These hotels are helping guests celebrate the end of the world with Mayan-inspired packages

The Mayan calendar’s 2012 end of the world prophecy isn’t all bad news. In fact, the Mayans believe people on Earth will experience a positive spiritual enlightenment and connection to the universe. Along with the possibility of a profound new awareness, travelers can also benefit from the Mayan predictions by taking advantage of the special hotel packages being offered in honor of the event throughout the year.

Hotel Maya, a Doubletree by Hilton
Long Beach, California

What better way to experience Maya 2012 than at a Mayan-themed hotel? The Hotel Maya is a waterfront property that sits on the harbor in downtown Long Beach. A mix of Latin American and Southern California style, the hotel uses vibrant Earth tones, an indoor-outdoor design, and lush tropical flora to give an exotic yet modern feel. In honor of the 2012 Mayan calendar, the hotel is offering a “Live Your Life to the Fullest” package, which includes waterfront accommodations for two, breakfast for two, a $50 resort credit per stay, and free parking and internet. The hotel is also running monthly giveaways, guest lectures, food and drink promotions, themed movies, and Mayan cultural events throughout the year. Furthermore, on December 21, 2012, the day the world is supposed to end, Hotel Maya will be hosting an “End of the World” party at their onsite restaurant, Fuego.

Package rates start at $169 per night, per room with a two-night minimum, and runs from now until December 21, 2012. Call 562-435-7676 or click here to book. Hotel Teatro
Denver, Colorado

Located in downtown Denver near the Convention Center and Denver Center for Performing Arts, Hotel Teatro is a historical property built in 1911 that combines “the grandeur of yesterday with the modern conveniences available today.” To ensure guests live their lives to the fullest before the end of the world, Hotel Teatro is featuring a “Live While You’re Alive” package until December 21, 2012. The lavish deal includes a night in Hotel Teatro’s Chancellor’s Suite, stocked with Dom Pérignon and caviar, private butler service, a six-course tasting menu and wine pairing for two in Restaurant Kevin Taylor, in-room massage for two, a one-hour private helicopter ride over Denver with private limo service to and from the airport, and a $25,000 Oster Jewelers Cherry Creek shopping spree with a personal shopper. Furthermore, if you’re still around next year, the property is offering a complimentary night in 2013 and a celebratory Dom Pérignon champagne toast.

Package rates start at $35,000. Call 303-228-1100 or click here to book.

Blancaneaux Lodge
Cayo District, Belize

The Blancaneaux Lodge is a secluded property located at the base of the Maya Mountains. Surrounded by waterfalls, turquoise ponds, and tropical jungle, the luxury hotel is a great place to relax and unwind in a natural setting. To commemorate the end of the Mayan calendar, Blancaneaux Lodge has launched five cave explorations to help guests learn about Belize and the Mayans by visiting the natural underworlds where they once dwelled. The excursions range from easy treks like the dry and well-lit Rio Frio Cave, to the more challenging Actun Tunichil Mucnal Cave, which is difficult to access and forces you to squeeze through tight spaces, climb over jagged rocks, and swim in 12 feet of water. Although difficult, you will be rewarded with Mayan artifacts, rock carvings, and the crystal maiden, “a victim of ritual sacrifice from the Late Classic Period.” Other cave explorations include: the Offering Cave, ‘Caves Branch’ Nohuch Che’en Reserve, and Barton Creek Cave.

Excursion prices vary depending on cave choice and group size. Click here for more information or click here to book.

Hacienda Petac
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

Hacienda Petac is a private estate and spa offering resort service without the crowds. Located in the Mayan countryside, guests will have access to all-inclusive meals, a spa, and a workout facility while also being immersed in lush vegetation and artifacts from the Mayas. To help guests experience the Mayan Yucatán even further, the hacienda is offering a complimentary “Mundo Maya” package for 2012. The packages includes seven nights of pampering from a staff of 23 (maximum 10 guests), Mayan-inspired meals, a personal driver and guide, a tour of the area’s backroads with a swim in a cenote or a stop at a local market, and three guided Maya-related excursions.

