Luxury Travel: the All Caviar package at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is going over the top with its new All Caviar Package. Guests who love luxury travel can live large with this one night experience.

After being met on arrival with a caviar martini (a martini accented with an exclusive Petrossian “caviar cube”), guests will be whisked to their rooms overlooking Central Park.

That afternoon, guests will enjoy a gourmet caviar tasting at Petrossian, led by one of the French caviar legend’s knowledgeable teams.

The next morning, the package includes a full American breakfast, in-room or in the hotel’s Star Lounge, plus a 60-minute Caviar Skin Crème Massage at La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The package ends with a three-course caviar-paired meal at Petrossian.


The package includes a late checkout and starts at $1,985. Park View rooms are standard with the package, but upgrades are available for an additional cost.

Las Vegas’ hotel supervisor tells all in Reddit Q & A

An alleged Las Vegas‘ hotel supervisor, Front_Desk_LV, decided to host an “AMA” (Ask Me Anything) Q&A discussion on the online community site Reddit earlier yesterday afternoon. While some of the questions seem blunt, the answers are shockingly honest.

The following questions were posed by members of the Reddit community and answered by the anonymous contributor. You can check the thread over on Reddit for more of the vivacious discussion.

Q: How big is the hotel? Number of rooms? Are your maintenance guys in-house or contracted out? What about the gambling machines? Does the hotel have techs to work on them, or is there an outside company that fixes the machines?

A: Our hotel has around 2,000 rooms. Our maintenance guys are in-house. And, I have no comment on the last question. I am not commenting on anything gaming related. It is just one of those issues you don’t f*ck with.

Q: What’s the best story you can remember [about] throwing either a person or party out?

A: One of the first few days I was working at my hotel there was a bachelor party in town. They ended up getting a midget stripper for entertainment, which is fine by us. As long as everything is confined to the room and nothing is illegal that we know about, it is okay. About three hours later I see the midget run by the front desk completely naked being chased by four guys. Naturally we threw them out, but I couldn’t stop laughing during the eviction process. Sadly, most of the evictions are due to drunk people getting out of control and throwing things off their balconies and then lying to us when we have them on camera. If they just tell us the truth and say it won’t happen again we generally let them stay.

Q: What kind of illegal activity do you get?

A: We know prostitution and drug use will happen in the hotel; however, as long as it doesn’t disrupt our daily operations or you don’t do it right in front of us we don’t mind. We are not the moral police. I actually had a guest checking into the hotel and she just reeked of weed. During the check-in process she put her purse up on the counter and I see a bag of weed, around an ounce. I let her know I am unaware of what that flower is but tell her it smells nice. She discretely places her purse in a better spot. She invited me back to the room with her; however, I declined because I love my job, but also because she was gross. More because she was gross.Q: What professional organization would you perceive as the least professional when conferencing?

A: I am still the low man on the totem pole, so I am not involved in conference calls. I mainly oversee the front desk, bell desk, and valet services. Since I work overnight I am technically the highest authority during overnights; however, I never actually reprimand anyone from a different department; I merely send a message to their boss. Generally, engineering is the least professional in my experience because they have limited engagement with the guests and seem to get away with the most.

Q: I imagine that once the party is over, the rooms can take a beating. What’s the weirdest/grossest/best thing you have seen after the guests checked out?

A: When someone decides to trash a room all that happens is we charge them and we charge them a lot of money. Normally it’s someone having a fun time in their tub and it overflows because they forget about it, causing damage to not only their room, but multiple.

Q: Have you heard of the “twenty dollar bill trick”? Does it really work?

A: I am assuming you are talking about putting a $20 in between your I.D. and your credit card. It really depends on the front desk agent. Some will take the money and will still give you a crappy room because they are bitter, some will give you a better room, and some would have given you the best room they could have, period. Our hotel doesn’t have ANY complimentary upgrades to a better suite, so it’s really only higher floors or views/balcony.

Q: Have you ever dealt with or met any celebrities?

A: I have. I have met numerous celebrities and have yet to meet a rude one. They normally have their managers check them in while they wait; however, they are extremely nice to the staff. I have heard horror stories; however, our guests have all been nice. We have a harder time with people who are just important enough to be on our radar; however, think they deserve the world. Like “special” casino guests or a relative of someone important in the company.

Q: Any recommendations for first time Las Vegas travelers?

