Oyster Blog

Kelsey

NYC and Boston Mayors’ Super Bowl Bet: Which Fans Will Score the Better Hotel?

by Kelsey on February 1, 2012

One lucky family from the winning Super Bowl team’s home city will get to go on a “Super Tour” of the losing city, per the terms of the Super Bowl bet announced yesterday between Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Thomas Menino. Each tourism package includes a lot of fun sightseeing, wining, and dining — and most importantly, a two-night stay at one of the city’s hotels. (Fans can enter to win on their city website after the Super Bowl.)

So which fans will score the nicer hotel — Giants fans heading to Boston, or Patriots fans coming to New York? Find out in the hotel face-off below.

The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common

The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common

The Grand Hyatt New York

The Grand Hyatt New York

Read More »

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Where to Take Your Holiday Hookup: 7 Hotel Hot Spots Where Celebs Have Been Spotted Canoodling

by Kelsey on December 20, 2011

Hangin’ ’round the mistletoe may have been a fine pastime in holiday seasons of yore, but these days, a dark bar with dark corners or a trendy nightspot makes a much more exciting locale for a stolen kiss. Celebrities have been spotted canoodling at hot hotel establishments all over the country, so those looking for a hip, modern locale to engage in a little good old-fashioned necking, take note.

Cameron and Diddy were spotted making out at the trendy PH-D nightclub this December. PHOTO by: Erik Jordan/startraksphoto.com (left). PHOTO by: KYLE ROVER/startraksphoto.com (right).

Cameron and Diddy were spotted making out at the trendy PH-D nightclub this December. PHOTO by: Erik Jordan/startraksphoto.com (left). PHOTO by: KYLE ROVER/startraksphoto.com (right).

PH-D at the Dream Downtown, New York City

Cameron Diaz and Diddy were spotted making out this December at Dream Downtown’s rooftop lounge PH-D. It’s not the first time these two have been spotted locking lips, but it’s the first time they’ve been spotted here. The amazing city views and rockin’ sound system must have helped set the mood. Read More »

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In the Spotlight: Esperanza Resort, Los Cabos

by Kelsey on December 13, 2011

Lobby at Esperanza Resort

Lobby at Esperanza Resort

This beautiful, luxurious 57-room resort is one of the nicest in Los Cabos, and offers more of a home-y vibe than other high-end properties in the area. Handsome, tastefully rooms start at 925 square feet, and are decorated in traditional Baja style, with authentic artwork and wood detailing. They come with high-end electronics and decadent bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi tubs), but the private terraces are arguably the highlight; all have at least partial ocean views (many have jaw-dropping ocean views), and some have Jacuzzis. The beach is secluded and gorgeous, but the large waves and rough reefs make it unfit for swimming. The resort’s pools are top-notch, though, and pool staff offers free treats (like ice pops and fresh fruit) every hour. Since it’s a smaller resort, guests get a decent amount of individual attention. Although not much is within walking distance, the resort provides plenty for guests to do on-site, including several dining/drinking options and an art gallery. Read More »

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It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere: The Best Hotels for Mixing Business with Pleasure

by Kelsey on December 2, 2011

Traveling for business doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun. These great hotels offer all the business traveler staples — comfortable beds, up-to-date technology, and solid fitness centers — as well popular after-work or nightlife scenes. Unwinding after a day of meetings doesn’t have to mean room service and reruns (though that’s an option, too); these hotels offer guests a night out on the town right downstairs. So go ahead — have fun like it’s your job.

Eventi, New York City

Bar Basque at the Eventi

Hot Spots: An outdoor BeerParc with gourmet food stands, and tapas and cocktails at the lively, ultra-modern Bar Basque

The Business Staples: Four gourmet to-go restaurants from Jeffrey Chodorow at Food Parc; 20,000 square feet of event space; and room service, a business center, and fitness center open around-the-clock

The Bottom Line: A stylish lobby, big, beautiful rooms with Frette sheets and 37-inch flat-screens, and gourmet to-go fare at Jeffrey Chodorow’s Food Parc make this 292-room Kimpton the best hotel in a developing pocket of northern Chelsea. It offers easy access to the tourist sites, and FoodParc, BeerParc, and Bar Basque are all local hot spots. Read More »

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Oyster’s 9 favorite hidden spots: Feel like you’re discovering them for the first time

by Kelsey on October 28, 2011

There’s nothing that beats the thrill of discovery on vacation: The remote waterfall, the picturesque cobblestone street, or the hidden beach that feels like it’s all your own. When we stumbled upon these nine spots on our travels, we experienced the aha moment that comes when you find something truly special. We’ll admit that we’re not the first travelers to experience these beautiful places — but then Columbus didn’t really discover America, right? So go ahead: Take a peek at our favorite hidden spots, and find out where to stay to discover them for yourself.

In the comments section, let us know about the special places that you’ve found!

Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Discover: Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Cascading down into a hidden pool, this waterfall is easily one of the island’s most accessible major waterfalls. Located on a north branch of the Wailua River, Opaeka’a Falls is named for rolling shrimp that used to be present in the water. The falls can easily be seen from an overlook off of Kuamo’o Road — walk across the road from the lookout point and up the hill for another great vantage point.

