Hotel News We Noted: January 11, 2013

by McLean Robbins on

Welcome to this week’s edition of “Hotel News We Noted,” where we round up the week’s best, most interesting and just downright odd news of note in the hospitality world. Have a tip? Send us a note or leave a comment below.

This week’s hotel news focuses heavily on the new – perhaps appropriate as we ring in a new year. We can’t help but get a bit of wanderlust as we explore these new properties, ranging from boho chic in Jamaica to marvelously modern in Oslo, plus a bit of news for your perusal.

Hotel (Re)Opening of Note: Miami’s Sense Beach House
There’s no doubt, Miami is hot in the hotel world for 2013, and when another new property opens, we’re always eager to bring you news. We “sense” this property will be more our speed than many other South Beach picks. The three-story, 18-room hotel is decorated and designed to mimic a luxe vacation home, complete with “Front Porch” bar, a dining room restaurant with farm-to-table fare, a game room with foosball and ping pong, and a rooftop pool and lounge. The rustic yet chic decor (seen above), with its reclaimed woods and warm colors, mimics a cozy hideaway more than South Beach glam, but that’s just fine with us. At $300 a night, it’s not overly pricey either.

Design Star: The Thief Strikes Oslo
Oslo’s first waterfront hotel has “stolen” the show since its Jan. 9 opening. The Thief Hotel, part of Design Hotels Group, is named after a tiny islet, Tjuvholmen, in Olso where criminals were brought to trial, nicknamed Thief Island. Today, the up-and-coming neighborhood, just a short boat ride away from the city proper, features many businesses and cultural activities. The hotel itself is a tribute to this neighborhood’s rising popularity (the hotel is next to the brand new Museum of Modern Art), with original artwork from an in-house curator, mod furnishings, and an exterior design by architect Renzo Piano. Rates begin from about $375.

Get Glam In Jamaica: The Geejam Collection’s Castle Is Coming
Jamaica has long been a favorite of jetsetters and budget beach seekers alike. Now Port Antonio has another reason to visit with the debut of the Geejam Collection. The first two projects to debut are the oceanfront 13-villa Trident Hotel and the landmark Trident Castle that has been converted into a luxury eight-room hotel, (opening March 15, 2013). The third is the Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Villas, set to open later in the year. Expect Apple TVs, villas with steam rooms and wet bars, a screening room and art gallery, yoga deck, a supper club with red 1917 Steinway piano, and rare cognacs and Cuban rums at the bar. Spring break for adults, anyone? Studio villas start from $750 in high season, castle rates from a reasonable $275.

Haute Hotel Of the Week (Celeb Spotting, Anyone?): The Beverly Hills Hilton
Anyone watching the Golden Globes this weekend? We sure are. Hollywood’s elite will descend on this ultra-famous Hilton for one of the biggest awards events of the season. The Los Angeles Times has a great roundup on the party scene – perfect for anyone wanting to camp out in a hotel lobby for some celeb spotting.

Psst – we’ll dedicate some of next week’s column to hotels where you can celeb spot for the other coast’s big weekend, the 57th presidential inauguration.

Hotel News We Noted: January 4, 2013

by McLean Robbins on

Welcome back, readers! We hope you spent the last days of 2012 and the first few of 2013 in good health, great spirits and an even greater location. We rang out 2012 at one of our favorite local escapes, Four Seasons Baltimore, and spent lots of time this season reflecting on all that we experienced over the past year.

Although we’re just a few days into 2013, the hotel world is already gearing up for a brilliant year. We’re always looking for ways to spice up the column, so we’ll welcome suggestions, tips and ideas from readers at anytime – just email us.

And now, without further ado, here’s this year’s first edition of “Hotel News We Noted.”

Hotel Week 2013 Means Great Deals in NYC
Hotel Week NYC™ kicks off on January 4 and runs through January 20, 2013, bringing a much needed boost to New York City’s economy after Hurricane Sandy reared its head. This 17-day event celebrates some of the city’s most prestigious hotels at a fraction of the cost ($100, $200 and $250 per night). Now 24 properties are participating, including some of our favorites; Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, The James New York and Hotel Chandler are just some of our favorite hotels welcoming guests. View the full list of participating hotels here.

