Greetings from the sunny islands of the Bahamas! We’re visiting the famed Atlantis Resort this week for a wedding of a good friend, and will be excited to report back next week on our swim with the dolphins, boat trip to the Exumas and spa treatments.
But we couldn’t leave you without this week’s edition of “Hotel News We Noted,” where we track the latest and greatest hotel news, packages, trends and promotions you need to know now.
If you have questions, comments, concerns or tips, just email!
Hotels Coming Soon: SLS New York
We’ve told you about the opening of SLS South Beach, but now it seems that the boutique brand is headed to the Big Apple as well. In addition to hotels in California and a planned Las Vegas spot, the New York Post is reporting that a new hotel will open in 2013 on Park Avenue. Celebrity designer Philippe Stark will work with nightlife guru Sam Nazarian on the 190-room hotel, which should open in the second quarter of next year. Nazarian, an NYU grad, told the Post that he loves the city, even going so far as to speculate that there could soon be two or three New York properties in the portfolio. At least it looks like he’s picked a good location – the planned hotel is within blocks of popular properties like The Gansevoort Park Avenue, The Ace and the Eventi hotel.
Hotel Trend: Social Perks
We love getting things for free, and have talked before about how social media interaction with a hotel or brand can earn points, perks and recognition. Now MGM Resorts have jumped on the bandwagon. The hotel has partnered with Topguest to reward members of its M life program for sharing their adventures via social media. They can receive credit for linking their account, checking in on FourSquare or Facebook places, or for tweeting to or about the resort. Engagers can earn points towards status in the loyalty program (up to 30,000 per year) – a big number when one considers that the second-level tier of the program (Pearl) is only 25,000 credits per year.
Happy Birthday, Grand Hotel!
If there’s a place we’ve always wanted to visit, it’s Mackinac Island’s famed Grand Hotel. One of the great hotels of yesteryear, this property boasts the distinction of being pretty much the main business on this popular Michigan vacation spot. This year, the hotel is celebrating a big accomplishment – its 125th birthday. So join us in raising a glass to say congratulations. Fun fact for those of you who haven’t visited: Mackinac Island is one of the few places in the United States left that doesn’t permit cars; horse and buggy and bicycle are the primary modes of transportation.
Hotel Perk: A Hotel Room to Match Your Mood
Here’s a fun extra. At the new Pod 39 hotel in Murray Hill, guests can request one of three room color schemes to enhance their stay. Studies show that colors can affect your mood, and Pod designer, Vanessa Guilford, applies this concept to hotel design, giving guests yet another preference to enhance their stay. Guests can request a red room for “stimulation,” a teal room for “emotional balance, stability and controlling emotions” or a blue room to help one be productive and calm. Hey, we’re just happy that it’s affordable – rates start at $85 per night in July for a pre-opening special (the hotel is putting its finishing touches together for a later summer grand reveal).