Mad Men-themed packages and parties to celebrate the season premiere

by McLean Robbins on

Mad Men returns this week for season five – and hotels are jumping on the bandwagon of this popular show with retro-themed parties, events and packages. Here are a few of our favorites:

The James New York
The SoHo hotel’s rooftop bar, Jimmy, has two special drinks themed around creating what Don Draper would drink if he were an ad man in New York in 2012. Across 110th Street, is an updated version of a Manhattan; the other is a tobacco-infused version of an Old Fashioned highball.

Islas Secas Resort, Panama
Book “The Drape,” a bespoke vacation package (code “The Drape” saves you 25%, fyi) and savings on this luxury resorts exclusive casitas (there are only seven on the whole island). Taking inspiration from the upcoming Episode 58 (airing 4/22), where Draper and his buddies escape to a “far away place,” this 16-island private hideaway personifies everything that Draper would appreciate. Take a hike, swim with reef sharks, and enjoy custom meals and an evening tapas and cocktail hour. Packages are designed for each guest, but rates start at $610 per night.

The Pierre, New York
On Tuesday, March 27th, The Pierre’s weekly jazz night will have a retro twist: in honor of Mad Men’s Season 5 premiere, Two E Bar/Lounge will offer classic cocktails from the early 1960’s.Fans are invited to dress up in their favorite Mad Men-inspired garb and embrace their inner Don Draper and Joan Holloway at the swank Pierre, which has been a featured in previous episodes. Enjoy cocktails including a Ramos Fizz, Irish Coffee, Big Mac Daddy, Moscow Mule, Grasshoper or Sazarac for $14 each.

The Charles Hotel, Cambridge
This popular Boston area hotel is back with their annual premiere party at Noir Bar. The two-hour broadcast will be on the projection screen. Dressing the part is encouraged, and prizes will be awarded to the best Mad Men look-a-likes. Tables are available with an $85 food and beverage minimum for up to four people ($50 for up to two people). To reserve, email rsvp@charleshotel.com. Each Sunday, Noir also offers viewing parties during the season.

Times Square Renaissance Hotel, New York
R Lounge in the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel is offering up a special “before dinner cocktails” deal for fans. Both of the lounge’s Mad Men-inspired cocktails will be half price ($6) every Sunday up until the show airs at 9PM.

70 Park, New York
Kimpton’s recently renovated 70 Park Avenue hotel is inviting guests to channel their inner Don Draper with a retro night cap. From now until premiere night, guests can call room service to arrange a special nighttime delivery of everything they’ll need to create a Park Avenue Old Fashioned, from bourbon to bitters. The hotel bar, silverleaf tavern, will also offer this special cocktail made with Jefferson’s Bourbon until premiere night.

Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
This Tuesday (March 20), dress in your favorite 60s attire and head to the New Orleans hotel’s Carousel Bar and Lounge. Actor Bryan Batt, former star of the popular drama series, will serve as a special guest and costume contest judge. In keeping with the theme, The Yat Pack will perform hits from the 60¹s in the style of Sinatra and company. Complimentary themed cocktails will be served including Absolut® Vodka Gimlet, Beefeater® Gibson and Chivas® Rob Roy. Hotel Monteleone is providing 60¹s-inspired hors d¹oeuvres for guests throughout the event. Local vintage clothing and accessories boutiques will provide on-site modeling, and a “green screen” will allow guests to pose with vintage props for an event keepsake.

The Pearl Hotel, San Diego
Dress to impress for this swingin’ shindig – we’re talking suits, skinny ties, party dresses, hats – show us your best 60’s attire! Sip fun drink specials inspired by the hit series and vie for best dressed contest prizes. Mad Men will be playing on the big screen all night, and the hotel promises to rock old school ’60s jams.

The Roosevelt Hotel, New York
The recent recipient of a multi-million redesign project and the famed backdrop to several Mad Men episodes, The Roosevelt Hotel NYC celebrates the return of the series with a special “Mad Men in the City,” package available for booking March 1 – June 31, 2012. Starting at $425/night, “Mad Men in the City” includes everything from spacious accommodations in a recently-renovated guestroom and sixties-inspired mixers at Madison Club Lounge (Draper’s hot spot) or mad46 (the hotel’s 19th floor rooftop bar), to Mad Men Season 4 on DVD to take home, two tickets to Paley Center for Media and a take-home copy of the newly-released “Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook.”

The Dupont Circle Hotel, Washington DC
Slip on the fedora and head to the hotel’s Bar Dupont to toast the return of the most dapper show on television. The bar is featuring specialty cocktails ($11 all weekend long and just $7 during the premiere). If you want to stay a bit longer, the hotel is offering an en suite Martini Bar – fully stocked with Gin, Vermouth, Fresh Lemons, Olives, and Shakers and Stirrers – that would make Don Draper himself swoon.

