Marriott’s Custom House in Boston, Mass. a Marriott Vacation Club resort

If you’ve ever been to Boston and visited Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, you are probably already familiar with the Marriott Vacation Club’s Custom House.  The clock tower is known as Boston’s first official skyscraper, and is a major fixture in the Boston skyline.

The Marriott Vacation Club’s Custom House is located literally just steps from Boston’s famed Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, the New England Aquarium, the Boston Harbor Waterfront, the North End, and the Freedom Trail, so it’s a great location for a family who wants to stay active during their vacation.  The hotel offers one bedroom/one bathroom family suites that are 450-650 square feet and include kitchenettes and a separate dining and living area.  Its got some other unique features – the 26th floor is an observation deck with views of the city, and the 30th floor is home to a unique nest of birds, the Peregrine Falcons. While the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant on site, there are so many nearby that it’s really not a drawback.

This fall/winter 2009 season, the Custom House is offering a great deal for their 25th anniversary. Guests can save 25 percent off room rates from now through December 20, 2009.  To book the 25th Anniversary Rate, visit the promotional page of the Marriott Web site and use promotional code FSZ or call 1-800-VILLAS-9.

Photo credit: Marriott’s Custom House

The Liberty Hotel in Boston & CLINK

The Liberty Reenactment package includes overnight accommodations on either December 12 or 13, two tickets to the Boston Tea Party Reenactment, and breakfast for two at CLINK – the hotel’s neat restaurant with dining booths that are real jail cells.

The Boston Tea Party reenactment is open to the public ($8 tickets), and audience members are invited to choose sides – Patriot or Loyalist – and lend their support for or against the tariff. You can’t change history, though, and the rebellious riff-raff will win the debate.

In addition to the slammer food inside CLINK, The Liberty hotel also offes other equally dodgy dining options fit for aforementioned rebellious riff-raff, with names like ‘alibi,’ ’scampo’ and ‘the yard.’ Just to be clear, these are restaurants and lounges inside the hotel where people dine.

If you’re wondering what’s with all the prison lingo, The Liberty was previously the Charles Street Jail for the 120 years  leading up to 1990, housing some of Boston’s leading criminals. And now it is a swanky hotel and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World group.

Guest rooms @The Liberty Hotel, Boston

As for the guest rooms – good enough for the discering white-collar criminal. The hotel’s 298 guest rooms range in size from 400 to 800 sq ft, with floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek four-fixture bathrooms.

For the Tea Party Reenactment tickets, visit oldsouthmeetinghouse.org or call (800) 838-3006. And since this is the age of social media, you can also follow the tea party debate via twitter – @BTPReenactment.

Photos courtesy The Leading Hotels of the World

Info: 215 Charles Street, Boston MA 02114; (617) 224-4000; www.libertyhotel.com

Ames Building, Boston

The Ames is the latest boutique addition to the collection of Morgans Hotel Group, and the building in which the hotel is housed was Boston’s first skyscraper – The Ames, and dates back to 1893.

To add to the hotel’s street creds, the group which owns the Ames building also owns The John Hancock Tower – Boston’s tallest skyscraper. Ok, so they’re good enough to be compared with Ben Franklin.

What about the supermodel? Morgans’ collection includes the sizzling hot Hard Rock Hotels and signature hotels such as The Hudson in Manhattan and the Mondrain in Los Angeles.

Morgans CEO Fred Kleisner  explains that “Ames takes all of Morgans’ theatrical signatures and subtle design seductions and creates a dramatic and inventive work worthy of both Benjamin Franklin and the most refined and provocative Supermodel.”

The Ames, rather than joining the pantheons of luxury hotels in Boston, aims to be more of an experience – mixing a happening vibe and modern amenities with decor and art which take you back to Boston’s rich and historic past. 

Lobby of Ames Hotel, Boston

The highlight of the Lobby, which features a mosaic, barrel-vaulted ceiling with a marble and brass staircase, is the “Mirror Chandelier” - a fragmented sculpture created for Ames by London based artists Sophie Nielsen and Rolf Knudsen of Studio Roso.

The 114-room hotel offers 107 guest rooms, one apartment and six deluxe one-bedroom suites featuring light oak flooring, 10-foot high ceilings, cream-colored leather upholstered platform beds, and plenty of frosted glass.

The suites offer dramatic floor-to-ceiling arched windows which connect the interior of the hotel with the urban Boston landscape.

Guests stepping off an elevator into the corridor are hit by a ‘Pepper’s ghost’ illusion – an illuminated, crystal chandelier, seemingly floating behind the mirrored wall.

The hotel’s restaurant & bar, Woodward, is not just a place to dine. Named after a tavern once housed in the Ames family home, Woodward offers a  ‘Cabinets of Curiosity’ display - hand-selected objects of inspiration and eye candy by Boston local artist Sally Brooks Moore.

Couple all this with Morgans’ reputation for attracting celebrities and making sure its hotels end up as the go-to place for a good time, and you can be sure that the staid old Copley Place hotels will be sweating hard by now.