Price for rental is $357 per person, per night (5 person minimum) for seven nights. Package is also available for four nights minimum. Click here to book.

Condo Hotels Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Condo Hotels Playa Del Carmen isn’t just a hotel, but a group of four upscale properties located in the popular Riviera Maya. Renowned for their beautiful location and luxurious amenities, El Taj, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, and Villas Sacbe each include spas, health cafes, fitness centers, hot tubs, swimming pools, and beach access. As the brand has traditionally observed important Mayan holidays and celebrations by offering specials to guests, it is no surprise that on December 21, 2012, the hotels will be offering rooms at no charge. By offering visitors a free stay, they are inviting travelers to partake in the festivities, traditions, and ceremonies that will be taking place during this time at the hotels and all over town, making it a fun and enlightening trip.

Free room is available with a minimum of three nights stay. Click here to book.

Acanto Hotel
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Acanto Hotel is a new boutique property featuring a tropical courtyard, Jacuzzi, pool, sundecks, lounge chairs, and everything you will need to relax and unwind in an exotic setting. To coincide with the Mayan calendar, the hotel is offering a “2012 Mayan Message” package, which includes five nights in a luxury two-bedroom suite, a One Day Pass Plus for two people to Zcaret Eco Park offering hiking trails and Mayan history, complimentary wine flights at the onsite wine bar (value $100), VIP beach club access, and airport transfer. The package also includes the chance to visit the site of the Mayan Time Capsule in the jungle of Quintana Roo to leave a message about the future.

Package rates start at $2,050 for five nights based on double occupancy. Click here to book.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Cancun, Mexico

Located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is a beachfront property with 448 spacious rooms, four world-class restaurants, and their Mayan Inspired Spa, which offers body wraps, mani-pedis, soothing massages, and more. From now until the last day of the Mayan calendar, the hotel will be offering an “Escape! Mayan Experience” package, which includes luxury accommodations, tour for two of Chichen Itza, two 80-minute Mayan-inspired spa treatments, daily $50 resort credit, a Mayan-themed welcome amenity, and free internet access.

Package rates start at $399 per night based on double occupancy. Call 800-228-9290 or click here to book.

CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort
Cancun, Mexico

A sister property of the above mentioned Marriott hotel, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort is located on the vibrant hotel strip and offers well-appointed rooms with views of the Caribbean or Nichupté Lagoon. Like the JW Marriott, CasaMagna is offering an “Escape! Mayan Experience” package through December 21, including the same luxury accommodations: a tour for two of Chichen Itza, two 80-minute Mayan-inspired spa treatments, daily $50 resort credit, a Mayan-themed welcome amenity, and free internet access.

Package rates start at $399 per night based on double occupancy. Call 800-228-9290 or click here to book.

Hotels offer VIP culinary experiences for New York travelers

New York City is one of the top food destinations in the United States. To help visitors experience the city’s gourmet offerings, these luxury hotels are offering VIP culinary experiences to their guests.

St Giles Hotel New York-The Court

The St Giles Hotel New York-The Court is located in midtown, giving guests prime access to the best restaurants, cafes, and bars the city has to offer. Guests of the hotel will be able to indulge even further by partaking in their James Beard Award Package, which is linked to the James Beard Foundation Award Ceremony and Gala Reception in May 2012. The package includes:

  • Overnight accommodations in an executive suite on May 7
  • Two tickets to the James Beard Award Ceremony and Gala Reception at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall
  • Private chauffeur car service to and from the event
  • Chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne
  • A copy of the brand new book titled “The James Beard Foundation’s Best of the Best: A 25th Anniversary Celebration of America’s Outstanding Chefs”
  • Breakfast for two in the onsite Icon Restaurant
  • A portion of the proceeds being donated to City Harvest, an organization that helps feed the hungry

To take part in this package, you will have to place a bid on Luxury Link from March 14-March 21. Trump International Hotel and Tower

Located near New York’s iconic Central Park, the Trump International Hotel and Tower is world-renowned for its luxurious offerings. It’s no surprise then that the property’s onsite restaurant, Jean-Georges, has received numerous accolades like five stars from Mobile Travel Guide, a AAA Five Diamond Award, and four stars from the New York Times. For guests who want to experience the superb cuisine of the restaurant, the hotel is offering a Jean-Georges Culinary Masters Course for guests who book a three-night stay. The experience includes a VIP cooking demonstration led by Michelin three-star Executive Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and a one-hour pastry-making class with Executive Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini.

