Hyatt’s Andaz opens new hotels in New York, California

by Melanie Nayer on

Hyatt’s boutique brand, Andaz, is making its way from coast-to-coast with new properties in New York and California. Andaz Wall Street opened Jan. 18 and another New York property will be unveiled on 5th Avenue later this year. In the meantime, Andaz San Diego is opening its doors on Feb. 1.

The Andaz Wall Street (photo) features 253 guestrooms with loft-like ceilings and seven-foot windows. Guests can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Wall & Water, which overlooks the East River. Bar Seven Five, named for its 75 Wall Street address, serves cocktails and appetizers until midnight. Rates for the Wall Street Andaz start at $275/night.

Andaz San Diego will debut in the property currently known as Ivy Hotel in San Diego‘s Gaslamp Quarter at 6th Avenue and F Street. The 159-room hotel features 17 suites, one with exclusive access to a poolside cabana. The Ivy Rooftop features a pool overlooking the city skyline, and serves cocktails until you’re ready to dine at the Ivy Ultra Lounge and Wine Bar, which serves 88 wines by-the-glass. The multi-level Ivy Nightclub gets hopping late-night but don’t worry, the Quarter Kitchen will serve up your hangover recipe of choice the next morning.

Hyatt launched the boutique hotels in 2007 and currently has locations in London and West Hollywood.Rumor in the hotel world is that Hyatt will open an Andaz Austin later this year. We’ll keep you posted on details.

NWA pilot: lots of misinformation, but can’t talk about it

by Tom Johansmeyer on

All eyes are on the Northwest Airlines crew that missed Minneapolis by 150 miles. Rumors abound, such as dozing and arguments in the cockpit. Richard Cole, a crewmember on Northwest Flight 188, wouldn’t talk, except to say that it wasn’t his fault: “But other than that, I cannot tell you anything that went on because we’re having hearings this weekend, we’re having hearings on Tuesday. All that information will come out then.”

The flight had 144 passengers and five crewmembers and left San Diego for Minneapolis. At one point in the trip, there were 78 minutes of radio silence, and when the air traffic controllers reconnected with the crew, it had overshot the airport by 150 miles. The police who met the plane said the pilots were “cooperative, apologetic and appreciative.”

Three days of cruise fun on the Carnival Elation for just $99

by Scott Carmichael on

If you need proof that this is the best time ever for finding hot travel deals, look no further than this offer. Enjoy a three day cruise on the Carnival Elation, sailing from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico (and back) for just $99.

The Elation is one of the Carnival “Fun Class” ships – and the entertainment on board certainly justifies the name. From a three deck waterslide to a jogging track, ping pong, mini golf, adults only retreat, various kids clubs, a spa, live entertainment and of course various restaurants.

The $99 rate is only valid on the October 19th departure for an inside room. If you live in the area, this is a great chance to relax on the cheap. Remember, $99 includes all your meals and entertainment. Drinks and some on-board services are extra, and you’ll pay about $50 in government fees.

The itinerary is also available on October 26th and on November 23rd ($149 for an inside room) . You’ll find this deal on the Carnival site, where you’ll also find a list of shore activities and more information about the ship.

December is cougar season on San Diego cruise

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Women of a certain age and vigor will leave San Diego in December on the first “cougar cruise” to hit the high seas. Singles Travel Company and singles group The Society of Single Professionals are collaborating on this three-night experience … and they’ll be packing the ship with younger men for the cougars on board to hunt. For a change, man becomes prey and cougar the prowler.

In case you’re unaware, a cougar is an older women who happens to enjoy the … ummmm … “company” of younger men.

The appropriately named Carnival Elation leaves the harbor on December 4, 2009 – unlike the action on board – it will actually make a stop (in Ensenada, Mexico). For $125, not including government and port fees, guests will enjoy three nights of cougar coupling. For young men eying the ultimate trophy, Miss Cougar America 2009, Gloria Navarro, will be on board. But, if you think you call the shots with her young man, you’re out of your mind.

$19 hotel room, bed not included

by Katie Hammel on

For $19, I wouldn’t expect much out of my hotel room. But a bed, lights and toilet paper are among the things I would consider to be basic necessities at any price. That’s not the case at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, where guests can elect to have different features of their hotel room removed in order to decrease the price.

The “Survivor Package” starts at $219 for deluxe accommodations and breakfast for two. Take out the breakfast and the price goes down to $199. Take out the AC or heat and you’re looking at $159. The removal of pillows, sheets, lights, linens, and toiletries decreases the price incrementally to just $39. Then things really get interesting. For $19, the resort will remove the bed and replace it with a tent. Basically, you’re paying for an indoor campsite.

The hotel’s manager says he wanted to do “something different” for a promotion. This gives guests on a budget a cheap, and memorable, way to enjoy the resort, which is set on 20,000 acres in San Diego. There’s a a golf course, three pools, three restaurants, and a spa that was named as the best by Conde Nast in 2008.

The deal has already been quite popular, with over 50 people making reservations for the $19 rooms. The promotion will run from August 16 to 31.

[via CNN]

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