our own doors and got our own cabs. The front desk, housekeeping and bellman didn't answer their phones, none for 10 minutes, forcing us to go down in person to get service. Two shabby towels, one robe, after a call, a 2nd robe was delivered, with a hole in the shoulder. One washcloth. Towel replacements seemed random. Amenities not replaced. On the 6th day we Q tips and cotton balls magically appeared for the first time. Used bar glasses not replaced. However, all the calls we made to get missing items gave the staff an opportunity to get tips. After the third day I wondered if that were purposeful. We've stayed in many hotels all over the world, this is the most unprofessional operation I've seen. Greasy tasting fries at the restaurant but waiter and room service staff was excellent at special needs.

Brook from Harwick,PA
Business Traveler
Pro : Good location, clean, comfortable and upscale hotel.
Con : Front desk was unresponsive, did not follow-up.

A very nice upscale hotel in a great location. A modest exterior leads to an upscale lobby. Rooms are clean, comfortable and well maintained. Restaurant is upscale but pricey. Wait staff is excellent. Unfortunately the front desk personnel are consistently unreliable and do not follow-up on requests or commitments. It took a half day on the phone with accounting to get my bill correct.

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House of Blues - Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:18:00 +0000

House of Blues

3950 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 632–7600

Toll Free (877) 632–7600
Restaurant Host Stand (702) 632–7607

Hours of Operation
Sunday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – Midnight
Friday – Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Live music, karaoke and endless drinks keep the House of Blues a top spot for nightlife lovers in Vegas. The club features a variety of music from rock to jazz and, of course, a ton of blues. There is also a restaurant which serves authentic Southern cuisine and is famous for its Gospel Brunch buffet. A variety of late night events occupy every day of the week including Rockstar Karaoke, Unplugged Thursdays, Flashback Fridays and a Salsa Dance Party.

Traveler Reviews of House of Blues

Diane from Rainier, OR

Traveler rating

Funky, crowded - just the place to be on a Saturday in Vegas.

Reid from Hayden Lake, ID

Traveler rating:

There are so many options for entertainment in Vegas, the House of Blues just kind of sticks out, so I must have had a great time.

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Top 5 Hotels - Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:46:00 +0000

1# The Fairmont Chicago

200 N Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60601

Description of The Fairmont Chicago
The Fairmont Chicago is a sophisticated high-rise that combines classic and contemporary styles, with sweeping views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. It is located in downtown Chicago within walking distance to the Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile shops and operates one of Chicago's most acclaimed restaurants, aria.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the The Fairmont Chicago

Kathy from Rome City,IN
Couple
Pro : The room was luxurious.

Toni from Walnut Creek,CA
Couple
Pro : The location was very convenient and the staff, especially the bellmen were wonderful.
Con : The shower was of inadequate strength and lobby chairs were uncomfortable.

Martin from Canton,MI
Business Traveler
Pro : Room design very modern and straight forward.
Con : Internet rates too expensive. This was one of the nicest hotels I stayed in Chicago. I would prefer this one over my latest stay in the Hyatt and Sheraton anytime. Nice lounge and bar in the hotel, very nice rooms. Internet was expensive with 15.62 US-$ for 24 hours. Anytime again.

2# Conrad Chicago

521 North Rush Street Chicago, IL 60611

Description of Conrad Chicago
As one of the most prestigious addresses within Chicago*s Magnificent Mile the Conrad Chicago is located at 521 North Rush Street at Michigan Avenue above Westfield North Bridge. With a main entrance on Rush Street at Grand Avenue and a pedestrian entrance on Michigan Avenue the hotel is located in the heart of Chicago*s most exclusive shopping dining and entertainment venues and is within convenient walking distance to The Loop business district Merchandise Mart and Lake Michigan. Connected to Nordstrom and Westfield North Bridge Shopping the Conrad Chicago offers direct access to an extensive variety of restaurants and fashionable retailers. With 311 spacious guest rooms in classic contemporary decor - each featuring state-of-the-art technology such as three dual-line phones complimentary high-speed Internet access CD player with clock radio feature and premier luxury amenities - the Conrad Chicago is the Windy City*s ideal urban oasis. In addition to the hotel*s well-appointed accommodations with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline the Conrad Chicago also offers guests 12 000 square feet of technologically advanced meeting and conference facilities equipped with high speed and wireless Internet connections a fitness center a stylish bar and a signature restaurant. Extensive renovations are planned for the Conrad Chicago and once complete guests will enjoy the luxury experience synonymous with all Conrad hotels worldwide.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Conrad Chicago

