New York’s Tavern on the Green shuts its doors, temporarily

by Katie Hammel on

The iconic Central Park restaurant, Tavern on the Green, closed its doors on January 1. The restaurant, which opened in 1936 and was known more for its ambiance and history than for its cuisine, went out with a bang with a 1,500-person party on New Year’s Eve. But the restaurant won’t be gone forever; new owners will be taking over, renovating the building, and eventually reopening.

Tavern on the Green’s most recent owners began having financial problems after losing a bidding war for the lease to Dean Poll, who owns the Boathouse Restaurant in Central Park. The owners have since filed for bankruptcy and will be auctioning off the fixtures and supplies of the restaurant before transferring ownership to Poll, who is expected to invest $25 million in renovations and updates to the restaurant, including installing green technology to make the building more eco-friendly.

While this isn’t the first time the restaurant has changed hands, it’s the first time the new space might not be called Tavern on the Green. It seems the name was trademarked in 1981 and has been valued at $19 million. Poll has registered the name Tavern in Park with the city as a backup, should the original name not be available for use.

[via CNN]

Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Chicago set to open with $89 nights

by Melanie Nayer on

Question: Where can you get a king-sized bed and a bottle of wine for $89 on a Saturday night? (Hint: it’s not your parent’s house)

Answer: 505 N State Street, The Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Chicago

The new boutique hotel is opening its doors on Saturday, April 24, 2010, and hosting a killer sale: $89 gets you a king-sized bed, a bottle of red or white wine, and all the amenities you’ve come to love from Kimpton (like leopard-print robes and L’Occitane bathroom amenities). You’ll pay more than $89 for dinner out so why waste time waiting for a table when you can cozy up for the night with room service? (Other packages at the Hotel Palomar are available for those who want more than a hangover, courtesy of the free bottle of wine.)

Located in Chicago’s River North district, Kimpton’s newest property will lure travelers with opening season deals and access to some of Chi-town’s coolest conveniences: Michigan Ave., Watertower Place, Navy Pier and more.

The boutique hotel will come with all the same features and amenities you’re used to from Kimpton’s including an indoor heated pool and sundeck, hosted evening wine hour, WiFi access and of course, the Kimpton “Forgot It? We Got It!” loyalty program.

Big Apple beats the Mouse: New York City tops tourists’ lists

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Tourism to New York City dropped close to 4 percent last year. For a city already beleaguered by the financial crisis, this represents lost revenue we really could have used. But, the damage wasn’t as bad here as it was in Orlando, which slipped from its spot as the top tourist spot in the United States. This is the first time America’s cultural and financial capital has been the #1 tourist destination in the country since 1990.

Last year, 45.2 million people passed through New York City, and the projections for 2010 are for an increase of 3.2 percent. And, that’s in what is still expected to be a tough travel market.

[Photo by joiseyshowaa via Flickr]

Residence Inn by Marriott moves into Ecuador

by Melanie Nayer on

Heads up adventure travelers: if you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands or just plan to spend time touring South America, you’ll have another place to lay your head.

Opening in 2012 is the first Residence Inn by Marriott in Ecuador. The 143-room will be located in Guayaquil, making it a perfect stop for travelers heading in and out of the Ecuador area. According to Marriott International, the Residence Inn in Ecuador will feature studio, one- and two-bedroom suites set up for a minimum of five night stays. Each suite will include a kitchen, living room area and workspace, complimentary Internet access, flat-screen TVs and free breakfast for all guests.

Prices haven’t been announced yet, but Marriott says the rates will vary depending on length of stay.

When opened, the Residence Inn Guayaquil will be Marriott’s third hotel in Ecuador. The JW Marriott Quito and the Courtyard by Marriott Guayaquil currently welcome guests to South America.

Celebrate Elvis’ 75th Birthday at Graceland this week

by Katie Hammel on

Had he lived, Elvis would be turning 75 years old on January 8. Superfans can celebrate with a week of parties hosted Graceland from January 7 to 10.

Events include a day tour of Tupelo, where Elvis grew up, book signings from authors of books on Elvis, fan club events, and panel presentations from close friends and associates of Elvis. There will be musical performances, including a gospel concert of Elvis songs and a performance of tunes from Elvis done by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Several birthday and dance parties will also be offered. The Elvis 75th Birthday Bash on Beale is just $15 and includes a night of drink specials, live music, and partying at clubs up and down Beale Street on January 9.

Tickets for all events are available online until 5pm Central today. After that, you can purchase them at the door for each event (pending availability) or at the Graceland Guest Services office.