by Rachel on February 17, 2012
We’re super excited about next Tuesday’s boozy, beaded party known as Mardi Gras. Multiple parades make their way through the Central Business District and up until the French Quarter, with hundreds of revelers lining the streets to peek at the eye-catching costumes, floats, and borderline insanity. But before you can let your hair down — or lift your shirt up — you’ll need to find some primo digs to stay and play at. Just remember that the parades don’t go on Bourbon Street, even if the majority of the partying does. Check out our fave Fat Tuesday hotels — we promise that at least a few of them will let you catch some shut-eye.
The entrance to Hotel Monteleone; New Orleans, LA
The Draw: A true Southern Gem, the Monteleone is a Bourbon Street spot that’s rich in New Orleans history — and has all the Creole stylings to prove it. Most notable is its Carousel Bar, which is a veritable, well, carousel, that features kitchsy decor and a chill vibe that’s all its own. Hop on one of the rotating chairs and order up a Ramos Gin Fizz, a drink that actually originated in the city itself.
Best Feature: Aside from the obviously posh accommodations, its location on Royal Street is ideal for watching the parade and reveling with the Bourbon Street partiers.
Find out more about our fave Fat Tuesday hotels after the jump!
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Tagged as:
Fat Tuesday,
New Orleans
by Jane on February 15, 2012
Presidents Day is just around the corner and of course that makes us reflect on our country’s leaders. 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.
Square Feet: 2,000
Average Price: $1,200/night
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Tagged as:
Historic Hotels,
Los Angeles,
Luxury Hotels,
Presidential Suites,
Presidents' Day,
San Francisco
by Rachel on February 13, 2012
Not tied down right now? Lucky you! Thankfully, you don’t need to sit home tomorrow night and be sad — hotels across the country are pulling out the stops for those who are currently sans significant other. We found three of our favorite hotels that are actually offering anti-romance packages. But, all of them have a catch — should you find a cutie tomorrow night, you can get down and dirty with them in one of the hotel’s rooms. Don’t you feel independent already?
THE HOTEL: Four Seasons Miami; Miami, FL
THE PACKAGE: The Lonely Hearts Club Group Dinner
The Grounds at the Four Seasons Miami; Miami, FL
If you’re looking to meet ready-to-be-met singles, head to the Four Seasons tomorrow (and if you work in Miami’s financial district, you pretty much have no excuse, considering how close you are) to mug down on delicious fare at the hotel’s brand-new restaurant, Edge Steak and Bar. While the dinner costs $65 per head, you do get a leg up on a hotel room: Should you meet your match while finishing up with your Broken Hearted Napoleon (with passion-less fruit sauce, natch), the Four Seasons outpost is offering rooms at $469/night.
CHECK OUT MORE HOTEL HOT SPOTS FOR SINGLES AFTER THE JUMP!
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Tagged as:
Miami,
New York City,
San Francisco,
Valentine's Day
by Jane on February 1, 2012
On Valentine’s Day, just about anything can get a person in the mood — but there are some things are a sure bet. That’s why we perused our most romantic hotels to find come-hither amenities that could have even total strangers getting hot and heavy in no time. Grab your spouse, significant other, or the eye candy that lives next door and check in to one of these sexy spots.
THE LUSTY AMENITY: The Clothing-Optional Pool
The Clothing-Optional Lower Pool at the Ventana Inn & Spa; Big Sur, CA
The Ventana Inn & Spa is all about creating a zen, holistic retreat with such offerings as yoga classes, discovery walks, afternoon wine and cheese, Japanese baths, and two pools. Forgot to pack your bathing suit? No problem! One of the pools is clothing-optional (read: everyone’s in their birthday suit), so it’s easy to dive in and feel sexy. Check out more super-sexy hotel features after the jump!