Estee from Grand Haven,MI
Couple
Pro : Very nice room and employees with a great location. The Conrad is a sophisticated and trendy hotel with a fabulous location. The room and the amenities provided were very classy. The room was comfortable and clean. The hotel has a very nice rooftop bar/lounge outside that I recently saw in a popular travel magazine. The parking was easy to find.

Alan from Kitchener,Canada
Business Traveler
Pro : Location, location, location Cost of toast and coffee was $20

Karen from Wahoo,NE
Solo Traveler
Pro : Very clean - good location. Excellent service.
Con : No swimming pool.

Bob from Grafton,WI
Couple
Pro : Great hotel room for a great price! Very welcoming hotel. People went out of their way to help. Topnotch room and service. Made our visit to Chicago a pleasant experience.

3# Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

20 East Chestnut Street Chicago, IL 60611

Description of Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Spectacular new building located just off the magnificent mile in Chicago's premier shopping and dining district. Restaurant, bar and 24 hour room serivice is available.

Contemporary luxury with a European feel" lurks "in the heart of the Gold Coast" at this "swanky" scene of "modern" furnishings, "fresh flowers throughout", "wonderfully bright" suites and "airy rooms" "with real character" (and "magnificent beds"); factor in French cooking at the Café des Architectes – some surveyors "go here to eat even when staying elsewhere" – and "attentive" service, and vets say it's a "great value" "for business travelers who don't need all the extra gilding.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

Allyson from Sarasota,FL
Couple
Pro : Beds were so comfy and clean.
Con : Nothing.
Everything that Priceline said it was and more. Beautiful hotel. Loved the shampoo, bath soaps. Our view was incredible without receiving an upgrade.

Nathan from Saint Peters,MO
Couple
Pro : Location and great bathroom.
Con : The in room internet could be better.
This hotel is an excellent choice for downtown Chicago. Location is perfect with most of the major attraction being within walking distance or a short cab ride away. Room was great, nice big windows with great views, comfortable beds, and great styling.

Jan from San Francisco,CA
Business Traveler
Pro : French-ness.
Con : A bit snooty.
The good and bad of a high-priced, corporate chain hotel. Location not great.

4# Hotel Burnham Chicago, A Kimpton Hotel

1 West Washington Chicago, IL 60601

Description of Hotel Burnham Chicago, A Kimpton Hotel
The architectural grandeur of a bygone era comes alive at the Hotel Burnham: a Four-Star luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chicago's famous Loop. Located on Historic State Street the Hotel Burnham projects an atmosphere of the historical and whimsy decorated to the hotels theme of romance. Completed in 1895 as the Reliance Building it was one of the first steel framed skyscrapers in the world. Dark finished mahogany wood, rich colored leathers and silk drapery unite to recreate the men's club atmosphere that once occupied this space. Tumbled stone flooring in the entry lobby complement the restored stone floor used in the original lobby. Swans, mating for life, swim in the corridor carpet design of our guestroom floors. Expansive windows featuring incredible views of downtown Chicago are draped in handsome blue velvet and tie back panels with samplings of Mozart's symphonies.
The lobby's details can all be admired from the "Living Room", where overstuffed leather couches and mohair chairs invite guests to stay and relax. The "Living Room" also hosts the evening's complimentary wine reception and the morning's coffee and tea service. Other services include 24-hour room service, valet laundry, complimentary overnight shoeshine, business services, valet parking, and a full-service concierge. The pet-friendly hotel welcomes pets with a treat plus food and water dishes to use during their stay. The 122 richly appointed guest rooms continue the elaborate design of the hotel decor.
Guests can indulge with the in-room spa services provided by Relax and Rejuvinate. Plush robes and L'Occitane bath products are standard amenities, along with complimentary yoga accessories, A/C, CD stereo, 2-line phone with voicemail, evening turndown, hairdryer, minibar, morning paper, complimentary DSL WiFi Internet and flat-screen TV. The Forgot it-We've Got It program happily provides forgotten toiletries.All Guest Rooms are nonsmoking. As with all Kimpton Hotels, pets are welcomed wit, Hotel Burnahm is Green Seal? Silver certified for its sustainable earth friendly practives.
Hotel Guest Reviews of the Hotel Burnham Chicago, A Kimpton Hotel