The Ames is offering introductory rates from $165, including complimentary upgrades to the next available room type at check in (based on availability). Use promo code SPGRAT. Valid through April 5, 2010.

Info: 1 Court Street Boston, MA 02108; (617) 979-8100; www.ameshotel.com/

Ames Building photo – public domain (Boston College archives); Lobby photo courtesy Morgans Hotel Group

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Hotel Monteleone

The elegant Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans’ French Quarter has been run by the Monteleone family since 1886, and is well known for its excellent customer service. It’s extremely convenient—just walking distance from some of New Orleans’ most famous landmarks and attractions.

The Monteleone’s 600 spacious guest rooms and 55 suites include traditional décor, high ceilings, marble and granite bathrooms, comfy robes, coffee makers, high-speed Internet access, large-screen cable TVs and more. Rates start at $209 per night.

One of just three hotels in the Unites States that has been designated a literary landmark, the hotel is featured in the works of Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway and Eudora Welty. Looking for a little more excitement? As with many New Orleans hotels in the French Quarter, the Monteleone claims a handful of “permanent residents” in the form of ghosts.

The hotel is one of the few luxury hotels in the state that offer services for your canine best friend, including a mat with water bowls, a bag of treats and a map of pet-friendly spots in the Crescent City.

Get a libation at the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge, and enjoy the musical entertainment while the carousel bar slowly revolves. Party too much? Relax in Spa Aria, a comfortable day spa on site. And if you’re in town during a hot spell, don’t miss the rooftop pool, with views of the city. See if you know what it means to miss New Orleans when you finally leave.

Hotel Monteleone 866-338-4684
214 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Photo courtesy of Hotel Monteleone

More New Orleans-related information:
Bed and Breakfast in New Orleans: La Maison Marigny
New Orleans B&B: Avenue Inn

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Presidential Suite

Boasting EIGHT Presidential Suites, the Swan and Dolphin Resort sets itself apart. Each of the eight suites features a parlor measuring over 1000 square feet, two-story suites (Dolphin), and a “Personal Pantry” from which to order so you’re stocked up in your suite before you even arrive.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | 1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard | P.O. Box 22653 | Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
888-828-8850
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Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Waldorf Astoria Presidential Suite

At over 3300 sq ft, the twin Presidential Suites at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando are the biggest in the Orlando area. Known worldwide as the pinnacle of luxury, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando holds nothing back in their service and amenities.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando | 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane | Orlando, FL 32821
407-597-5500
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The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando

The Ritz-Carlton Presidential Suite

FIVE PRIVATE BALCONIES. There’s really not much more to say after that about the 2400 sq ft Presidential Suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando. Well, other than the twice-daily maid service. Total luxury.

The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando | 4012 Central Florida Parkway | Orlando, FL 32837
407-206-2400
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Rosen Shingle Creek

Rosen Shingle Creek Presidential Suite

Staying in a hotel suite that’s bigger than my house it not the norm for me. If I were to stay at the Rosen Shingle Creek in their over-1700-sq ft- Presidential Suites, I’d be vacationing in a place I could live in (for more reasons than just the square footage).

Rosen Shingle Creek | 9939 Universal Blvd. | Orlando, FL 32819
866-996-9939
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Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel Graceland Suite

The Hard Rock Hotel is way too cool to have a “Presidential Suite.” The Hard Rock has a King Suite, the Graceland. Indulge yourself with a suite where its focuses are a baby grand piano and 65″ flat panel TV. At 2000 sq ft, bring your entire family for the ultimate Elvis party.

Hard Rock Hotel | 5800 Universal Blvd | Orlando, FL, 32819
888-832-7155

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Photos courtesy: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Rosen Shingle Creek, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

Palm Springs, Ca - the desert

Escape to Palm Springs this winter for some sunny skies, warm(er) weather and some truly amazing prices at one of the area’s loveliest hotels – the Riviera Resort & Spa. It’s only a few miles away from downtown Palm Springs, and the whole area has things to do for all seasons including the fabulous Living Desert Museum. This resort is perfect for romantic getaways (though beware, many weddings are held here!), girlfriend getaways and “why not” vacations. The pool area is fantastic – large with plenty of seating, and a fire pit. The pool area gets crowded on weekends, so get there early!

If you purchase your rooms this weekend, you can snag a terrific $119 rate for Sunday-Thursday and for $139 on weekends. You can book these rates for stays between now and January 20, 2010! But hurry, this rate expires on Sunday, November 22 at midnight.

The Riviera Resort also has a promotion going on which can save you up to 40% off of current rates – if you want to stay between January 10 and March 31, 2010, and you get the 40% off rate. And, between now and December 31, 2009, you can save 30% off rates so long as you book seven days in advance. The hotel also offers 20% off rates if you book two or more nights.

You’ll love the newly decorated interiors and grounds! The hotel’s interior keeps with the “Rat Pack” design and lighting, very old Hollywood.

