Dreaming of the perfect wedding getaway? These hotels aren’t over the top, gaudy, or flashy. They’re breathtaking, inviting, and just right. Aruba, Jamaica (Oh I wanna take ya)…

First up:

1. Half Moon, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Drawing everyone from Queen Elizabeth to 50 Cent, Half Moon strives for timeless, understated luxury (even at the swim-up bar). Stretching over 400 acres (including 2 miles of beach), the 400-room resort offers attentive service, quality cuisine, and seemingly limitless activities like golfing and horseback riding.

Half Moon, Jamaica

 

2. The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Maui, Hawaii

Wailea’s aptly named Fairmont Kea Lani is a “white heaven” indeed — its 450 units sit on a 22-acre beachfront property that includes four pools, five restaurants, access to world-class golf, some of Maui’s largest rooms, and a relentless dedication to service that rivals the nearby Four Seasons.

3. The Kahala Hotel and Resort, Oahu, Hawaii

A celebrity retreat since 1964, the newly renovated Kahala is quite possibly the best hotel in Oahu. Yet its vibe is more “family fun” than “pretentious glitz” — think swimming with dolphins, not posing in lounges. Sure, it’s your only luxury option in a quiet setting without leaving Oahu — but it’s also a great one.

4. Palms Hotel and Spa, Mid-Beach, Miami

A clean, lively beachside resort in sleepy Mid-Beach, the Palms takes style lessons from the hip boutiques — think poolside house music, a fun tiki bar, updated rooms, a new Aveda spa, and free yoga classes. But for nightlife, revelers must head to South Beach, a five- to 10-minute taxi ride away.

5. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Key Biscayne, Miami

A tranquil 450-room island resort off the Miami mainland on Key Biscayne, the Ritz provides some of the traditional “Ritzy” benchmarks — impeccably kept grounds, huge pools, a brilliant spa, a world-class tennis center, a kids’ club, and elegant (if generic) interiors. Too bad service is uneven and the sliver of beach is covered in seaweed.

6. Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, Aruba

Gorgeous pools, a reliable kids club, and a soft-sand beach in a modern hotel near the High-Rise shopping/dining/drinking complex — the Hyatt is virtually flawless, even if it does lack local charm. Rooms are clean and modern, and have flat-screen TVs, excellent beds, and iPod docks — they’re among the best in Aruba, excusing the tiny balconies.

7. Punta Cana Hotel, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana Hotel’s 202 suites are steps away from the beach, on a giant property that includes the La Cana golf course, Six Senses spa, a nature preserve, eight restaurants, horse stables, and more. La Romana’s Casa de Campo is nearly identical, unless you’re a pro golfer — Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog beats La Cana.

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If you’re citified but like to hike, a foodie but ride your bike more than your car, or use your Patagonia Solar Wind Jacket for a city blizzard, you can consider yourself Urban Rugged by Oyster’s standards.

These destinations and hotels are rustic-chic with lots to do, whether it’s hiking, cycling, shopping, going to art galleries or eating in top notch restaurants. At these eight hotels, you can always tap into your natural — and metropolitan — side.

The Travaasa Hana, Maui, Hawaii

The Travaasa Hana hotel overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury in the middle of Maui’s lush, secluded east coast. It has incredible service, a long list of stuff to do and only 70 rooms on acres of uncrowded property. The rooms are large, clean, sleekly furnished — and stripped of TVs, clocks and radios. Though it’s hard to reach, it’s worth the trip. The gorgeous, secluded location near hikes, waterfalls and beaches, excellent cuisine using local products, one of the most beautiful spa facilities on the island and unmatched personalized touches make this hotel one of your best choices in Hawaii.

Travaasa Hana, Maui, Hawaii

Campton Place Taj Hotel, San Francisco

Housed in two adjoining century-old buildings, the 110-room luxury boutique Campton Place Taj Hotel is a revelation in bustling Union Square. Despite its stature, the hotel feels surprisingly casual. The sprightly doorman chats with you as he leads you to the small, gleaming lobby full of fresh-cut orchids and paintings by local artists. The hotel is an enclave of posh rooms and pampering service in a dense city. Its top-notch service and luxe room amenities make it one of the city’s most special hotels.

Campton Place Taj Hotel, San Francisco

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Phoenix

The Montelucia is located in the upscale Paradise Valley section of Scottsdale. Guests interested in hiking can walk to Echo Canyon, where a popular, steep trail leads to the top of Camelback Mountain. Numerous shops, art galleries, nightclubs and restaurants are a 10-minute drive away in Old Town Scottsdale. This Spanish villa-style property with great views of Camelback 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.

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Phoenix

The Sebastian, Vail

The luxury boutique Sebastian resort opened in Vail in 2010, and prices are often more than fair for what you get for this grand mountain vibe. The beautiful, high-end mountain decor, particularly in the airy lobby and cozy library, are anything but cabin kitsch. The two great restaurants, the farm-to-table Block 16 and a chic lounge provide plenty of entertainment. The outdoor pool, four Jacuzzis and an upscale spa give you just what you need for a relaxing stay. It’s within walking distance of Vail Village, the slopes and the hotel’s own Base Camp (with ski rentals and a cafe).

The Sebastian, Vail

Hotel deLuxe, Portland

If channeling James Cagney or Bette Davis while sipping an Old Fashioned is on your bucket list, consider the Hotel deLuxe. Decor at this upscale, 130-room boutique is inspired by the Golden Era of Hollywood, where Art Deco lamps, black-and-white photographs and heavy drapes meet modern luxuries such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Even the key cards scream Tinseltown. Rooms have a vintage style that is cheerful rather than sultry, with plush beds and a color scheme of lively, bright pastels. Hotel deLuxe is located in Downtown Portland, within walking distance of Portland’s Waterfront and the popular Pearl District. Forest Park, 5,000 acres of pure nature, can be found on the northwest hills of Downtown Portland. It’s one of the nation’s largest urban parks and has plenty of biking and hiking trails for adventurous travelers. Portland is very pedestrian-friendly and is known as one of the best cycling cities in the country, so visitors should take advantage of the car-free setting.

Hotel deLuxe, Portland

The Hacienda & Spa at Hotel Santa Fe

The Hacienda at Hotel Santa Fe delivers a private, gorgeous retreat on four gorgeous acres — just six blocks from the Plaza. Santa Fe sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet at the southern edge of the Rockies. The Hacienda is the only hotel in town owned by Native Americans, and the extensive display of Native art gives the public areas a gallery feel. The suites are large and luxurious. Hiking in summer and skiing in winter are great reasons to visit, and Santa Fe is also renowned for its local art.

The Hacienda & Spa at Hotel Santa Fe

Loden Hotel, Vancouver

This 77-room luxury boutique has a modern, stylish feel and a popular French bistro. The large, sleek rooms may be the highlight, with subtle earth tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and decadent marble bathrooms. The Downtown Vancouver location is convenient as well — The Loden Hotel is in Coal Harbour, on the eastern side of downtown near the harbor and the Vancouver Convention Center. There is also a SkyRail line just a couple blocks from the hotel.

Loden Hotel, Vancouver

L’Auberge de Sedona

L’Auberge de Sedona has one of the most stunning natural settings in not just the Southwest, but the country, with the picturesque Oak Creek running underneath shady trees, and Sedona’s soaring red rocks suspended in the background. The 87 guest rooms and woodsy cottages are spread across 11 acres, allowing guests plenty of privacy; most come with fireplaces and private decks. Sedona is most famous for its stunning red rocks, which are particularly beautiful in the glow of sunrise and sunset and have formed the backdrop for many a western film. The beautiful desert-meets-forest scenery has, unsurprisingly, attracted many artists, and Sedona has become known for its numerous art galleries and arts and craft shops. It’s also a first-rate destination for active travelers, who want to take in the views while biking, hiking or horseback riding.

L'Auberge de Sedona

It’s football season and the MLB playoffs are around the corner. These hotels accommodate the loudest, rowdiest, most competitive fanatics out there. Give us an outrageously over-sized flat-screen TV and dem’s fightin’ words, and we’ve got just the right atmosphere.

