The Informed Traveler

Floating Hotels and Rentals: Solutions to the Housing Crisis for Vancouver’s Winter Olympic Games

Mary Winston Nicklin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:35:22 +0000

There’s no more room at the inn for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. With 250,000 spectators expected in February, and only 10,000 hotel rooms available to them, the city’s tourism officials and Olympic planners have come up with a plan. The Washington Post specifies these creative solutions:

The 1,100-room Norwegian Star cruise ship will dock in an industrial port north of Vancouver, serving as a floating hotel for the duration of the Games, which will run Feb. 12-28. A popular city beach has been turned into an urban RV park, and provincial campgrounds around Vancouver will open early for fans who choose to brave frigid winter nights in the great outdoors.

Some Olympic junkies will brave the youth hostels, while others will try to rent locally. Indeed, many local homeowners are “hoping to cash in on the city’s housing crunch” with temporary rentals.

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Eco-Friendly Hotels: Go Green in Oregon at the Hotel Monaco Portland

Mary Winston Nicklin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:53:31 +0000

Just another reason to love the Hotel Monaco Portland: it’s Green Seal Silver Certified! What this means is that the Hotel Monaco Portland is one of just a few hotels nationwide that have met a rigorous set of environmental standards determined by Green Seal, a national nonprofit that created an unbiased environmental standard for the lodging industry with requirements for recycling, energy conservation, water conservation, and socially responsible purchasing. Props to Kimpton Hotels for its EarthCare program and eco-friendly initiatives. Some examples at the Hotel Monaco Portland: Cleaning Supplies (all rooms cleaned with environmentally friendly cleaning products), Soy Inks (all corporate collateral is printed on recycled paper using soy based ink), Organic Beverages (all complimentary lobby coffee is organic, shade grown and/or fair trade), Energy and Water Conservation (energy efficient bulbs are in place, along with low flow systems for faucets, toilets, and showers).

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Spend the Holidays with the Coeur d’Alene Resort

Daniel L. Moses — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:11:33 +0000

Only one can be the best. And among on-the-water resort holiday light shows in the United States, the luxury Coeur d’Alene Resort in Idaho is far and away the best. With 1.5 million lights sparkling across the clear waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene every evening, this incredible light show brings the holiday season to life!

To get even more from this unique experience at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, you can now view the majestic holiday lights on the Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole being offered from November 28 until December 30, 2009. This family-friendly adventure ends upon arrival at the North Pole just across the lake, where Santa and his team are awaiting your visit to the North Pole Toy Workshop.

This holiday adventure starts by booking a stay at the Coeur d’Alene Resort , and with an idyllic location amongst the snow capped Rocky Mountains, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that this isn’t the real North Pole…

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What’s New in Bermuda: Renovation for Mandarin Oriental’s Elbow Beach Resort

Mary Winston Nicklin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:18 +0000

On November 30, 2009, Bermuda’s high-class Elbow Beach Resort will embark on a project to reposition itself as an “intimate resort” with 98 suites and secluded cottages. The hotel’s 101-year-old main building will be closed for extensive renovations, and the recently-renovated guest rooms will get lavish bathroom improvements and cutting edge entertainment systems. Other facility updates: a new recreation lounge, new poolside courtesy suites for early check-in and late check-out guests, a new business center, luxury beach lounge chairs and a new spa beach pavilion on the resort’s prized sandy beach, a new bar, and makeover of the Bermuda Room for weddings and special event functions. We’re told the refurbishment will be done in discreet phases between January and March 2010 so as not to disturb guests.

Yuletide at Winterthur and a Champagne Dinner at Hotel du Pont

Mary Winston Nicklin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:34:10 +0000

A landmark in Wilmington, the historic Hotel du Pont is celebrating the yuletide season in style, inviting you to visit Winterthur, the great American country estate nestled in Delaware’s Brandywine Valley. With 60 acres of gardens and a marvelous collection of American antiques, Winterthur is a delight to visit anytime of year, but Christmas is especially magical. 15 rooms are decorated to portray festive feasts from the 1800s through today with a special focus on du Pont family traditions and entertaining. Book the “Yuletide at Winterthur” package and the hotel will include admission to Winterthur, daily breakfast, and valet parking with your accommodations.

Mark your calendars. Don’t miss Hotel du Pont’s first Champagne Dinner of the year. Enjoy an exceptional 6-course dinner perfectly paired with selected Möet & Chandon Champagnes. The evening will start at 6:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a little Yellow Label Veuve Cliquot. Guest Speaker Steve Sliger of United Distributors will be on-hand to provide information about Champagne. The Champagne Dinner Package is priced from $396.90 and includes dinner for two on December 11th, restaurant gratuities, valet parking, and overnight accommodations.