Stay: Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort, Kauai, Hawaii

At this 118-unit high-end family-friendly condo resort, the beautifully decorated one- and two-bedroom suites are among the most luxurious in Kauai. A family-friendly pool and full kitchens make The Outrigger Waipouli appealing to vacationers who value high-quality rooms in a quiet atmosphere.

Floyd's Pelican Bar, Jamaica

Floyd's Pelican Bar, Jamaica

Discover: Floyd’s Pelican Bar, Jamaica

This is as unique of an experience as it gets. You have to take a small boat to get to this rickety shack on the ocean, where you’ll be treated to fresh, tasty fish cooked in front of you over hot coals. And the name is no coincidence: You can spot pelicans diving into the water around the bar for their own meal.

Stay: Jake’s, South Coast

With just 30 hippy-chic cottages in secluded Treasure Beach, Jake’s is a member of Island Outpost, Jamaica’s trendiest hotel group. Guests come to unplug — there’s no phone, Internet, or TV in the cottages. The black-sand beaches aren’t Jamaica’s most impressive, but the Driftwood Spa, on-site painting and yoga classes, and excellent food make this a particular favorite. Read More »

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The all-time sexiest hotel bathrooms on Oyster

by Kelsey on September 28, 2011

Two Bedroom Suite at Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic

Two Bedroom Suite at Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic

For most, a truly fantastic bathroom — think lots of marble, a decadent Jacuzzi tub, and space to spare — is a prerequisite when splurging on a luxury hotel. Especially for couples: We know how many of you flip through our bathroom photos looking for Jacuzzi tubs that fit two. Which is why we’ve created slideshows of the best hotel bathrooms in New York, the best hotel bathrooms in San Francisco, the best hotel bathrooms in Miami, and more. But for those of you who the bathroom is really, really important — for some honeymooners, it can be the deciding factor when booking a trip — we decided to make it even easier for you, and pull together a photo tour of our all-time favorite bathrooms on the site. Enjoy. Read More »

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9 Unique Hotel Spa Treatments

by Kelsey on September 15, 2011

The Moana Surfrider spa offers a scrumptious coffee and vanilla body ritual. Not recommended for the caffeine sensitive.

The Moana Surfrider spa offers a scrumptious coffee and vanilla body ritual. Not recommended for the caffeine sensitive.

It’s almost that time again: This October 10 to 16, hundreds of spas in cities across the country will be cutting treatment prices to $50 for Spa Week. To honor this celebration of pampering, we thought it fitting to share some of the most interesting spa treatments we’ve come across during our hotel investigations. No, these aren’t on sale for spa week –but they are unique. Because as much as we love the $50 massage, there’s really no replacement for getting cocooned in chocolate. Read More »

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Eat Up: Our 8 Favorite Foodie Freebies

by Kelsey on June 30, 2011

The marriage of travel and food has been a long and happy one. For foodies, a destination isn’t going to rank as a favorite unless its cuisine — be it Mexican food in San Diego, seafood in Seattle, or the hodgepodge of deliciousness that is New York –  is something special. For us, that logic applies equally to the hotels where you stay within a city: not just hotels with great restaurants, but places that incorporate gourmet treats into the overall hotel experience. These hotels we love offer awesome foodie freebies, from decadent a la carte breafkasts to free nightly wine hours. Talk about tasty extras.

A la carte breakfast

The free a la carte breakfast at Costa Rica's Gaia Hotel and Reserve is worth writing home about.

The free a la carte breakfast at Costa Rica's Gaia Hotel and Reserve is worth writing home about.

Spotlight On: Gaia Hotel and Reserve, Costa Rica

Free hotel breakfasts aren’t exactly a rarity, but they are usually comprised of cereals, fruit, and, if you’re lucky, some moderately edible scrambled eggs. Not so at Gaia Hotel and Reserve, where the free breakfast is a gourmet a la carte affair. Menu items include Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles, Italian Egg White Frittata, Vanilla and Mango Pancakes, a Costa Rican Breafkast, and more. And the freebies don’t stop there: The room rate also includes a short spa treatment.

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Exclusive Photos of our New Favorite Outdoor Drinking Spot in NYC: BeerParc

by Kelsey on June 17, 2011

BeerParc at the Eventi Hotel

BeerParc at the Eventi Hotel

When we attended the opening of Eventi Hotel’s FoodParc in September 2010, we heard a lot about a not-yet-opened outdoor area that would feature gourmet food carts and a summer movie series. There’s little in life we enjoy more than eating and drinking outside in the warm weather, so last week we moseyed out way over to BeerParc — opened at long last in late May — to check out the scene.

 

Here’s a quick rundown:

The Food: Food stands with upscale beer garden fare from well-known chefs, including Ed Brown of Ed’s Chower House and Zak Pelaccio of Fatty Crab

The Beer: Five brews from 10 taps (Magic Hat #9, Radeberger Pilsner, Tucher Helles Hefeweizen, Brooklyn Lager, and Southampton Publick House Double White Ale), plus a canned beer selection that includes Heineken, Guiness, and Modelo Especial

The Tickets: Line up to buy them before you get your beers and food. Each ticket is $3, and you’ll need two tickets for every beer and one to four for the food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Take a look for yourself: Read More »

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