Ouest, The Lucerne, New York
This isn’t your typical sports bar – it’s a high-end French restaurant with a cozy, Old-School New York twist. Although the menu is a bit pricey, the food (by Tom Valenti) will not disappoint – roasted salmon, braised beef short ribs, and juicy pork chops. The interior is covered in red leather, dark wooden accents, and white linen table cloths. With an outstanding bartender and fabulous drink menu, this place gets packed regularly, and (perhaps most importantly) a large flatscreen TV perches directly above the bar – making Ouest a great alternative from the typical sweaty, messy sports bar.


Center Bar, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
With the diverse range of people that pass through this bar, you’ll surely strike up some interesting conversations during commercials – that’s for sure. But while the game is on, full attention is paid to the five new flatscreen TVs circling the bar. And it’s open 24/7, so no matter what time zone your game may be in, you can watch it here.

City Bar, Lenox Hotel, Boston
Just because you’re watching the game doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your culinary instincts. City Bar offers guests an impressive, understated menu of a range of foods, from surf and turf tacos, to glazed ribs, to Maine lobster rolls. With stylish leather couches, low lighting and a big screen directly in front of the bar, this classy Bostonian bar is a great spot to throw back a martini and watch your sport of choice.

676 Restaurant, Omni Chicago Hotel
A great option for the lover of sports and the environment. With two large plasma-screen TVs at the bar, you’ll be able to catch this game while selecting delicious dishes and finger foods, like popcorn made with wild mushroom salt and cucumber and olive relish and grilled flatbread crackers. The best part is that the restaurant focuses on using fresh ingredients from Midwest and local farmers. All food is organic and sustainable. Not to mention, a killer drink menu – blueberry martinis, pomegranate sparklers, Honker’s Ale, and more.

Ambassador Lounge, Millennium UN Plaza, New York
Imagine sharing bar cashews and catching the Jets game with an international diplomat – it can happen at Ambassador Lounge in the Millennium UN Plaza. Sleek, high-end designs and plenty of metallic surfaces give this midtown bar a classy, professional vibe while still maintaining a relaxed, hang-out flair. Large appetizers are perfect for sharing around the wide-screen TV, and a superb drink menu – premium liquors lining the bar wall – greets guests upon entering.

Pool Plaza, Gansevoort Miami Beach
Five plasma wide-screen TVs rest above the sleek, blue granite bar lined with blocky steel bar stools. Guests can order some light fare, like grilled shrimp and pot stickers, and indulge in delectable desserts like Tahitian vanilla milkshakes. Of course, a full bar is available (and quite pricey), but the ambiance is what it’s all about. Although it may be all about the game, the beautiful views deserve some gazing at during commercial breaks, and the cool ocean breeze makes this area a great spot to relax, dine alfresco, and toss back a few adult beverages.

Lagasse’s Stadium & Bar, Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas
It has “stadium” in its name – need we say more? With chef Emeril Lagasse’s signature cuisine and more than 100 HD TVs, is there a better place to catch the game in Sin City? Doubtful. The restaurant incorporates stadium-style seating, as well as fun extras like billiard tables and a massive 9’ X 16’ TV. It’s considered one of the best sports lounges in Vegas for a reason.

Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

The Veranda, Hotel Casa Del Mar, Los Angeles
Frequented by some of the celebrity elites, this elegant bar manages to incorporate a relaxed beach vibe into the high-class, old money thing it’s also got going for it. Throw in a few flatscreens over the bar, and you’ve got yourself a super classy sports night on your hands. But be aware, fans – visitors of this bar favor flutes of champagne and a Darlinis (a raspberry, orange juice, and champagne mixture), if you catch our drift.

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We’re visiting the best, trendiest hotel bars to find you the tastiest summer cocktails in NYC. Not only have we got the photos, we’ve got the recipes — directly from the bartenders — so you can make them at home. Grab your martini glass and hit the deck, you’re having a cocktail party.

This week, we’ve got New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York. Previously, we’ve bar hopped at: XVI at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, The Maritime, The James Hotel, Hilton New York Fashion District, and The Standard Hotel.