Katina from Marietta,GA
Solo Traveler
Pro : Close to everything.
Con : Nothing to dislike.
This hotel was great and the staff was super. I felt like they actually knew me and remembered me while I stayed. They were very tentative.

Ralph from Windsor,Canada
Couple
Pro : Historic, well maintained, excellent staff and overall great experience.
Con : No pool and lobby a tad small for a downtown hotel.

Tyson from Tecumseh,Canada
Couple
Pro : The customer service was great. Also, the free wine every night in the lobby.
Con : Location was not the best. Small rooms, small beds.

5# Four Points By Sheraton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile

630 North Rush Street Chicago, IL 60611

Description of Four Points By Sheraton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile. Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Downtown is just off of Magnificent Mile. Shopping, sights and food sounds magnificent to us. Not a home run with the kids? Try an outing to the Bears? Soldier Field, the Cubs Wrigley Field, or to nearby Museum Campus. Straightforward Comfort. The indoor heated pool and whirlpool. The high-speed Internet access. The fitness room. Don?t forget the bottled water in your room. All free. Have fun with the kids, ease your body and mind after a long day of meetings, and feel like you?re at home. Sleep in Late. Give the alarm clock a rest, and sleep a little later in our Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed. Stay in bed and watch some TV or an in-room movie. Order room service. It?s a great way to spend the morning. You should do this more often.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Four Points By Sheraton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile

Jack from Eagan,MN
Couple
Pro : Staff was very friendly and professional. Great room with micro-wave and fridge. Very comfortable bed. Great location and staff was very friendly and accommodating.

Murray from Davenport,IA
Solo Traveler
Pro : Fantastic location and nice, clean updated rooms.
Con : Parking expensive - but that's Chicago.
A very nice hotel - I would definitely stay there again. The location can't be beat, the rooms were clean & updated.

Dave from Bolingbrook,IL
Business Traveler
Pro : Location. Good location but not many amenities.

Read More...
PriceLine.com

Top 5 Hotels - New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:05:00 +0000

1# The Benjamin

125 East 50Th Street New York, NY 10022

Description of The Benjamin
As you approach its doors it is apparent that you are about to enter a truly special place - it is The Benjamin. In a classic 1927 building carefully restored to its original grandeur The Benjamin provides discerning travelers with a warm intimate atmosphere and the utmost in personal attention. The Benjamin brings a unique level of comfort to business and leisure travelers in a sophisticated boutique-style setting. An Executive Suite Hotel- The Benjamins guest rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed and specifically designed to enable guests to both work and relax in the comfort of their own rooms. From premier technology to the finest amenities The Benjamin creates a world of luxury and service that is hard to replicate. And with an eye toward the environment The Benjamin is one of only four Five-Globe ECOTEL certified properties in the world. Environmental responsibility is a core philosophy, encompassing every aspect of hotel operation and guest service.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the The Benjamin

Tammy from Sudbury,Canada
Solo Traveler
Pro : Spacious, clean and friendliness of staff.
Con : Restaurant menu was very limited and they were not open for dinner.

Hotel Guest from Philadelphia,PA
Business Traveler
Pro : Very nice room with big desk.
Con : There is very little drawer storage.

Gladys from Palm Beach,FL
Couple
Pro : I loved the location, comfort and staff. The staff was very accommodating.
Wonderful location!!!! And very comfortable bed.

