What we would give to be snuggled up in one of those velvet chairs!
Gone are the days of summer. And while we look back with nostalgia (it’s easy to forget how brutal the heat was once it’s gone, right?), we here at Oyster are already looking forward to fall: Pumpkin bread, hot apple cider, a good book…and the best way to round out this autumnal trifecta is with a crackling fire, of course. It’s time to get cozy: Warm up with a peak at our favorite hotel fireplaces across the country.
Tagged as:
Boston,
Boutique Hotels,
California,
Luxury Hotels,
New York City,
Washington D.C.
by Rachel on September 14, 2012
The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is a modern, globalized area thanks to financial, cultural and tourism industries. But the city is also steeped in history — and many of its boutique hotels show it off. Check out our ten favorites below, and let us know which one YOU love the most in the comments section below!
The glass-walled bathroom lets anyone in the Master Bedroom sneak a peek.
Restaurant Feitoria serves up delicious TK.
The Altis Belem Hotel & Spa is a 50-room boutique in Belem, a residential neighborhood on the Tagus River. Belem is slightly removed from the city center, but has several of its own attractions, as well as gorgeous marina views and lovely restaurants lining the river. The hotel’s rooms are sexy and spacious, with all-white decor accented by green rugs and unusual wall murals. Marble bathrooms are open — with little privacy — and some have inviting soaking tubs. Some rooms also have balconies with marina views and private Jacuzzis. Despite its small size, this hotel has many amenities, including a spa, a big indoor pool, a fitness center, and a Michelin-rated restaurant. Guests that want to be within walking distance of more attractions might consider the Altis Avenida, also a boutique hotel, with modern rooms in the city center.
Read More »
Tagged as:
Boutique Hotels,
Lisbon,
Luxury Hotels
by Jane on August 30, 2012
The hotel's lobby combines funky new pieces with antiques to create a sleek look.
The boutique-like Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy — with just over 100 rooms – is known for personalized service and contemporary style. Neutral tones and tasteful fabrics create an elegant look, and are livened up by colorful artwork throughout. The attached L’Incontro Bar and Restaurant features a renowned Tuscan menu created by Michelin-starred Chef Fulvio Pierangelini and a chic dining room that spills out onto the piazza during summer months. The hotel’s central location is a major draw, and most guest rooms offer spectacular views. Those facing front look out onto the piazza, which makes for a pretty vista, if a bit of noise during lively days and nights. Rooms in the rear overlook the stunning Duomo — even the fitness center has lovely views from its top-floor perch. See more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»
Read More »
Tagged as:
Florence,
In the Spotlight,
Italy,
Luxury Hotels
by Jane on August 23, 2012
The hotel's al fresco bar Lantern is a hotspot among locals and guests.
The upscale Fullerton Bay Hotel opened in 2010 and is one of the newest — and hottest – hotels on the Marina Bay waterfront. It’s intimate by Singapore hotel standards (100 rooms), and with its top-notch service and wonderful amenities, the property feels exclusive and private. Spacious rooms have masculine decor, with dark colors and wood accents, and come equipped with high-end amenities, including Egyptian cotton linens, Molton Brown toiletries, Nespresso coffeemakers, and iPod docks. Double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning bay and skyline views. The vistas can also be enjoyed from the balconies and the deep soaking tubs (note that the glass walls between the tubs and the rooms do have privacy shades). The stylish rooftop bar, the huge pool, and the great dining options round out the experience at this gorgeous boutique. See more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»
Read More »
Tagged as:
Boutique Hotels,
In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels,
Singapore
It seems that every week a new tablet device has launched or a new robot is being introduced to do the work of a person — and hotels that know what’s up have made sure to stock up on new technologies. While some spots have simply added Kindle rentals to their amenity checklist (not that we’re complaining, Four Seasons Maui), others have gone above and beyond in terms of incorporating modern technologies into every day hospitality. And although vacation is traditionally a time to “get away,” more and more travelers are looking to be connected — virtually speaking, of course — no matter how far off the grid they’ve gone. Get inspired by these top-notch tech spots and incorporate them into your own space ASAP.
The Technology: Yobot
Found At: Yotel — New York City
The Yobot at NYC's Yotel helps handle your luggage -- literally.
If this futuristic hotel wasn’t cool enough, the folks beyond Yotel in New York City took their technology to new heights by introducing Yobot, a 15-foot automated luggage handler. Essentially, the robot selects and moves luggage from a very large luggage rack in order to organize all of the pieces received each day during check-in. And since the hotel is just so hip, what better way to introduce Yobot than through a hilarious Funny or Die video?
Read More »
Tagged as:
Boston,
Boutique Hotels,
Business Hotels,
Hong Kong,
Jamaica,
London,
Luxury Hotels,
Miami,
New York City,
Seattle,
Washington D.C.
Bubble Bath Vistas at the Thunderbird Hotels Pardo
Though often overlooked as a vacation destination, Lima has a lot to offer visitors, including surf-worthy beaches, a rich history, diverse cuisine, lush parks, and excellent shopping (particularly for silver and gold jewelry). And at the end of a long day of sightseeing and experiencing Peruvian nightlife, the best place to relax is in one of these luxurious bathrooms featuring everything from Jacuzzi tubs with expansive views to private saunas.
Tagged as:
Boutique Hotels,
Hotel Bathrooms,
Lima,
Luxury Hotels
The 21st century, if nothing else, has done one thing to mankind: We’ve become obsessed with technology and being “kept in the loop,” even while not at office — and even when we’re on vacation. So if you can’t part with your iPad, BlackBerry, Galaxy, or just a huge flat-screen TV, know that you’re not alone — and that you can take a break from work while still being totally connected.
RELATED LINKS:
Tagged as:
Boston,
Boutique Hotels,
Jamaica,
Luxury Hotels,
Maui,
New York City,
Video,
Washington D.C.
Library at the Draycott Hotel
London has plenty to offer — Big Ben (I guess we mean the Elizabeth Tower now), tea time, and plenty of fabulous hotels to boot. Naturally, most luxury properties in the Old Smoke boast attractive rooms and elegant lobbies, but some go above and beyond with chic, high-style looks exuding a certain glamour that only posh, fashion-forward Brits could serve up. Check out the slideshow of our five top picks for hot design in London right now.
Tagged as:
Boutique Hotels,
London,
Luxury Hotels
There’s a reason tourists flock to museums while on vacation: Time goes by way too fast in the real world for individuals to set hours to wander an art gallery. And even if vacay is prime time to explore various museums wherever you may be, the galleries often come with long lines and pushy crowds. Thankfully, hotels are responding to the masses’ hunt for artistic expression. From intimate collections to large-scale galleries, many hotels play host to some excellent exhibitions with works by legends like Andy Warhol, Alison Shotz, and Henri Matisse, as well as up-and-coming local artists. Get your sketchpads out — it’s time for a little artistic inspiration.
Dan Gunn's Mystery of the Rectangle Exhibit at The James Chicago
The Art: One of Chicago’s top luxury hotels, The James’ sometimes quirky aesthetic is modern, minimalist, and clever. Its appreciation of art and design is present throughout the lobby, which hosts small exhibitions such as Dan Gunn’s pieces, seen above, and in its two art galleries. Both local and international, renowned and up-and-coming artists can find their way into the James, whose dedication to creative expression stems from the artsy River North area it calls home.
Tagged as:
Amsterdam,
Art and Travel,
Boutique Hotels,
Chicago,
Dallas,
Las Vegas,
London,
Luxury Hotels,
New York,
San Francisco,
Santa Fe,
St. Lucia
Attention hipsters-at-heart: You too are running out of time to plan your vacation. Okay, so the summer just officially started, but hotels are booking up fast, festival ticket booths are hanging the “Sold Out” banners, and flights are getting more expensive. So if all you’re looking forward to is to having an excuse for growing a mustache, getting a tattoo, spending a few days eating organic, locally grown food, drinking coffee and biking around, check out our 5 top picks for a real hipster vacation and start packing. Tip: skinny jeans for him, cut-outs jeans for her, sunglasses, and an instrument required.
BROOKLYN, NY
Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY
Hipsters started flocking to Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood in the early 2000’s, and in just a few years the area has become the ultimate boho-chic spot. As housing prices soared in the area due to its popularity, hipsters started moving to more affordable yet equally cool neighborhoods in Brooklyn, such as Greenpoint and Bushwick, and spreading the lifestyle. There’s now a bunch of farmer’s markets, hundreds of cool bars, and dozens of organic restaurants all around the borough. However, Williamsburg is still the place to catch a show at one of its hundreds of venues (ranging from small holes in the wall –check out Pete’s Candy Store–, to larger spaces like Brooklyn Bowl), get a drink, or even get a haircut (an expensive one, that is) in an old garage that doubles as a trendy tattoo parlor. Round up the experience with a trip to beautiful Carroll Gardens, family-friendly Park Slope, and even up-and-coming Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Read More »
Tagged as:
Amsterdam,
Austin,
Brooklyn,
Buenos Aires,
New York,
Portland