Rates start at $3,333 per night. Click here to book.

Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a five-star hotel that offers elegance, charm, and VIP dining. Recently, Gadling covered the property’s All Caviar Package, which is so luxurious it is worth mentioning again. Guests will be treated like royalty as they are met on arrival with a caviar martini. From there, there is an afternoon of caviar tasting at Petrossian led by a French expert. In the morning, guests will enjoy a full American breakfast and a 60-minute Caviar Skin Crème Massage at La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Still craving caviar? The experience will take you back one last time to Petrossian for a three-course caviar pairing.

Packages start at $1,985 for a park view room, with upgrades available at an additional cost. Click here to book.

The Setai Fifth Avenue

Located on New York’s grandest shopping street, The Setai Fifth Avenue is an upscale hotel that matches its surroundings. Inside the hotel you will find Michelin-starred restaurant Ai Fiori by Chef Michael White, which features modern interpretations of regional Italian and French dishes. For guests who want to live lavishly while in New York, the hotel is offering a package called The Experience. With the offer comes:

  • Overnight accommodations for three or more nights
  • Full American breakfast at Ai Fiori or in-room each day
  • Three-course tasting menu and wine for two at Ai Fiori
  • Unlimited soft drinks, water, and afternoon snacks
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Chef’s welcome amenity

The package runs until the end of the year and rates vary depending on dates. Click here to book.

Luxury Travel: Ferragamo family launches limited edition collectibles at Lungarno Collection hotels

The Italian hospitality group Lungarno Collection, owned in part by the Ferragamo family, is stepping up their branded offerings with a new collection of “Ferragamo Creations,” Hotels magazine reports.

Limited-edition pieces will include bespoke items originally designed for celebrities, including ballet flats designed for Audrey Hepburn and the court shoes worn by Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like It Hot.”

The line is available to guests checking into suites at Hotel Lungarno, Gallery Hotel Art, Continentale and Lungarno Suites in Italy. Prices begin at €400 (US$533) per item.

10 hotels celebrating centennial birthdays in 2012

The year 2012 marks a very special year for many hotels, as some of the world’s most prestigious properties turn 100 and join the Century Club. Everyone loves birthdays, and lucky for travelers these properties are celebrating by offering guests discounts, prizes, packages, and parties.

Fairmont Copley Plaza
Boston, Massachusetts

The Fairmont Copley Plaza opened its doors on August 19, 1912, at an extravagant cost of $5.5 million. In attendance at the hotel’s reception were over 1000 guests, one of which included Boston‘s mayor at the time, John F. “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, who was President Kennedy’s grandfather. To celebrate its 100-year birthday, the hotel is featuring an array of events and promotions, including a “100 Days of Celebration” beginning May 10. During this time, complimentary period costume tours, 20th century music, and cake will be available. Moreover, a Celebration of a Century package will be available through December 31, offering accommodation in a newly renovated room, a private hotel history tour, and a history booklet.

Package rates begin at $100 per person, per night. Call 1-800-257-7544 or E-mail reservations@fairmont.com to book. Bar Lazy J Ranch
Parshall, Colorado

While not your traditional hotel, Bar Lazy J Ranch is a relaxing ranch that works hard to ensure the satisfaction of their guests. Even before officially opening, the ranch was going out of its way for strangers, even allowing travelers to stay the night free of charge. It wasn’t until 1912 that a debutante was hired as a secretary and the ranch required a letter of recommendation from people hoping to stay. Back then, the atmosphere of Bar Lazy J Ranch was very formal, with coffee served before breakfast in demitasse cups on the lawn, high tea, polo, and croquet matches. Today, the property is all-inclusive, allowing guests to partake in as many activity offerings as they would like without worrying about overspending. To celebrate its 100th birthday this summer, the ranch will be hosting an array of centennial activities such as “1912 nights” each Wednesday, high tea, vintage photos and old-west costumes, and music inspired by compositions from the last century.

