Hotel News We Noted: November 23, 2012 (Special Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Edition)

by McLean Robbins on

Happy Holidays! With Thanksgiving officially behind us, it’s time to start the mad countdown to your winter festival of choice. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend away, a New Year’s blowout or are getting a head start on planning spring break, these deals are ripe for the choosing.

We’ve ranked our lucky 13 favorites, starting with brands and hotel groups and working our way down to amazing deals at individual hotels and resorts.

Craving more? For travel deals that aren’t related to hotels, check out Allison Kade’s post, here.

Your regularly scheduled “Hotel News We Noted” post will return on November 30.

Destination Hotels & Resorts
Destination Hotels & Resorts is offering an advanced look at some of its Cyber Monday savings with up to 50% off. More than 15 properties in Destination Hotels & Resorts are offering special deals of up to 50% off, including properties in Washington, D.C., Charleston, Colorado, Chicago and Northern Virginia. Visit http://www.destinationhotels.com/CyberMonday to book.

Omni Hotels Worldwide
For the third consecutive year, Omni Hotels & Resorts’ Click Quick offer will feature 999 room nights available at a $99 nightly rate. This rate applies only to rooms booked between Nov. 23 and Nov. 26, 2012, for stays through Jan. 31, 2013.

Viceroy Hotel Group
Now through Cyber Monday, Viceroy Hotel Group is offering a variety of deals on its 13 properties worldwide in cities like Anguilla, Santa Monica, Abu Dhabi and many more. For details, visit www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/earlyaccess.

Portico Club
This normally member’s-only travel club is offering special access to its private homes on Cyber Monday. Book homes or condos in areas like Steamboat Springs, Las Vegas, Scottsdale and Rose Hall. Special deals vary by property.

Loews Hotels
A Cyber Monday special will run from 12:01 a.m., Monday, Nov. 26 (EST) to 3 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27. Bookings apply for travel from Nov. 26, 2012 – April 30, 2013. Those who book on Cyber Monday will receive up to 40 percent off Loews Best Rate at 15 Loews Hotels & Resorts and free in-room Internet access.Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid
Lake Placid Lodge, is offering several Cyber Monday deals with savings of up to 50% off. Reservations for all deals are bookable online at LakePlacidLodge.com from 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 26 until 5 p.m. EST on Friday, Nov. 30. Rates start at $400 per night.

Grand Lucayan, Bahamas
Starting Black Friday, Nov. 23, through Cyber Monday, Nov. 26, Grand Lucayan, Bahamas, is offering 60% percent off stays for travel through Sept. 30, 2013. Rates begin as low as $79 in this 96-hour sale. Reservations must be made online here.

Miraval Resorts, Tucson
Starting Nov. 26 through Dec. 2, guests can book an all-inclusive Miraval 3-night stay for two and receive an extra $500 dollars in resort credits. The deal includes casita-style accommodations, a $150 nightly resort credit per person, all meals, unlimited self-discovery activities, full access to resort amenities, complimentary shuttle from Tucson International Airport or complimentary valet parking, a welcome gift and extra $500 in resort credits per stay.

Sonesta Resorts Saint Maarten
Sonesta Resorts Saint Maarten’s Black Friday Sale returns Nov. 22 – 29, 2012, offering a 50% discount on all-inclusive rates valid for travel Dec. 1, 2012 – Dec. 19, 2013. Bookings can be made with promo code BFSALE.

Bernardus Lodge, Carmel
The Bernardus Lodge is offering a special rate of $285 per night, complete with one 50-minute massage per room, a 50 percent savings, from Black Friday to Cyber Monday.

Helmsley Park Lane Hotel, New York City
On Monday, Nov. 26, the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel in New York City will offer 40% off the best available rate for stays Dec. 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013. This Cyber Monday special will be viewable and bookable on that day only by visiting this link here.

Hotel Madeline Telluride, Colorado
Book your winter vacation and save up to 50% at Hotel Madeline Telluride. Hotel Madeline Telluride is offering a one-of-a-kind Ski & Spa package, which combines access to the resort’s 2,000 skiable-acres and the hotel’s relaxing spa. For $600 total, guests who book the Ski & Spa package on Cyber Monday will receive two nights in a deluxe king room, breakfast for two, two ski passes and two massages.

