Food and Drink Travel

Outdoor Dining: The Best Al Fresco Restaurants in New York City

by Jane on May 16, 2013

The weather in New York City may be a little hard to predict these days, so we understand wanting to take full advantage when the sun peaks out and the wind ceases. That’s why it’s handy to have a list of the best restaurants serving tasty al fresco treats at the ready. That’s where we come in; we’ve taken up the hard job of sampling delicious food at tons of New York City hotel restaurants to find the best spots to grub down outdoors this summer.

 The Standard Grill at The Standard New York

Standard Grill at The Standard New York

Situated under the High Line in the trendy Meatpacking District, the Standard Grill has remained a neighborhood hot spot, while other restaurants in the area have suffered from being too-cool-too-soon. Indoor seating (atop a penny-covered floor) is ample, as is outdoor seating, but nonetheless tables book up weeks in advance and reservations are a must. Diners stop by for dinner before heading to the hotel’s biergarten (or uber-exclusive Top of the Standard, better known as the Boom Boom Room) or opt for the tasty Sunday brunch, complete with brioche french toast, classic eggs benedict, and bloody Marys.
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Tagged as: Luxury Hotels, New York City

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Gorgeous Napa Vineyards

by Devon on May 14, 2013

California’s Napa Valley attracts plenty of visitors each year with its gorgeous scenery, gourmet eats, and, of course, some of the best wineries in the world. While Napa has other great draws, its wineries are an undeniable source of inspiration for most visitors to the region. So drink in the best that Wine Country has to offer with a look at a few of our favorite Napa stays with impressive vineyards right outside their doors.

Auberge Du Soleil, Rutherford

The view of Auberge du Soleil and the surrounding vineyards

With only 50 rooms, this countryside resort is one of the most exclusive in the entire Wine Country region. With a stunning location between the Rutherford Hill winery next door and hundreds of other nearby vineyards, the Auberge du Soleil boasts one of the most dramatic landscapes in the area. Added bonuses are its Michelin-stared restaurant and lovely sculpture garden.
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Tagged as: Napa County, Napa Valley

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The 12 Trendiest Hotel Bars Across the U.S.

by Jane on May 13, 2013

Many hotels have on-site bars, even if they’re merely situated in the glorified outskirts of the lobby, where guests can grab standard drinks after a day of sight-seeing. But these days, some of the best hotels across the country are making sure they step up their scene by providing not only comfy rooms and high-end services, but hotspot bars that attract locals as well as guests. We’ve traveled across the country and have found the 12 trendiest hotel bars in the U.S. So check ‘em out, and maybe offer your friends a round at one of these hip locales.

Bar Marmont, Chateau Marmont; Los Angeles

Bar Marmont

With its butterfly-covered ceiling, stuffed peacock in the corner, and plush banquettes, this 1930s Vietnam-inspired bar is one of the best places in Hollywood to share a drink with a starlet in hiding. Beyond the celebrity factor, the Chateau’s comfortable bar is a wonderful place to enjoy the fantastic food. The “damn good burger,” we can assure you, lives up to the name.

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Tagged as: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington D.C

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Healthy Travel: 5 Hotel Chains that Make it Easy to Stay Fit on the Road

by Kelsey on May 3, 2013

Staying fit on the road is never easy, particularly when it comes to eating well. Many of us let our diets go out the window when we travel, partly because there simply aren’t any healthy options to be had. After all, if the only edible-looking option on the room service menu is the burger, what is one to do?! Luckily, hotels are starting to recognize the demand for more healthful food options, and a handful of chains are taking action. Hyatt, Fairmont, and Westin are among the brands paving the way, working with health experts and organizations to come up with some tasty, guilt-free menu options. Here’s hoping other hotel chains get on board with this trend!

Hyatt

Hyatt, which has 492 hotels worldwide, is one of the largest chains to introduce healthy food options at its properties. The “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.” initiative launched in 2012 has brought cage-free eggs, hormone-free beef, and sustainable seafood options to all of its hotels, among other health-conscious food options. Hyatt also teamed up with Partnership for a Healthier America (Michelle Obama is a Chair!) to make its kids’ menus healthier in support of the effort to combat childhood obesity. In addition, all Hyatt hotels have on-site fitness centers, so no excuse not to hit the gym either!