A: Get here early. If we are oversold on rooms, it is normally the last people who show up who get sent somewhere else. I had someone arrive at 1 AM the other night after driving for ten hours with his wife and kids, only for me to tell him he “cannot stay here and we have made accommodations elsewhere for him”. He was livid.

I recommend seeing some shows while you are here. Jersey Boys, Beatles Love Show, Mystère, and Ka, in that order. Hotwire apparently has the best rates; however, if you book directly through the hotel you have a better chance that the hotel can work with you.

Don’t see the Michael Jackson show. It was terrible. Terrible.

Q: How fulfilling is living in Vegas socially? I imagine someone who likes variety and new things would find it engaging. Does it offer general recreation or hang outs?

A: Right now I am working overnights and I dislike it. I’m not someone who enjoys going to clubs, but overall I enjoy living in Vegas. The bars have amazing specials all day long to attract locals, it is cheap to live here, and there are no state income taxes. I plan on living here while I potentially earn my Master’s Degree in Finance.

To read the unedited version of this interview, click here.

Best Strategies for Hotel and Airline Loyalty Programs

Working loyalty programs for airlines, cruise lines, hotels or rental car agencies can be tricky business. Core benefits of one program are often overshadowed by promotional offers from another. Navigating our way around them in an organized manner to get the most benefit, then keeping track of what we earn can take a lot of time that few are willing to invest. Those who do not travel all that much often find themselves belonging to a bunch of programs with little value racked up on any of them. Still, the benefits of being a member can be worth our time, even for an occasional traveler, armed with the right strategy.

“To make sure you get more benefits, either in free flights or elite traveler perks, consolidate your miles into as few airlines as possible,” recommends iFly. “The more miles that you can build on one card, by using that airline or its partners, the faster you get your rewards.”

That strategy works for hotel chains as well and focusing on programs that offer more can help. Third-party web sites like FindTheBest rank airlines, hotels and others for us, consolidating benefits, perk thresholds and more to easily see which programs are a good fit for an individual’s travel profile.

“At FindTheBest, we present you with the facts – stripped of any marketing influence – so that you can make quick and informed decisions. We present the facts in easy-to-use tables with smart filters, so that you can decide what is best,”says FindTheBest on its web site.

Once points start coming in, another helpful website, AwardWallet, can make keeping track of them easy. AwardWallet is a free service that helps us manage reward balances, supporting over 400 loyalty programs. AwardWallet is also used by businesses to manage their corporate reward balances.

Loyalty pays off, but as new offers come along, getting in on them can be to our advantage as well. Another site, BoardingArea, features the latest offers for airlines, hotels and more.

Occasional travelers can also benefit from being a part of a loyalty program at work. Hotels are going after businesses with bonus programs that give top-tier benefits, normally reserved for heavy users to occasional travelers signed on under the company program.

Best Western, for example, has a new Business Advantage program where members get an across-the-board 10 percent discount off the hotel’s lowest rate, automatic elite-level membership benefits and a 10 percent bonus of all the points earned. When these programs initially roll out, expect extra value too.

A special bonus offer through April 8 gives Best Western Business Advantage participants who stay with the chain just one night during its Spring Promotion a free membership to Trip It Pro (normally $49), a personal program that helps business travelers keep track of their trips and their rewards.

Frequent traveler programs are a hot topic and relationships with hotel loyalty programs run deep, often causing members to lie, cheat or pose as someone else to get ahead said a survey Gadling reported on earlier this month.

In a survey by Starwood Preferred Guest respondents said they would try subterfuge to get upgrades and were not above telling little white lies to get a better hotel room or a hotel/airline travel upgrade,” Starwood said in TravelAgent. Nearly half of respondents claimed they would pretend it was their honeymoon to get an upgrade. 25 percent would pretend they had a family emergency and 20 percent would pretend to be someone important.

All they really had to do was have a strategy for their loyalty program participation that included joining the right program, keeping track of awards and taking advantage of other offers that may come along.



Flickr photo by Larry Johnson

Hotel packages for art and culture enthusiasts

Hotel Villa Magna
Madrid, Spain

Hotel Village Magna is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the center of Madrid. Until December 2012, the property will be helping travelers get to know the art and culture of the city through their Prado Package, which includes a private guided tour of the Museo Nacional del Prado, a museum featuring fine European art from the 12th-19th centuries. Not only that, but once the tour is over visitors will be seated for a gourmet, butler-service meal in one of the exhibition rooms where live music will accompany breathtaking art and sumptuous cuisine. Once back at the hotel, the package treats guests to stay in the Royal Suite where unlimited Cava will be provided, as well as a daily buffet-breakfast for two, private car service to and from the museum and airport, and a late check-out of 4PM.