Even More Great NYC and DC Deals
Affinia is making winter travel affordable as well. Book between January 8 and 10 at any Affinia property in DC and New York and get 25% off the best available rate. That means that stays start at just $95 in DC and $129 in New York, a great deal at any time of year.
To book, visit www.affinia.com/JAN3DY, or call 866-246-2203 and mention promotional code JAN3DY.

Opening of Note: Fairmont The Palm
The first major opening of 2013 is in none other than the trendy location of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island shaped in the form of a palm tree. The 381-room Fairmont The Palm is located next to Burj Khalifa, the tallest freestanding building and The Dubai Mall, the largest retail development. We can’t wait to visit!

Fashion and Fun for JW Marriott and Nordstrom
Did you know that December was the most common month for engagements of the entire year? Now newly engaged brides and grooms the country over are scouring the globe for their perfect wedding location. If you’re a JW Marriott fan, enter their new Pinterest contest and the winner will get a $4,000 credit to the Nordstrom wedding suite, plus a a five-night stay inclusive of breakfast and spa treatments at their choice of one of the ten JW Marriott Resorts in the U.S. and Mexico, valued at $3,000.

Sweet Suite: Live Like “Downton Abbey” in Canada
One of our favorite shows returns for its third season (which we may or may not have already streamed online) this Sunday, and we’re borderline obsessed with all things Downton. For that reason, “The Manor Package” at Canada’s Oak Bay sounds right up our alley – and possibly yours too. Located in scenic Victoria, this waterfront town in British Columbia is one of our all-time favorites. The 999 CAD package includes:

  • Round-trip transfers by the Oak Bay Beach Hotel chauffeured Rolls Royce – between the hotel and any Victoria terminal (airport or ferry)
  • Two nights in a signature ocean view king guest room – including nightly turndown service
  • A full English breakfast each morning
  • High Tea served in the Conservatory
  • Dinner for two in the gourmet Dining Room
  • Personalized Butler service during your stay
  • Full access to the seaside mineral pools, steam room and fitness center.

[Image Credit: Fairmont The Palm]

Hotel News We Noted: December 21, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

By now we are all sure of one thing: the world has not ended. We did get a little scared last night, however, when a power station in Annapolis blew up and caused this massive light show explosion and caused power all over town to go out. That said, we’re pretty sure we’re okay, and so this week’s “Hotel News We Noted” will go on.

Hotel Trend of the Week: What’s Happening for New Year’s Eve?
According to Expedia.com, New Year’s Eve is one of the country’s leading days to book a last minute hotel room. Such bookings are up to 50% higher than similar bookings in November and the first half of December. Half of respondents said that they booked these rooms out of necessity – they had consumed a few too many drinks and elected to stay overnight. The second-most cited reason was “personal,” and the third was “whimsy” (27%). Where might these hotel rooms be booked? According to Hotwire, the ten most popular cities for New Year’s Eve revelry are Orlando, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, London, San Diego, Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Hotel Openings of Note: Ritz-Carlton’s first North American Reserve
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has opened its doors after a long wait, making it one of our most noted 2012 openings. The new brand takes traditional Ritz-Carlton luxury to an “ultra-luxury” level, including private butler service, more spacious rooms, high-end amenities and a more boutique feel. The Dorado Beach property is situated on the former Laurence Rockefeller estate and features just 100 rooms and 14 suites. The resort features a full-service spa as well as a restaurant by acclaimed chef Jose Andres.

Hotels Coming Soon: Aloft Iraq
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open a new boutique hotel, Aloft Erbil, in 2015. The property will mark the launch of the Aloft brand in Iraq. This isn’t the brand’s first foray into the country, either. Earlier this year, Starwood announced plans to open a Sheraton Erbil as well. Thanks Hotels Magazine for the tip. You might also be interested in the Gadling exclusive series “Destination: Iraq.”

