Facts By The Numbers For The 2012 Olympic Games In London

by Jessica Festa on

Excited for the upcoming Olympics? While you may have a favorite athlete in mind or a specific team you’re rooting for, there is actually a lot more that goes into preparing for the Olympic Games than working out and training. To give you a better idea, here are 20 things you probably didn’t know about the upcoming Olympic games:

  • There will be 26 featured sports from 39 disciplines
  • The games will encompass 34 venues
  • There have been 8.8 million tickets sold
  • There will be 10,500 athletes competing
  • 21,000 media and broadcasters will be present
  • There will be 3,000 technical officials
  • There will be 7,500 team officials
  • One million pieces of sports equipment are being sourced by LOCOG
  • 510 adjustable hurdles are being setup for Athletics
  • 600 basketballs will be used
  • 541 life jackets will be used for Canoeing, Marathon Swimming, Rowing, Sailing and the Triathlon
  • 2,200 dozen tennis balls will be used for the games
  • There will be 2,700 footballs used
  • 53 sets of lane ropes will be set up for Swimming
  • There will be 6,000 Archery target faces used
  • For Boccia, 22 tape measures will be necessary
  • 356 pairs of Boxing gloves will be needed for the games
  • There will be 12 pairs of goalposts used for handball
  • 120 head protectors will be needed for Taekwondo
  • For Wrestling and Judo, 99 training dolls will be needed
  • 375 doctors will be on hand, as well as 150 nurses, 200,000 pairs of gloves and 150,000 condoms
  • 165,000 towels 22,000 pillows will be on hand in the Olympic Village accommodation
  • For Games Maker uniforms, 766 miles of fabric will be necessary

Click here for more information about the London Olympics.

Thailand Rings In The New Year With A Massive Water Fight

by Jessica Festa on




While many cultures celebrate New Year’s on December 31 and January 1, Thailand waits until April 13 to 15 to commemorate the holiday. Known as Songkran, it is traditionally very spiritual. Locals visit temples, sprinkle water on Buddha images to pay respect as well as on each other’s hands to wish them good luck. There are also cultural performances and delicious street foods to enhance the festivities. However, the annual Songkran has evolved over the years to include an all-out water fight through the city streets. Picture complete strangers hurling buckets of water at you and mercilessly shooting you with their water guns. This is Songkran.

Songkran festival dates and programming vary a bit from city to city. You can click here for full details for each region. Just remember, if you’re going to be in Thailand during Songkran, leave your electronics at home and don’t wear anything you don’t mind getting wet. Nobody is safe.

To get a better idea of what Songkran is like, check out the video above.

These US Hotels Are Helping Guests Celebrate Earth Day With Eco-Friendly Programming

by Jessica Festa on

,Want to travel while also doing something good for the planet? These hotels are offering packages and promotions in honor of Earth Day.

Auberge Resorts
Various U.S. Locations

Auberge Resorts has six properties in the United States, each of which is committed to what CEO Mark Harmon calls “Responsible Luxury.” In honor of Earth Day, each resort is featuring special programming for the month of April. Some of the activities include:

  • Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina) – The property will host a “New Earth Year Resolutions” two-hour nature walk on Monday, April 23.
  • Auberge du Soleil (Napa Valley, California) – Guests can partake in a “Napa Valley Dream Experience” package, part of which includes a visit to the winery and vineyards at Long Meadow Ranch, followed by a three-course winemaker’s menu prepared with local ingredients and a private tour of the organic and biodynamic Quintessa winery.
  • Encantado (Santa Fe, New Mexico) – On Earth Day, Taos Pueblo tribesman Robert Evan Trujillo will lead a special Earth Day blessing and drumming ceremony at 6:00 p.m.

For more information on properties and Earth Day activities, call 866-282-3743 or click here. St. Julien Hotel and Spa
Boulder, Colorado

St. Julien Hotel and Spa is an upscale accommodation immersed in the laid-back beauty of the Rocky Mountains. To help reduce its impact on the environment, the property is working with UHG Consulting to minimize their waste, use eco-friendly products and implement greener practices. During the week of Earth Day, St. Julien Hotel and Spa will be featuring special promotions and programming. Moreover, a portion of the proceeds raised during Earth Week will be donated to the Center for ReSource Conservation. Some of the events include showing a sustainability-themed movie on April 22, and a happy hour benefit on April 28.

Call 720-406-9696 or click here to book.