Scene at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Drink #1: Mr. Big

Mr. Big, at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Ingredients:

• 2oz Ceres Guava Juice
• 1/2 Lime Juice
• 1oz Combier Orange
• 2oz Death’s Door Vodka

To make
Build, ice, shake vigorously and strain into Martini Glass
Garnish: Star Fruit

Drink #2: Hibiscus Kiss

Hibiscus Kiss, at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
• 1/2oz Hibiscus Syrup
• 1oz Ceres Secrets of Valley Juice
• 1oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Top with Champagne

To make
Build drink excluding Champagne, ice, shake and strain into a Flute, top with Champagne
Garnish: Hibiscus in bottom of Flute

Drink #3: Elliot Ness

Elliot Ness, at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Ingredients:

• Couple dashes Peach Bitters
• 1oz Carpano Antica
• 1oz Punt E Mes
• 2oz Makers Mark Bourbon

To make
Build, ice for 15 seconds, stir for another 30, strain into Rocks Glass w/ no ice
Garnish: 3 Brandied Cherries on spike

Drink #4: On Broadway

On Broadway at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Ingredients:

• 1oz Raspberry Puree
• 1oz Verjus Blanc
• 1oz Combier Orange
• 2oz Death’s Door Vodka
• top with Ginger Beer

To make
Give the berries a quick muddle (they will break up when shaken), build drink except for Ginger Beer, ice, shake vigorously and double strain over Fresh Ice in Highball Glass then top with Ginger Beer
Garnish: Candied Ginger / Raspberry spike

Drink #5: Up The Hudson

Up the Hudson at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Ingredients:

• 6 leaves Mint torn
• 1/2oz Lemon juice
• 1/2oz Combier Orange
• 1oz Matilde Pear Liqueur
• 2oz Lairds Applejack

To make
Build, ice, shake vigorously and strain into Martini Glass
Garnish: Spanked Mint Leaf float

Scene at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Scene at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Scene at New York Central at The Grand Hyatt, New York

Make September your friend. Look forward to fall by looking out of your hotel window or balcony at these breathtaking views of the leaves.

View from the Central Park Suite at Jumeirah Essex House, New York

Street View at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge, Boston

Street View at Taj Boston

View from The Oriental Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, New York

View from The Executive Park-View Suite at the Trump International Hotel And Tower, New York

View from The Deluxe Room at the Hotel Marlowe, Boston

Wollman Rink at Central Park near the Buckingham Hotel, New York

If every Friday is set aside for the same ho-hum dinner-and-a-movie, “date night” will repeat like Groundhog Day and eventually become a grind. That kind of drudgery can derail even the most starry-eyed-in-love couple (think Prince William and Kate Middleton).

The good news: It’s not that difficult to turn up the heat. The trick, experts say, is finding new and exciting ways to bond with your honey — and trying to be a little spontaneous about it.

Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco

Our friends from SELF asked Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. (aka “Dr. Romance”), psychotherapist and author of The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again, for five ways to bring back the spark. Oyster experts picked the best places and environments to rejuvenate your relationship, whether you’re on vacation or it’s just another night.

Get nostalgic. Think back to when you were first dating. Go back to the place where you first met, watch a DVD (complete with popcorn) of the first movie you saw together, hit Happy Hour at the bar near your old job or wander through the park with a picnic lunch.
Where to do it: Picnicking in New York’s Central Park is something special, anyone who has done it will tell you. The beautiful escape in the middle of a bustling metropolitan city has a unique and exciting feel; the setting ignited an appreciation for life’s simple things. Perfect for surfacing old memories that make you both smile, Central Park has got it all. The Excelsior Hotel on the city’s Upper West Side is just a block from the park, located in a quiet, residential neighborhood.

Central Park, New York

Take to the water. There’s something very soothing and seductive about water. Take a tour of fancy fountains, visit a restaurant near a lake, stream or the ocean or order a catered picnic and take it on a ferry ride. If you live on a coast, hit the beach with some cheese and wine (assuming it’s legal in your state/county). Live in a tourist destination? Take a gondola ride, complete with a singing gondolier.
Where to do it: We love the romantic, beachfront hammocks hanging over the sand at Ke Iki Beach Bungalows, in part because they match the hotel’s laid-back, bohemian vibe. They add to the low-key romance of this bungalow hotel, perfect for couples who don’t need much beyond a beach, a sunset, and a little privacy.