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Winter in the Alps at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Mary Winston Nicklin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:05:57 +0000

Craving an alpine adventure this winter season? For exceptional skiing, it’s hard to beat Zermatt– where three ski areas are easily accessible from the charming, car-free village with the Matterhorn as the dramatic backdrop. The après-ski scene is hopping, and you can bed down at a noble hotel like the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof for a dose of luxury and elegant hospitality. Excellent snow conditions make for the longest ski season in the Alps, and in this white wonderland you can explore some 313 kilometers of ski runs. With a long tradition of attracting well-known personalities, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has a number of ski packages available for the winter season. For the ultimate ski experience, book the Matterhorn Skiweek 2009/2010 which includes 7 overnights from Saturday to Saturday, generous buffet breakfast, a 5-course dinner, ski lessons for 6 days and ski passes for 7 days (for all ski areas in Zermatt and the Italian ski area, Cervinia), free access to the indoor swimming-pool, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and to the fitness room. Priced from CHF 2289 per person in a double room (7 nights) from November 28-December 19, 2009.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Specials: Luxury Hotels Between $98 and $195

Mary Winston Nicklin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:12 +0000

Stressed out imagining cooking for a full house? Itching to get away for the holidays this year? Five Star Alliance to the rescue. We’ve scouted out a bunch of beautiful hotels in North America that are not yet full for Thanksgiving. Escape for a day of pure pleasure and pampering, and leave the turkey for next year.
Capella Telluride– this gorgeous new hotel is offering a real luxury value with Thanksgiving rates at $195
Stein Eriksen Lodge– super luxury in Park City, Utah for just $166
Clift Hotel (San Francisco)- $165
Loews New Orleans- $139
Loden Vancouver- $170
River Inn of Harbor Town (Memphis)- $169
Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort- $179
Westin La Cantera (San Antonio)- $189
The Madison (Washington DC)- $149
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower- $185
The Driskill (Austin)- $98
The Langham Boston- $148

New for the Emiliano, Sao Paulo’s Most Fashionable Hotel

Mary Winston Nicklin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:40:58 +0000

Sao Paulo’s Emiliano offers some serious eye candy. In describing this local icon, Wallpaper* points out the design touches added during a recent renovation: “original solid wood armchairs by José Zanine Caldas and fresh custom fabrics for the Florence Knoll armchairs, as well as a captivating new centerpiece to the Emiliano Restaurant: a “living wall”, featuring a range of plant species from the Brazilian rainforest.” Lonely Planet describes it as “like page torn from a fashion magazine, [creating] a world of exquisite beauty, from its head-turning lobby to its designer rooms.” What we’re most excited about at Sao Paulo’s most fashionable hotel? Two new suites which will debut during the holidays, offering the city’s largest and most luxurious accommodations.

100 Years of the Ritz Paris!

K. Clare Johnson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:33:38 +0000

The Hotel Ritz Paris may be turning 100, but the luxurious Parisian property doesn’t look a day over 25. To celebrate a century of top-notch service, The Hotel Ritz has made some improvements to its already world-class establishment. Espadon Restaurant, which recently received its second Michelin star, has been freshened up under the direction of renowned French interior designer Pierre Yves Rochon. The lobby area, shopping gallery and all the guest rooms have been treated to new paintings and new carpets. A Jaguar XJ and Range Rover courtesy cars have been added to the already considerable courtesy car fleet, the better to explore the city of lights with. The King and Queen beds are draped with luxury linens by Quagliotti, the prestigious Italian brand suppliers to royalty. Upon request, guests’ initials can be embroidered on the pillow cases. It might be the hotel’s birthday, but it looks like the guests are getting all the presents!

Joyeux Anniversaire to The Hotel Ritz!

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Caribbean Hotel Deals for the Holidays

Mary Winston Nicklin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:07:49 +0000

How does four nights for the price of three sound? At a swank villa at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla? Or free car rental to tool around St. Barts while staying six nights at Hotel Guanahani? Or a couple free nights on a private island in the Turks and Caicos? (Parrot Cay is continuing its gig of giving away two free nights to folks who stay for five.) That’s not all– The Atlantis in the Bahamas is offering two-night stays for a mere $199 including a round of golf and admission to the resort’s water park. There are deals to be had this holiday season at luxury properties across the Caribbean. The New York Times’ travel guru Michelle Higgins scopes out the best of them; check out the article here.