[Image credit: Lake Placid Lodge]

Hotel News We Noted: November 17, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

Happy weekend, hotel lovers. We’ve made it to the end of the last full week before holiday madness begins, and let us say, it’s been a doozy. Stay tuned next week for a special “Hotel News We Noted” edition, full of Black Friday and Cyber Monday packages galore.

Until then, here’s your weekly dose of what’s hot (and what’s not) in the hotel world. As always, send us tips and newsy bits to this email address.

Hotel Package: They’ll Toss In The Turkey Too
Extended stay hotel brand AKA is sweetening the deal this Thanksgiving. If you join in the hotel’s Great Turkey PhotoFest on November 22, the hotel will give you a complimentary turkey. In order to receive the free turkey, guests must commit to post a photo/twitpic the finished product on AKA’s Facebook page or use their @StayAKA handle or hashtag #TheGreatTurkeyPhotoFest via Twitter. All hail the bird at the brand’s North American properties in New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Beverly Hills. , are encouraged to participate

Movember Madness at Renaissance Times Square
Participating in Movember? Recap: Men grow mustaches in November to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation. If so, hit up R Lounge in the Renaissance New York Times Square hotel on November 30 to enjoy Movember-themed food and drink (mustache-shaped cookies and foaming cocktails), with all of the proceeds going to cancer initiatives. We’re fairly confident that this seems like a good cause, although we’re also fairly sure that that many mustaches in one room is going to be either epic-ally awesome or awesomely awful. We figured we’d give a few week’s notice if you want to grow a handlebar or a fu man chu and participate … oh, and we never turn down gratis food. All men attending with a ‘stache get a free Blue Ribbon appetizer.Sub-Standard: Woman Sues The Standard After Giving Birth In The Hotel
The Standard’s former manager is suing the hotel for $10 million after giving birth in the hotel last year, Yahoo! is reporting. Manager Tara Kimkee Tan went into labor on a Saturday evening while on duty and gave birth in a hotel guest room without medical assistance. Afterwards, Tan claims that she was ushered unceremoniously out a side door and denied maternity leave. But that isn’t why she’s suing. Tan was fired for allegedly stealing hotel property, and claims that she is not only innocent, but that she was fired because she doesn’t fit the hotel’s “image” of young, tall and blonde. Oh brother – this case sounds like a not so “standard” mess.

Sweet Romance: Four Seasons #IgniteTheSpark
It may not be the month for romance quite yet (we’ll give that honor to February), but Four Seasons is doing their very best to “ignite the spark” with a series of packages at their properties around the world. Ranging from gratis cocktails to spa treatments, these packages are perfect for holiday proposals or just getting away from it all during an otherwise busy season. The add-ons vary: at the Chiang Mai property, couples can make a traditional wish on a banana leaf and release the leaf into the resort’s pond. In Boston, they’ll get a Porshe Panamera rental for a day, and in Costa Rica, they’ll enjoy surfing lessons. The saying “whatever floats your boat” or “revs your engine” was taken literally here, we see!

[Image Credit: Renaissance Hotels]

Hotel News We Noted: November 10, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

It’s official, and hopefully you’re not too blue about it. We’re in for four more years of President Obama, but that doesn’t mean Washington (hotels) are any less excited about inauguration. We’ve been tracking what our favorite properties are doing to prepare, but also what’s going on in the hotel world at large for this week’s “Hotel News We Noted.”

As always, send us questions and comments via email, and don’t forget that our annual Black Friday / Cyber Monday roundup is fast approaching. If you know of a great deal, sent it out way.

