Most travelers are drawn to and book hotels for the wealth of amenities they offer – from spas and swimming pools to complimentary breakfast to award-winning restaurants. However, it is the revered history of the properties themselves that often goes overlooked. While standing the test of time, historic hotels have become deeply woven into the fabric of the cities they grace, many becoming focal points of artistic and literary life. Select hotels have undergone renovations that have brought them back to their original splendor while respecting the original details that vacationers, business travelers and renowned celebrities alike marveled at when the hotels first opened their doors. You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate their period furniture, timeless sophistication and close proximity to landmark attractions. Before you make your next booking, read on and take a trip down memory lane.
: Named one of “America’s Ten Great Historic Hotels” in the premiere issue of Historic Traveler Magazine, The Algonquin opened its doors at 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in 1902, just minutes from New York City’s world-famous Theater District. Despite undergoing renovations in 1998 and 2004, it has all but lost its original splendor. Timeless elegance will surround you as soon as you step into the Algonquin’s restored lobby, which boasts oak panels and Edwardian furniture in jewel tones. Designated a New York City landmark in 1987 and a literary landmark in 1996, the hotel’s Round Table Room is named for the celebrated group of writers, critics and actors – among them were Robert Benchley and Alexander Woollcott – who gathered at the hotel daily to dine, share ideas and play cards. You’ll also step back in time to a more glamorous era while in the Oak Room, which offers dinners and performances seasonally Tuesday through Thursday each week. With its white tablecloths, dark paneled walls and gleaming piano, the room was a launching pad for such renowned celebrities as Andrea Marcovicci and Harry Connick Jr.
: Perhaps best known for the historic Magneta Grandfather Clock that adorns its lobby, this Union Square hotel is suffused with early 20th century charm. Opened in 1904, the hotel was gutted in the fire that took place following an earthquake that rocked San Francisco on April 18, 1906. Reconstruction was completed in 1907 and the hotel in turn reopened that same year. Throughout the years, the hotel has played host to such acclaimed figures as Douglas MacArthur, Ernest Hemingway and several U.S. presidents. The Westin St. Francis’ rooms exude turn-of-the-century sophistication with ornate woodworking, high ceilings with shimmering chandeliers, and windows opening out onto the city by the bay. Moreover, the property is widely considered the center of the city’s literary, social and artistic life.: A prestigious member of Historic Hotels of America and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Lenox Hotel in Boston’s historic Back Bay is a prime example of a property that fuses old-world charm with modern technology. The Lenox was the tallest building in Boston at the time of its opening in 1900. Over the years, the hotel has become a popular refuge of big names in business, entertainment, sports and the arts, from noted opera singer Enrico Caruso and actress Judy Garland to former Boston Celtics basketball coach Red Auerbach. The Lenox has notched 12 consecutive AAA Four Diamond Awards since 1998 and boasts an opulent ballroom, fine restaurants and sumptuous accommodations, each bedecked with mahogany furniture, high ceilings with brass chandeliers and Italian marble bathrooms. Yet another Back Bay hotel steeped in Boston’s venerable history is the lovely Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers. A member of Historic Hotels of America, the property has drawn a host of U.S. presidents and celebrities since its inception in 1927. It is located only 200 yards from the nation’s first public parks, Boston Common and Public Garden, the latter of which served as the inspiration for the hotel’s logo. It was also the first hotel to feature many of the standard conveniences we find in hotel rooms today, such as guestroom radios and telephones. Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers is conveniently located near Newbury Street shopping, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and Boston’s theater and financial districts.
A proud recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award since 1996, this elegant hotel in the heart of downtown New Orleans is a member of both the Leading Hotels of the World and Historic Hotels of America. Upon opening its doors in 1907, the hotel boasted the first hydraulic elevators ever to be installed in New Orleans, as well as the first basement ever built in the historic city. The hotel came under new ownership in 1970, a year that saw the addition of crystal chandeliers from Czechoslovakia, marble railings from the Paris Grand Hotel, Italian columns and statues, and antiques from all over the world to complement the hotel’s quaint, old-world charm. There’s no question that there’s more to these hotels than meets the eye. So, next time you book a hotel room, do some research on the properties listed above or others you have your sights set on. You’re likely to dig up some interesting stuff!