2# Sofitel New York

45 West 44Th Street New York, NY 10036

Description of Sofitel New York
The ultimate in comfort and convenience, this thirty-story building in midtown Manhattan-a contemporary statement in limestone and glass-is just a stone's throw from Fifth Avenue. The modern-day traveler will enjoy the amenities on offer at this fine establishment, set within easy reach of Manhattan's most celebrated attractions. These include Times Square, Broadway theaters, world-famous restaurants, famous boutiques, art museums and corporate headquarters. Good access to transportation links.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Sofitel New York

Catherine from Rochester,NY
Solo Traveler
Pro : Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, clean. Very nice hotel, clean, friendly staff would definitely stay again.

Hope from Newport,ME
Couple
Pro : Close to everything in NYC, yet quiet and romantic. Loved the fresh flowers in the room and the candles.
Con : The restaurant was very pricey. $27 for breakfast! The hotel was very centrally located. A couple of blocks from Grand Central, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, yet the street was very quiet. The room was very nicely appointed - comfortable beds, clean, nice storage. Loved the glass shower, fresh flower in the bathroom. Even a candle, which was nice, but probably a little dangerous. When we arrived in our room, the radio was set to a classical music station. Even had turn down service in the evening - turned the bed down, turned on some lights and had the music playing again.

3# New York Marriott Marquis

1535 Broadway New York, NY 10036

Description of New York Marriott Marquis
The New York Marriott Marquis brings the energy of Manhattan to your door. Located in the heart of Times Square and the Broadway theater district, this Midtown Manhattan hotel is perfect for weekend getaways, family and business travel. The New York Marriott Marquis sparkles with updated hotel rooms and suites, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. With area attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park just minutes away, a stay at this New York City hotel ensures that entertainment is just around the corner. Additionally, the Marriott Marquis is conveniently located near NYC attractions like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the UN and Madison Square Garden. Such a central location makes this NYC hotel perfect for meetings, conventions, social events and weddings in the city. With renowned Marriott service, creative catering and a variety of ballrooms, the Marriott Marquis hotel is the best choice for Manhattan events.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the New York Marriott Marquis

Stacy from San Carlos,CA
Family Traveling with Young Children
Pro : Quick check-in and easy to navigate. Great location and nicely appointed rooms. Everything was quite nice.

Kate from Worcester,MA
Business Traveler
Pro : The room was absolutely beautiful, I wish I had stayed longer.
Con : It was hard to locate the lobby at first.

Tanja from Paxton,MA
Family Traveling with Teens
Pro : I loved the location and the restaurants and lounges.
Con : A little outdated. I think this is a very good hotel if you are staying with kids. I took 2 teenagers and they loved it. We were able to walk right outside in Times Square and they could stay up and hang out in the lounge and restaurants safely until late at night. We all LOVED the rotating restaurant upstairs. If I were traveling alone, I would have gone to the higher end restaurant part - but since I had the boys with me, we ate at the buffet offered at the view and it was perfect.

4# Affinia Dumont

150 East 34Th Street New York, NY 10016

Description of Affinia Dumont
The newly launched Affinia Dumont has been specially designed for traveling executives who enjoy a certain level of productivity and relaxation while on the road. Representing a high-tech and health-conscious concept, the hotel features modern design and the most up-to-date technology in every room. The hotel's new Affinia Fitness Spa puts special focus on its effort to promote health, relaxation and total wellness. The hotel's central Murray Hill location provides easy access to midtown offices, fashion showrooms and the Empire State Building. This hotel has 243 suites, all with full kitchens, dark-grained wood furniture, tall upholstered headboards, seating with earth tones, and custom window shades. The work centers have ergonomic chairs, fax machines, and cordless dual-line phones. Baths have lighted make-up mirrors.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Affinia Dumont

Dan Dan from Chicago,IL
Solo Traveler
Pro : Very big room by all means, let alone in New York.

Richard from Kinderhook,NY
Business Traveler
Pro : Excellent room lighting; plenty of elevators; perfect amenities.
Con : Restaurant not actually connected to hotel. Everything about the hotel was excellent, however... it's beyond me how a top hotel like this one still has the nerve to charge $14.00 per night for internet, when much lesser hotels provide it for free.

Mansi from Sunnyvale,CA
Solo Traveler
Con : It was old and not as clean as I expected. The hotel is really well located and near to a lot of attractions and subway station. The in room kitchen is an excellent idea and worked really well for us.