Hotel Openings: The James Miami, Four Seasons Beijing, Kukui’ula Club Cottages, Andaz Amsterdam
It’s a big week in the world of hotel openings! Here are the highlights:

  • The James has expanded their brand to the hot, hot, hot Miami with the opening this week of The James Royal Palm. The renovated property (formerly The Royal Palm) will join The James’ brand of boutique hotels in New York and Chicago.
  • Prefer something a bit more exotic? Four Seasons has opened their first hotel in China’s capital this week. The 313-room property is close enough to be useful to downtown business travelers and leisure guests seeking access to China’s many cultural attractions too.
  • We’ve had our eye on Hawaii for some time now, as airfare from the East Coast has been unusually affordable. On our next visit, we’re excited to check out the new Kukui’ula Club Cottages on Kaua’i, 15-single family cottages right next to the main Plantation House. Hello, if the President rents a private home while in Hawaii, why shouldn’t we?
  • Hyatt’s most hip brand just got a bit cooler, thanks to the opening of the new Andaz Amsterdam. What makes it a haute hotel opening? Awesome art (think in-room video art installations), a bicycle repair shop on-site (the city’s first) and a new step forward for the brand, as it’s the first Andaz in mainland Europe.

Hotel of the Week: Secrets The Vine Cancun

It takes a lot for us to express a desire to visit Cancun, a city better known for spring break than relaxing resort vacations. We’re intrigued by the new Secrets The Vine Cancun, an upscale take on the all-inclusive option. The adults-only resort is inspired (as The Vine name suggests) by wine, and includes a bar with 3,000 wine varietals, sommelier-led classes and tastings, wine-inspired spa menus and private chefs dinners. It’s not a trip to France, but it’s still pretty cool.

Happening Hotel Package: Bond, James Bond at Trump Toronto
In celebration of Toronto’s special “Designing 007: Fifth Years of Bond Style” exhibit and the newest Bond film, “Skyfall,” Trump Toronto has launched a totally over-the-top package we’re dying to try. The $17,007 “Shaken Not Stirred: Bond on Bay” package includes a two-night stay in an Executive Suite on the hotel’s 30th floor, offering fantastic downtown views, access to a Continental Bentley GT for duration of stay, all meals, including dinner with champagne at STOCK™ Restaurant Bar & Lounge for two for the duration of the stay, admission for two to the exhibition and two movie passes to a Bond film at TIFF Bell Lightbox, as well return limousine service, designer cocktail dress and Hugo Boss tuxedo with private fitting at The Room, courtesy of The Hudson’s Bay Company, a spa experience at Quartz Crystal Spa™ that includes a couples massage, hair and makeup for her and manicure for him, a martini “Shaken not Stirred” lesson at Suits Lobby Lounge and an in-room bespoke chocolate from the Chocolate Lab at STOCK Restaurant Bar & Lounge, as well as complimentary fruit and cigar box. Stays are available through January 20 using code PKG007.

[Image Credit: Secrets The Vine Cancun]

Hotel News We Noted: November 2, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

We’d like to begin this week’s column by sending out our thoughts to all of those who have been without power or homes since Sandy tore through the East Coast earlier this week. While we escaped the worst of the storm in D.C., we know that many of our friends and colleagues in the Northeast were not so lucky. We’ll be reporting on ways travelers can help throughout the coming weeks.

The hotel news, however, must go on. So, without further ado, here is this week’s issue of “Hotel News We Noted.”

If you’re interested in sending us newsy tidbits or comments, please do so via email. We welcome reader mail! We’re also seeking hotels and travel companies offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials for an upcoming special edition.

Storm Loss: $700 Million In Business Lost
A new Wall Street Journal article estimates that the one-day loss totals from Hurricane Sandy equaled 600,000 business trips lost and $700 million in associated spending loss. Significant, sure, but not compared to the $50 billion plus expected to clean up the damage as a result of the storm. Still, for the tens of thousands of travelers still stranded in airport hotels waiting to get home and those who are currently staycationing because their buldings lack power, we hope you get home soon.

Hotel Openings: In North Korea?
We all knew those crazy North Koreans were on a power trip. Now the AP is reporting (see the full story over on our friends at HuffPo) that the “world’s tallest hotel,” Pyongyang’s Ryugyong Hotel, will likely open next year. The 105-story hotel will partially open more than two decades after initial construction began, via a management contract with European hotel chain Kempinski.New Hotel Partnership: Gaylord Joins Marriott
Marriott now has a 14th brand. As of early 2013, Gaylord Hotels’ four resorts in the D.C., Orlando, Dallas and Nashville areas will be part of the Marriott Rewards program. Members earn 10 points per dollar spent at Gaylord Hotels on room rate only or two airline miles per dollar spent on room rate only. That’s a good deal for business travelers, many of who find themselves at these massive conference centers for events.