Ke Iki Bungalows, Hawaii

Act like a tourist. Even if your town is somewhat ho-hum, find the hidden treasures. Have dinner in a nice hotel with cocktails at the piano bar, visit local attractions like museums or the aquarium or take a stroll through art galleries in the area followed by dinner at a sidewalk cafe. Some towns still have drive-in movies — the most romantic date ever!
Where to do it: Whether you’ve lived in the same neighborhood for one year or one decade, there are always more hidden gems to be found. Los Angeles’s Santa Monica and Venice neighborhoods are perfect for discovering new places — Venice has evolved into a bohemian Shangri-la. A few canals remain and are worth visiting to see the period bungalows lining them, but the main draw today is Ocean Front Walk, aka the boardwalk, a stretch of sunbaked T-shirt shops, hot dog stands, and pizza joints along the beach. Check out The Ambrose, an off the beaten path boutique hotel for tourists who are looking for a fantastic, Zen-like alternative to Santa Monica’s enormous beachfront hotels.

The Ambrose, Los Angeles

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Get some culture: Search out small theaters, college events and speakers, even high school plays and sports. The energy in these less-commercial activities will inspire you and provide plenty of fodder for great conversation.
Where to do it: Washington, D.C. one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities in America, is the perfect city for stimulating conversation. Aside from its political vibe, the Capitol has a plethora of culture, events, sites and neighborhoods to stroll around. The George Washington University, located in the heart of the city, has regular events and speakers pertaining to a wide range of topics. The JW Marriott, steps from the National Mall, is a great pick for everything there is to do in Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C., Lincoln Memorial

The bottom line: Make a weekly commitment to doing something fun together. You pick one week, and he picks the next. Time together should open endless possibilities of fun — not endless dinners (and a movie) stuck on repeat.

It’s not impossible to squeeze in a last-minute family trip before the kids are back at school. We’ve rounded up the most affordable, family-friendly vacations filled with some extra bonding moments for the end-of-summer-blues.

Orlando

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando

Average Price: $226/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
Location: Disney World, Orlando
From the gazelles and giraffes freely roaming the grounds to the enormous pool with a waterslide, the safari-themed Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge was designed to amaze and delight children. Throughout the day, staff members lead (free) educational activities for children like craft-making, African drumming, or mini-lessons about the where giraffes come from. Here, even the learning is captivating.

Nickelodeon Suites Resort

Nickelodeon Suites Resort, Orlando

Average Price: $135/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
You know when you stay at a hotel with “Nickelodeon” in its name that you’re in for a kid-tastic treat. Dedicated entirely to children’s comfort and entertainment, “Nick Hotel,” as it slangily refers to itself, is literally made for families. Accommodations are configured to give parents and children separate bedrooms, with plenty of shared living space and the convenience of kitchenettes. The entertainment and on-site amenities are unmatched outside of Disney and include two water parks, a mall, and — during the busiest seasons — activities like live entertainment at the pool and Studio Nick.

Boston

Hotel Marlowe

Hotel Marlow, Boston

Average Price: $219/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
Location: Cambridge, Boston
A “discovery” theme (hallway carpets patterned with stars and moons), kids’ menus, large guest rooms, and lots of freebies — welcome treats for kids, free use of bikes and kayaks, a free lending library of books, free cribs and playpens, free child-size bathrobes — make Hotel Marlowe a great choice for families. Plus, across the street, hotel guests get free use of the telescopes at the Museum of Science observatory.

The Colonnade Hotel

The Colonnade Hotel, Boston

Average Price: $294/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
Location: Back Bay, Boston
This classy hotel features the city’s only rooftop pool, making it a hit with the kids during the summer. Kids’ menus are available for in-room dining; and at 350 square feet, the standard rooms are large enough to accommodate a crib or rollaway bed (which are available for free).

Las Vegas

New York New York Hotel & Casino

New York New York Hotel, Las Vegas

Average Price: $98/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: The Strip, Las Vegas
The hotel’s signature feature is it’s 67-mph roller coaster that takes off from the lobby and wraps around the hotel. The hotel also houses one of the biggest arcades in Las Vegas, and walking through the faux New York City neighborhoods and eateries is a little like walking through a Disneyland village.

