The Oberoi Mumbai reopens tomorrow

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Luxury digs are coming back to Mumbai. The Oberoi is set to reopen tomorrow, following a substantial renovation and restoration. The atrium lobby stretches 14 storeys high, features white Thassos marble and serves as the gateway to 287 guestrooms and suites. Ziya is the hotel’s new Indian specialty restaurant and offers the creations of Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia. Other dining options include Fenix (world cuisine) and Vetro, which has Italian dishes. If you’re looking for wine, this is the place to go, with more than 1,200 bottles from which to choose.

Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman, The Oberoi Group said, “We are pleased to re-open The Oberoi, Mumbai. We look forward to welcoming guests to the hotel which has been completely renovated to offer the highest standards of facilities as expected at all hotels of The Oberoi Group; this will be complemented by personalized and gracious service extended by our well-trained and dedicated staff.”

Now, be ready to write a big check. Rates start at $700 a night for a luxury room, but you’re worth it … right?

Luxury hotels still discounting in 2010

by Tom Johansmeyer on

If you didn’t book a luxury trip last year, don’t worry; you didn’t miss your big opportunity. Without a doubt, 2009 was hell on the luxury travel market. It was rough on just about every luxury business, frankly. And while the economy looks like its taking a step in the right direction this year, it’s not doing so fast enough for luxury travel providers. Look for another year of discounts, according to industry tracking firm Rubicon. Properties like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental are going to have to bite the bullet again in 2010.

According to Rubicon, luxury hotels are booking more business at this point in the year than they did in the same period in 2009 – but only 4.6 percent more. Meanwhile, the average rate they’re fetching is off 13.2 percent. Clearly, the upscale properties are buying guests with discounts. Of course, luxury on sale still isn’t cheap. You’re looking at $325 a night instead of $389 a night a year ago, Rubicon reports, based on bookings made as of February 1.

“Hotel companies are not rushing to lift the rates and slow that tide of recovery,” Rubicon CEO Steve Swope told USA Today. “So the other good news is: there are some real bargains out there for consumers. Now’s a good time to get out and travel. In another 18 to 24 months, the rates seen today are not going to be there anymore.”

Daily Pampering: Spend Valentine’s Day at Turtle Island in Fiji

by Tom Johansmeyer on

There’s only one way to go to Fiji: Turtle Island. The Valentine’s Day deal from this luxury resort is nothing short of incredible. Book five nights in paradise, and you’ll get two more nights free … in beachfront accommodations in a two-room “bure.” And, all meals are covered, including any romantic lunches you want to enjoy on the beach — they’ll be packed to order! The other activities are covered, as well, including sport fishing and SCUBA diving, and once you’re finished exerting yourself, you can relax with two one-hour lomi-lomi (that’s four-handed) massages.

The Turtle Island resort has 14 private beaches, five-star gourmet dining … and those lomi-lomi massages, along with other spa treatments. Personal “bure mamas” will attend to all your needs as you sip top-shelf liquors and champagnes. Only 14 couples are allowed in Turtle Island at a time … one for each private beach!

Here’s where it gets really interesting: if you book by March 31, 2010, you can travel any time by Valentine’s Day in 2011.

Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Three ways to spice up Valentine’s Day from around the world

by Tom Johansmeyer on

You want to do something for Valentine’s Day this year, but you don’t know where to turn. Travel is always a great idea, and the economy is definitely cutting your way. There are deals everywhere. Of course, this just makes the choices even harder. Well, I just happened upon three packages from Regent Hotels that will make your decision a little harder … how can you narrow even this short list down to one?

1. Caribbean
If you’re looking for some relief from the abusing winter cold, The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos has the answer. With only 72 suites in this luxury resort, intimacy is virtually assured. Enjoy locally created treatments at the resort’s spa, and enjoy being together and away from the world. Starting on February 1, 2010, you can save 25 percent a night when you book a four-night stay (rates start at $525 a night). If you can’t take advantage of this for Valentine’s Day, don’t sweat it: you can get this deal through December 17, 2010.2. Croatia
Zagreb? Really? Don’t act so surprised. Croatia has doubled down on its tourism industry, and it wants to see you for Valentine’s Day. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb is offering free high-speed internet access (which every hotel should do all the time) in a Deluxe room with two glasses of Croatian sparkling wine to greet you. A Regent bath butler will get you and your loved one ready for a luxurious soak (he’ll be gone by the time you get in, don’t worry), which is the perfect destination after you’ve skated on the hotel’s brand new ice rink. Finally, nothing beats a candlelit dinner for two at Zinfandel’s Restaurant. Prices start at approximately $405 a night, and you need to stay between February 12 and 15, 2010. Extra nights are available at an unbeatable $160 a night.

3. France
Valentine’s Day in France … you can’t beat this. Head to the country synonymous with romance, and spend a few nights at The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux, the region’s first luxury hotel. The “Saint Valentine de Reve in Bordeaux” package includes a night in the hotel with complimentary high-speed internet access, a VIP in-room welcome basket and breakfast for two at Brasserie l’Europe. Be prepared for a fantastic dinner at Le Pressoir d’Argent, where you’ll experience the culinary creations of award-winning Chef Pascal Nibaudeau. Rates start at $800 a night, and the Valentine’s Day dinner at Le Pressoir is available on February 13 and 14. You can add nights for merely $275 a night (including breakfast).

Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Seven new hotels around the world from Fairmont in 2010

by Tom Johansmeyer on

This year promises to be exciting for fans of the Fairmont. New properties are set to open in London, China and many other cities, each with a distinct style. There’s no question that the Fairmont has the art and science of hospitality mastered, so these new properties are going to be exciting to watch.

1. The Savoy
With a design nodding toward Edwardian and Art Deco, the hotel reopens after a restoration program costing more than GBP100 million. The property has 268 guestrooms and a new luxurious Royal Suite. The Savoy Grill is going to come back … under the management of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. Look for the doors to swing open in the second or third quarter of this year.

2. Fairmont Peace Hotel
This Shanghai landmark will reopen in the second quarter of this year, with 269 guestrooms over 12 floors. The hotel faces the Pudong area over the Hangpu River, making it a great spot.

3. Makkah Clock Royal Tower
The Makkah will open in Saudia Arabia in the third quarter, where it will be the focal point of the Abraj Al Bait Complex. With 858 rooms, there will be plenty of space near Masjid al Haram, the Islamic holy site. The hotel stretches 76 stories high and will be the world’s tallest upon completion. The Makkah opens in the third quarter.4. Fairmont Pacific Rim
The 377-room luxury property will open this quarter in Vancouver and will include 175 residential condos. The property will be near the ocean, with great views, and the Willow Stream Spa and Fitness Center will make a commitment wellness easy to maintain. The Pacific Rim is scheduled for a first quarter opening.

5. Fairmont Pittsburgh
The new hotel, with 185 rooms, is intended for LEED certification, demonstrating Fairmont’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. Look for a mix of environmental concern and palpable luxury … and easy access to theater, entertainment and financial districts. Look for this property to open in the first quarter of this year.

6. Fairmont Beijing
Located close to The Forbidden City, the 222-room Fairmont Beijing is a solid location for visitors who worry about being intimidated by the scope of the city. After you’ve experienced the excitement of China’s capital, head back to the Willow Stream spa to have your muscles rubbed back to normal. The Fairmont Beijing is going through a soft opening already.

7. Fairmont Zimbali Resort
Enjoy views of the Indian Ocean from this South African resort, which is tucked between a forest reserve and the sea. The 154-room hotel is intimate and infused with luxury. Look for it to open in the first quarter. This property is scheduled to open in the second quarter.

[Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts]