Credit: Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons
- Linsanity has been taken to the tourism level: Two Taiwanese travel agents are offering Knicks tickets as part of group tours to the U.S. less than a month after Lin became New York’s (and basketball’s) favorite new wiz kid. Several groups are already sold out. [CNN.com]
- A 28-year-old hotel clerk was arrested after surreptitiously videotaping a couple of honeymooners having sex in their hotel room in St. Paul, Minnesota. The employee was a registered sex offender, but we can’t explain why the couple decided St. Paul was the best choice for their post-nuptial vacation. [TwinCities.com]
- China will get its first One & Only resort in 2014. The 180-room hotel in Senya, Hainan, will be the eighth property for the luxury chain that already has outposts in the Bahamas and Los Cabos. [Gadling.com]
- The last 30% of the cabins on the second of the two Titanic Memorial Cruises are being sold at half price. The cruise leaves from New York on April 10 and will visit the site where the legendary ship sunk. [USAToday.com]
- Justin Bieber surprised girlfriend Selena Gomez on Valentine’s Day with a night at The London NYC. The singer booked the 2,500-square-feet, $2,000/night London Penthouse. Jealous! [HotelChatter.com]
The entrance to the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, CA, where pop icon Whitney Houston was found dead at the age of 48.
- Pop star Whitney Houston died on Saturday at The Beverly Hilton hotel. The songstress was just 48. Whitney, and ahhh, de ahhh, we’ll always love you. [NYTimes.com]
- The U.S. State Department has issued an updated, expanded travel warning for its citizens visiting Mexico, with more details and a state-by-state security assessment. The new warning includes no advisories for areas such as Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta. [USAToday.com]
- A new policy proposes that hotel employees who enter guest rooms should carry a portable panic button. This comes nearly a year after former IMF chief Strauss-Kahn was accused of sexually assaulting a chambermaid at the Sofitel New York. [CNN.com]
- Now that he’s had to give up his plans of living in the White House, Donald Trump will be taking over the Old Post Office right across the street from it and turning it into a hotel. The property is expected to open in 2016. [WashingtonPost.com]
- JetBlue just put into service a Red Sox-themed A320 as part of its efforts towards boosting its presence in Boston. Don’t expect to see the team win much more than frequent flyer points this season. [Boston.com]
The mess known as La Lohan. (Credit: Michael Williams/startraksphoto.com)
- After a disastrous first stay at the Chateau Marmont, Lindsay Lohan is back terrorizing the notorious Hollywood property. Reports say she partied hard last weekend, but she’s denying it, obvi. [HotelChatter.com]
- Talk about in-flight entertainment: Super Bowl Champs, the New York Giants, continued to celebrate their victory on the flight back to New York City. Watch the video. Seriously. [Gadling.com]
- San Francisco International Airport has gone all Zen on us: The airport has built an on-site yoga studio in Terminal 2, equipped with mirrored walls and mats to borrow. [ABCNews.com]
- Aruba is offering the Pats a serious consolation prize. So while Eli Manning hangs with Mickey, Tom Brady might be in the Caribbean. If Gisele’s gonna wear a bikini, we bet the whole team shows. [USAToday.com]
- Atlantic City just approved a “Tourism District Master Plan” that includes facelifts for the Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue, and more nightlife at Steel Pier. Bring on the diving horse! [ACWeekly.com]
Credit: Mark Savage/startraksphoto.com
- Momma Kris Kardashian spent the weekend with her ducklings Kim, Kourtney and Robert at the W Dallas, where Khloe and hubby Lamar Odom (above) are renting a suite. [HotelChatter.com]
- Starting on January 26, all airlines are required to include “all mandatory taxes and fees in the advertised fare” in order to comply with a new U.S. Department of Transportation rule. Plus, passengers can now put a reservation on hold for 24 hours without having to pay for it. [FoxNews.com]
- To fight the “TSA regulations limiting liquids in carry-ons”, Rosewood Hotels is introducing the 24-hour fragrance butlers, who will offer guests a wide range of perfumes to choose from. [USAToday.com]
- Alaska Airlines is putting an end to 30 years of prayer-card distribution among its first class passengers. But Sarah Palin isn’t too happy about it. [LATimes.com]
- Downton Abbey fans, start packing: Highclere Castle, featured in the Emmy-award series, has opened its doors. You and three others can explore and dine at the estate for $12,000. [Vagabondish.com]
There’s nothing like a classic New York versus Boston sports game: There’s the always-dueling Red Sox and Yankees; the formidable Celtics and decent (?) New York Knicks; and of course, the new rivalry of the New England Patriots and New York Giants. This year’s Super Bowl also marks a rematch of 2008′s Big Game . But if you couldn’t afford to jet out to Indianapolis to catch your favorite football team in play (and who could, with hotel rates in the city hovering around $450/night), hole up a hotel bar local to your team. Not only will you have the camaraderie of fellow fans, but you’ll also be able to watch in style, too. Bonus? If you get too drunk, you can stay in one of the hotel’s available rooms. Just saying.
The Bar: Champions
Champions Bar at the Boston Marriott Copley Place; Boston, MA
With 44 HD TVs strategically positioned throughout the bar, a 12’X24’ viewing screen, 36 beers on tap (we recommend one of the Dogfish brews) and a long list of cocktails, the Champions Sports Bar at the Marriott is one of the best places to catch the game. Whether you sit at the bar over a drink and a small bite, or at one of the tables enjoying a full meal — order the Boston Lobster sliders — you’re sure to get a good view of the screens. Plus, you’re within a stone’s throw of Fenway Park and the TD Garden — two venues that’ll make any sports afficionado feel right at home. (At least a Boston fan.)
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Even though Hawaii is known for its breathtaking beaches, the 50th state actually offers much more than just a swim in crystalline waters and great waves to surf. Discover the archipelago’s wonders — away from its sandy stretches — with this selection of activities we’ve come up with for you. From the soaring cliffs of the Waimea Canyon in Kauai to the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Oahu, Hawaii will win the hearts even of those who are allergic to relaxing on lounge chairs under the sun. Check out the best sun-safe activities to do while visiting any of the islands — just make sure to slather on some SPF first.
Road to Hana, Maui; Maui, HI
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Courtyard at The Setai; Miami, FL
- A $230,000 brand new 2012 McLaren MP4-12C sports car was airlifted into the middle of The Setai’s courtyard pool as a surprise gift for Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade’s 30th birthday. It was given to him for free by the owner of a local luxury car dealership. Jealous? We are. [TMZ]
- A 34-year-old man has been charged with criminal sex act, sexual abuse, forcible touching and unlawful imprisonment after he allegedly assaulted a woman at Le Bain, The Standard New York’s rooftop bar. The 23-year-old said he molested her in a restroom and forced her to perform oral sex. [New York Post]
- Music fans, take note. Fairmont Hotels guests will be offered studio time at Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded most of their songs. Selected Fairmont’s President’s Club loyalty program members will be allocated a producer and session musicians, and will “get a CD of their recording as a souvenir”. [Hotel Chatter]
- Starting in 2014 you won’t have to go all the way to Japan to experience sleeping in a capsule hotel — you’ll only have to jet to London. With a pull-out table, a tiny bathroom, and a single, low-ceiling bed, the 107-square-feet niches will be more spacious and… errr… luxurious? than those in Tokyo. But, don’t expect windows or room to walk around. [The Economist]
- Country singer Dolly Parton announced plans to open a new theme park in Nashville as soon as summer 2014. It would be a water-snow park, and is expected to attract 500,000 visitors in its first full season. [Huffington Post]
- The local forestry authority in Poland’s remote northeaster woodlands is looking for an investor to turn the site where Hitler and other top Nazi officials hid during airstrikes into a tourist attraction. The fortress, now partially destroyed, would be restored and would feature a museum. [USA Today]
With the Year of the Dragon fast approaching, Chinese communities across the U.S. (and everyone who likes a good party) are gearing up for the host of events that will take place starting on January 23 as part of the New Years’ celebration. San Francisco, New York and LA all have a long list of parades, traditional performances and balls — but it’s where you’re kicking up your heels at night that matters. Several of our favorite hotels have created special packages for you to enjoy — and partake in — the Chinese New Year celebration.