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle

Oyster.com’s Pick for a Standout Hyatt Hotel: Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle

You almost can’t go wrong with the Hyatt at Olive 8, which is known for its exceptionally high customer ratings, environmentally conscious design, and easy, walk-to-everything location. If you’re looking for a romantic lobby in which to have cocktails, you might want to head across the street to the dark and elegant Grand Hyatt; otherwise, be prepared to stay happily put.
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Tagged as: Costa Rica, Hawaii, Oahu, Philadelphia, Riviera Maya, Seattle

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5 Beach Getaways for Foodies

by Devon on April 26, 2013

Far from more culinary capitals such as New York City and San Francisco, beach destinations are rarely the first stop on an epicurean getaway. But plenty of tropical locales boast impressive chef creations, from farm-fresh plates, to straight-from-the-ocean cuisine. And just because you appreciate a quality Porterhouse cut and kicking back on the beach with a mai-tai shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice one for the other. Whether you’re looking for a truly delicious all-inclusive plan, or some mouthwatering organic delights, we’ve got the best foodie beach destinations for all palates.

 

For All-Inclusive Dining…

From the family behind Le Cirque comes some of the best inclusive cuisine in the D.R.

To foodies, all-inclusive resort dining just means sloppy buffet lines and leftover à la carte “crab meat” (and to be fair, it often does). But luckily some resorts don’t mind offering some actually decent, and often delicious, menu options that you’ll look forward to chowing down on. These resorts may be pricey, and few and far between, but they’re worth the visit. Your taste buds — and stomach — will thank you!

Stay: Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic

The five-pearl Casa De Campo is one of the top properties in the D.R. With over a dozen dining options, the resort’s all-inclusive rates include renowned eateries such as the waterfront Beach Club and the Mediterranean-inspired La Caña, both from the famed family behind Le Cirque restaurants in New York and Las Vegas.  So whether you’re craving spicy rack of lamb or fresh grilled seafood, this resort won’t make you shell out extra for a good meal.

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Tagged as: Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Miami, Puerto Rico

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Spring Feasts: Seasonal Menus at Fabulous Foodie Hotels

by Kristina on April 25, 2013

With Spring officially upon us, our taste buds are craving some tasty seasonal treats. No longer satisfied with spiced-lattes or hearty soups, our appetites are demanding fresh vegetables and delicate flavors. Fortunately, some of our favorite hotel restaurants are answering this epicurean call. Featuring rotating menus designed to bring the best of the seasons to their diners, these establishments pack a powerful punch in the taste department. Dig into our favorites around the globe…

The Restaurant at The Caves, Jamaica 

A spring feast in the Caribbean.

Food at this lush escape — tucked into the seaside cliffs of Negril — is delicious, with the chef incorporating local, seasonal ingredients into meals as often as possible. This is wholesome home-cooking at its best, ranging from traditional jerk chicken to extravagant five-course meals. For Spring, diners should look forward to rock shrimp simmered in a savory coconut sauce, served with seasoned Basmati rice, sautéed calalloo greens and roasted ripe plantains.

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Tagged as: Connecticut, Foodie, Jamaica, London, Monterey County, New York City, Telluride

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The 10 Best Farmers’ Markets across the States (and Where to Stay Nearby)

by Jane on April 16, 2013

Through our many travels we’ve learned that April showers don’t just bring May flowers – they bring delicious May produce! Everything from zucchini to asparagus, spring peas to corn, and watermelon to strawberries begin sprouting up during the spring and summer. And if you’re not quite ready to put on the overalls and bring in the harvest yourself, the next best thing is to visit a local farmers’ market, where fresh produce abounds. We’ve picked out our 10 favorite farmers’ markets across the states, so no matter where your spring and summer vacations take you, you’ll have plenty of tasty treats to bring home. And we’ve even found a great hotel near each spot so you can be sure to beat the crowds.

