TripAdvisor reveals America’s sexiest hotels

by Melanie Nayer on

It’s not shocking New York is home to the sexiest hotel in America – it is the city that never sleeps…
According to TripAdvisor, the Night Hotel in New York City knocks the boots off all other hotels for its ‘sexy’ factor.

TripAdvisor editors revealed their sexiest hotel list just in time for Valentine’s Day, (wink, wink). The hotels were rated based on the “sexy index,” which calculated the number of times travelers use the term “sexy” in their TripAdvisor reviews.

Turn down the shades, set the mood and get your groove on at these seducing hotels:

1. Night Hotel, New York City, New York “This modern and monochrome boutique hotel features very little light, making this the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous with a significant other”

2. Hotel Max, Seattle, Washington “Turn your door-handle sign to ‘please do not disturb’ and enjoy the amenities within, including a “You Got It” button on the telephone, which responds to any whim, and a mini-bar complete with an intimacy kit.”

3. Hotel Palomar, Washington, D.C. “With crocodile-sculpted carpeting on the floors, faux fur throws on the beds and leopard-print robes in the closets, this is an ideal spot for romantics to say “Grrrr, Baby!”

4. Hotel Lucia, Portland, Oregon “This downtown boutique hotel offers modern surroundings, not to mention a “Kiss This” guest-package, including champagne, massage oils and dusting powders.”

5. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada “The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers all the trappings to bring out travelers’ wild sides, including a room service menu featuring an array of lingerie and after-dark accessories.”6. The Setai, Miami, Florida “If money is no object, this stunning oceanfront resort in the heart of South Beach offers a spectacularly seductive spot.”

7. Hotel on Rivington, New York City, New York One TripAdvisor traveler notes, “From the unconventional layout, to the glass curtain walling, to the voyeuristic shower walls, everything about this place screams hedonistic pleasure.”

8. Glenn Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia “Follow the grass-lined hallways to the guest rooms, and travelers will be met with sleek design, comfortable furnishings and a shower featuring a peek-a-boo view in to the bedroom.”

9. The Library Hotel, New York City, New York “Room 800.001 is packed with erotic tomes, including Casanova’s autobiography, while room 1100.006 is adorned with books on love and relationships.”

10. James Chicago, Chicago, Illinois “Guest rooms feature dark wood platform beds and white leather furnishings – and if these (or your partner) aren’t enough to get you drooling, the cookie left on your pillow as part of the nightly turn-down service should do the trick.”

What’s your favorite hotel for setting the mood?

Earlier this month, TripAdvisor launched its top 10 dirtiest hotels list and the Travelers’ Choice awards, which highlights travelers’ favorite hotel from around the world.

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Chicago cancels fireworks for July 3, 2010

by Melanie Nayer on

Looks like the people of Chi-town will have to come up with their own fireworks extravaganza this year. Breaking news from the Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago’s traditional July 3 Grant Park fireworks display is canceled.

“I would say we’re doing it to be fiscally responsible, because we have to be,” said Megan McDonald, director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. “We’re also doing it to more effectively manage what happens at the Taste of Chicago, as well as citywide on an already busy holiday weekend. I think it is always challenging to manage a million, 2 million people in a very small space.”

The fireworks display – part of the Taste of Chicago – is just one of the many celebrations Chicago plans to put on hold in 2010 (the famous South Side Irish Parade, Venetian Night and the Outdoor Film Festival were also cut). Canceling these celebrations, said McDonald, will save the city between $1 million and $2 million.

Not all is lost for Chicago residents wanting to celebrate their Independence Day with a little flare. The Mayor’s office announced it will stage three smaller fireworks displays spread out along the lakefront – the North Side fireworks will be held around Montrose Beach; the South Side fireworks in the vicinity of 63rd Street Beach; and the third display will take place at Navy Pier. Each fireworks show will be 15 minutes.%Gallery-64025%

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Gadlinks for Tuesday, 1.26.2010

by Katie Hammel on

Happy Tuesday, Gadling fans! Here are a few more travel tidbits to help you through the week.

More Gadlinks HERE.

Nearly 100 new hotels to open across the U.S. in 2010

by Melanie Nayer on

If you build it, will they come? Hotels from Hyatt to Starwood – and all the boutiques in between – are prepared to put that question to the test this year. While some hotels continue to drop prices in an effort to fill rooms, other popular brands prepare to introduce travelers to new hotels in 2010.

The New York Times is reporting a slew of new hotels launching state side in 2010, with 46 of those properties residing in New York. Houston will open doors to approximately 30 new hotels and Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington are also getting into the game.

On deck: Marriott will launch their boutique brand, The Autograph Collection; Hyatt opens its new Andaz properties; InterContinental will open four hotels, including a 592-room hotel in Times Square; Starwood will open six new hotels and others like Holiday Inn and Sheraton are planning new properties.

One of the more anticipated openings of the year happens next months in Los Angeles when the 878-room J.W. Marriott opens it doors at L.A. Live. It’s Ritz-Carlton neighbor is scheduled to start taking reservations for a March opening.

The James New York to debut summer 2010

by Melanie Nayer on

New York is rolling out the red carpet for new hotels in 2010. Next up, the James New York, a new luxury hotel set to open at the southwest corner of SoHo at Grand and Thompson Streets in the summer of 2010.

The hotel will offer 114 guestrooms, and claims each one has “unobstructed views of Manhattan.” The new hotel will be the sister property to the James Chicago, and will feature an urban garden, and a rooftop pool deck and bar with views of the Manhattan skyline. The hotel will host local artists’ collections throughout its public space.

For those looking for a little luxury in the new space, the Penthouse Loft will welcome you to one full bathroom with a free-standing tub and a double shower, a dining room, a wet bar, a master bedroom, and a grand living room with views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

The James New York plans on opening a restaurant on-site, but no official announcement has been made.