Dragon Gate in Chinatown; San Francisco, CA
Boasting the largest Chinatown in the country, it’s no wonder San Francisco has some of the best festivities. You might have missed the Flower Market Fair, but you can still get tickets here for the traditional concert given by the San Francisco Symphony Chinese New Year Community on February 11; take part in the 34th annual Chinese New Year Run rolling through Chinatown on February 19; enjoy the parade on February 11, and head to the zoo on January 29 to catch some acrobatic performances, tricks and more specialized family fun.
Where to Stay: Omni San Francisco Hotel
The 362-room Omni has spacious, quiet rooms and terrific service that’s on par with some of San Francisco’s best (and most expensive) hotels. Décor is tasteful and classic, the on-site steakhouse is outstanding, and the property is just steps from Chinatown and public transportation.
Lobby at the Omni San Francisco Hotel; San Francisco, CA
Chinese New Year Package: Accommodation in a Deluxe Room, two tickets for bleacher seating on the parade route, fortune cookie amenity and free valet parking for one vehicle, for $385 per night.
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The lobby at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston; Boston, MA
- Pack your polar fleece jacket and après-ski boots and head to Montreal’s Snow Village. From January 18th to March 31st, you can sleep, eat, drink, hold company meetings and even get married in this complex completely made of ice. Rooms start at $259 per person and include access to the spa under the stars, continental breakfast and a welcoming kit. [HotelChatter.com]
- “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet decided to celebrate the show’s Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series by sneaking into the Beverly Hilton’s kitchen and snapping some pics of himself amidst pans and pots. “Where do you go after you win a Golden Globe? The kitchen of the Beverly Hills [sic] Hilton,” he Tweeted. [WhoSay.com]
- A luxury cruise ship carrying 4,200 passengers ran aground off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Italy. Six have been reported dead, and 29, including 4 crew members, remain missing. The captain is being detained on suspicion of manslaughter after having made an “unapproved, unauthorized” deviation in course. [BBCNews.com]
- A Legoland Windsor hotel outside of London has just launched an online competition to recruit eight-to12-year-old junior concierges to ‘work’ at the property and help young guests make the most out of their experience. In return, they will receive a free weekend at the resort and two-day passes for the theme park. [NYDailyNews.com]
- Not everyone can afford to buy (and pack!) a cashmere blanket to brave the chilly AC during a flight, but Ivanka Trump has the pricey “snuggie” on her list of carry-on must-haves to make your trip more comfortable. [USAToday.com]
One of the perks of the upcoming long weekend (besides immortalizing the great Martin Luther King Jr, natch) would be that all of the 397 U.S. National Parks will offer free admission from Saturday through Monday. Sweet deal, right? We scoped out some of our favorite parks — and some amazing hotels to go along with them, of course.
NATIONAL PARK PICK: LINCOLN MEMORIAL; WASHINGTON, DC
Lincoln Memorial; Washington, D.C.
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech — a speech which ultimately became the defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement — on the Memorial’s steps. There are dozens of activities planned for the weekend, including a children’s recitation of the speech, an event remembering the Korean War Veterans and even a family-oriented “quest,” designed for children to learn more about Dr. King — and to have some fun, of course!
Splurge Stay: The Hay-Adams
The Hay-Adams; Washington, D.C.
This is quite possibly the most famous hotel in the capital, and deservedly so. The Obamas here in 2009, two weeks prior to the President’s inauguration, and long before that friends John Hay (Abraham Lincoln’s private secretary) and Henry Adams (the author and descendant of John Quincy) built their homes on the plot of land where the hotel now sits. The Hay-Adams draws powerbrokers from around the world with its impeccable service, a great bar and restaurant, and elegant rooms, some of which overlook Lafayette Park and the White House.
Steal Stay: River Inn
River Inn; Washington, D.C.
The 125-room River Inn offers great value. Its 450-square-foot suites have full kitchens and pullout couches; add in free perks like Wi-Fi, bike rentals and Bally Total Fitness gym passes, and you’ve got yourself a sweet deal.
CHECK OUT MORE NATIONAL PARKS AND HOTELS WE HEART >>
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