The Mirage

The Mirage, Las Vegas

Average Price: $163/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
Location: The Strip, Las Vegas
The Mirage has endless ways to keep kids entertained, including the nightly eruptions of the hotel’s signature man-made volcano and the lions and dolphins at Siefried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The entertainment options, like Cirque du Soleil shows and performances by puppeteer Terry Fator, are relatively wholesome compared to some of Vegas’ other offerings. And there’s a kids’ menu at California Pizza Kitchen and kid-friendly fare at Carnegie Delicatessen and Paradise Cafe.

Los Angeles

Wilshire Grand Los Angeles

Wilshire Grand, Los Angeles

Average Price: $115/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.0 Pearls
Location: Downtown, Los Angeles
The rooms at this affordable hotel, at 240-square-feet, may be a tight squeeze for parents and kids, but who’s hanging out in the room? From this downtown base, Universal Studios is a 20-minute metro ride (no car!), and Hollywood is 15 minutes by train. In town for a game? The Staples Center is within walking distance, and Dodgers Stadium is a five- to 15-minute drive depending on traffic. Even though the hotel attracts business travelers, kids can comfortably run around the large, carpeted lobby and swim in the pool without raising eyebrows.

Le Parc Suites Hotel

Le Parc Hotel, Los Angeles

Average Price: $208/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: Hollywood/West Hollywood, Los Angeles
An enormous suite at a reasonable price is the story here. The 650-square-foot suites have fully equipped kitchens, two TVs (one a 42-inch plasma TV), a living room with a gas fireplace, and balconies. A roof-top pool and tennis court sweeten the deal, and from the hotel’s West Hollywood location, Universal Studios is only a 15-minute drive.

New York

Affinia Fifty

Affinia Fifty, New York

Average Price: $253/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: Midtown East, New York City
Families love the Affinia Fifty, given its safe, convenient location in Midtown East, its large rooms (most of which sleep at least four people with sofa beds and can attach to other rooms), and its laid-back lounge with plenty of board games. Affinia also runs a popular “Jet-Set Kids” promotion, where young guests receive a New York City guidebook for kids, plus NYC stickers, a scrapbook, and even a digital camera.

Hilton Times Square

Hilton Times Square, NYC

Average Price: $306/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: Times Square, New York City
Large rooms, special kids’ menus, an on-site movie theater, and plenty of nearby attractions in Times Square make the Hilton a great choice for families. Kids stay free in rooms with their parents, and standard and deluxe rooms with two double beds range from 330 to a palatial 360 square feet — far bigger than the standard rooms in most New York hotels. The kids’ breakfast buffet at Restaurant Above costs $10 and includes toast, eggs, pancakes, bacon, and juice.

Miami

Trump International Beach Resort

Trump International Beach Resort, Miami

Average Price: $193/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 4.5 Pearls
Location: Northern Beaches, Miami
Unlike at most other Miami hotels, the Kids Club at the Trump is free. The large, family-size rooms all have kitchenettes, and many suites also include washer/dryers. The grotto-style pool comes with a broad shallow area that’s great for little swimmers. Plus, there’s always Globie — the hotel mascot — who entertains kids around the pool.

Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort

Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort, Miami

Average Price: $203/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: Northern Beaches, Miami
Kids gone wild, with parents (usually) in tow. The Newport Beachside is a lot like a cruise on land, with organized kids’ activities all day long, entertainment at night, and tykes dominating the landscape. Plus, the hotel has two video-game rooms, a make-your-own-album CD creator, and family-appropriate movie nights.

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Cold summertime cocktails. So hot right now. We’re visiting the best, trendiest hotel bars to find you the tastiest summer cocktails in NYC. Not only have we got the photos, we’ve got the recipes — directly from the bartenders — so you can make them at home. Grab your martini glass and hit the deck, you’re having a cocktail party.

This week we’ve got The Standard Hotel. Previously, we’ve taste-tested The James Hotel and Hilton New York Fashion District.

