by Jane on February 9, 2012
The grounds at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY
The 132-room Hotel Terra is a trendy, eco-friendly ski lodge; it may look like your typical Jackson Hole hotel from the outside, but once inside it proves to be a step above — and a touch more stylish –than many other area hotels. The lobby has fireplaces and the requisite antler-adorned walls, but they’re complemented by bright, modern furniture, accent walls, and funky light fixtures. The rooms are equally sleek but a tad cozier, with dark wood furniture, moss-green throws, modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, and organic toiletries in the bathrooms (complete with radiant flooring). Though families are welcome, couples will especially love this romantic lodge for its sexy rooftop Jacuzzi and the delicous Osteria restaurant that boasts an impressive wine list. But perhaps most importantly, the hotel is just a short walk from the slopes. After all, isn’t it always about location, location, location? Check out more amazing photos of the hotel after the jump or read the full review here >>
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by Jane on January 24, 2012
Presidents Day is just around the corner and of course that makes us reflect on our country’s leaders — and Obama’s State of the Union Address tonight at 9 p.m. EST. But c’mon, we’re a hotel website so what it really makes us think about is presidential suites. The most lavish accommodations in hotels, presidential suites are fit for, well, presidents. In fact, they reportedly got their name from President Woodrow Wilson, who had a strict list of requirements for his hotel rooms. Some of those requirements may be standard nowadays (such as en-suite bathrooms) but the over-the-top luxury remains. Last time, we highlighted the best presidential suites in New York City and Washington, D.C. so this time we’re heading to the West Coast to find the most drool-worthy presidential eye candy in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
The Hotel: InterContinental San Francisco
Built in 2008 in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern InterContinental has luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, a lap pool, a popular spa, and a Michelin-star restaurant.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
Oyster.com’s Favorite Feature of the Presidential Suite:
There’s a lot to love about the two-floor presidential suite, but we really go gaga over the wrap-around balcony with amazing city views and the funky light fixtures.
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by Jane on December 19, 2011
It’s chilly out there, and sometimes there’s nothing better than curling up with a cup of hot cocoa and a book — or even just the cocoa. But when you’re staying in a hotel, it can be tricky to find the perfect corner for dozing off reading. That’s where we come in — Oyster.com investigators have stayed at hundreds of hotels with libraries that run the gamut: everything from one-book “lending libraries” to luxurious library-themed bars to entire hotels devoted to the Dewey Decimal System. So pick a book (or turn on your Kindle) and check out our favorite hotel libraries below!
The Book Room at The Jefferson, Washington DC
For the dignified historian: The Jefferson, Washington DC
After a massive renovation in 2009, this boutique hotel reopened, and regained its place among DC’s elite hotels. The staff went to great lengths to incorporate aspects of Thomas Jefferson’s life that are less known than his accomplishments as a statesman and an author. Jefferson the architect? The custom-made toile draperies in the rooms depict scenes from Monticello and other buildings he designed. Jefferson the book lover? Enter the lovely library, and peruse its impressive collection of vintage hardcovers (Writings of Thomas Paine, The Age of Voltaire, Encyclopaedia Americana). With the blazing fire, the velvet chairs, and the resulting romantic ambiance, any historian would feel right at home in this intimate, luxurious space.
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The New York Palace
The winter holiday season in New York City brings not only ice rinks, tourists, and hordes to the stores, but also myriad Christmas lights and ornaments that change every year. Every hotel in the city dresses up at least a little for the holidays, in red, green and gold garlands, or shiny tinsel, or simple lights. Below, check out some of the best decorations we’ve seen this year!
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by Hilary on November 22, 2011
These hotels are the most fashionable, stylish, trendy, and the all-around best Vogue-esque vibe you can get.
Trump SoHo
Donald Trump’s first hotel in downtown New York has the attention to detail and hands-on service you’d expect from a Trump property, but the slightly hipper vibe and great SoHo location cater to a younger set. The exclusive, celebrity-filled Kastel bar, pricey Quattro restaurant, luxurious spa, and seasonally open pool are the hotel’s main features.
Trump SoHo
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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
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No matter where you are, there’s nothing sexier than an incense-induced deep tissue massage. Combine that with the top class, top service, and your most peaceful day — or night — dreams, and you may as well call yourself the Marilyn Monroe of spas. Check out our best picks for sexiest hotel spas (disclaimer: drooling may occur).
1. Terranea Resort Beaches, Santa Monica and Venice, Los Angeles
No other Los Angeles spa can compete with the Terranea’s size or features, precisely because, well, it’s not really in L.A. — it’s in Ranchos Palos Verdes, a ruggedly beautiful coastal enclave at L.A. County’s southwestern tip. The three serene private treatment rooms, called VIP suites, are themed after the elements; the earth suite has a redwood sauna and shower, the fire suite has a fireplace, and the water suite has a copper tub and views of the Pacific. The facility encompasses a whopping 50,000 square feet and has 25 treatment rooms as well as its own pool and outdoor hot tubs. Get the full list of the 10 sexiest hotel spas >>
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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 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
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by Jane on October 12, 2011
The days are getting cooler, the nights are getting longer, and the aroma of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is in the air. It’s fall! That’s right, die-hard leaf peepers; we’ve found some of the best places to check out the fall colors. Stay in a hotel with stunning views of the trees, or with easy access to the city’s best parks.
- The Boston Common, down the street from the Taj Boston
Bought from the Ritz-Carlton in 2007, the Taj Boston holds on to the Ritz’ elegant look, but also offers some superb perks, like chenille bathrobes and free rides in the house Jaguar. Given its free business center, well-equipped gym, and ideal location bordering the Public Garden and the swank boutiques along Newbury Street, it’s an excellent luxury pick. Room categories with views of the Public Garden include Premier Rooms, Deluxe Rooms — Park View, and Commonwealth Suites.
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by Hilary on September 21, 2011
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.
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