Hotel News We Noted: October 20, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

What a week it has been! We’ve been busy reporting the latest hotel series here on Gadling, “Birth of a Hotel,” as well as meeting with friends from some of our favorite hotels and travel groups around the world. As we head deep past the midpoint of October, we’re already being bombarded with holiday pitches. It’s enough (along with the explosion of pumpkin-themed goodness everywhere) to put us in the holiday spirit … or at least a bit more jolly than usual. We hope this week’s news will put you in a good mood too … whether you’re geeking out over the latest digital news or dreaming of a fair weather spa weekend.


Drama Drama: Eden Roc South Beach
Long story short, Eden Roc was, until earlier this week, a Marriott-managed property … a Renaissance, to be exact. That was, until the ownership group attempted to overthrow them in a predawn raid (yes, we said raid) on Oct. 14. Really, this isn’t out of a movie. Like Katie Holmes serving Tom Cruise divorce papers, they were all set up for a new hotel, arranging for a new website, name and all … alleging mismanagement of their darling property. But things didn’t go as planned. Marriott sued and won a restraining order against the ownership group. As of today, the property is still firmly in Marriott control. Perhaps they’d had practice in situations like this before. Remember the Edition in Waikiki? Drama, drama. We’ll keep you posted.

On the Digital Front: Fairmont Gets a Facelift

We admit, we secretly (or not so secretly, if you’re reading this) geek out with joy when a hotel joins the 21st century and gets a new, user-friendly website. Maybe because, in our other life, we actually help hotels develop usable content strategies, but that’s besides the point. We like the look! It’s sleek, clean and image-driven … and uses a very similar font to Four Seasons, whose website we reported on back in June. The “Enhance Your Stay” section that allows for add-ons right within the booking window offers everything from breakfast and massages to hot air balloon rides.

Romantic Room Service: Inn at the 5th
When we’re on a romantic weekend (ha, that’s rare) we love a good room service expedition. Who doesn’t? That’s why we’ll be ordering our eggs benny from Eugene, Oregon’s Inn at the 5th, where rooms feature private butlers’ doors so that orders can be completed without ever revealing your true identity (or ugly pajamas). What an ingenious idea for those who want their meals in complete privacy.

News from ‘Cross the Pond: Churchill’s Classy New Digs
Hyatt Regency London at the Churchill has a new hot spot, their soon-to-open Churchill Bar. We had breakfast this morning with Henny Fraser, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, and she told us about the hotel’s new bar concept, which takes the former cigar lounge and transforms it into a open a contemporary bar and lounge space based on what hotel muse Winston Churchill would have loved as a young man. Focused on gin, local cuisine and high-touch service, this sounds like a place we’d love to enjoy a cocktail … you can too, starting November 24.

[Photo Credit: Inn at the 5th]

Hotel News We Noted: October 12, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

Awesome Amenity: A Food Truck Concierge
No matter what you’re craving – ice cream, tacos, dumplings, or more – Thompson’s Food Truck Concierge can assist. They offer a special Food Truck Concierge application, letting visitors know the exact cooking times and locations of their favorite mobile eats. Thompson’s New York hotels are also offering special food truck deals, using code ‘FOODTRUCK’ when booking online.

Hotel Trends: Same Night Booking
Two years ago, we would have told you that the biggest trend in hotel booking was the flash sale. Now we’ll tell you it’s “same night booking,” a platform (often in curated mobile app form) that allows hotels to lower rates for unsold same day reservations. Jetsetter did it earlier this week, HotelTonight even tells you what they do in their name. Hotwire Travelocity and Priceline all have web or application-based tools to allow travelers to book day-of reservations. The platforms all differ slightly. Some are opaque, meaning that they reveal details about the property but not its name until after booking. Others showcase the name of the property or its “type” to entice travelers.

We’re fairly confident that this development is a big one – and we’ll soon be seeing it migrate to other industries, such as fitness, spa and sports.

Hotels Get Social: Sofitel Launches Tumblr Blog
In an effort to engage better with guests of their nine North American properties, Sofitel has launched a new Tumblr blog, Life is Magnifique. The hotel chain says that the content, which is centered on an online concierge experience, will feature cultural activities, restaurant openings, key events and fashion updates by Sofitel staff in each city. We’re excited to see where this goes. Tumblr can be a fun and very interactive platform for hotels, but we have seen too many brands use blogs to push out PR content, leaving little value to the consumer. So far, however, the content seems fun and engaging, and the blog’s layout is easy to read.

