Dragon Go! app adds Expedia support

by Kraig Becker on

Nuance’s popular Dragon Go! app, which is available on both iOS and Android, received a major update earlier this week that is sure to be a hit with travelers. The software, which has been accepting voice commands long before Siri graced us with her presence, now offers support for Expedia, giving us the ability to book flights and find hotels, simply by asking.

Dragon Go! has been around for a couple of years now, and over time, Nuance has continued to add new content providers to the app. With the inclusion of Expedia, travelers can now simply say things like “Show me available flights between Los Angeles and New York in April,” and the software will present a list of options that will include flight schedules and pricing. There is even a link to the Expedia’s website, allowing users to book the flight directly from their phone. The voice search options also allow travelers to search for hotels near their current location and find reviews on destination resorts as well.

Dragon Go! can do a lot more than that however, as the app also allows travelers to get weather reports on their destination, play music for the trip, and look up movie times at the local theater. It helps users find the best restaurants or shops in their area, and even shares their travel experiences on Twitter.

Best of all, the app remains completely free and is available to download in both the iOS and Android app stores.

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

by Jessica Festa on

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.

Hotel packages for art and culture enthusiasts

by Jessica Festa on

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.

Beyond the presidential suite: historic hotels with a presidential past

by Melanie Renzulli on




Traveling has been an essential presidential duty since George Washington first took office in 1789. U.S. presidents travel for a number of reasons – to attend summits and meet other heads of state; to christen national parks, ships, and aircraft carriers; to tour factories; to make speeches; to “press the flesh; and, of course, to relax.

While we here at Gadling are keen to bring you details on the most blinged-out Presidential suites (see our other post today on pimped out presidential suites in DC), we thought our readers would also appreciate a look at a wider range of properties where U.S. presidents have visited, stayed, or left their historic mark. Learn which hotel commissioned a special chair to hold the portly President Taft, which suite’s fireplace mantle retains a golf ball divot from an errant indoor presidential putt, and which resort kept an underground government-commissioned bunker secret until 1992.

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Exciting hotel packages for springtime travelers

by Jessica Festa on

Wondering where you should travel this spring? Take advantage of one of these season-inspired packages and enjoy fun activities in great locations for a discounted price.

De L’Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands

The city of Amsterdam is well-known for its flower markets, lush gardens, and picturesque parks. To help visitors experience the natural beauty of the city, De L’Europe is featuring an Enchanted Gardens package from March 22-May 20, 2012. The package includes accommodations in the spacious Deluxe Room, breakfast for two each morning, and two tickets along with an all-inclusive guide to the Keukenhof, where myriad flora and fauna displays will be featured as well as over 7 million flowers including hundreds of tulip varieties.

Packages start at $595 per night based on double occupancy. Call +31 20 531 17 77 or click here to book. Troia Design Hotel
Troia, Portugal

The Troia Design Hotel is located on a picturesque peninsula on a nature reserve about an hour away from Lisbon. This spring, guests of the hotel can custom create their own packages to experience the great outdoors. Simply give your dates of travel and choose from a variety of activities, like kite surfing, diving, wine tasting, horseback riding, dolphin watching, rock climbing, visiting ancient ruins, bird watching, relaxing on the beach, indulging in the spa, scuba diving, and exploring surrounding castles.

Package rates vary depending on length of stay and activities chosen. Click here to custom create your spring package.

La Tavola Marche
Le Marche, Italy

La Tavola Marche is an organic farm, inn, and cooking school all in one. From March 29-April 2, 2012, the property is hosting a Cooking with Spring’s Wild Edibles package where guests can experience cooking and savoring the flavors of the season. The package includes four nights of accommodation, daily breakfasts, a guided wild edible walk, two half-day cooking classes as well as an apron and cookbook to keep, two wine-enhanced meals, and a five course dinner.

Packages are $641 per person based on double occupancy. Click here to book.

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
Solvang, California

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is a romantic, “old-west” accommodation located in the picturesque Santa Barbara Wine Country. The property is also home to a 100-acre lake that makes for a popular fly-fishing retreat, especially with all of the Northern Strain Large Mouth Bass. This spring, the ranch is helping guests experience this relaxing past time by offering a Alisal Anglers’ Package for Two. The promotion includes a two night stay in one of the property’s deluxe accommodations, a welcome basket with fruit, cheese, wine, crackers, and fishing lures, three meals per day, an Alisal Lake hat, a $100 credit for a guided fishing trip for two, and all taxes and fees.

Packages start at $1,295 for two nights for two people. Call 1-888-4-ALISAL or e-mail reservations@alisal.com.

The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel
Washington, D.C.

In 1912, Japan gave Washington, D.C., 3,000 cherry trees which grew into a beautiful icon for the nation’s capital. From March 20 to April 27, 2012, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place, marking the 100 year anniversary of the gift. To help celebrate, The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel is featuring a Cherry Blossom Getaway from March 22-April 22. The package includes self-customized accommodations via My Affinia, a commemorative cherry tree branch, picnic treats from Art and Soul, chocolates inspired by cherry blossoms from Artisan Confections, and two metro passes.

Packages start at $199 per night. Call 1-866-246-2203 and mention promotional code CHER12 or click here to book.

Wolcott Hotel
New York, NY

The Wolcott Hotel is a comfortable and cozy 100-year old accommodation located near Murray Hill. It’s also in close proximity to the Empire State Building and the beloved Macy’s in Herald Square. To help guests enjoy the beauty of spring in New York, the property is lowering its rates for the season as well as inviting guests to enjoy the annual Macy’s Flower Show with free entry and a guided tour of the flower towers and floral decor.

Rates start at $150 per night. Call 212-268-2900 or click here to book.

Sunset Beach Resorts Spa & Waterpark
Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sunset Beach Resorts Spa & Waterpark is an all-inclusive beachfront property with lush gardens, a relaxing spa, and a thrill-filled waterpark. To help celebrate the coming of the warm weather, the resort is offering a Spring Madness promotion which includes beach games, pool parties, a bonfire experience, free transfers to Margaritaville, and 15% off all spa services.

Promotion rates start at $152.75 per person per night based on double occupancy. The promotion is valid for travel through April 13, 2012. Call 877-734-3486 to book.

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
Anguilla, British West Indies

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort that features something for everyone, including a luxurious spa, expansive golf course, hydroponic farm, and fusion-style restaurants. In order to help their guests say goodbye to winter and welcome the changing of the seasons, the property is featuring a Tee Up & Revive package, which includes five nights of accommodation in a beachfront suite, two 50-minute spa treatments or a couples’ massage, three rounds of golf, use of tennis courts and fitness center, daily breakfast, lunch for two at Cafe Mediterraneo, dinner for two at Le Bistro at Santorini, airport/ferry pickup, and the use of non-motorized water sports.

Packages start at $5,255 based on double occupancy from now until April 13, 2012. Call 264-498-5602 to book.