Rates start at $1825 per week, per adult, with discounts on certain dates. Call 800-396-6279 or E-mail info@barlazyj.com to book.

The Beverly Hills Hotel
Los Angeles, California

The Beverly Hills Hotel was built before there was a city called Beverly Hills, in an attempt to bring crowds of people to the area. It worked, and in 1914 Beverly Hills was incorporated into a city. Not only that, but some of society’s most affluent celebrities created history in the hotel. For example, Frank Sinatra and the rest of the rat pack loved to drink in the hotel’s Polo Lounge, and the hotel pool was the backdrop scene for Gregory Peck and Lauren Bacall in “Designing Women.” To celebrate their centennial birth, the Beverly Hills Hotel is offering an array of programing and packages. Their 100-Year Birthday Package, which runs until the end of the year, features rooms and suites for $100 per night, a birthday cake amenity, a complimentary cocktail, a 100-year candle, and daily breakfast for two. There will also be a “1912 Lottery” in a chosen dining outlet each week, where a diner will be randomly selected to receive their meal at 1912 pricing.

For a full list of packages and promotions or to book a stay, click here.

Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa
Tucson, Arizona

The Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa was originally a dude ranch in 1912 and today is an 80-acre resort sitting at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in the Sonoran Desert. While certain historic touches are still retained, the hotel underwent a $14 million renovation in 2009 to help update the look and feel. In honor of their 100th birthday, the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa is compiling a book titled “History of Westward Look: 100 Years in the Making” that will include photos and souvenirs from past guests. This is also part of the “Call for Treasures” contest offering prizes of free hotel stays and complimentary dining packages.

Rates start at $189 per night based on double occupancy. Call 800-722-2500 or click here to book.

Kalispell Grand Hotel
Kalispell, Montana

The Kalispell Grand Hotel opened its doors in 1912 as an upscale hotel for the wealthier traveler, charging a whopping $2 per night. During its opening, the property also offered grand amenities like wake up calls, door locks, and running water, making it a popular choice. Today, their definition of grand amenities has luckily shifted with the times, as spacious rooms, plush bedding, and relaxing massages are offered on the premises. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s 100th birthday by taking advantage of a $20.12 discount on all rooms until May 31, 2012.

Room rates vary by date. Call 800-858-7422 or click here to book.

Camino Real El Paso
El Paso, Texas

Listed on the Historic Hotels of America website, the Camino El Paso is a national historic landmark. Originally known as the Paso Del Norte Hotel, one of the most impressive features of the property then was the 25-foot diameter, Tiffany-style, stained-glass Dome, which can still be experienced via the Dome Bar. Other instances of history still being present are the vaulted ceilings and walls of cherry stone and gold scallion. When it opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1912 the property was thought to be the “Showcase of the West,” and still retains this prestigious reputation today. To help guests add a bit more luxury to their stay, the property is featuring a Fall Back in Time deal, which includes breakfast each morning for two people for two nights.

Package rates vary depending on travel dates. Call 800-678-8946 or 915-534-3000 to book.

Fairmont Château Laurier
Ottawa, Ontario

The Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa’s famous castle, officially opened its doors on June 1, 2012. While the property cost $2 million to open, rooms were only $2 per night. Like their sister property in Boston, mentioned above, the hotel will feature complimentary period costume tours, 20th century music, and cake on June 2 and 3. Moreover, in memory of the Titanic, the hotel will be recreating the last supper served on the ship followed by monthly menus featuring the best cuisine from different eras. Additionally, because the property was originally set to open on April 26, this will be the date the Fairmont Château Laurier launches their special Centennial Tea menu. If you’re looking for a deal, you can opt for the Century of Memories package, which includes accommodations, a heritage gift card set, $100 CAD dining credit, and a special 100th anniversary welcome amenity.

Package rates begin at about $340 per night based on double occupancy. Call 800-441-1414 or click here to book.