1. Pike Place Market, Seattle

Vegetable stand at Pike Place Market

Pike Place is one of Seattle’s main attractions. Featuring numerous produce, meat, and fish stands, the market also has plenty of craft kiosks for buying local artwork and gifts. It is open 7 days a week, and though most stands close around 5 p.m., several fine-dining restaurants on the 9-acre historic district are open late.

Where to Stay: Inn at the Market is aptly named. It is one of Seattle’s best-known, and most popular, hotels, in large part due to its unbeatable location: It’s in the heart of downtown Seattle, just half a block from Pike Place Market.

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Tagged as: Atlanta, Boston, Boutique Hotels, Charleston, Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Oregon, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington

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Our 10 Fave Hotel Pool Swim-Up Bars

by Kristina on April 13, 2013

Who doesn’t like to get their drink on while taking a dip? It’s both the ultimate cool down and the possibly best way to spice up a relaxing vacation. We’re craving some refreshing fun in the sun, so we’ve picked our favorite places to liquor up — all from the cool comforts of hotels’ pools. So get your blender and piña colada mix ready — you’ll be thirsting for a fruity cocktail after browsing these awesome hotel pool bars.

The Watering Hole: Catalonia Bavaro Beach, All Inclusive — Punta Cana, Domincan Republic

Pool Bar at the Catalonia Bavaro Beach

Pool Bar at the Catalonia Bavaro Beach

You can almost imagine you’re on the set of the movie ”Cocktail” at Catalonia Bavaro Beach‘s swim-up bar, where the bartenders are quite entertaining. This laid back property comes with lots of awesome amenities, including a gorgeous beach, a golf course, and room balconies that feature private hammocks.
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Tagged as: All-Inclusive Resorts, Aruba, Cancun, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hotel Bars, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Resort Hotels, Value Hotels

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1 Trip, 5 Ways: Jamaica

by Jane on April 5, 2013

Jamaica is a popular Caribbean getaway, with brilliant reggae, delicious jerk chicken made in an oil-drum pan, beautifully rugged cliffs, blue lagoons, and overwhelmingly pleasant — if a bit flirtatious — locals. We’ve found just the spot to stay for almost every kind of traveler, so whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to take the kids along, Oyster has a hotel for you. We brought them to you all week on Captivate elevator screens, so see the full roundup below!

Hotel for Families: Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Playground at the Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Playground at the Beaches Negril Resort & Spa

Partnered with Sesame Street, the Beaches brand of resorts offers Muppet-led activities for kids. Beaches Negril comes with a great water park, a pristine, calm beachfront, an extensive, supervised kids’ club, and enough entertainment to keep kids totally occupied.

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Tagged as: Jamaica, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Value Hotels

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Heatin’ Up The Kitchen: Hotels That Offer Cooking Classes

by Jane on April 3, 2013

When you go on vacation, you’re trying to escape the everyday chores of home — and that includes cooking. But cooking can actually be fun, especially if you have a master chef offering instructions. Plus, the best part of going to a cooking class? You don’t have to do the cleanup! Check out awesome hotels across the States (and one in Berlin because, well, why not?!) that offer on-site cooking lessons.

Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah

700 Kitchen Cooking School at the Mansion on Forsyth Park

Savannah, where chefs such as Paula Deen got their starts, is arguably the food capital of the South. One of the city’s top luxury hotels, the Mansion on Forsyth also boasts one of the city’s top attractions: It’s on-site cooking classes at the 700 Kitchen Cooking School. In classes of no more than fifteen students, the hotel’s culinary director, Chef Darin Sehnert, teaches everyone from novices to (at least self-proclaimed) experts. Though different classes focus on a variety of cuisines, such as Italian and Caribbean, the most popular are the Low Country cuisine classes, where menus include delectable delights such as Low Country crab stew, angel biscuits, and green tomato cobbler. Classes are available for lunch and dinner; most last three hours and cost $100/person.

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Tagged as: Atlantic City, Austin, Berlin, Boutique Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, San Francisco Bay Area, Savannah

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