Photo: Kurisu

Orlando Pet Friendly Hotels for Pet Friendly Family Vacations

The family pet, for many people, is just another beloved member of the family.  So naturally, the family vacation needs to include a pet friendly hotel.  Orlando, Florida offers a variety of pet friendly hotels to choose from if you plan to bring your pet along on your Orlando vacation.

Pet Friendly Hotels In Orlando

Quality Inn Plaza Orlando on International Drive – the Quality Inn accepts pets under 50 lbs for a $10 fee per night, per pet.

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel – Dogs of all sizes are welcome for a one time pet fee of $25 per room. Guests must have a health certificate for each pet obtained within 10 days prior to arrival.

Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel – With direct access to Universal Studios, this is a Loews Hotel. The Loews chain has a “Loews Loves Pet” program and a Holiday program specifically for pets.

Red Roof Inn Orlando Convention Center – This pet friendly hotel is adjacent to the Orlando Convention Center. One well behaved pet is allowed per room.

Crestwood Suites Disney Orlando – This Orlando hotel accepts pets under 20 pounds for a fee of $15 per night or $50 per week.

Sheraton Safari Hotel Orlando – If you have a larger dog, this may be the best pet friendly hotel in Orlando for you. Dogs up to 80 pounds are allowed.

Best Western Orlando East Inn & Suites – A pet friendly hotel in Downtown Orlando, small pets are allowed here for $20 per day.

Country Inn And Suites By Carlson Orlando Airport – A pet friendly hotel near the Orlando airport, this hotel allows dogs up to $75 for a one time fee of $150.

Comfort Suites Universal South – This pet friendly hotel offers a free shuttle to Universal Studios and Sea World. This is a great choice if you more than one pet as they allow 2 pets per room for $49 per stay.

Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

Cambria Suites Indianapolis Airport

Lying about being on a honeymoon and sweet-talking front-desk staff were at the top of a list of sneaky methods used by guests to con a hotel into giving them a suite upgrade.

Some were even willing to cut other travel expenses in order to upgrade to a suite. If they got an upgrade:-

• 46% said travel would be less stressful
• 23% said they’d feel like they died and went to heaven
• 20% would never want to leave their hotel suite

Of course travel would be less stressful and you’d never want to leave a suite in a nice romantic hotel, especially if said suite was ‘acquired’ in a free upgrade.

And once they get their wish and got inside the suite, the same survey also found that the top 10 amenities that guests expect in the suite are

Cambria Suites Indianapolis Airport

• microwave, refrigerator and brand name coffees and teas (79%)
• free high speed wired and wireless Internet (78%)
• luxury bed and linens (73%)
• spacious bathroom with brand name toiletries (69%)
• 24-hour availability of food and beverage (61%)
• separate bedroom and sitting area (58%)
• two flat-screen LCD televisions (56%)
• larger than standard-size guestroom (54%)
• DVD/CD player and MediaHub technology (47%)
• separate workspace with movable desk and ergonomic chair (41%)

 Source: Choice Hotels; Photos courtesy Cambria Suites Indianapolis Airport

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A Standard Room at the Fairmont Copley Plaza

In general, when I think about hotels in prime city locations, especially historic hotels, I expect tiny rooms with limited amenities.  So, when I stayed at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, MA this summer, I was surprised to find specious rooms mixed with old city charm and modern elegance.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston is located in Copley Square in the Back Bay section of Boston.  This is a prime location – directly across from the Prudential Center/Copley Place Mall, and within walking distance to world famous Newbury Street, the Boston Common, and the Boston Public Garden.

As expected, the lobby is amazingly elegant and gorgeous.  It’s reminiscent of a time gone by, but is well kept up, and fresh flowers make the space feel warm and welcoming.  The elevators leading to the guest rooms are small as are the corridors leading to the rooms.  However, the guest rooms are surprisingly modern and spacious.  I was in a deluxe room, which is larger than the standard rooms, and I was extremely impressed with the size.  It was easily double the size of a standard room in most large cities.

I was only there one night, but was impressed with the comfort of the bed, the water pressure in the shower, and the other room amenities.

Fairmont Copley Plaza
138 St. James St.
Boston, MA 02116

Photo credit: Fairmont Hotels

Ocean Beach International Hotel

You’ll be right on the beach! Walk to a variety of cute and quirky shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s a pretty inexpensive cab ride to the heart of San Diego. Rates are $65-$85/night depending on the season, and dormitory style rooms are much, much cheaper. (If you want to stay in bunk beds, you’ll only be paying around $20/person)

Ocean Beach, San Diego

USA Hostels San Diego

Located smack in the middle of San Diego’s exciting Gaslamp Quarter in downtown, this hostel offers private rooms for less than $60/night!

USA Hostel in San Diego, California

  Banana Bungalow

This hostel is literally steps away from the sands of Pacific Beach. Free bbqs on Sundays and $1 burgers on Tuesdays! Pacific Beach has an endless number of restaurants and bars to explore.

Pacific Beach, San Diego, California

Photos: Will Palmer, Jason Pratt, Osbornb