Packages start at $14,575 per night. Call +0034915 871 234 or E-mail villamagna@villamagna.es to book. The Midland Hotel
Manchester, England

The Midland Hotel is a comfortable hotel loved by the rich, royal, and famous, as it has been a favorite of members of royalty as well as celebrities for 100 years. The property, which is located near many worthwhile art and history museums, is also focused on culture. And to help guests experience culture in England they are offering a Theater Breaks package, which includes overnight accommodations, a 3-course meal at The Wyvern Restaurant, two theater tickets to either Opera House or Palace Theatre, and a full breakfast in the morning. Some upcoming shows to expect include Chicago, Blood Brother, the Lion King, Spamalot, Calendar Girls, and Phantom of the Opera.

Packages start at $330 per night based on double occupancy. E-mail midlandreservations@qhotels.co.uk to book.

Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Rome, Italy

The Rome Cavalieri is a 5-star luxury property and is walking distance from many of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. To help guests experience Rome’s offerings, the hotel has joined with Italy’s Finest (IF) Lifestyle Management to offer exclusive city tours that explore art, culture, architecture, history, and neighborhoods. Some examples include “The Secrets of Via Giulia” tour that takes guests to places like the Church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, the Oratorio del Gonfalone, and the Palazzo Sacchetti, as well as the “Evolution of Luxury” tour that allows visitors to see the Opus Sectile from Porta Marina, the apartments of Princess Isabelle and the Ditta Medici, and a display of the celebrated Bulgari jewelers.

Moreover, the Rome Cavalieri has also partnered with MAXXI, the National Museum of XXI century arts, to offer guests a special package that includes accommodations, a buffet breakfast, two artsy cocktails, two entrance tickets to the museum with private transportation and VIP access, and an exhibition catalog.

For those interested in the lifestyle tours, they last approximately 3 hours and range from $790 to $1,975 based on two guests. E-mail ROMHI.Concierge@waldorfastoria.com to book. For those interested in the national museum package, rates depend on the time of year. Call +39 06 3509 2031 or E-mail RomeCavalieri.Reservations@waldorfastoria.com and mention P19MAX to book.

AYANA Resort and Spa
Bali, Indonesia

AYANA Resort and Spa is a luxury accommodation located high on a cliff overlooking Jimbaran Bay and the Indian Ocean. Because Indonesia is a melting pot of over 700 unique ethnic groups, AYANA wants to help their guests experience the unique culture of the area through their Bali Theater package. The property has partnered with the Devdan “Treasure of the Archipelago Show”, which takes viewers on a “high-energy visual tour of Indonesia’s cultural diversity, featuring a fusion of traditional and modern dance, aerial acrobatic performances, dazzling costumes and hi-tech special effects”. The package is a minimum of four nights and includes breakfast each morning, Aquatonic Pool experience, and tickets to the dance show at Bali Nusa Dua Theater.

Packages start at $285 per night, per person. E-mail reservation@ayanaresort.com to book.

The Langham Hungtington, Pasadena
Los Angeles, California

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is a luxury hotel located on 23-acres at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. To help guests experience all the cultural offerings in Los Angeles, the property offers an Experience the Arts package that includes accommodations, valet parking, shuttle service to museums in the area, and two VIP museum passes valid at over 18 venues.

The package is valid until March 28, 2012, and saves guests over $250. Click here to book.

The Langham, Boston
Boston, Massachusetts

The Langham, Boston, is an elegant hotel located in downtown Boston near sites like The Freedom Trail, Post Office Square, the New England Aquarium, many colleges and universities, and great shopping, dining, and nightlife choices. To help guests experience the finer side of the city, the hotel is featuring an Experience the Arts package, which includes luxury accommodations, breakfast for two in Café Fleuri, use of fitness facilities and indoor pool at Chuan Body + Soul, and two tickets to the MFA Exhibition or the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Package rates vary but save guests $58 on average. Click here to book.

The Inn of the Five Graces
Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Inn of the Five Graces is a luxury bed and breakfast as well as an award winning food and wine accommodation located in the historic part of Santa Fe. In fact, the inn is located on the oldest inhabited street in the United States. This year will mark Santa Fe’s 400th anniversary, and to celebrate the inn is offering guests a Four Nights Stay in Culture and History package. The 4-night package includes breakfast, cheese and wine gatherings on select nights, a private walking tour of the historic downtown area, two passes to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and a 4-day pass that will give guests access to five different museums including the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and the Palace of the Governors which is home to the brand new New Mexico History Museum.