Haute Hotel Deal of the Week: Free Brunch at Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro
Want to toast 2013 in the Windy City? It just got a little more affordable. Hotel Allegro Chicago, a Kimpton property, is offering a complimentary “Recovery Brunch” on January 1 featuring cold pizza, a bloody mary bar, and bottles of water. Want to stay overnight? Rates start at $199 – a pretty good deal!

“Hotel News We Noted” will return on January 4 after a brief holiday hiatus.

[Image Credit: Dorado Beach]

Hotel News We Noted: December 7, 2012 (Special Edition)

by McLean Robbins on

We write today with bad news. Judging by the amount of press releases in our inbox, the world will end on December 21, as predicted by the Mayan calendar, and nine days before, on 12-12-12, the publicity world will relish their last ever chance to send out far too many press releases about a holiday that may or may not happen.

And what reporters would we be if we did not bring you such news, interspersed with our favorite “Hotel News We Noted” of the week.

An Over-The-Top 12/12/12 Wedding at Jumby Bay
Book a wedding date to remember at Rosewood’s exclusive Antigua resort. Book the Once in a Lifetime Package and receive accommodations for three nights for 80 of your closest friends, private “White Night” party, cocktail and wedding reception, ceremony and more. Want to know how exclusive this place is? It once denied access to Princess Diana. Rates start at $230,000 for a three-night wedding event for up to 80 persons (40 rooms).

A 12/12/12 Promo You Can Afford
In honor of 12/12/12, Affinia Hotels in NYC and D.C. are treating guests to a special low rate of $112.12 for Sunday night stays available for booking on Dec. 12 between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. only. Those looking to extend their stay beyond Sunday, can also receive 12 percent off any additional nights booked. This limited-time offer is available for travel from Jan. 2, 2013 – March 31, 2013. To book visit www.affinia.com/Dec12 and use promotional code TWELVE.

Gamble The Day Away
Packages to top gambling destinations on the last triple-digit date of the century are considered very lucky. OneTravel.com has packages bookable by December 9 available for as little as $437 per person for four-night stays in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.End of the World Cocktails at Renaissance Hotels
Celebrate doomsday with decadent cocktail treats at Renaissance hotels throughout the U.S., or, if you’re like us, celebrate in your living room with these delicious recipes!

Mayan Sacrifice
1/3 oz. Patron Silver Tequila
1/3 oz. Bacardi 151
1/3 oz. Grenadine
2 Dash Creole Bitters

Mix ingredients together in a mixing glass over ice. Shake and strain into shot glass. Ensure shot has sufficient red coloring.

Survival Punch
2 oz. Death’s Door White Whiskey
1 oz. Peach Schnapps
1 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
¼ oz. Velvet Falernum
Blood Orange Bitters, to taste
Rosemary Sprig

In a shaker over ice, combine all ingredients and shake. Strain using funnel into bottle. Serve full bottle with 2 rocks glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Hallucination Celebration
1 1/2 oz. Lucid Absinthe Superieure
5 oz. Champagne (fill glass)
Gold Flakes or Leaf

Sprinkle desired amount of gold flakes in champagne flute. Carefully add Absinthe. Fill glass with champagne. Garnish with gold flakes.

Hotel Openings: Four Seasons Goes To Africa
A few years ago, we told you that glamping was a thing. Now Four Seasons has gotten on the trend with the opening of Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania, the first of the brand’s properties in Sub-Saharan Africa (two additional properties are planned in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and an exclusive beach resort on the island of Zanzibar). This 77-room lodge features 12 suites with plunge pools, five free-standing villas, two restaurants and two bars. The hotel will offer a full-service fitness center and spa as well as opportunities for game drives. (Psst: Really want to get to Africa? We reported on another brand new lodge from the Singita brand last week.)

