Over-The-Top Valentine’s Travel Experiences: Day 3

by McLean Robbins on


Today, we show you what “flower power” really means. Let’s just hope you don’t have allergies.

Select Renaissance hotel guests can opt into an over-the-top romance package that includes a decked-out hotel suite complete with 27,000 blossoms in each room.

From hydrangeas to tulips, peonies and, of course, roses, flowers line the walls and are placed throughout the room.

As part of the brand’s “Live Life To Discover” motto, other experiential touches include an extravagant breakfast in bed, daily Valentine’s Day love potion cocktails, an aromatic bubble bath experience with deluxe bath salts and bubbles, and a wide range of decadent chocolates, fruits and cheeses.

Of course, they have some cheaper romance packages too.

But what’s the fun in that?

Want to know what other ways you can woo your jet-set love this Valentine’s Day? We’re tracking 10 of the most over-the-top romance experiences we can find. See all of the coverage on our “over-the-top” tag, here.

[Image Credit: Renaissance Hotels]

Renaissance Hotels’ New Brand Campaign Makes Us Want To Travel

by McLean Robbins on


Marriott has always had a wide array of brands and brand personalities, and one of our favorites has always been the Renaissance brand. While upscale, it’s not too luxe for the average traveler. We can’t help but love their new video for the first global ad campaign aptly titled “Live Life to Discover,” part of the brand’s overall web redesign.

The campaign aspires to ask today’s modern business traveler the question, “If you are traveling to a destination for business, why not make the most of your free time and discover something exceptional and unique?”

Certainly a motto we at Gadling aspire to live by. Just take a look at the video above. Don’t you want to pack your bags and go?

Five Leap Year travel deals worth a look

by Chris Owen on

Travelers taking advantage of Leap Year travel deals might get some of the best bargains, discounts, and special offers available. Travel agents are out in full force this week, and through the end of the month, with special bargains on some of the most popular destinations, properties, and travel options.

“Whether you’re a bona fide ‘leaping’ born on Feb. 29 or just a bargain hunter looking for an excuse to hit the road, plenty of hotels and resorts are trotting out incentives in honor of next Wednesday’s Leap Year Day,” says USA Today.

  1. Frontier Airlines is offering a Leap Year sale with a limited number of seats, a seven-day advance purchase requirement, and a few blackout dates. Sale fares need to be booked by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 29 for travel now through May 9, 2012. Typical deals: $60 from New York to Milwaukee; $101 from Dallas to Denver; and $99 from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.
  2. Florida Marriott properties have Leap Year perks with their “Stay Here, Fly There” promo at participating JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, and Marriott Resorts for two nights over February 28 and 29. The Deal: Get $100 in resort credit along with two, free companion airline ticket vouchers when purchasing two tickets. Taxes are extra. Booking deadline is February 27.
  3. Kimpton Hotels in Virginia has a celebration of Leap Year where travelers can get a jump on spring vacation plans with a 29 percent discount at Kimpton’s three Virginia hotels. The 24-hour “Leap into Spring” sale will take place on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
  4. Mammoth Mountain ski resort in California has Leap Year babies staying free the night of Feb. 29. The promotion is good at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Juniper Springs Resort, The Village Lodge, and Tamarack Lodge and Resort, and a valid ID showing proof of the Leap Year birthday is required at check-in.
  5. Carnival Cruise Lines has select rates up to $400 cash back per stateroom, and free upgrades on virtually all sailings from March through December 2012. Book between Monday, February 27 and Thursday, March 1. Carnival is also giving up to $400 cash back per stateroom for 12-day European sailings, and up to $300 cash back per stateroom for their 15-day Transatlantic sailing.




Flickr photo by Foxtongue

Renaissance Hotels releases Navigator App

by Elizabeth Seward on

I like Renaissance Hotels. Although I tend to stay away from big hotel chains, I like Renaissance because it’s a boutique line and every hotel of theirs is different from the others. Another thing I like about Renaissance? They have Navigators in place of the traditional concierge.

Renaissance Navigators are, in short, employees who are locals and in the know. I once walked into the Renaissance Pere Marquette in New Orleans and picked the brain of a Navigator on staff. I liked his recommendations. As a point of reference, I own TheAntiTourist. I don’t like being shooed off in the direction of obvious tourist spots and this particular Navigator gave me a run for my money with his list of off-the-beaten-path things I might like to do.

Why is this useful information for you? Because Renaissance recently released the Navigator app. And it’s free for the taking for iPhone, iTouch, and iPad users until February 28th if you use the code ‘intheknow’ on iTunes. So look it up. Take it. See how you like it. And then let us know.