During low season, package rates start at $1,610. Call 866-992-0957 or E-mail guestservices@fivegraces to book.

Doubletree Hilton San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Doubletree Hilton San Juan is a beachfront property located right on the Caribbean Sea. To help guests experience the finer side of Puerto Rico, they are offering an Art and Culture package, which includes complimentary breakfast and complimentary passes to the Puerto Rico Museum of Art. The package is also great because it is targeted at couples as well as families, so children can enjoy an enriching experience with their parents.

Packages start at $139 per night. Call 787-721-3118 to book.

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
Stann Creek, Belize

The Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort is a secluded boutique accommodation located on the central coast of Belize. To help recognize the end of the Mayan Long Calendar in December, 2012, the property is featuring an array of Mayan Experience packages, which include 7 nights beachfront accommodation, meals, air transfers, use of bikes and kayaks, and a selection of Mayan experiences, including:

  • Climbing the pyramids at Xunantunich and Cahel Pech
  • Visiting Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave to see pottery shards and skeletons
  • Snorkeling the Barrier Reef for sting rays whose spines were used in bloodletting ceremonies
  • Exploring the unexcavated Mayflower Maya site in the rainforest and trekking to Antelope Falls
  • Discovering the Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit Mayan ruins and eating lunch
    with a local Mayan family

Packages start at $2,099 per person. Call 877-552-3483 or E-mail info@hamanasi.com to book.

Pimped out presidential suites in Washington, DC




What better place to celebrate President’s Day than in Washington, DC? We thought about tracking down the most bad-ass Presidential Suites from around the world, but let’s face it – the District of Columbia does a pretty good job of being over-the-top all on its own.

From the “Extreme WOW” suite at the W for $10,000 a night to not one but two Thomas Jefferson Suites (at The Willard and The Jefferson), we’re pretty sure that there’s a good degree of excess going on in a city that continually preaches about budget cuts.

Without further ado, enjoy our gallery of Washington, DC’s best Presidential Suites.

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Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

This hotel in the heart of Georgetown boasts a special designation – it’s the area’s only five-star, five-diamond property. And when it comes to luxe, the Four Seasons knows how to go all out – it has six top-of-the-line suites, the most extravagant of which isn’t even the Presidential Suite, but The Royal Suite.

What will you get?
Behind bullet-resistant glass, a private entrance and a closed-captioned security system, the Royal Suite is as beautiful as it is functional. Guests enjoy a dining room that seats ten, four different living areas, artfully equipped kitchen, pantry with Sub-Zero refrigerator and separate service entrance, a master bedroom with his-and-hers closets, a massive bathroom, private office, fitness room and an alluring cream and silver color palate.

What makes us swoon?
A landscaped 1,000-square- terrace with three seating groupings, a fire pit and a dining table for 10 overlooking historic Georgetown (shown above) and a 90-gallon sculptural bathtub with a massive crystal fixture draped overhead.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $15,000 per night.
The W Hotel, Washington DC
Perhaps Washington’s funkiest luxury hotel, the trendy W boasts one of the city’s best locations – it’s rooftop bar overlooks the White House lawn. Luxe-seekers should go for the “Extreme WOW” factor and book the hotel’s version of the Presidential Suite.

What will you get?
As with all rooms at this modern boutique hotel, the Extreme WOW suite offers unique, vibrantly-colored décor. This suite offers a corner location, wet bar, signature W Cocktail Caddy, living room that can seat six, views of the Lincoln Memorial and Pennsylvania Avenue, virtual fireplace and unique art pieces.

What makes us swoon?
The bathroom’s floating tub with views of the Lincoln Memorial.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $10,000 a night.

The Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC

With a prime location along DC’s Southwest Waterfront, The Mandarin is undoubtedly one of the city’s most scenic hotels – many rooms offer water or monument views. Of course, the hotel’s Presidential Suite leverages the best of all of the hotel rooms, plus access to the hotel’s private Tai Pan lounge.

What will you get?
Panoramic views stretching from the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial, a “great room,” with its soaring double-height ceilings, a full-size dining table and enormous crystal chandelier, a private study, and massive bathroom with oversized shower and tub.