Hotel Reviews: HotelMe
A new hotel review site is on the market. HotelMe is touting itself as an alternative to travel review sites like TripAdvisor that have recently been in the news for having fake or unverified reviews on their websites. This new site promises “verified” reviews by partnering with hotels to confirm the reviewer’s stay through a patent-pending method. We’re intrigued … would you use this website to scout out a potential hotel?

Sweet Suites: Diane Von Furstenberg’s Penthouse in Hayman, Australia
Acclaimed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg has crafted a new penthouse on Hayman, Australia’s private island destination, and we’re already lining up for a stay. The two-bedroom is designed with DVF signature fabrics, freestanding tone bathtub and classic furnishings, but that’s not really what gets us excited. We’re coveting this space thanks to its prime positioning in the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, which can be viewed on the oversized balcony. Of course, Butler services and all meals don’t hurt either.

Hotel News We Noted: October 5, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

Happy Columbus Day weekend, everyone. We’d wish you a happy holiday, but we’re not sure that anyone other than postal carriers really get the day off for this anymore.

Lucky for you, we have lots of fun news this week to keep you busy reading over your two (or three) day weekend.

As always, email us with questions, comments or tips. We love to hear from our HNWN fans!

Hotel News We’re Noting: Birth of a Hotel
If you haven’t already, take the time to check out our newest series on Gadling, “The Birth of a Hotel.” We’ll be following the development and opening of Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown, and talking all about the hotel industry as well. We’d love for you to tune in!

Hotel Openings, Renovations & Rezzies Galore in Las Vegas: The D, Nobu, Wynn and Golden Gate
It has been a busy few weeks in Las Vegas. Recently, one of our favorite ultra-luxe hotels, Wynn, unveiled a major renovation of its spa space. The Zen-themed spa has 45 updated treatment rooms and a new menu. Nobu’s first hotel, inside Caesar’s Palace, has started taking 2013 reservations (about $250/night).

But it isn’t just the strip that’s booming. Downtown Las Vegas is going through a massive overhaul. Doors opened at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the National Mob Museum. Zappos announced plans to build its corporate headquarters in the historic neighborhood as well.

Hotel-wise, next week the downtown area will welcome the D Las Vegas, a soaring renovation of the former Fitzgeralds property and sister hotel to Las Vegas’ original Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. Golden Gate announced completed renovations last month. Looks like there’s a lot to see in the Glitter Gulch. We hope to bring you a live report soon.Hotel Openings: Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
There’s more to love in Toronto today with the grand opening (or shall we say re-opening) of the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. The hotel moved buildings and closed for several months while it moved into the new space. The location will be the brand’s new flagship, and, as can be expected, cool perks, design additions and amenities abound. Enjoy Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud’s latest dining experience, a massive art collection, in-room iPads and house cars with WiFi. The spa should also be impressive. It’s the largest not only in the city but of any Four Seasons worldwide.

Hotel Spotlight: Chile
Things have been heating up in Chile over the past few months. The South American country has seen the launch of several ultra-luxe hotels, including: Hotel Palacio Astoreca (in Valparasio), a 1920s-era Victorian mansion featuring a wine cava, library, a piano bar lounge and a chic spa. The hotel’s restaurant Alegre, is even helmed by an ex-chef of El Bulli.

In more remote settings, we can’t wait to visit Refugia Lodge, the first luxury lodge on Chiloé Island in southern Chile, a region chosen by the New York Times in “45 Places to Go in 2012.” The 12-room property offers all-inclusive packages that tie in trips to remote islands aboard the lodge’s custom-built Chilote boat, visits to penguin colonies, UNESCO Jesuit churches and more.

And, for a true bucket-list adventure, we’d head to Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa on Easter Island. The Hangaroa is Chile’s most ecologically sustainable hotel, modeled after the Orongo ceremonial village with curvilinear walls and grass roofs. In addition to awesome water views, you’ll find a 75-person cinema, spa and two restaurants. It’s a big deal … this hotel is located in the only village on Easter Island.

Hotel News We Noted: September 28, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

Welcome to “Hotel News We Noted” and our first official fall issue. As always, we’re finding lots of new developments in the hotel world this week, from football-friendly packages (the refs are back and the games will go on) to openings, amenities and info galore.

Want to weigh in? Send us an email or leave a comment below.

