Daily Pampering: Exclusive Delano drink package for Gadling readers

by Melanie Nayer on

Even the most exclusive hotels know where to come when they want to offer an exclusive deal. That’s right, luxe-lovers – today’s Daily Pampering is an exclusive deal from the Miami Delano, just for you.

For $395/night, the Delano is offering Daily Pampering readers a night of unbridled luxury, complete with accommodations, a bottle of house champagne and priority access for up to four guests at the legendary Rose Bar or The Florida Room.

The Rose Bar in the Miami Delano is, well, as elegant as a rose is meant to be. The sophisticated space has rose-colored walls and custom Venetian chandeliers, and exudes a certain sense of intimate luxury that appeals to discerning guests.

The Florida Room has all the appeal that Miami Beach nightlife should have. The modern day piano lounge has been a favorite of celebrities including Lenny Kravitz and Jamie Foxx. Sit back and chill out under the smoky-bronze mirrored ceiling and custom-designed chandeliers before heading up to your room for the night. The guest room’s white-on-white design is enhanced with rich textures and colors that captures the essence of Miami. From the floating mirrors to the billowing white curtains, you’ll feel like a celebrity in your Delano room.

Use this link to book a package. Blackout dates do apply, but the offer is valid through Dec. 30, 2010.

Want more? Get your dose of daily pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Miami’s ‘Rhythm Massage’

by Melanie Nayer on

When Dayalis Gonzalez was looking for a way to spice up her daily spa routines, she turned on the music in her car and let the beat guide her. The result? A unique massage that incorporates the rhythm of Latin and Spanish music into massage movements meant to connect your mind and body with sound.

“Massage therapy is a form of healing, and so is music, and I wanted to combine them both,” said Gonzalez, a massage therapist at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Miami. And so it was discovered – Miami’s Rhythm Massage, available to guests starting July 1 at the hotel.

If a massage were adorned in a red halter dress, stilettos and with Antonio Banderas on its arm, this would be that massage.

Guests choose from two variations – the relaxing or energizing version; or you can request a combination. The relaxing massage uses long strokes to the sounds of sensuous salsa harmonies. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day on the beach and before lounging under the stars on a steamy Miami night. The energizing rhythm massage blends cross-friction techniques to upbeat Latin music – you leave feeling completely energized and ready to get your groove on, Miami-style. The massage is unlike anything you’ve experienced — the strokes ‘dance’ over your muscles to the various beats of the music, and within minutes you’re transported to a dance club, salsa and samba-ing your way into a new mindset.

The Rhythm massage is one of 19 new treatments The Ritz-Carlton South Beach spa is introducing starting July 1.

Want more? Get your dose of Daily Pampering right here.


Air Berlin’s two-for-one promo

by Alex Robertson Textor on

Air Berlin, the German low-cost carrier that gets typically great reviews for its various old-school perks seldom associated with budget airlines (assigned seating, checked bags carried through to connecting flights, and free snacks, drinks, and newspapers) is promoting a great special offer, today through June 28.

The offer sees the airline selling two-for-one Berlin-Miami and Berlin-Dubai fares. Some of Air Berlin’s beginning fares are already quite reasonable, so the two-for-one offer is nothing to be sneezed at. The lowest fare I was able to find for both Berlin-Dubai and Berlin-Miami flights is €408, a decent deal for a single traveler. For two, €408 for a round trip Berlin-Miami or Berlin-Dubai fare is a downright steal.

Helpfully for American tourists, this offer also applies to journeys originating in Miami. Air Berlin’s deal thus provides a cheap route for South Florida-based travelers to one of Europe’s most exciting cities. The Berlin-Dubai two-for-one offer also provides a great opportunity to inexpensively extend a Europe jaunt to Dubai.

Remarkably, as of right now, there are Berlin-Dubai flights still available at the starting €408 fare for travel during the high-demand weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

While the two-for-one flights have to be booked by June 28, the travel period covered by the promotion is broad. The two-for-one deal can be booked for travel between November 1 and April 30, 2011.

(Image: Flickr/woody1778a)

Thirsty? Drink up at one of these top 10 roofdeck bars

by Gadling Staff on

It’s been a long day, it’s hot outside, and you need a cold beverage – stat! Maybe you’re celebrating a good friend’s promotion, or commiserating over a failed board meeting. Whatever the reason, rooftop bars were created for a reason – to relax, rejoice and re-hydrate while taking in some of the best views. Here are the top 10 roofdeck bars not to be missed:

1. Sky Terrace, on the Hudson Hotel – New York, NY

The Sky Terrace is an outdoor bar featuring some of the most amazing views New York and the Hudson River. Grab a chair or hang in an hammock. Caveat: the rooftop is only accessible if you are staying in the hotel or know someone who is.