Friday, January 29th, 2010
Luxurious spas. Sparkling swimming pools. AAA Four Diamond restaurants. Elegant rooms and suites boasting fine furnishings and the most up-to-date technology. These are just a few of the many amenities you’ll find at premier in major cities including New York, Boston and San Francisco. If this already sounds out of your price range, you’re in for a surprise: Accommodations start as low as $84/night. Kiss the notion that luxury lodging has to be expensive goodbye and read on for a roundup of budget-friendly options in select destinations.
: This famed hotel at 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues opened in 1902, and though it underwent renovations in 1998 and 2004, it has all but lost its original splendor. Designated a New York City landmark in 1987 and a literary landmark in 1996, the hotel’s Round Table Room is more than your typical New York City restaurant. It is named for the celebrated group of writers, critics and actors – among them were Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley – who convened daily to dine, exchange ideas and play cards. You’ll also step back in time to a more glamorous era while in the Oak Room, which offers dinners and performances seasonally Tuesday through Thursday each week. With its white tablecloths, dark paneled walls and gleaming piano, the room was a launching pad for such noted celebrities as Harry Connick Jr. and Andrea Marcovicci. Guests can also grab a drink at the art-laden Blue Bar, a popular meeting spot among locals and travelers like, or inside the stately Lounge.
: Opening its doors in 1904, this Union Square hotel is imbued with early 20th century charm. Rooms feature ornate woodworking, high ceilings with shimmering chandeliers, and windows opening out onto the city by the bay. Each brings modern comforts including the hotel’s signature Westin Heavenly Beds and Westin Heavenly Baths. Travelers have their choice of several fine restaurants and well-equipped meeting rooms, and the on-site spa is sure to help ease away stress. The St. Francis is considered the center of the city’s literary, social and artistic life, much like the previously mentioned Algonquin Hotel is in New York City.
: A member of Historic Hotels of America, The Lenox Hotel is yet another prime example of a property that fuses old-world charm with modern technology, this time in Boston’s historic Back Bay. What makes this 214-room boutique hotel unique, however, is that it’s among a select few to be named “1 of the 5 Greenest Luxury Hotels in America” by U.S. News & World Report and featured on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Green List.” So what, you might ask, has earned The Lenox 12 consecutive AAA Four Diamond Awards since 1998? Maybe it’s everything from its opulent ballroom and sophisticated restaurants to its elegantly chic accommodations, bedecked with mahogany furniture, high ceilings with brass chandeliers and Italian marble bathrooms.
in : You might be hard-pressed to believe that this 5 star property – rated the number one boutique hotel in Las Vegas – currently offers rooms below $100/night. Its three exclusive towers are non-gaming, making it a good option for travelers wishing to evade bustling casinos. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, don’t miss the intimate swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, well-equipped business center and spa. A sense of luxury permeates the suites as well, which have designer furnishings, spacious living areas and gleaming marble bathrooms.
in South Beach is synonymous with vibrant nightlife, ever-present sunshine, fine dining, turquoise waters that lap against pearly white sand, and – you guessed it – scores of chic hotels. Though it’s set in the very heart of the action on South Beach, a much more relaxed and subdued atmosphere awaits on the premises. The hotel’s private courtyard setting makes a great place to unwind after a day of shopping jaunts or meetings. Travelers who need to book or change flights can do so using the uniguest airline system in the lobby. Serving as a popular retreat for renowned celebrities like P Diddy and Heidi Klum, The Metropole also offers ample meeting space, stylish suites with 42? inch plasma TVs and complimentary shuttle service to Miami International Airport.
No matter what your idea of the perfect luxury hotel is, one thing is for certain: If there’s anything better than enjoying 4 and 5 star luxury, it’s enjoying it a 2 or 3 star price.