Astoria Hotel
St. Petersburg, Russia

The oldest hotel in Russia, the Astoria Hotel has survived the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, WWI, WWII, Perestroika, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the formation of the new Russian economy. On December 23, 1912, the property opened its doors as a modern hotel fit for the society’s most notable figures. Rasputin had a love affair here with the wife of a government official, while Lenin spent the night and gave a speech on the first floor, and Russian Grand Dukes threw lavish parties in the Winter Garden. What’s more, because 2012 marks the Astoria Hotel’s 100th birthday, the year will be filled with commemorative events, including a series of jazz dinner concerts to help take guests back in time. At the end of the year, there will also be an elegant jubilee party with famous attendees from all over the world coming in to celebrate.

Room rates start at $335 per night. Click here to book.

Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastián, A Luxury Collection Hotel
San Sebastián, Spain

The Hotel Maria Cristina opened its doors on July 9, 2012, as one of the city’s main cultural and social hubs for members of high society. During WWI, it was the hangout of politicians and artists before shifting to a more fashionable clientele, with guests like Coco Chanel and Patou Jena. When the city began to decline, the hotel refused to fold and, after WWII, underwent a massive renovation. In honor of its centennial anniversary, the property is being fixed up again and will reopen this July with a huge celebration and new Belle Epoque style with modern amenities. They will also be offering an array of packages, which you can see by clicking here.

The Stafford London by Kempinski
London, United Kingdom

Originally built as private homes for society’s nobility – including Lord and Lady Lyttelton – the property changed owners a few times before becoming an official Stafford London property. Just like during WWII when the building served as a club for American and Canadian officers seeking refuge in the wine cellars, The Stafford London is a welcoming and friendly place. Because the property is turning 100 this year, they are offering a VIP £100,000 Anniversary Package until the end of 2012. The luxurious offer includes:

  • 3 nights in a duplex Guv’nor’s suite or penthouse
  • £10,000 dining credit
  • “Effortless airport experience” including private waiting lounge, escort through customs/immigration, transfers to and from hotel
  • Chauffeur driven Bentley, Rolls Royce, or Jaguar at guest’s beck and call
  • 24/7 private butler service
  • Three or five-course wine and meal pairings in the hotel’s 380-year-old wine cellar
  • Bespoke fashions courtesy of famed tailor Henry Poole and hatters Lock & Co
  • Piece of custom jewelry by London’s top designer, Patrick Wyatt
  • Private photo shoot with celebrity photographer, Alistair Morrison
  • Traditional afternoon tea at either the Royal Academy, Highgrove House, or Kensington Palace
  • Private Champagne or Wine Capsule experience on the London Eye
  • Half day spa retreat
  • Speedboat tour of the Thames River
  • Complimentary Mahiki Armada Treasure Chest concoction

Packages start at £100,000. Click here to book.

Travel Smarter 2012: Tips for finding a better hotel room

It’s a simple goal – travel more for less in 2012. In this tight economy we’re all searching for ways that we can travel better, smarter and cheaper in 2012, and here at Gadling Labs we’re bringing you information about how to get the best hotel deals possible. Here’s how you can get started.

Scour Social Media
You’re already aware that hotels offer specials on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

2012 Twist: If you make yourself known before arrival and have some social media clout (or Klout, as the case may be), you may even snag yourself an extra upgrade or discount – like HARO founder Peter Shankman’s surprise dinner at Morton’s.

Stephanie Gravalese-Wood, marketing coordinator and social media “voice” behind The Red Lion Inn, says that they monitor their social channels and regularly check in with guests to see how their stay or experience was. “For anyone mentioning that they are looking to stay, we direct them to our Last Minute Specials page as well as to our social media travel specials.” It’s helped draw a minimum of 50 clicks on the first day and more than 100 each week.

You can also try checking in on location-based apps like FourSquare, where you may score extra points or specials. SPG members, for example, get extra points for checking in with linked accounts.

Travel “Smart”
You know apps on your iPhone or Android can make travel easier.