Awesome Amenity: Hotel Monaco, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s second Kimpton hotel is opening to the public on October 4, but we got the inside scoop on what you can expect from general manager Nick Gregory. Guests at the soon-to-open hotel (seen above) will be able to operate their in-room televisions from a complimentary app available on their smartphone. No touching the dirty remote? We’re thrilled. Of course, the rooftop lounge, Stratus, seems pretty cool as well. Want to plan a trip? Rooms are 15% off during the hotel’s special “preview” period.

Hotel Opening: Shangri-La, Toronto
The second Shangri-La hotel in North America is now open officially to the public. While some of the Toronto Film Festival’s stars did stay at the property during the fest, it seems that now everyone can enjoy the downtown luxury hotel. While we were wowed by the property’s beautiful glass front during a recent visit, the most interesting aspect of the 202-room, 66-story property is actually the attention paid to the concept of feng-shui. From the David Chang restaurant to the Shangri-La suite to the hamman and spa by Caudalie, careful attention has been paid to the Chinese concept of balanced energy.

Now Taking Rezzies: AKA West End, London and Beverly Hills
AKA didn’t make it in time for the Olympics, but the chic extended-stay brand’s first European hotel is taking reservations for October 1, and the first West Coast outlet, in Beverly Hills, is now in a soft open, and expected to have the lobby and suites fully ready by the end of the year.

Cool Perk: Loews Lets Its Best Customers Skip The Line
Loews Hotels & Resorts‘ best customers can now skip the airport immigration wait with free membership in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s expedited immigration program. The program, which normally costs $100, is available for Platinum members of the hotel’s loyalty program for the next 60 days. Works for us!

Hotel News We Noted: September 21, 2012

by McLean Robbins on

The leaves are changing and we’re itching for a getaway somewhere fun and “fall” themed. We participated in the first ever #traveluxe Twitter chat earlier this week and all the talk of fall hotels got us thinking about some bucket-list hotel names that would be great for a weekend away, including The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Mohonk Mountain House and Blantyre Resort.

So this week we pose a question to readers (answer in the comments below) … where will you be headed for a fall getaway? Will you take a weekend in an intimate B&B or a luxury hotel, or skip those lodgings entirely for a cabin or rental home?

As always, you can weigh in via comments or email on our “Hotel News We Noted” items of the week. We welcome suggestions, questions, comments and even critiques. Send it all our way.

And, without further ado … this week’s “Hotel News We Noted.”

Hotel Package: Elect Your President at The Mayflower
It’s less than 60 days to the election, and hotels in DC are really gearing up for some partisan parties. The Mayflower, one of the closest hotels to the White House, is offering up packages and “elect your own” promos to get in on the political action. We’re fans of the “elect your turndown” service that lets you choose on a ballot of favorite presidential snacks, including Barack Obama’s Chocolate Caramels, George W. Bush’s Pretzels and Ronald Reagan’s Jelly Beans. Cocktails in the bar range from President Clinton’s favorite Stout and hard apple cider mix, called a Snakebite, to John F. Kennedy’s top choice for pre-dinner drinks, the Daiquiri. If you’re not in DC, you can even follow fun facts on Mayflower Mondays via social media.

Crazy Concepts: The Salt Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
When you have a restaurant named Salt, we’d expect that things might get, well, a little salty. And that’s just the case at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The chef there leads guests through special demos on how to infuse salts using herbs from the hotel garden. Guests then break into teams to design and name their own blends, with winning creations featured on the restaurant menu for a week. We’ve heard of some fun cooking classes, but this actually seems like one we’d take home and try.Hotel Booking: Hotel Tonight Gets Better
We’re already fans of Hotel Tonight, but if you’re not aware, this hotel booking app offers deeply discounted hotel rates at some of the world’s coolest hotels for same-night booking. We are loving the updates in their newest version, including better suggestions from “similar” bookers, more access to hotels you’ve already stayed in and liked, better location targeting, and extra “impulse” deals for luxe and hip hotels. The improved sorting for international locations also makes it easier to find what we’re looking for. Haven’t tried the free app yet? Here’s a link to download.

Celebrity Hotels: The Inn at Little Washington
A shoutout for the acclaimed Inn at Little Washington. Known in foodie circles as one of the best dining experiences on the East Coast, it is becoming known as a romantic hideaway this week as well, thanks to its celebrity sightings in the form of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who spent Saturday at the Virginia inn before Lively returned to film “Gossip Girl” in New York City on Monday. What do you think? Are you more or less likely to visit a celebrity hotspot hotel?