The Four Seasons, Washington DC
Take in the season premiere at this swank hotel’s acclaimed BOURBON STEAK restaurant. For $75, guests enjoy a cocktail reception and three-course meal (think lollipop buffalo wings, Swedish meatball, Waldorf Salad and Beef Wellington), plus truffle popcorn and a viewing of the premiere in the hotel’s private dining room. There will also be award prizes to those guests best dressed in ’60s fashions.

[Image courtesy of AMC]

The future of camping: portable floating tents

by Jessica Festa on

For rustic travelers who can’t decide if they’d rather sleep in a tent, a hammock or a treehouse, Tentsile has a product for you. Their portable and floating “tentsile” relieves campers of problems like sleeping on pebbles and wet ground or waking up to creepy crawlers squirming in their stuff. According to the website, you’ll also be able to safely avoid flooding, earthquakes and sandstorms. Best of all, you get the unique experience of hanging from a tree like a spider monkey. Can you get any closer to nature than that?

To set it up, the tentsile should be attached to three trees. I’m not quite sure how you get it up there, but hopefully you’ve been practicing those spider monkey skills. Once it is successfully constructed you can expect a restful sleep. Because the tentsile uses tension forces and not poles, “the most comfortable and flexible range of accommodation can be achieved.” Additionally, eco-travelers will love that the product leaves a minimal carbon footprint.

For more information, visit the Tentsile website.

Syracuse, New York, offers $1 deals for March Madness

by Jessica Festa on

In celebration of Syracuse University Orange’s #1 seed in March Madness, the city is featuring a “1 for 1 All the Way” campaign, offering a variety of $1 deals. Twenty-two local hotels, restaurants, spas, museums and theaters are offering discounts for the Orange’s run through the NCAA Tournament. To receive all promotions, just mention “1 for 1 All the Way.” Check out some of the top deals below, or go to Visit Syracuse for a complete list and more information.

Hotel Skyler

Recently opened is Hotel Skyler (pictured right), once a temple and then a theater until it was turned into a hotel. Now, it’s an eco-chic LEED Platinum Hotel that offers a mixture of retro and metropolitan style with “organic comfort.” In honor of March Madness, the property is offering visitors who purchase two nights at the “best available rate” to get a third night for $1.

The offer is valid until April 10, 2012, on new reservations only. Call 1-800-365-4663 or 315-476-4212 to book. Lakeland Winery

Lakeland Winery was the first custom winemaking facility in New York and offers wine tours, classes and even the chance to make your own wine and label. Throughout March, the winery will be selling select bottles of red and white wine for $1.

Hours are Monday to Friday, 4:00 to 8:00 a.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jefferson Clinton Hotel

Located in Armory Square, the Jefferson Clinton Hotel (pictured right) is an eco-friendly property and a member of the Historic Hotels of America. It was originally built in 1927 as an upscale hotel, but had to shut down after the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression of the 1930s. Under new management, the accommodation was able to reopen in June of 2001 and has been a Quality Award Winner for the past six years, as well as the Hotel of the Year in 2003. For March Madness, they’re offering guests who stay two nights a third night for $1.

Deal available until May 1, 2012, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday arrivals. Black out dates include April 19, 20, 21, 27. Call 315-425-0500 to book.

Belladerma Wellness Spa

Belladerma Wellness Spa is a boutique day spa that offers personalized service and treatments. To help celebrate March Madness, the spa is offering a deal on their UltrasonicFacial – buy one for $75, get one for $1. The treatment involves cleansing sound waves that bolster cell repair and muscle tone. The treatment is followed by an arm and hand massage, as well as a moisturizing mask.

Available until May 1, 2012. Call 315-751-1439 to book.

Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center

The mission of the Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center is to “inspire people’s understanding that the history we share as a community is the foundation for our future together.” Visitors will learn about the beginnings of central New York, transportation, architecture, agriculture and more through exhibits like “Agriculturally Speaking,” “Birth of a County” and “Crossroads of New York.” Through March, the historical association is offering the following deals:

  • Syracuse China Standards- Buy one at $10, get a second for $1.
  • CD’s direct from the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra collection- Buy them for $1 each.
  • Syracuse China Approved Sample Plates- Buy one at $15, get a second for $1.
  • OHA Signature DVD’s- Buy one at $19.98, get a second for $1.

Limit one deal per item, per customer.

Elsbeth Rose

A boutique clothing store, Elsbeth Rose sells fine women’s clothing and accessories in classic and urban styles. Their most popular location is in Armory Square, where you will find dresses, pants, tops and accessories by designers such as Ronen Chen and Isda. This is the location you’ll want to stop in during your March Madness visit as they are offering the chance to buy one Alternative Tee Shirt and get a second of equal value for $1.

Available until the end of the NCAA tournament.

Empire Brewing Company

Established in 1994, the Empire Brewing Company is a bohemian downtown bar and grill that also houses an award-winning brewery. For the eco-conscious, the venue uses only local ingredients, and even won a Snail of Approval Award from Slow Food for its efforts. In honor of March Madness, Empire Brewing Company is offering 16 ounce pints of house-made brews for $1.