5# Westin New York Times Square

270 West 43Rd Street New York, NY 10036

Description of Westin New York Times Square
This 45-story tower is one of New York Citys architectural masterpieces. Set on Times Square, visitors have instant access to the citys various attractions. With the action of midtown Manhattan below and the subway moments away, The Westin New York at Times Square guests can experience all that New York has to offer. Whether you need state-of-the-art meeting facilities or a renewing massage after a long day, The Westin New York at Times Square ensures your needs are met. The hotel offers High Speed Internet Access and a WestinWORKOUT Gym with fantastic views. Our 863 spacious guest rooms and suites enable you to relax with stylish, soothing amenities. Rooms are designed with a clean and chic dcor, featuring the Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath. Experience the height of rejuvenation in our new Westin Renewal Suite.

Hotel Guest Reviews of the Westin New York Times Square

Tom from Boston,MA
Solo Traveler
Pro : Nice and modern rooms with innovative design.
Con : Exterior was not attractive and design was despite modern.

Phillip from Corona,CA
Family Traveling with Young Children
Pro : Good location.
Con : No too brush, no sandals, too dark on air conditioning meter!

Megan from Cape Coral,FL
Couple
Pro : Great location, clean, comfortable beds, nice room.
Con : Business center charges minimum $15 for internet usage.

Read More...
PriceLine.com

Las Vegas - Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada is a vibrant pulsating city and the largest adult playground in the world. It is a community that was created from the wastelands of the Mojave Desert in Nevada specifically to provide a gambling and entertainment oasis for the titillation seeking residents of post-war Los Angeles. Everything in Las Vegas has been done (or overdone) on a grand and spectacular scale. Along the Las Vegas strip, a black glass pyramid rises over a hundred meters above the desert with a larger than full sized replica of the Sphinx at its entry. Next to it, sits a larger than life castle with garishly colored turrets. Across the street, is a scaled-down skyline of New York City complete with a Brooklyn Bridge and a Statue of Liberty. Beyond that, you can see a half-sized replica of the Eifel Tower, a near full sized replica of the Piazza San Marco from Venice and a large volcano that erupts flames every thirty minutes. In Las Vegas, you often ask yourself, "Is this really a city, or am I visiting some futuristic amusement park on another planet?"

On any given evening in Las Vegas, you will find hundreds of entertainment events such as the renown Las Vegas stage shows, world class sporting events, performances by world famous entertainers plus music, dance and comedy at large and small venues throughout the city. This city never seems to sleep. The frivolity continues long into the night and the serious gamblers continue their pursuit of riches until well after the morning sun has risen on a new day.

The city was created by a reputed gangster

In 1931 gambling was legalized in the barren desert state of Nevada while it remained illegal in the more populous neighboring state of California. As early as 1940, the first hotel casino named El Rancho Vegas was constructed on the outskirts of a sleepy desert community in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada known as Las Vegas. A second hotel casino named the Last Frontier was opened a year later. Both profited from their proximity to the large gambling population living in Los Angeles and other southern California communities. In December of 1946, Bugsy Siegal a reputed New York gangster, then living in Beverly Hills California, and managing various illegal gambling operations on the West Coast, built a lavish new hotel casino named the Flamingo. He dreamed of creating a whole new resort city in the desert dedicated to gambling and entertainment. Unfortunately, Bugsy was shot to death in his Beverly Hills home in 1947; so he never got to see his dream fulfilled; but the legacy of lavish hotel casinos controlled by gangsters persisted in Las Vegas for many decades to come.

Today, this desert gambling oasis is a thriving city with more than one million inhabitants and over 38 million visitors a year. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the USA, with up to 5,000 new residents settling there every month. It has fourteen of the fifteen largest hotels in the USA and over 130,000 rooms available to visitors. Gambling and entertainment are still its biggest attractions and its largest industries. Supposedly, all the mafia gangsters have been removed from the Las Vegas gambling scene, only to be replaced by large corporate owners. (Is that an improvement?) In 1999, Oscar Goodman, the flamboyant lawyer whose spirited defense of many reputed gangsters and criminals earned him the unofficial title of "mouthpiece for the mob", was elected mayor of Las Vegas. He seems to be a most appropriate character to lead the government of "Sin City" USA.