2. 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden – New York, NY

Another from the New York, NY area is the 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden. Situated in the heart of Manhattan this 22,000 square-foot rooftop bar can accommodate about 350 people. The rooftop has 1940s furniture surrounded by palm trees and fountains, giving it a most tranquil atmosphere. Order up some eats from the mostly Malaysian-influenced menu and sip on a specialty cocktails. The bar is open year round, and guests get complementary robes during the colder season.

3. Float, on the Hard Rock Hotel – San Diego, CA

In San Diego‘s Hard Rock Hotel lives the Float, featuring a comfortable bar, spacious pool deck for lounging and multiple fire-pits for keeping warm on those cold Southern California nights.

4. Spire Bar & Lounge, on The Hotel – Miami, FL

The Spire Bar and Lounge is located in The Hotel in Miami, and is a great place for young spring breakers. Located in Miami’s Art Deco District this stylish bar offers great views of the Miami skyline and beach, both of which may be enjoyed with the bar’s extensive cocktail and tapas menus.

5. Rooftop Lounge, on The Townhouse Hotel – Miami, FL

Also in Miami is the Rooftop Lounge at the top of The Townhouse Hotel. During the day this is an excellent place to kick back and relax by the pool. At night, the roofdeck turns into one of South Beach’s great social hot spots. There are regular parties every Friday and Saturday nights with a maximum capacity of 250 people. The affordable drinks and panoramic views make this a rooftop you don’t want to miss.6. Medjool Sky Terrace – San Francisco, California

Medjool Sky Terrace in San Francisco is the rooftop of the world-famous Medjool Restaurant. It Features a Mediterranean style tapas menu, cocktails, and breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco. Medjool Sky Terrace does not take reservations, so in order to take advantage of the bar and lounge it is best to arrive at a reasonable hour.

7. The Peabody – Memphis, TN

A well known hotel for rooftop parties in Memphis is The Peabody. Playing host to parties for some 80 years now, The Peabody Hotel is a historical and elegant place, perfect for vacationers and residents, alike. The cover? A mere $5. The result? A night to remember in Memphis.

8. Sky Bar, The Hilton – Virginia Beach, VA

On the rooftop of the Virginia Beach Hilton is Sky Bar, offering exceptional views from the 21st floor. On a clear night, you can see all the way to North Carolina. Featuring a specially prepared menu, high-end beers, wines, and spirits and the infinity-edge pool, this is the perfect place to experience this hotel’s full beauty.

9. Above Beverly Hills, The Thompson Beverly Hills – Los Angeles, CA

Rising above the not-to-clean air of Los Angeles lies the Thompson Beverley Hills rooftop bar, located just off Rodeo Drive. Only to hotel patrons and their invited guests, this rooftop bar has become a favorite LA hot-spot for those looking out for the newest place to see and be seen. T

10. Highbar, The Gramercy Park Hotel – New York, NY

Nestled on the top of the world famous Gramercy Park Hotel is the Highbar. A likely place to see celebrities, this 18th floor New York terrace bar offers panoramic views of Manhattan. Open until 3 a.m. on weekends, the Highbar hosts drinks and simple foods, such as hot dogs and hamburgers.

Aaron Gruenert is a Seed.com writer

New Wyndham hotel opens in Miami’s South Beach

by Melanie Nayer on

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is continuing its Florida hotel expansion with the opening of a new 133-room-and-suite Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach. The new hotel, located at 1050 Washington Avenue in South Beach’s entertainment district, sits two blocks from the beach and is a short drive from Miami’s International Airport and the Port of Miami.

The hotel sits on the site of the historic 1922 Coral House, which was preserved by the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board and recently underwent a $5.5 million renovation before joining the Wyndham family. On the grounds is Catch 10 Seafood Bistro, which offers outdoor seating, room service and poolside dining, as well as Starbucks coffee and the hotel’s signature mint lemonade.

The Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach offers the typical Wyndham amenities: BeWell bedding, room service, concierge services, valet parking and free high-speed wireless Internet access. In addition, each guest room and suite offers large work desks and ergonomic chairs, as well as marble counter-tops, white lacquered vanities with vessel sinks and spa teak benches in all showers. The Wyndham South Beach property has lush gardens surrounding an outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness facility.

The hotel is across the street from the Wolfsonian Museum, a short walk to the Lincoln Road Mall and the Versace Mansion (now the Villa by Barton G) on Ocean Drive.