Oyster Blog

Hotel Humor

Best Western Tomo San Francisco CA

This San Fran hotel is part of a budget chain -- but has high style.

Although we have covered hundreds of hotels and seen many, many guest rooms, there have been a few that have really, well, stood out to us. One would even call them “zany.” Really. We’ve seen stone hand sculptures, faces on chairs, and even private infinity pools waiting for us to dip our toes in. But these eight suites were something else — they take “quirky” to a whole new level. Check ‘em out now — you may find your next design inspiration inside the gallery!

8 Crazy Hotel Rooms and Suites

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True, we’re taking this photo of the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa out of context. But this group exercise makes captioning way too easy.

Check out our caption after the jump, then add your own in the comments section below!

Beach Activities at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

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We understand the precautions pregnant women must take, but we still think the Punta Cana Hotel may have watched the Aliens trilogy one too many times.

Check out our caption after the jump, then add your own in the comments section below!

The Hotel at the Punta Cana Hotel; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

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The grounds at the Flamingo Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV

1. FACT OR FAKEOUT: Gangster and original owner of the Flamingo Las Vegas, Bugsy Siegel, named the property after his favorite bird — he had 15 of them living at his own mansion.

2. FACT OR FAKEOUT: Purchasing a lounge chair from Brown Jordan — the exact ones bought for the pool at The Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas- is more expensive than one weekend night in one of the hotel’s Luxury Suites.

3. FACT OR FAKEOUT: Since the late 1950s, more movies have been filmed at the Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles than at any other hotel in the Los Angeles area.

Check out the answers after the jump!

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WTF Wednesday: Caption This Photo

by Zach on February 29, 2012

Depending on where you travel, you might find some interesting hotel crashers. In the case of the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas, they’re of the reptilian variety. Luckily, these guys are harmless (unless you happen to be a strawberry), and kids tend to love seeing them. Check out our caption after the jump, then add your own in the comments section below!

The Pool at the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

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Consider yourself an adrenaline junkie? Feel the need for speed? Well, you’re definitely not alone — and lots of folks seek their thrills out when traveling or on vacation (because flying on a trapeze is way cooler when you’re 3,000 miles away from home ). Before you sign your life away on one of these amazing adventures, check out all of our favorite places to get high, the natural way, of course.

Trapeze Lessons

Trapeze at Viva Dominicus Palace Resort; Dominican Republic

 

  • WHERE TO DO IT: The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace Resort; Dominican Republic
  • WHY IT’S KILLER: Soar through the air (albeit while tethered to security wires) for free at this Dominican party spot. Actual circus performers teach guests how to hang upside-down by their knees while swinging 25 feet the air. While you won’t be in the next Ringling Brothers show, we can guarantee that you’ll get a rush from the lesson. Wind down on one of the hotel’s pristine beaches, some of the best on all of the island.

Check out more crazy activities after the jump!
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WTF Wednesday: Caption This Photo

by Zach on February 22, 2012

The Oyster team appreciates modern design as much as the next guy. But when we saw some of the dining room decor in the Peninsula, one of our favorite hotels in Hong Kong, we have to admit we chuckled a little bit. Well, maybe a lot. Check out our caption after the jump, then add your own in the comments section below!

Felix at The Peninsula Hong Kong; Hong Kong, PRC

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Credit: Albert Michael/startraksphoto.com

We carefully curated the perfect (and we mean perfect!) hotel for each aspiring Republican president-to-be, because after a slew of messy debates and quotes, we bet each of these men are in need of a serious vacation. (And, you know, since we’re a hotel review site, we couldn’t help but indulge.) Check out our ideal (and hilarious) pick for each candidate, then tell us: Where would you send the GOP candidates?

The Candidate: Newt Gingrich
The Hotel: Temptation Resort Spa Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Pool at the Temptation Resort Spa Cancun; Cancun, Mexico

The Deal: This is an adult-only, topless-optional property that caters to 21 and over, uninhibited guests. (Newt, we know you were born in 1943, so we won’t need to ID you first.) There is never a dull moment at this all-inclusive resort, which features themed swimming pools and nightly risqué live shows. Gingrich, who has been alluded to in two extra-marital affairs and has had 84 ethics charges filed against him, will find a range of entertainment while vacationing here, including provocative games and contests like sexy Temptation Idol karaoke. While the beach area is small and lackluster compared to other resorts (but who cares with all the sexing that’ll be going down?), the shaded sun beds are a nice place to relax and unwind.

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WTF Wednesday: Caption This Photo

by Zach on February 15, 2012

This week’s strange sighting comes courtesy of one of our favorite quirky spots, the Mondrian in Los Angeles. Noted for its funky decor, well-heeled guests, and overall cool style, the Mondrian usually exudes luxury. But we found something a little more than just a bit strange when we explored one of its Standard Rooms. Check out our caption after the jump, then add your own in the comments section below!

Decor in a Standard Room at the Mondrian Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA

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Couples getaways can be great. But they can feel more like a job if you’re bringing your significant other along. No judgment here: We understand you love her, but a few hours of peace and quiet will allow you to fully soak up your vacation’s relaxing benefits. And while we don’t have direct experience with handling one of these ladies, we may have been that girl once or twice. So who better than we to give you the low-down on hotels with girlfriend-approved amenities? Check out our top 5 hotels for distracting her — and enjoy the free time you’ll reap from ‘em.

The Hotel: Atlantis Paradise Island Resort; Bahamas

The Girlfriend: The Shopaholic

Salvatore Ferragamo at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort; Bahamas

Salvatore Ferragamo at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort; Bahamas

Why It’ll Distract Her: If your girl is a fashionista (and you’ll know, she’s probably following NYFW right now), then you’re guaranteed some alone time at the Atlantis. The Caribbean resort has over 100 shops; everything from generic gift stores to high-end designer shops like Salvatore Ferragamo and Bvlgari.

Alone Time Earned: We’d say at least three hours. If you lend her your credit card for the afternoon, that grants you two more (and probably some debt, too). Use your alone time to win that money back at the elaborate casino and try your hand at a game of blackjack.

Check out more girlfriend-friendly resorts after the jump!

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