2012 Twist: Mobile booking, particularly at the last minute. Use apps like Priceline’s “Tonight Only Deals” tool, or the aptly named program Hotel Tonight to score up to 60% off reservations for that evening. Sometimes being a procrastinator pays off – we’ve seen hotels for up to $50 less than the best available price on their website through the app. You may not know which hotel you’re booking until you’ve paid, but we’ve yet to see a hotel that’s not of the quality advertised.Pick the Best Room
You know how to ask for a corner room or higher floor.

2012 Twist: Seeing your actual room, via a site like Room 77. Just how good is that upgrade? Sites like Room 77 tour individual hotel rooms to show you exact views, distance from the elevator and more. If you’re a light sleeper, need to get work done or just want to know if the upgrade is worth the cash, we’d suggest you check this out.

Read Reviews Carefully
The days of picking the top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor hotel are over.

2012 Twists: We’re not saying to discount TripAdvisor entirely – the site is still our best way to see real-time trip reviews coming in from travelers. But, in recent months news has shown that the site may not be the most accurate reflection of a trip. Instead, we’d suggest turning to social reviews or checking out the property’s social media profiles – honest feedback is often posted by travelers in the comments section.

Try Something New
Don’t go for the big chains just ’cause.

2012 Twist: We’ve long been fans of boutique hotels for their smaller size, more personalized service and often better costs. Still, we see the advantage of knowing what you’re getting, particularly when it’s a place you haven’t visited before. Not sure where to find a property? You can always turn to reputable member organizations like Five Star Alliance, Relais & Chateaux, Leading Hotels of the World, Preferred Hotels and more for databases.

If booking boutique is out of your price range or isn’t an option, we’d suggest searching for a newly-opened property. Sure, all of the kinks might not be worked out yet (the spa or all restaurants might not be open) but you can almost always find rates of 20 to 30% off the normal price, a bonus for being one of the first to book. Plus, everything is shiny and new! Keep up with us – we’ll tell you about all of the best hotel openings and where to book.

Research, Research, Research
Skip the travel agent.

2012 Twist: Okay, we’re not saying to hate on travel agents entirely– there are many companies that do a great job. But we’re pretty sure that most travelers out there now are old pros at that thing called “The Internet” (after all, you’re reading a blog) so take matters into your own hands. Try combining flight and hotel costs on Expedia.com or Orbitz.com. Search Kayak and take advantage of their flexible flight search and newly integrated TripAdvisor reviews. Check a new favorite, FlightFox, for great airfare deals. Scan the hotel website for deals. See if social media will score you an extra discount.

Flash Sale Savvy
Find the best deal site for you.

2012 Twist: You know sites like Jetsetter, SniqueAway and RueLaLa travel exist. So USE THEM. We can’t always say you’ll get the best deal – we’ve seen rates that compare on the hotel’s website or via other OTAs, but if you plan ahead and watch your email alerts, you can often score great deals on hotels that you otherwise couldn’t afford. Cities like Las Vegas, New York and Washington, DC, have regular and wonderful deals as well as Caribbean and European destinations. If you’re looking for something cheaper, consider Groupon or LivingSocial’s travel verticals, great for getting away for a night or two close to home. Of course, if you refer friends (on the off chance that they’re not already using these sites), you can even earn credit towards your next trip.

Be Polite
You know check-in is at 3 PM.

2012 Twist: Know not to throw a fit when your room isn’t ready if you arrive at 11. If you know you’re arriving early, call ahead of time and ask if your room is available or can be made ready for your arrival. Yes, hotels are in the service industry, but front desk employees still like to be treated nicely.

Stay Loyal
Leverage your benefits.

2012 Twist: Loyalty programs once only benefited the business traveler and the jetsetter who stayed frequently enough to accrue huge amounts of points. Not anymore – programs like SPG’s now only require 50 or 75 nights a year to accrue major status (easy for the moderate to heavy traveler) and your credit card can even earn you rewards. Some programs, like Kimpton and Delta, even give you extras like free internet just for signing up to be a loyalty program member – before even your first night’s stay.

Have another tip we haven’t listed? Share it in the comments, below.

[flickr image via Wolfgang Staudt]