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Friday, January 15th, 2010
With February 14 right around the corner, many people are getting ready to proclaim their love and devotion to their special sweethearts. Candles are sure to be lit, cards exchanged, chocolates eaten and roses delivered on what is arguably one of the most widely celebrated holidays of the year. Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday this year – a definite plus for romantic couples wanting to get away from it all for the weekend. Whether you crave to spend it near a pristine ocean, amid the hustle and bustle of city life, or within close proximity to a world-famous theme park, the sky’s the limit when it comes to finding a romantic destination that suits your preferences. Pack your bags and indulge in a memorable getaway to any one of the romantic hot spots listed below.
: Before catching a Broadway show with your sweety, a leisurely stroll along postcard-ready Central Park sets a romantic tone for the day. If a romantic dinner is in the agenda, sparks will decidedly fly and palates will be delighted at the Top of the Tower Restaurant, housed inside the Art Deco . The rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the New York skyline, lending a panoramic backdrop for a wedding should you decide to exchange vows 26 floors high on Valentine’s Day. Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, and stores like Tiffany’s and Saks Fifth Avenue are minutes from the hotel, in case you wish to purchase jewelry or any other last-minute gifts.
: Set sail into the sunset as you enjoy a romantic board ride under the scenic Golden Gate Bridge. Only minutes away is, whose 24-Hour Health Club features stress-melting men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms both you and your special someone can enjoy. When you and your Valentine have worked up an appetite, you can savor EuroJapanese cuisine in the on site Anzo restaurant, after which you can enjoy a relaxing Shiatsu massage.
Phoenix enjoys 300 days of sunshine each year, hence the reason why it’s been dubbed the Valley of the Sun. If you and your partner plan to venture to Arizona’s sun-drenched capital, you can stay at , which lies at the base of Camelback Mountain. If peace, tranquility and a closeness to nature are what you’re after, look no further: The hotel is set amid lush courtyards and gardens, boasts a Four-star Spa, and features rooms loaded with old world charm. Your partner might also be happy to know that is a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America National Trust for Historic Preservation.
: There is no shortage of attractions in San Diego, whose history, records show, goes back at least 10,000 years. Couples can spend the day watching dolphins and whales leap from the water at SeaWorld San Diego, or strolling through Balboa Park – home to 15 major museums, world-famous art venues, and the San Diego Zoo., which enjoys an exquisite waterfront setting and is less than a mile away from the beach, features two sparking pools, two spas, and two restaurants from which you can dine the evening away. Adjacent to Sunset Park, is the closet property to SeaWorld San Diego.
: Orlando, home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, offers couples the opportunity to lose themselves in all the fun and excitement such thrilling parks have to offer. The AAA Four-Diamond , only five minutes from Walt Disney World, gives a nod to the past with its 1900s Florida-coastal architecture while offering modern amenities such as high-speed internet access in all accommodations. What’s more, The Plantation Room – the waterfront hotel’s restaurant – has earned a AAA Four-Diamond award itself and was rated as one of Florida’s Best Places to Dine by Florida Trend Magazine.
The Windy City, with storied sites and attractions including the imposing Willis Tower, historic Navy Pier and legendary Chicago Theatre, makes yet another great Valentine’s Day destination. Whether you prefer a lazy jaunt around Millennium Park or a look at the many exhibitions found inside the Museum of Contemporary Art, you can call it a night at the , just footsteps away. Located on Ontario Street, right off the Magnificent Mile, the boutique property is near fine dining and vibrant nightlife in downtown Chicago. Rooms feature amenities such as fully stocked cocktail bars, bath products and dimmable lighting, all combining to set a romantic mood for an unforgettable stay.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 We’re just a few days away from bidding adieu to the present year and welcoming 2010, and with a new year come new opportunities to visit destinations you left off your travel itinerary in 2009. Whether you look to start the year in the heart of Times Square after witnessing the world-famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, amid the glitz and glamour of the vibrant metropolis that is Las Vegas, or enveloped in the sights and sounds of San Francisco – from the scenic Golden Gate Bridge to ever bustling Chinatown – the possibilities are endless. Of course, you’ll also want to book a hotel that fits your preferences, be it one that offers accommodations for under $100/night, free shuttle service to nearby theme parks, a complimentary Continental breakfast to start your morning off right, or a fully-equipped conference room from which you can host a business meeting.