Terranea Resort
Los Angeles, California

Terranea Resort is an eco-luxury getaway, located on the picturesque Palos Verdes Peninsula. From April 18 to April 22, the property will be hosting an array of green activities to commemorate Earth Day. Clean-ups by kayak, an edible landscaping workshop and tidepooling excursions will be part of the programming as well as:

  • Sea Lion Release and Volunteer Drive – Volunteers will work with the Marine Mammal Care Center rehabilitation and rescue team to help reintroduce sea lions into the wild.
  • Tree and Habitat Restoration – Participants will trek through Terranea’s Discovery Trail with a guide, and assist in restoring indigenous plants.
  • Hawk Walk – The hotel’s ornithologists and falconers will educate guests on the area’s native birds and discuss their environmental contributions.

Call 866-802-8000 or click here to book.

Kimpton Muse Hotel
New York, NY

Kimpton Muse Hotel is a fashionable boutique accommodation located near Manhattan’s theater district. In honor of Earth Day, the property will be hosting an Eco Chic Boutique on April 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. During the event, guests can browse eco-friendly stalls while sipping organic cocktails. Some of the vendors that will be in attendance include:

The entrance fee is $15, which includes one signature drink. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the New York Restoration Project.

Call 212-485-2400 or click here to book.

Royalton
New York, NY

Royalton is a sophisticated property located in midtown Manhattan that introduces elements from all over the world into its design. For instance, while the building’s facade is from France, the wall patterns reflect African tribal art. In observance of Earth Day, the hotel is featuring four special “Earth Day” cocktails from April 16 to April 27. Ingredients for the cocktails will be purchased from the Union Square Farmers Market to help ensure freshness, quality and sustainability. Each drink will be $16, with $2 of the profit going to benefit Grow NYC. Moreover, to give guests something to take home, menus will be printed on seed paper that can be planted to grow herbs and flowers.

Call 212-869-4400 or click here to book.

Red Mountain Resort
Ivins, Utah

Red Mountain Resort is a holistic accommodation focused on relaxation and helping guests to get active in nature. On April 22, the property is offering a 40 percent discount at their spa on their Nature Inspired Treatments. Some of these discounted menu items include the “Four Directions,” which offers a full-body cornmeal tobacco exfoliation and sweet grass herbal wrap, or a body wrap made of Great Salt Lake mineral salts, sesame, avocado, apricot kernal, shea butter and jojoba oil.

Call 877-246-4453 or click here to book.

Turnberry Isle Miami
Miami, Florida

Turnberry Isle Miami is a tropical resort located in North Miami Beach. Being that the property’s design is focused around the continued growth of a 100-year-old banyan tree, it’s no surprise the hotel is going all out for Earth Day. On April 22, Turnberry Isle Miami will be hosting an array of green activities, like a 2.9 mile Earth Day Run that will benefit Operation Green Leaves, a complimentary Chef’s Garden Tour and a night of Glow-in-the-Dark Solar Drop cocktails.

Call 855-201-8027 or click here to book.

JW Marriott Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

The JW Marriott Chicago is a deluxe accommodation in downtown Chicago, located near Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. In honor of Earth Day, the property is offering a Midwest Craft Beer & Cheese Flight from April 20 to April 22. Locally crafted beers and cheeses will be paired by Chef Michael Reich in the hotel’s stylish Lobby Lounge. In his culinary and beverage creations, Reich focuses on using high-quality organic ingredients. The beer and cheese flights will cost $12.

Call 800-228-9290 or click here to book.

Relieve Your Tax Day Stress By Taking Advantage Of These Travel Deals And Events

by Jessica Festa on

Do you dread Tax Day? While you’ll still have to file your income tax returns, these leaders in hospitality are making April 17 more fun for travelers.

Loews Hotels

This April, Loews Hotels, which features properties across the United States, is collaborating with mixologists Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay from Tippling Bros. to create a special menu for tax season. The hotel hopes to give guests a break during the stressful time by offering concoctions such as The Tax Audit, with American moonshine, simple syrup, club soda and fresh lemon juice, and The Tax Refund, which includes Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup and shaken bitters strained over crushed ice with a cherry and orange garnish. The drinks will be available from April 2 to April 30.

Call 1-800-23-LOEWS or click here to book. Laguna Vista Lodge

Located in Eagle Nest, New Mexico, Laguna Vista Lodge immerses visitors in a beautiful mountain setting and allows them to relax in nature. To help relieve some of the stress associated with Tax Day, the hotel is offering a “Tax Day Special,” which allows guests to stay at the lodge for three nights, with April 15 costing only $10.40 plus tax.

Call 1-800-821-2093 or click here to book.