Haute Hotel Package: Holiday Prep at the White Barn Inn
Learn how to be the “Hostess with the Mostess” this holiday season. On November 10, The White Barn Inn, the boutique Relais & Chateaux property in Kennebunkport, ME, is offering guests a Holiday Workshop, complete with a baking class in the new bakery (with champagne, of course), lunch at the famed White Barn Inn restaurant where guests can try their baked creations, and a cocktail class by White Barn Inn expert mixologists to learn to make the hottest holiday cocktails of the season. Rates start at $760 for an overnight plus breakfast for two. Pricey, but if it gets you any closer to Martha Stewart-like fame for your domestic skills, the investment might be worth it.

Hotel Deals of the Week
It seems like even hotels are getting in the holiday spirit early this year. Arizona’s Biltmore is offering an incredible $89 holiday rate for stays booked between Nov. 2 and 9 for stays between Nov. 18 and Dec. 1 or between Dec. 14 and Jan. 1.

[Image Credit: Arizona Biltmore]

Hotel News We Noted: October 26, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

As the East Coast prepares to batten down its hatches for the pending “Frankenstorm” (Hurricane Sandy) and the rest of the country is bombarded with an equally unpleasant series of political messages, we hope this week’s edition of “Hotel News We Noted” can serve as a bright spot. From holiday and Halloween happenings to World Series-worthy suites and new hotel openings, we’ve got it all covered.

As always, please feel free to email us with suggestions or leave a note in the comments below.

Seasonal Specials: Hot Haunted Hotels
Colleague Jessica Festa already gave us a great list of Halloween hotel specials, but the haunted hotel news keeps coming in. Here are a few last-minute favorites:
· Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club has a “spirits menu” of boozy libations as well as a haunted past. Request a room in the historic tower, which has been reported to have friendly paranormal activity.
· Manhattan’s Wolcott Hotel has also had many a ghost encounter, but we’re not scared of the rate (starting at just $200 a night). It’s a scary good deal.
· Allegiance Bed & Breakfast has not one but two ghosts. Karen and Ray apparently like to sit on guests’ beds in the middle of the night.
· We love the gratis PB&J sandwiches at New Orlean’s Le Pavillon hotel, as well as its friendly ghosts. We’re not much of a believer, but during our last stay here, we were definitely captivated by the grand Gilded Age décor.Political Package: Pick Your Party at The Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC
Get in on the Red State, Blue State debate with The Mayflower’s “Pick Your Party” suite package in Washington. For $5,000, guests can stay in an ultimate Republican or Democrat one-bedroom suite, decorated with appropriate “party-perfect” red or blue decorations, fan-fare, hats, T-shirts and more, a Champagne breakfast for two, politically-inspired DVDs for in-room viewing, and a champagne moonlight limo tour of the monuments. We’re fairly certain this is the political wonk’s dream proposal package as well. Nothing gets you in the mood like re-runs of “The West Wing,” right?

Sweet Suites: Giants Dugout Suite
Rooting for your beloved Giants in the World Series? Do so in style from the Giants Dugout Suite at Hotel Union Square. Styled in the Giants’ signature orange and black and filled with the team’s memorabilia, baseball lovers will feel as if they have hit a home run in this spacious corner suite. From the bed dressed with Giants pillows to the Giants beanbag chair and custom designed “Fear the Beard” window shades, fans will get the ultimate sports experience. The walls are adorned with a three-panel screen of Vida Blue photos, a canvas autographed by Vida Blue, photos of the Giants ballpark, team flags and pennants. The room also comes with four comp tickets to take a tour of the Anchor Brewing Company. We only wish it came with gratis peanuts and hotdogs too … or maybe some World Series tickets.

Hot Hotel Deals of the Week: October 26
We get so many pieces of insider information on hotel sales and upcoming promotions that it seems a waste not to share some of our favorites with you. So each week, look for a few of our favorite hot hotel deals in this space.
· Kimpton is offering rates from just $90 for the next few days with this hot holiday sale. There’s a caveat, you have to be an InTouch member to buy.

[Image credit: Personality Hotels]