Las Vegas Boulevard is "the Strip"

Las Vegas is located in the southwestern corner of Nevada near the borders of California and Arizona. It is 275 miles (450 km) from Los Angeles and less than a four-hours drive on excellent interstate highway. The city is situated in a broad flat desert valley surrounded by barren arid mountains. It receives only about 2 inches (5 cm) of rain per year; yet the city is an oasis of green grass, flowers and palm trees all subsisting on imported water. A vast checkerboard of low suburban homes sprawls across the valley floor for dozens of miles in every direction with new tracts of houses eternally sprouting like fields of cactus in the surrounding desert.All the action is centered on one broad avenue that stretches from the southern fringe of the city northward for a dozen miles until it reaches the heart of old downtown.

This is Las Vegas Boulevard, commonly known as "the Strip". McCarran International Airport is located adjacent to the southern end of the Strip, and nearly all of the major casinos are lined up along its sides. A drive down Las Vegas Boulevard takes you past the pyramid of Luxor casino, the skyline of New York casino, the Eifel Tower of Paris casino, the great tent of the Circus casino and the lofty tower of the Stratosphere casino. Eventually, it takes you to downtown Vegas and Fremont Street, home of the historic old gambling parlors like Binyons and the Golden Nugget. Just driving down the strip past all these spectacular casino resorts is a fantastic experience. At night, "the strip" comes alive with miles of colored neon and millions of dancing, pulsating lights.

[usatourist]

Travel the USA driving a Harley-Davidson

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Hair in the wind, this is adventure American style. Solo or in a group, find how to organize your trip across the USA driving a Harley-Davidson.

Seasons and Itineraries

May to September is the biker's blessed time of the year. From mid-November to end-April, move to Florida and enjoy its sub-tropical climate.

Your motorcycle rental operator will suggest numerous itineraries. The most popular circuits are in California, NevadaLas Vegas), Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

Harley-Davidson - Solo Trip
Choosing your Rental Operator

Choose your rental agency keeping in mind your city of departure, the quality of the engine, road service assistance and competitive prices. To verify just how s erious this dealer is, nothing is better that going to "chats bikers" on the Internet. If you rent a Harley-Davidson, make sure that the leaser is accredited by the brand, it is safer.

The Motorcycle Rental Site Harley-Davidson gives information about their accredited rental shops.

The Motorcycle and its' Equipment

The motorcycle must be in A-1 technical condition and clean.

Here is a list of equipment that you should have if you are leaving for a trip of several days :

Luggage bag
One or two locks
Cellular telephone in case of emergency
Road Assistance Contract 24h/24
A road atlas or "Road Book" of the area including maps, recommended detailed itineraries, hotel and motel addresses, friendly restaurants and bars, gas stations, family and friends phone numbers, recommended outfits, etc.
An authorized helmet. In certain States, you are not obliged to wear one, but good sense is better than dangerous stylishness.
Waterproof equipment

Rental Conditions

You must be 21 or older.
Have a valid heavyweight motorcycle operator's license.
Possess the skills, knowledge and ability to operate a heavyweight motorcycle.
Have a major credit card to guarantee your rental.

Ask for the canceling policy before making arrangements.

Rental Agreement

In your rental agreement, make sure these features are included in the price:

Unlimited mileage
Local taxes
All risk insurance policy coverage including theft
Road repair Insurance 24/24h

Bike and Motorcycle Events

---Bike Week - Daytona Beach---

(First week of March, Daytona Beach - Florida)

Founded in 1937, the Bike Week is a 10 day festival where hundreds of thousand of motorcyclists, from everywhere in the world get together. Musical groups, extreme motorcycles shows, tattooing and other activities makes the Bike Week one of the most renowned events.

---Sturgis Motorcycle Rally---

(Beginning of August, Sturgis - South Dakota)

At least 600,000 people visit Sturgis during the rally. It is an exceptional event, including activities such as motorcycle races, dragsters and motocross.

Of course, the main attraction is strolling along the main street of the city, open only for the flow of bikes and bikers during this event.

The area offers some magnificent outings such as Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Grand Rapids, Needle highway etc.