The Standard, New York

DRINK #1: Whiskey Punch

Whiskey Punch

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz lemon juice
• ½ oz orange juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Prosecco

To make
Pour all ingredients except Prosecco into mixing glass with ice. Shake and strain into tall glass with crushed ice. Add Prosecco.
Garnish with an orange twist.

DRINK #2: Cosmonaut

Cosmonaut

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz Lillet
• 1 oz elderflower cordial

To make
Shake all ingredients and strain into martini glass.
Garnish with an orange twist.

DRINK #3: Raspberry Ricky

Raspberry Ricky

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 2 spoons fresh bramble mix*
• 1 oz sour soda

To make
Pour all ingredients except soda into mixing glass with ice. Shake and pour into tall glass with ice. Add soda.
Garnish with raspberries.
*The bramble mix is made in-house by cooking berries in sugar until the berries make their own juice. This is taken off the flame before the beries break, so the mix consists of whole berries with a sweet syrup.

DRINK #4: Jalisco Gimlet

Jalisco Gimlet

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz grapefruit juice

To make
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into martini glass. Top with lime zest.
Garnish with grapefruit.

DRINK #5: Rickshaw

Rickshaw

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• Ginger beer

To make
Fill with ginger beer.
Serve in a high ball glass with crushed ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Standard New York

The Standard New York

Craving something sweet but don’t want to break the bank? Whether we’re talking food or hotels, we’ve got the perfect solution for you.

Our friends from SELF found the treat: satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt with these Plush Puffs fat-free marshmallows from DylansCandyBar. No fat, just flavors: Vanilla or caramel-swirl marshmallows step up s’mores; lemon meringue enhances tea. Or enjoy them plain for about 70 calories. (And you get five per serving.)

And as for hotels, the list is endless. But, we’ve picked our favorite budget-friendly hotels that will make you feel like a million bucks.

Hotel: Grano De Oro, San Jose, Costa Rica
Price: $130/avg. night
Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
This former Victorian mansion turned intimate, 40-room hotel features large, homey rooms, a rooftop Jacuzzi, and a renowned fine dining restaurant. Antiques, tinkling fountains, wood floors and artful flower arrangements make it feel like you might be staying in the home of a wealthy colonial-era plantation owner. But it lacks the features a larger hotel — there’s no business center, fitness center, pool or spa.

Grano De Oro, Costa Rica

Hotel: Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile
Price: $146/avg. night
Pearls: 3.5 pearls
This 500-room chain hotel two blocks from the Magnificent Mile is nicer than your average Doubletree, but still solidly mid-range. Rooms were renovated in 2009 and all come with 27-inch flat-screen TVs, Neutrogena toiletries, MP3 hookups and coffeemakers with free coffee and tea. It’s a pretty good value for what you get, but it’s worth comparing rates with the more charming Millennium Knickerbocker.

Doubletree Magnificent Mile, Chicago

Hotel: 3 Palms, Phoenix
Price: $71/avg. night
Pearls: 5.4 pearls
The 3 Palms may look like a motel on the outside, but this affordable Scottsdale boutique has tasteful, contemporary rooms, solid freebies (including self-parking and Wi-Fi), and friendly service. The big, heated pool is impressive, and downtown Scottsdale is only a five-minute drive away. The bathrooms are a bit small, though.

3 Palms, Phoenix

Hotel: The Sofia Hotel Downtown, San Diego
Price: $112/avg. night
Pearls: 3.5 pearls
The 211-room Sofia Hotel in Downtown San Diego features small, but stylish rooms, with mini-fridges, microwaves, and tiny flat-screen TVs. Use of the fitness center, yoga and pilates studio, Wi-Fi, business center, and even loaner bicycles is included in the $8 daily fee, and the American brasserie gets solid reviews. It’s more charming than the often similarly priced Holiday Inn, and the location is more convenient — but parking will cost you.

The Sofia Downtown, San Diego

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Hotel: Townhouse Hotel, South Beach, Miami
Price: $138/avg. night
Pearls: 3
Located right on the beach, the Townhouse offers bright, stylish rooms, but little else. Still, it’s a great, comparatively clean alternative to the sketchy, similarly priced hotels throughout South Beach. Young singles might appreciate the Townhouse’s proximity to clubs and the mix of good-looking Europeans spending the night.