We’ve culled the properties below for their strategic location, business and leisure facilities, and fine hospitality. If time and budget permit, add visiting these fine hotels to your New Year’s resolution list.
1: This boutique hotel in Brooklyn, opened as recently as 2008, yet word has spread quickly of the hotel’s fresh design and penchant for excellent service. The hotel sits at the center of the BoCoCa district, which encompasses three Brooklyn neighborhoods: Boerum Hill, whose streets are lined with French bistros and stylish brownstones; Cobble Hill, which showcases a unique mix of old world shops and gardens; and Carroll Gardens, an old-fashioned Italian neighborhood featuring posh restaurants and antique shops. Only eight miles away from Times Square, the hotel provides easy access to spots frequented by business and leisure travelers alike, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower. Rooms boast plush mattresses with Egyptian cotton linens and 32-inch flat screen televisions. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and offers complimentary Continental breakfast at the onsite Nu Bar, as well as free WiFi Internet access all throughout and complimentary copies of The New York Times to help business travelers keep up with the news.
2. : Steeped in history and charm, this landmark hotel – a member of Historic Hotels of America – is located in the heart of historic Back Bay and has drawn a host of U.S. presidents and celebrities since opening in 1927. The hotel is located only 200 yards from the nation’s first public parks, Public Garden and Boston Common. It was also the first hotel to include many of the standard conveniences we find in hotel rooms today, such as guestroom radios. The hotel is convenient to Newbury Street shopping, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and Boston’s theater and financial districts. In addition, the hotel boasts nine on-site restaurants and lounges, a business center and fitness center (both open 24 hours a day), and airport shuttle service that runs daily.
3. : The avant-garde Hotel Diva, set in the heart of Union Square in , merges modern elegance with high style. It is only a short stroll from Chinatown, the American Conservatory Theatre, Curran Theatre, Moscone Convention Center, Financial District, and countless shops from Neiman Marcus to Saks Fifth Avenue. Travelers can enjoy complimentary use of a meeting room designed by renowned Architect T. Olle Lundberg, fitness room and internet lounges. They can then dine at Colibri Restaurant, famous for its Mexican tapas, or grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks, located just off the lobby.
4: Nestled in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip is Tropicana Las Vegas, which offers guests a plethora of activities and amenities. It features the 850-seat Tiffany Theater, fine restaurants, a 61,000 square foot casino, hair salon and barber shop, and three high-energy lounges. The hotel’s newly designed swimming pool is slated to open in April 2010. Business travelers can stay on task inside the business center, which offers computer rentals, photocopying and other services. But who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? The Tropicana is the only major Las Vegas casino resort to offer poolside Wi-Fi access, as guests can bring their laptops and stay connected while unwinding on the pool deck or in a private cabana. Voted “Best Las Vegas Wedding Chapel” eight years in a row, it’s no wonder so many couples say “I do” at this legendary Strip hotel. Registered guests must be at least 21 years of age.
5. r: Located just one mile from Walt Disney World and 20 minutes from International airport, this stunning property couples the charm of an old-world Florida mansion with the modern conveniences of a luxury resort. It boasts four-and-a-half acres of lush indoor gardens and a 20,000-square-foot Spa and fitness center, not to mention a wealth of restaurants, shops and lounges. Kids will enjoy Clearwater Cove – a water-activities playground that has a 120,000-gallon zero-entry family pool as well as several play areas around the pool deck. Travelers with business on the agenda can take advantage of 400,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the 178,500-square-foot Florida Exhibition Hall.