Deal available during Syracuse University men’s basketball NCAA Tournament games.

1060 Restaurant

1060 Restaurant is an easy-going restaurant with an upscale feel. The venue uses locally sourced ingredients to create a menu of American and international cuisine, like Greek-style vegetarian pitas, mesquite-smoked pulled pork sliders, and Atlantic salmon. Until April 10, the restaurant will be honoring March Madness by offering $1 domestic beers.

Travel Smarter 2012: New hotel alternatives

by Jessica Festa on

While booking a hotel was once the standard when traveling, there are now a range of unique alternatives for every budget and preference. In 2012, it’s now possible to stay in anything from an eco-friendly tree house to a tent with more amenities than a 5-star hotel. Here are some modern takes on the classic accommodation based on traveler personality:

Luxury travelers who want to get in touch with nature

Camping no longer means you need to sleep in a vinyl bag and use the nearest tree as your personal toilet. Glamping, which takes the camping philosophy of being immersed in nature but makes it more luxurious, allows even the most high-maintenance travelers to “rough it” for a bit. For example, you can stay in an extravagant yet eco-friendly safari tent in Algarve, Portugal, that is surrounded by countryside and mountains and includes amenities like hot water, electricity, a pool, an onsite spa, a wellness center, and a garden where guests can pick and enjoy their own fresh vegetables. To view other glamping properties, you can click here for a roundup from Australia, Argentina, and India, or visit GoGlamping.net.Outdoorsy traveler who doesn’t want to get too wild

On the other hand, there may be some travelers who want to experience nature, but in a setting not too far out in the wild. For them there is garden camping, which offers the experience of camping in someone’s backyard. For example, for about $9, travelers can stay in Driftshane‘s backyard in Cornwall, England. Amenities include sea views and a neatly terraced ambiance, farm-to-table meals, and the use of the shower for an additional charge. There are also many points of interest nearby, including sailing, rowing, and beaches at Helford River, Seal Sanctuary, Glendurgan Gardens, Trebah Gardens, and Bosvathick Riding Stables. There are also ample opportunities to visit great restaurants and bars. By staying in someone’s garden, you’re still immersing yourself in the beauty of nature while also keeping yourself close to civilization. You can view more garden camping properties by clicking here.

Travelers who want a modern take on vacation rentals and apartment sublets

While checking apartment and home rental listings used to mean browsing plain text to look for a basic room or house, Airbnb brings a modern twist to the idea. First of all, owners can list their properties for free, including vibrant photos, a wealth of information, and contact data. Moreover, travelers can browse through listings while being able to search by location, price, amenities, neighborhoods, or accommodation style. They may also read reviews, look at maps, and take virtual tours. The site also has a social connections feature, which allows travelers to see which of their Facebook friends uses the site. What I personally love about Airbnb is the range of unique accommodation options, from a private room in a London lighthouse to a houseboat under the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

For Earth-concerned eco-travelers

Ecotourism is a hot topic in the travel world, and accommodations are catching on to the trend. First, there is World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), which allows travelers to exchange working on an organic farm for room and board. Some possible experiences include harvesting grapes on a vineyard in Mendoza to beekeeping in Italy or ranch work in Poland. Moreover, hotels and hostels are also jumping on board, implementing green practices to try to help the environment while also keeping guests comfortable. For example, backpackers can enjoy the Gyreum Ecolodge in Sligo, Ireland, a partially underground hostel and Installation Incubator where travelers can come together to brainstorm new ideas. Green amenities like water heated by solar panels, a toilet linked to outside compost, and the use of a wind turbine to power geothermal heating are included, as well as comfortable beds, thick comforters, and hearty breakfasts.

For travelers who want a local experience

With travel becoming more and more social, doing a homestay is now easier than ever. One way to participate in one is to sign up to volunteer abroad with an organization like International Volunteer Headquarters or by using a forum like SE7EN. Moreover, social websites like Couchsurfing and Tripping allow users to offer their couches to travelers. What’s great about these options is that participants can read reviews on hosts and guests, and even interact before their trips begin to see if they feel comfortable staying with the person.

[flickr image via left-hand]

Travel full time for $17,000 a year

by Elizabeth Seward on

If you were told that you could travel full time for $17,000 a year, would you believe it? If you had only, I repeat, $17,000 to spend on everything (transportation, lodging, food, recreation, etc.) while seeing the entire world, could you make it work? An enterprising traveler named Nora Dunn has done just that. She’s been traveling on this budget for five years now and according to Dunn, she’s spending less money traveling the world than she spent while staying put. In an article published on WiseBread.com last month, Dunn details for readers just how they can travel as inexpensively as she has been traveling. Her tips are excellent and her approach is nothing short of inspiring. Read the full article here.