10 hotels celebrating centennial birthdays in 2012

by Jessica Festa on

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.

How to find a last-minute room in Austin for SXSW

by Jessica Marati on

Over the past several years, the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Music, Film and Interactive Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas, has topped the event calendar for industry insiders, along with anyone eager to discover the Next Big Thing. This year’s festival, which runs from March 9 to 18, promises to be the most intense yet, with hundreds of panels, workshops, concerts and events on the official schedule.

But Austin, it appears, isn’t ready for the visitor boom brought on by the two-week spectacle. In December, organizers announced that SXSW rooms had sold out in local hotels for the Interactive and Film portions of the festival, with three months left before the start of the event. Last minute attendees, in particular, have been scrambling for places to crash.

SXSW organizers have stepped in with an option. In true “interactive” spirit, the SXSW Housing Desk is encouraging individuals who booked a hotel room with two beds to offer their additional bed to a friend or colleague, or swap for a room with a single bed. They’re maintaining a waiting list for people who wish to be informed when a room opens up this way; you can get on it by emailing housing@sxsw.com.

And then, of course, there are the online options. Thousands of enterprising Austin residents are making significant chunks of change by offering their homes, spare rooms, couches, and even air mattresses to desperate attendees. Airbnb reports a 44% increase in Austin host sign-ups since January, and more than 3,000 nights have already been booked. But Airbnb’s Austin listings don’t come cheap; inflation has led to nightly rates of $200 to $2000 per night. A more lo-fi option is Craigslist’s Austin vacation rentals listings, which offer up new places seemingly by the minute and have lower average rates than those found on Airbnb. Or, try issuing a desperate plea on Facebook or Twitter. You’ll certainly have lots of company.

[image by Merrick Ales via SXSW.com]

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.

London hotel offers champagne baths

by Melanie Renzulli on

While drinking a 2002 Dom Pérignon, have you ever thought to yourself, “Damn, this stuff is so good, I should take a bath in it!” Well, you’re not the only one with such luxurious fantasies. Starting Valentine’s Day and running through the next year, the Cadogan Hotel in London will be offering a menu of champagne baths to guests who want to try out the ultimate bubbly bath.

What’s your flavor? On the menu are a 1998 Louis de Custine Brut bath for £4,000 (ca. $6,300); a soak in Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut 2002 for £6,000; Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé 2004 or the Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label 2006 baths, each for £8,000; or, the most outrageous of them all, the Dom Pérignon champagne bath, which goes for £25,000. It takes about 122 bottles to fill the bathtub with the chosen libation. One of the Cadogan’s bath butlers assists in drawing the bath and heating it to guests’ desired temperature. Once guests are submerged in the tub, the butler attends with flutes of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

If money was no object, would this be something you would like to try? Or would you rather see the champagne put to better use? Tell us in the comments below.