Townhouse Hotel, South Beach, Miami

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While vacation is a time to relax and let loose, keep your healthy goals in mind without throwing them in the gutter. A simple morning walk, leisurely bike ride, or a personal trainer are all fair game when it comes to getting away. Remember, exercising releases endorphins, and endorphins make us happy (as said by the Elle Woods — for all you Legally Blonde fans), so come on, let’s get happy!

Destination: Miami
Save: Viceroy fitness classes
From Zumba to yoga flow to boot camp, the Viceroy offers a huge range of ways to burn some calories during your stay. If you want something more hardcore, head on over to Canyon Ranch Miami, where your entire experience will be about health and wellness. If you’re looking for more of a combination of healthy fun, Viceroy is your pick. With a plethora of classes and a convenient schedule, this hotel makes staying fit fun. For only $15, hotel guests can enjoy some great workouts.

The Viceroy Miami

Splurge: Canyon Ranch Miami Beach
The Wellness Spa features a number of innovative treatments, from Chinese medicine consultations to prenatal massages to Turkish body rituals. Such treatments must be scheduled in advance, and don’t come cheap. Frustratingly, the voluminous treatment book in my room didn’t list prices. But the spa does feature a number of complimentary offerings. The most amazing one is Aquavana, a European thermal suite with a Finnish sauna, a crystal steam room, a foot spa, an herbal laconium, an igloo, and Experiential Rains treatments. The Experiential Rains, are like special effects showers — guests press buttons to choose from Atlantic Storm, Caribbean Monsoon, or Polar Mist, each a choreographed shower with sound effects, changing lights, and different water textures and temperatures. The huge fitness center is equally impressive. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer ocean views from dozens of cardio machines. There’s also a rock-climbing wall. Every day, some 40 free fitness classes are offered throughout the property, from Sunrise Yoga to Beach Conditioning.

Canyon Ranch Miami Beach

Destination: New York
Save: “Experience Kits” at Affinia Dumont
Affinia Experience Kits are filled with information and amenities to help you discover and enjoy popular urban spaces. Each kit is delivered in a basket, and is free of charge during your stay. The Walking Tour Kit comes with an iPod Shuffle or Nano loaded with Affinia Walking Tour and workout playlists; City Walks deck of cards; city guidebook featuring popular walking tours; StreetWise city map; pedometer; and a towel. The StayFit Kit includes a yoga mat; stretching blocks; yoga, Pilates, and boot camp DVDs; workout bands; wrist/ankle weights; and StreetWise city map.

Affinia Dumont, New York

Splurge: Pool at the Mandarin Oriental, New York
Your morning laps will never be the same. The naturally lit 75-foot spectacular pool on the 36th floor has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides with views of the city and the Hudson River — an urban oasis in the clouds. Not a laps person? Try these fun and effective pool workouts for a great workout (no swimming required). Next door to the pool, the luxurious fitness center includes about a dozen LifeFitness cardio machines, each with individual televisions, that looka onto the city and Central Park. There are also a few weight machines, a stretching area, and even a Kinesis machine.

The Mandarin Oriental New York

Destination: San Francisco
Save:  Free personal training session at The W San Francisco
If breaking a sweat with the premier cardio equipment or free and machine weights in The W’s SWEAT Fitness Center isn’t enough for you, turn up the intensity with a personal trainer, available upon request. Looking to soak up San Fran’s beautiful skies? Puma Biomega bike rental is available free of charge; explore the city with this Danish-made bike that is designed to rid everyday annoyances from riding in the urban environment.

The W San Francisco

Splurge: The Fairmont Heritage Place, San Francisco
The one-, two-, and three-bedroom units — owned as time-shares and sometimes leased for short-term rentals — are outfitted with some of the best technology, appliances, and furnishings. Full kitchens have near-professional quality appliances, including wine refrigerators, J.A. Henckels knives, and Wolf gas ranges. Rather than dining out every night, save your calories for a delicious, home-cooked meal with a fully stocked kitchen. Now that’s a splurge.

The Fairmont Heritage Place, San Francisco

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