Spa Tasting Menu at California Loews Hotels Offers a Side of Relaxation

K. Clare Johnson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:47 +0000

As a fun and affordable way to explore new spa services, Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel (pictured) have introduced a Spa Tasting Menu, which offers delightful pairings of bite-sized spa servings. Similar to ordering tapas, the new menu allows spa-goers to combine several mini spa treatments into one larger, personalized experience. The menu begins with the The Main Course, a choice of a 25-minute massage or facial. Then, guests are encouraged to be adventurous, pairing multiple Sides with their order. Sides vary by location and include fire cupping, scalp massage, cranial sacral therapy, heated lava shells, organic essential oils and more. Sides are only available when purchased with The Main Course.

The Main Course starts at $60 and each 25-minute Side starts at $30. Services also include access to each spa’s steam and sauna rooms, fitness center, group classes and other spa amenities. The Spa Tasting Menu is valid November 1, 2009 to December 30, 2010.

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The Marvelous Makeover of Cape Town’s Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Mary Winston Nicklin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:36:16 +0000

This just in. The dramatically-situated Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa has revealed a refurbishment of all guest rooms, showcasing a completely-transformed Presidential Suite. From its perch on the top floor of the hotel, the suite boasts sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, and the Twelve Apostles Mountains. The best part? The free-standing marble bath where you can take in the views while you soak. Not to mention the private terrace where you can sup with those swoon-worthy views. Each guest room has been redesigned emphasizing the hotel’s glorious surroundings. Local craftsmen designed some pieces like mud chandeliers made from recycled clay and candy stripe wool carpets

Big Renovation in the Works for Trump International Hotel and Tower, New York

Mary Winston Nicklin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:12:47 +0000

Word on the street is that Trump New York will begin a big million renovation in January 2010. A Forbes five-star hotel winner, the Trump New York is the flagship for the Trump Hotel Collection. What can a $30 million makeover accomplish? A redesign of all 167 guest rooms and suites with a color palette of gray and aubergine accented with ivory and caramel. Here’s what the model room looks like:

Seating in plush, high-contrast upholstered velvets and silky fabrics will be paired with rich rosewood, mahogany, maple and walnut finishes. A handcrafted Schonbek crystal chandelier surmounting the dining table will lend romantic allure. Luxe shagreen fabric, burnished gold leaf, bronze, mirror and glass will add glamorous touches, along with sumptuous purple velvet draperies and opulent silk accent walls.

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Country Club Lima Hotel: The Best Hotels in Peru

Mary Winston Nicklin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:04:24 +0000

Looking for a place to bunk down in Lima? Head to the hacienda-style Country Club Lima Hotel facing the golf course (hence the hotel’s name) in the posh San Isidro district. Named to the Forbes Traveler 400 Best Hotels list, the Country Club Lima Hotel has surprisingly reasonable prices. With only 78 guest rooms– all generously sized, filled with colonial artwork on loan from Museo Pedro de Osma, and equipped with contemporary technology– the hotel has an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Customer reviews on Five Star Alliance point to the “personalized attention” and “old-world gracious service” as the winning factor for this hotel. But Forbes Traveler claims “its trump card is stunning architecture: The vintage 1927 mansion blends Spanish colonial icons like red-tile roofs and whitewashed walls with genuine antiques and artwork as well as European neoclassical touches like the stately glass-domed lobby.” Honeymoon packages, including sparkling wine and a fruit basket in-room, buffet breakfast, and a late check-out, start at just $179 per night. Special offers for business travelers or families are also available.

Enjoy a Meal on the House in Bangkok at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit

K. Clare Johnson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:43:57 +0000

Enjoy a rejuvenating break in Bangkok at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit and receive Baht 2,500 net credit per stay to spend on food and beverage in their highly regarded restaurants, The Med, Kisso Japanese Restaurant, Horizons Sky Lounge & Karaoke, and in-room dining. From now until January 31, 2020, stay for a minimum of two nights and you’ll benefit from special room rates starting at Baht 5,600 per room. Grab a bite at The Med, a stylish contemporary all day dining venue serving fresh and healthy buffet cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or, sit at Kisso’s teppanyaki counter and sushi bar and watch your meal prepared in front of you in an exciting display of dexterity of creativity. Or go for the view at the Horizons Sky Lounge and Karaoke, which is located on the 25th floor. Enjoy Horizons’ extensive selection of food and drinks, or get brave and sing your heart out in one of the eight private karaoke rooms.

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