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Tagged as:
Bermuda,
Big Sur,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
Romantic Hotels,
San Francisco,
Toronto,
Valentine's Day
If Las Vegas is known for anything, it would have to be its party scene. And if there’s one great American party we can think of, it’d have to be Super Bowl Sunday — it seems that the entire country stops what they’re doing to tune into the NFL Championship game. But why watch on your couch with delivery pizza when you can hit up a sick party on (or off) the The Strip? Since we can’t answer that question, we found the top five hotel super bowl parties to check out in Sin City this weekend.
THE PARTY SPOT: LAVO
LAVO at the Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino; Las Vegas, NV
THE PARTY DEAL: Usually a trendy restaurant-nightclub combo, Lavo is opening its doors for a Sunday afternoon of football — at a relatively hefty price tag. Throw down $175 to gain admission to the space — which has over 20 HD TVs set up for the event — as well as access to an open bar and unlimited Italian buffet. You can call ahead for table reservations, but we’re betting that comes at an even higher amount than just a ticket itself.
THE HOTEL’S DEAL: Big, elaborate, and packed with the kind of luxuries you see at the top Vegas resorts, the Palazzo has some of the best and biggest standard rooms on The Strip. Its world-class spa, seven pools, busy casino, and name-brand fine dining all connect to its sister property, the Venetian, via an haute couture mall. Less theme-y than many Vegas hotels, but right at the top of the list in terms of glitz and extravagance.
Check out our other favorite Las Vegas Super Bowl Parties after the jump.
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Tagged as:
Hotel Bars,
Las Vegas,
Sports and Travel
There’s nothing like a classic New York versus Boston sports game: There’s the always-dueling Red Sox and Yankees; the formidable Celtics and decent (?) New York Knicks; and of course, the new rivalry of the New England Patriots and New York Giants. This year’s Super Bowl also marks a rematch of 2008′s Big Game . But if you couldn’t afford to jet out to Indianapolis to catch your favorite football team in play (and who could, with hotel rates in the city hovering around $450/night), hole up a hotel bar local to your team. Not only will you have the camaraderie of fellow fans, but you’ll also be able to watch in style, too. Bonus? If you get too drunk, you can stay in one of the hotel’s available rooms. Just saying.
The Bar: Champions
Champions Bar at the Boston Marriott Copley Place; Boston, MA
With 44 HD TVs strategically positioned throughout the bar, a 12’X24’ viewing screen, 36 beers on tap (we recommend one of the Dogfish brews) and a long list of cocktails, the Champions Sports Bar at the Marriott is one of the best places to catch the game. Whether you sit at the bar over a drink and a small bite, or at one of the tables enjoying a full meal — order the Boston Lobster sliders — you’re sure to get a good view of the screens. Plus, you’re within a stone’s throw of Fenway Park and the TD Garden — two venues that’ll make any sports afficionado feel right at home. (At least a Boston fan.)
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Tagged as:
Boston,
Hotel Bars,
New York City,
Sports and Travel
by Zach on January 20, 2012
The Super Bowl is so close we can hardly contain ourselves, but there’s still one last round to go before the AFC and NFC can duke it out for ultimate supremacy — and that fabled trip to Disney World. Check out the best places to stay if you’re going to the game (or just looking to watch with like-minded fans). We couldn’t help but make our own predictions, too. But if you need us for anything Sunday, you can find us glued to our TV.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS at Foxboro Stadium, 3 PM EST Sunday
Where to stay: The Liberty Hotel; Boston, MA
The Lobby at the Liberty Hotel; Boston, MA
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Tagged as:
Boston,
San Francisco,
Sports and Travel
With the Year of the Dragon fast approaching, Chinese communities across the U.S. (and everyone who likes a good party) are gearing up for the host of events that will take place starting on January 23 as part of the New Years’ celebration. San Francisco, New York and LA all have a long list of parades, traditional performances and balls — but it’s where you’re kicking up your heels at night that matters. Several of our favorite hotels have created special packages for you to enjoy — and partake in — the Chinese New Year celebration.
