Jane

Monday Morning Ahhhh: The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago

by Jane on May 20, 2013

The Pool at the Magdalena Grand

An upper-middle-range beachfront property, the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort (like many resorts on Tobago) offers rooms at reasonable rates; the price covers a buffet breakfast, bicycle rentals, shuttles to a nearby beach, and numerous other freebies. Facilities include a fitness center, large pool, and nearby spa, and the hotel has numerous restaurant and bar options (although the restaurants can be overpriced). Rooms are simple, and some furniture shows wear and tear, but all feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and best of all, ocean views. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Magdalena Grand.

Tagged as: Kid-Friendly Hotels, Monday Morning Ahhhh, Trinidad and Tobago, Value Hotels

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Outdoor Dining: The Best Al Fresco Restaurants in New York City

by Jane on May 16, 2013

The weather in New York City may be a little hard to predict these days, so we understand wanting to take full advantage when the sun peaks out and the wind ceases. That’s why it’s handy to have a list of the best restaurants serving tasty al fresco treats at the ready. That’s where we come in; we’ve taken up the hard job of sampling delicious food at tons of New York City hotel restaurants to find the best spots to grub down outdoors this summer.

 The Standard Grill at The Standard New York

Standard Grill at The Standard New York

Situated under the High Line in the trendy Meatpacking District, the Standard Grill has remained a neighborhood hot spot, while other restaurants in the area have suffered from being too-cool-too-soon. Indoor seating (atop a penny-covered floor) is ample, as is outdoor seating, but nonetheless tables book up weeks in advance and reservations are a must. Diners stop by for dinner before heading to the hotel’s biergarten (or uber-exclusive Top of the Standard, better known as the Boom Boom Room) or opt for the tasty Sunday brunch, complete with brioche french toast, classic eggs benedict, and bloody Marys.
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Tagged as: Luxury Hotels, New York City

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Literary Hotels: Where famous authors have partied, waited arrest, and — yes — even written novels

by Jane on May 15, 2013

Whether they’re on business or leisure, with the family or solo, almost all travelers consider a book (or a Kindle, whatever) a must-have while on a trip. Personally, we love curling up with a good read while we’re jaunting from city to city. But — taking it one step further — we really love enjoying a novel in the exact same place where the author once roamed There’s just something in the air — and p.s. these wordsmiths usually stayed in some pretty nice digs. So we rounded up the literary hotels where famous authors have partied, waited arrest, you name it. Hey, some even wrote while they were shacked up in their hotel rooms. Check out nine spots where famous writers have spent some time.

Cadogan Hotel, London

The Entrance to the Cadogan Hotel

Built in 1887, the Cadogan Hotel has seen its fair share of history within the walls of the stately Edwardian townhouse. In the realm of literary history, Oscar Wilde was a frequent guest, and he caused quite a scandal when he was arrested at the hotel in 1895 (though friends encouraged him to flee the country, Wilde refused).  Poet laureate John Betjeman commemorated the arrest in his poem The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel, and the hotel has renamed the room where the handcuffing went down as the Oscar Wilde Room. At the time of the arrest, it was simply room no. 118.
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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Istanbul, Jamaica, London, Luxury Hotels, New Orleans, New York City, Romantic Hotels

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Grand Canyon Bound: 10 Stunning Luxury Hotels within Driving Distance

by Jane on May 15, 2013

Summer is just around the corner, and if a trip to the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list (as it should be), there’s no better time to visit! Whether you’re planning a day-trip or a week-long stay at the national park, these luxe hotels are the perfect place to come home to after exploring the natural beauty — and they’re all within driving distance. Check out our top ten favorite luxury hotels within driving distance of the Grand Canyon.

 

Montelucia Resort & Spa, Scottsdale

Driving time to the Grand Canyon: 3 hours, 32 minutes

Montelucia Resort & Spa

This Spanish villa-style property with great views of Camelback Mountain is one of Scottsdale’s most luxurious desert retreats. The grounds feature pretty floral-lined walkways and arched entrances, and sophisticated rooms have lots of Spanish-inspired details, including dark woods and big mirrors.
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Tagged as: Arizona, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Luxury Hotels, Scottsdale, Sedona

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The 12 Trendiest Hotel Bars Across the U.S.

by Jane on May 13, 2013

Many hotels have on-site bars, even if they’re merely situated in the glorified outskirts of the lobby, where guests can grab standard drinks after a day of sight-seeing. But these days, some of the best hotels across the country are making sure they step up their scene by providing not only comfy rooms and high-end services, but hotspot bars that attract locals as well as guests. We’ve traveled across the country and have found the 12 trendiest hotel bars in the U.S. So check ‘em out, and maybe offer your friends a round at one of these hip locales.

Bar Marmont, Chateau Marmont; Los Angeles

Bar Marmont

With its butterfly-covered ceiling, stuffed peacock in the corner, and plush banquettes, this 1930s Vietnam-inspired bar is one of the best places in Hollywood to share a drink with a starlet in hiding. Beyond the celebrity factor, the Chateau’s comfortable bar is a wonderful place to enjoy the fantastic food. The “damn good burger,” we can assure you, lives up to the name.