---Biketoberfest®---

(mid-October, Daytona Beach - Florida)

This demonstration is somewhat a copy of the Bike Week but less known and less expensive. The have not upped their prices and the airline companies give off season airfare rates.

---Arizona Bike Week---

(End of March, Scottsdale - Arizona)

10 days of events, entertainment, and riding. Great idea to combine it to a tour of Arizona (Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, etc.).

[travelmagazineusa.com]

New York Travel on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:12:00 +0000

New York on a Budget

One of the most vibrant cities in the world, New York has world-class museums, unbeatable nightlife and a cultural vibe all of its own. But traveling around such a big, popular city can end up being expensive. So here are a few money-saving strategies that can help travellers of every budget enjoy this amazing city.

Transport

The cost of long-haul flights has (unfortunately for budget travelers) risen in recent months, yet it’s still possible to find a great deal with a certain degree of flexibility on when and at what time of day you travel.

Once in New York itself, all the main sights are easily accessible from across the city thanks to the excellent subway network. It’s one of the most extensive public transport systems in the world and handily runs for 24 hours a day, every day. It’s also much cheaper than other inner-city transport services such as Paris and London, costing just $2 for a single fare.

Budget Accommodation

Although hotels can be pricey, PriceLine offer a great budget alternative for both solo and group accommodation. Across the city from lively Brooklyn to trendy downtown, hostels provide cheap rooms with shared facilities that help keep costs down, as well as creating a sociable atmosphere that reflects the reputation of the ‘city that never sleeps’.

Cheap Eats

In New York, many local specialties are actually easy to sample on a budget. Cheesecake, club sandwiches and salt-beef bagels can be found at the delis around the Lower East and Upper West Sides whilst street vendors around the city sell cheap (and authentic) hot dogs, burgers and pizza slices.

Dining out can also be quite affordable in New York once you get beyond the heart of Manhattan with Little Italy, Chinatown and the East Village all home to reasonably priced eateries. And even cocktail hour in Manhattan can be within budget travelers’ funds because happy-hours around 4pm till 7pm mean even glamorous downtown bars won’t break the bank.

Three Thrifty Things to Do:

Visit the Chelsea art galleries. The 200 or so small galleries scattered around hip, arty Chelsea exhibit a combination of renowned artists and emerging talent – and are free to explore. As well as a chance to see some unusual pieces, they provide a fascinating glimpse of the city’s commercial art scene.
Union Square’s Greenmarket. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, an open-air farmers’ market is held at Union Square. It’s a great place to pick up some cheap, fresh ingredients but also just to soak up the atmosphere of the city. In the month leading up to Christmas there’s an additional holiday market with a range of great gift ideas.
Free Jazz at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Brooklyn is a great neighbourhood for a night out in New York City, and on Friday and Saturday nights the Academy hosts live jazz and experimental artists in the BAM Café who perform to the gathered crowds for free.

[synergise.com]

Discount Hotels - Gramercy Park Hotel New York

noreply@blogger.com (Travel-Guide) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 11:11:00 +0000

Where to Stay in New York City?

Get ready for sticker shock. With the highest room rates in the country, choosing a hotel in New York City boils down to how much you want to spend. There are some relative bargains to be found, but don't expect room service or sunny views. Here are a few of the newest and brightest.

Old World grandeur meets postmodern chic at the Gramercy Park Hotel, the latest from Ian Schrager, the boldface hotelier. Designed with the help of Julian Schnabel, the artist and filmmaker, the hotel opened in August 2006 with dripping chandeliers, original Warhols and other indulgences missing from your everyday W Hotel.

What was once the Rihga Royal Hotel between Times Square and Central Park reopened in November 2006 with a new look, new owners and new name: the London NYC. Sporting a minimal Regency style, the 54-story hotel features spacious rooms, bathrooms by Waterworks and in-room dining by the British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

If you're planning to explore the Lower East Side, there's the Hotel on Rivington, a glass tower surrounded by grimy apartment buildings.

For something far cheaper — other than a friend's couch — check out the Hotel QT in Times Square, a high-concept motel by André Balazs that offers spartan rooms and a sexy swimming pool in the lobby.

By DENNY LEE