Dragon Gate in Chinatown; San Francisco, CA
Boasting the largest Chinatown in the country, it’s no wonder San Francisco has some of the best festivities. You might have missed the Flower Market Fair, but you can still get tickets here for the traditional concert given by the San Francisco Symphony Chinese New Year Community on February 11; take part in the 34th annual Chinese New Year Run rolling through Chinatown on February 19; enjoy the parade on February 11, and head to the zoo on January 29 to catch some acrobatic performances, tricks and more specialized family fun.
Where to Stay: Omni San Francisco Hotel
The 362-room Omni has spacious, quiet rooms and terrific service that’s on par with some of San Francisco’s best (and most expensive) hotels. Décor is tasteful and classic, the on-site steakhouse is outstanding, and the property is just steps from Chinatown and public transportation.
Lobby at the Omni San Francisco Hotel; San Francisco, CA
Chinese New Year Package: Accommodation in a Deluxe Room, two tickets for bleacher seating on the parade route, fortune cookie amenity and free valet parking for one vehicle, for $385 per night.
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Tagged as:
Chinese New Year,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
San Francisco,
Urban Hotels
by Jane on January 16, 2012
The snow has finally started to fall which means that it’s time to take a ski vacation with the family! Whether your kids are future Olympians or have yet to perfect the “pizza,” they probably won’t want to do just that — and hey, you might need a break from the kiddies yourself — so we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly hotels in our favorite cold weather destinations. After (or in lieu of) a day on the slopes, tots can enjoy numerous kid-friendly amenities — everything from swimming in the year-round pool to bowling to participating in activities at the kids club — at these luxurious resorts.
SKI SPOT: Vail
WHERE TO STAY: Four Seasons Resort Vail
The Outdoor Pool at the Four Seasons Resort Vail; Vail, CO
WHY: The Four Seasons Vail opened in 2011 and has been one of the area’s top hotels since then: All the rooms have stone fireplaces, balconies, and huge marble bathrooms with standalone soaking tubs. (How cozy does that sound?) Not only do families enjoy the beautiful, heated outdoor pool (open year-round), but the Teen Club, with an air hockey table, video games, foosball table, and iMac computers, is also a popular hangout for the young ones as well. Plus, there’s on-site daycare in the kids’ club and young children receive a welcome gift upon arrival.
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Tagged as:
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Kid-Friendly,
Skiing,
Vail,
Whistler,
Winter
Now that the madness of Week 1 is over (and the embarrassed Falcons can hang their helmets for the season), it’s time to get down to football business: The best versus, well, the not best. This weekend we’ll see Tim “Touched by an Angel” Tebow battle it out against the genetically-blessed Tom Brady (I swear, I really am a Giants fan); Big Blue is heading up north to face the practically indomitable Green Bay Packers; and the quietly looming 49ers are playing host to (the also indomitable) New Orleans Saints. The most curious match up, though, is happening in Baltimore, where the Ravens are taking on the…err…Texans. (Is it bad I keep forgetting they’re involved?) We scouted the home fields for some sweet hotel picks for this weekend’s epic games.
HOUSTON TEXANS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Where to Sleep: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; Washington, D.C.
The neighborhood at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; Washington, D.C.
Why Here: Forgo Baltimore for D.C., as its just about a 40-minute train ride from the capital city — and offers up plenty more to do. (Sorry, Baltimore! We still heart you.) And as a bonus, the Hyatt Regency is just a five-minute walk from the train station you’ll need to hop on to get to the game. The hotel offers up a huge heated, indoor pool — great for families — along with an amazing fitness center and soundproof, guest-room walls. (Great for couples, perhaps?) Plus, the property is in prime sightseeing territory, practically steps from the Capitol Building — so make sure to snap a few great pics before heading out of town. Read More »
Tagged as:
Boston,
San Francisco,
Sports and Travel,
Washington D.C.