Hot Hotel Scene: Miami
We spent a night in Miami last weekend and explored some of what the hottest city on the East Coast has to offer, just in advance of its poshest event of the winter season, Art Basel, going on now. SLS South Beach, a Philippe Stark-designed masterpiece, is undoubtedly the center of Collins Avenue cool, with its Hyde Beach club, Jose Andres restaurant, and old school campground decor. We’ve also heard great things about The James Royal Palm, another boutique brand’s entrance into the Miami hotel world, and the soon-to-open B South Beach. We stayed at Hotel Beaux Arts, a unique hotel-within-a-hotel concept that’s a one-of-a-kind experience within the Marriott brand. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Port of Miami and downtown, this super high-tech hotel has rooms full of Bang & Olufsen amenities. While we couldn’t figure out how to turn on the sink, we sure did feel like a high roller, and, thanks to the in-house (well, in the attached JW Marriott Marquis) basketball court, movie theater, golf school, and virtual bowling alley, you could too. This would be an ultimate bachelor party destination.

Hotel News We Noted: November 30, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

Greetings from warm and sunny Miami! Checking out one of the East Coast’s hottest hotel scenes is certainly a nice respite from the chilly temperatures we’ve been having up north. Next week, we’ll have a full report on our visits.

It has been a busy week in the hotel world. Many of our favorite properties offered Cyber Monday deals and even more put out holiday promotions. From Hanukkah to New Year’s Eve, hotels across the world are getting in the festive spirit.

Here’s our weekly roundup of “Hotel News We Noted.”

Want to know what’s coming up? We’re showcasing 12-12-12 and “end of the world” packages next week, as well as seeking out the coolest NYE packages you can find. Send ’em our way!

Cool Contest: Undercover Boss at Diamond Resorts
We generally love anything where we have a chance to win a trip, but this promotion is one of our favorites – because it gives people a chance to experience our jobs in real life! In celebration of Diamond Resorts International’s appearance on “Undercover Boss,” the group is giving ten lucky families the chance to star in their own, real-life version of the hit program. This sweepstakes celebrates the return of Diamond Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Cloobeck to the popular reality series – the first time that any Chief Executive has made a second appearance on the program. Enter here to win a free vacation consisting of a seven-day, six-night stay at select locations within the collection. The families will enjoy the Diamond Resort experience as “undercover” agents, and report directly back to Cloobeck with an evaluation of their stay.

Haute Hotel Restaurants: Element 47 at The Little Nell
It’s officially ski season, although we’re generally more excited about après ski than we are about hitting up the latest double black diamond. Which explains why we can’t wait to visit Element 47 at the acclaimed Little Nell resort, located at the base of Aspen Mountain. The farm-to-table restaurant will include dishes like Wagyu Tartare with gruyere, purple mustard, pastrami spice and quail egg; Sorrel Cured Atlantic Fluke with blood orange, petite lettuce and green olive; Wild and Cultivated Mushrooms with roasted, flan, tortellini and herbs; and Local Anjou Pear Agnolotti with wagyu bresaola, celeriac and pickled chanterelles. Yum. We’re hungry already.Hotel Opening: Singita Mara River
Glamping and luxury lovers rejoice. Acclaimed luxury game reserve brand Singita has opened their latest tented camp in Tanzania, Singita Mara River. Located in the secluded Lamai triangle, the new resort runs entirely on solar power. Extremely intimate (just six tents), the resort is edgy and fun, featuring a lounge, dining area, bar tent and plunge pool. Of course, all good things come at a price – rates are $1,200 per person per night in high season, going up to $1,275 in the new year.

Missed Cyber Monday? Here’s Another “Suite” Deal
Las Alamandas is offering a post Cyber Monday promo of 20% off suites, good for stays between December 19 and January 2, 2013. New Year’s Eve getaway, anyone? The 17-suite resort is located south of Puerto Vallarta and includes amenities like shaded terraces, private Jacuzzis and oversized tubs. A minimum four-night stay is required, and bookings must be made by December 5.

Hotels We’re Dying to Visit: Radisson Blu Nantes
We’ve long been interested in Radisson’s cool boutique brand, Radisson Blu, but even more so now thanks to the opening of their latest property in Nantes, France. The company’s newest flagship debuts after a five-year renovation of an 1851-era building that served as the Nantes Court of Law until 2000. The coolest part? Their restaurant is located in the building’s former grand courtroom and its wine cave is located in the former trial judge’s chambers. We know where we’ll be staying next time we’re in the Loire area.

[Image Credit: Radisson Blu Nantes]