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Tagged as: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington D.C

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Monday Morning Ahhhh: Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve, Costa Rica

by Jane on May 13, 2013

We had a hard time saying "goodbye" to this view!

Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort — guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 16-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it’s far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve.

Tagged as: Beach Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Costa Rica, In the Spotlight, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels

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Top 10 Infinity Pools on the Caribbean Sea

by Jane on May 9, 2013

The beach, the pools, the view – these are major reasons why we travel to the Caribbean. And when we can get all in one, that’s ideal. So we scoured the islands to find the best infinity pools in the Caribbean. These spots – with gorgeous views overlooking the ocean – are perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and soaking up that sun.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Four Seasons Resort, Nevis

This Four Seasons sits on a large, attractive beach on the small island of Nevis. The gorgeous rooms here may be the highlight, with up-to-date technology, massive bathrooms, and pretty yellow-and-blue decor. But the reflection pool, an adults-only pool overlooking the ocean, is a major perk as well. Poolside guests can enjoy free snacks, as well as poolside lunch and drink service, throughout the day. The hotel also features two other slightly larger pools as well.

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Tagged as: Cancun, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Nevis, Punta Cana, St. Barts, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Turks and Caicos

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Monday Morning Ahhhh: Cozumel Palace, Mexico

by Jane on May 6, 2013

We'd love to dive into that gorgeous blue water right now!

We'd love to dive into that gorgeous blue water right now!

Cinco de Mayo may be over, but it’s all the more reason to head to Mexico for a little R&R after the hard-partying of this weekend. Located on the snorkeling-lover’s island of Cozumel off the Caribbean coast of Mexico, the Cozumel Palace is an upscale all-inclusive resort. It offers an impressive array of kid-friendly features, but is largely popular among couples seeking some relaxation. Rooms feature liquor dispensers, flat-screen TVs, minibars and balconies, and all but the standard rooms have a big whirlpool. Dining options are varied and solid, and the pool area offers daily activities as well as a swim-up bar and loungers. And the views — well, they speak for themselves. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Cozumel Palace.

Tagged as: Cozumel, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Mexico, Monday Morning Ahhhh, Riviera Maya, Romantic Hotels

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In the Spotlight: Altis Hotel — Lisbon

by Jane on May 2, 2013

Lobby at the Altis Hotel -- Lisbon

Lobby at the Altis Hotel -- Lisbon

The Altis Hotel, with 300 rooms, is the largest property in the Altis chain and is certainly one of the brand’s most luxurious hotels. Elegant rooms are a decent size with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and TVs embedded in the mirrors. A major renovation was completed in 2011, and rooms feel fresh and contemporary. The hotel’s long list of amenities includes a restaurant on the 12th floor with great city views, a cozy lobby bar, and a coffee shop. The Altis also has a health club with an indoor pool, fitness center, and several treatment rooms. While this property has a reputation as a business hotel, it also attracts tourists with its convenient location near numerous attractions. A spacious marble lobby features large art installations and plenty of space to sit. Check out more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»

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Tagged as: In the Spotlight, Lisbon

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Summer Road Trips: Weekend Getaways from NYC, D.C., L.A, and More!

by Jane on May 1, 2013

Summertime is fast-approaching and we can’t wait till the days of top-down convertibles, cover-ups and flip-flops dress codes, and mini weekend getaways. After all, a share can be great but there’s something about a spontaneous trip to the beach to really make it feel like summer. So whether your home base is New York or Los Angeles, D.C. or San Francisco, or even Boston, we have a beach destination that can easily be reached via a quick road trip. So grab a map, your sunglasses, and some road trippin’ munchies, and make your escape!

Weekend Getaway from New York City: Montauk

Travel time: 2 hours, 30 minutes via car

Visit Montauk before the "too cool" Hamptons vibe has rubbed off on it.

It may seem cliche, but there’s a reason why Manhattanites flock to the Hamptons come summer. Home to upscale restaurants, trendy workout clubs, quirky shops, and of course, beautiful beaches, it offers a nice reprieve from the congestion and smog of the city — while maintaining that cool (and sometimes snobbish) city vibe. Montauk, located at the furthest tip, however, has a more laid-back feel; residents fear that a recent influx of visitors will taint its unpretentious reputation, but for now it’s a nice alternative to the ultra-exclusive vibe of other Hamptons.

Where to Stay: A cool party spot, Sole East attracts a young, beautiful crowd. With a tasty on-site restaurant, a small pool with loungers, and beach cruisers available for rent, it’s a great pick.

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Tagged as: Boston, Boutique Hotels, California, Cape Cod, Historic Hotels, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, Montauk, Monterey, New York City, party hotels, Romantic Hotels, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, The Hamptons, Value Hotels, Virginia Beach, Washington D.C

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