What makes us swoon?
Other than the views? It’s something you might not expect – every time we’ve visited this room, it has had some of the most beautiful floral arrangements we’ve ever seen. A small circular window near the dining area is another of our favorite touches.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $15,000 a night.

The Jefferson

It’s only fitting that the top suite at this 99-room boutique hotel is named for its presidential inspiration, Thomas Jefferson. The hotel also has a slightly smaller Martha Jefferson suite, decorated in more feminine tones and often used as a bridal suite.

What will you get?
The Jefferson, DC’s expansive, top floor specialty suite, The Thomas Jefferson Suite, is as stylishly elegant as the rest of the hotel. Decorated in rich blues and featuring elegant period artwork and architecture, the room features custom-designed bedding, walk-in showers, hand-cut Italian stonework, in-mirror televisions, a private office and sitting area, service entrance, kitchen and optional exercise room.

What makes us swoon?
The custom-designed bed is actually square – special sheets were ordered just to fit the mattress.

Presidential Trivia:
When George H.W. Bush was transitioning from Vice President to President following the 1988 election, before The Jefferson, DC’s 2009 renovation, Bush selected his cabinet in the meeting rooms at The Jefferson, Washington, DC.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $6,000 a night.

The St. Regis, Washington, DC
Just two blocks from the White House, the St. Regis offers an ideal location, close to both the political center of the country as well as the lobbying firms of K Street. Their 2,510 square foot Presidential Suite is a traditionally elegant experience.

What will you get?
The Presidential Suite has two entrances, a separate master suite, sitting area and dining room, a private butler’s pantry with Sub-Zero appliances, two fireplaces and a private library/office.

What makes us swoon?
The ornate entry foyer graced with hand painted wallpaper from China and other bespoke design details.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $12,000 a night

The Willard Intercontinental
The historic hotel boasts a storied past – it’s said that the term “lobbying” began at their Round Robin bar. Just steps from the White House, this hotel’s grandest suite, the second “Thomas Jefferson” suite in our roundup, stands at nearly 3,000 square feet and is often used by visiting heads of state and other important dignitaries. The hotel also offers a similarly large and equally expensive “John Adams” suite.

What will you get?
Your own “oval office” (a dining room seats that ten and offers has breathtaking views down Pennsylvania Avenue to the US Capitol). Enjoy the custom-designed, Axminster carpet, one-of-a-kind highboys and service buffet, a tiled entry foyer in black and white marble, a dual parlor-living room with original artwork and two bathrooms.

What makes us swoon?
Its red and gold scheme and 18th-century design elements were taken from design motifs found in the White House.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $7,000 a night.

The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC is one of dignitaries and business travelers’ favorite properties in the area. The hotel offers a convenient, metro-accessible location and acclaimed Eric Ripert restaurant, West End Bistro.

What will you get?
The Ritz-Carlton suite offers a spacious living room with a fireplace, dining room with seating for ten, a massive bathroom with Jacuzzi and access to the hotel’s Club lounge.

What makes us swoon?
The large private terrace, accessible from both the bedroom and living room.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $6,500 a night.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
One of our favorite DC hotels, this intimate Ritz-Carlton property feels more like a boutique hotel than a corporate chain. Offering a prime location just steps from Georgetown’s waterfront as well as shopping and dining, the hotel’s top suite offers expansive water views and ample space for entertaining or business functions.

What will you get?
The Royal Potomac Suite offers a separate living and dining room with dining table to seat 14, one and a half limestone and slate baths with stand-alone showers and soaking tubs, a private study and separate master bedroom sitting room, pantry and fireplace.

What makes us swoon?
Floor-to-ceiling windows and some of the city’s best water views.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $6,500 a night.

The Hay-Adams
Overlooking Lafayette Park and The White House, The Hay-Adams hotel is perhaps the hotel best associated with political power. The elegant and historic property is a popular choice for the world’s most elite travelers and celebrities alike – we’ve spotted quite a few in the lobby.

What will you get?
This distinguished and remarkable penthouse suite features a separate living room and one-and-a-half bathrooms. Highlights include a beautiful living room overlooking the White House, Lafayette Park and St. John’s Church. The suite includes a large dining table as well as gas-lit corner fireplace.

What makes us swoon?
The master bedroom views of the white house.

Bust out the Black Card:
It’s $3,500 – $7,000 a night.

Presidential Trivia: This is the same suite where the Obama family stayed for 12 days prior to the 2009 inauguration.