Inn at Riverbend

Inn at Riverbend is a charming bed and breakfast in Pearisburg, Virginia, located near the Appalachian Trail, the New River and Virginia Tech. This Tax Day, the property is offering a “Tax Day Refund” package. Guests who book a room for April 15 and then stay on Sunday and Monday will receive a $75 refund on the spot.

Enter promo code TAX DAY REFUND when making a reservation. Click here to book.

Travaasa Hãna

Located in the town of Hãna on Maui, Hawaii, the Travaasa Hãna is a luxury experiential property set right on Kaihalulu Bay. To help guests relax during the tax month, the hotel is offering special classes, programs and pricing. First, there is their Tax Relief Menu, which includes an array of $15 offerings like a 30-minute personal training session, a one-on-one yoga and nutrition workshop, an extension from a 50-minute massage to an 80-minute massage or a select bottle of wine. Moreover, Travaasa Hãna is featuring a 15-course tasting menu with wine pairing for $150 per person.

Call 855-868-7283 or click here to book.

Travaasa Austin

Travaasa Austin in Austin, Texas, is set near the beautiful Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and tries to get guests active in nature. Just like their sister property above, in honor of Tax Day they will be featuring a $15 experience menu and 15-course tasting menu and wine pairing for $150 per person.

Call 855-868-7283 or click here to book.

Americano Restaurant at Hotel Vitale

Hotel Vitale in San Francisco, California, is a luxury property set right on the water. In honor of Tax Day, their onsite Americano Restaurant will be offering a “Tax Relief Special.” From now until April 15, guests will be able to purchase bottles of wine for half price from Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The restaurant is famous for its delicious Italian cuisine, created using locally-sourced ingredients, which can be perfectly paired with their vino offerings.

Call 415-278-3777 or click here to make a reservation.

Grant Grill Lounge at the U.S. Grant Hotel

Located in downtown San Diego, California, the U.S. Grant Hotel has been a luxury property and city icon since 1910. This April 17, their onsite Zagat-winning restaurant, Grant Grill Lounge, is offering a specialty cocktail for only $4.17. To receive the discount, patrons must say the password, “DEDUCTION.” While sipping your libation, nibble on exquisite locally-sourced dishes like Jumbo Diver Scallops, California Sea Bass or Niman Ranch Pork Cheeks.

Call 619-744-2077 or click here to book.

New York Water Taxi

New York Water Taxi provides “entertaining, stimulating, and enlightening ways to see New York City’s dazzling skyline, celebrated bridges and lush waterfront parks while maintaining a community-conscious fleet that honors [New York’s] cherished waterways.” For those who can show proof of filing their taxes on April 15 and 16, they will receive a buy one, get one free ticket for the Statue of Liberty Express. This features a one-hour guided tour to see Lady Liberty as well as all day access to their Hop On Hop Off service.

Tickets can be purchased at either South Street Seaport, Pier 17, or West 44th Street, Pier 84.

Flat Creek Estate

Flat Creek Estate, located in Marble Falls, Texas, is an expansive vineyard and winery that regularly hosts festivals and events. To help people get their mind off Tax Day, the estate is hosting a Tax Day Festival on April 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests will get to relax in the country, stroll through beautiful wildflowers and take a complimentary vineyard tour. Furthermore, discounted food and wine will be available, including a glass of wine and flatbread pizza from their wood-fired oven for $15. There will also be $5 glasses of wine and $10 bottles.

Flat Creek Estate is located at 24912 Singleton Bend East. Call 512-267-6310 for more information.

Matsuri Restaurant and Hiro Ballroom give people a chance to own a piece of New York City history

by Jessica Festa on

For those who have enjoyed delicious steak and seafood dishes at Matsuri, or late night dancing in the Hiro Ballroom, there’s sad news. These two popular New York venues in the Maritime Hotel, which have hosted guests like Mick Jagger, Nicole Kidman and Karl Lagerfeld, are set to close their doors for good. Luckily, the owners have decided to give people the chance to take home a piece of the Big Apple’s hospitality history.

A live auction, as well as several previews, will be facilitated by Michael Amodeo & Co. Participants will have the chance to bid on items such as flatware, original artwork, walnut flooring, and giant handmade Japanese lanterns. Even the men’s urinals, which were also handmade in Japan, are being auctioned off. The event dates are as follows:

  • Monday, April 2, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Preview
  • Tuesday, April 3, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Preview
  • Wednesday, April 4, 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Preview
  • Wednesday, April 4, 2:00 p.m.- all items sold. Auction

While smaller items can be purchased and brought home the day of the auction, larger items must be brought home by Thursday, April 5. The Maritime Hotel is located at 363 West 16th Street, off 9th Avenue.