by Jane on February 2, 2012
Beach at Sandy Lane; Barbados
Decked out in its signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is arguably the best resort in Barbados, known for its unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant; perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super-exclusive Green Monkey golf course (so that’s probably why Tiger Woods got married here). Upon arrival (the hotel provides free transportation to and from the airport via its Rolls-Royce), the road winds through beautiful grounds and mahogany trees toward the impressive entrance and marble lobby. Once there, the staff will whisk your luggage away to your room, marked with luxe touches including Italian marble floors, plantation-style designer furniture, and state-of-the-art bathrooms. The top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are mere cherries on top. Check out more amazing photos of the hotel after the jump or read the full review here >>
Read More »
The Wine Cave at Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort
Napa Valley is a seriously romantic place — and with all that delicious wine to set the mood, it’s no surprise that our first pre-Valentine’s Day highlight is Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort. Royalty, A-list celebrities, and athletes keep returning to the luxury spot for one simple reason: It’s in a class all by itself. Guests rent exquisite private lodges, set on a private 157-acre park-like property complete with hiking trails and a top-of-the-line restaurant and spa. The property boasts plenty of activities, including outdoor yoga, a beautiful heated outdoor pool, and wine tasting seminars. Want some privacy? Head back to your very own lodge, which features super-sexy amenities like an outdoor rain shower and your very own Jacuzzi. The hotel’s only downside? Luxury comes at a price — but at a price that’s worth every penny. Check out more amazing photos of the resort after the jump or read our full review >>
Read More »
by Jane on January 24, 2012
Lobby at the Waldorf Astoria Park City; Park City, UT
The fourth episode of this season of The Bachelor, which aired Monday night on ABC, brought fan-favorite Ben and the contestants to Park City, Utah. It may have been a new location, but it was the same story: There was backstabbing, cat fights, a lot of tears, and plenty of “I think I’m falling in love with being on TV Ben.” And, per usual, it all went down in super-luxe digs — Ben and the women were put up in the Waldorf Astoria Park City, an upscale hotel at The Canyons resort. Check out photos of where the drama unfolded at the hotel after the jump.
Read More »
by Jane on January 18, 2012
The pool and view from The Room at the Jade Mountain Resort; St. Lucia
If nothing else, the Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia boasts insanely gorgeous views. Braced against a mountain about 100 feet above the shore, and pointed at St. Lucia’s iconic Pitons (volcanic plugs), the boutique resort has just 29 rooms. Almost all of the enormous suites overlook the sea from chromatherapy-lit whirlpool tubs, canopied beds, and private infinity pools. And the service is pretty fabulous, too. Two “major domos” are assigned to each room – staffers on-call from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to cater to pretty much any need, no matter how obscure. It comes at a high price, but a stay at the Jade Mountain Resort – with its its organic cuisine, doting service, peaceful ambience (no TVs, radios, or children allowed), and amazing views — is worth the cost. Check out more amazing photos of the hotel after the jump or read the full review here >>
Read More »
The oversize pool at the Beverly Hilton; Los Angeles, CA
It should come as little surprise that we’re highlighting one of our favorite hotels that also happens to be hosting the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards this Sunday night. The Beverly Hilton, which underwent serious renovations in 2006, plays host to the awards show every year — and its not hard to see why: The Beverly Hilton simply exudes affordable luxury. Two business centers and fast Internet in the elegant rooms make it a top pick for business travelers; the huge pool and fancy fitness center are comprable to the Hilton’s more expensive counterparts, even if its restaurants fall a bit short. While stars like Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara and George Clooney grace the red carpet (while crossing their fingers for a statuette), we’ll be hunkered on the couch watching them in all their black-tie glory — but now we’ll have more insight into the property’s glittering Hollywood history. Check out more amazing photos of the hotel after the jump or read the full review here >>
Read More »
The Flat at the Jasmine house Inn, Charleston, SC
If you’re looking for some old-world charm, check out the Jasmine House Inn, located in a tony downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina. The hotel is actually a converted 19th century mansion, and features 12 rooms with as much vintage allure as there are modern innovations. Think 15-foot ceilings and hardwood floors juxtaposed against flat-screen televisions and fast, free Wi-Fi. Most notable is the highly stylized décor (everything matches), including patterned rugs and floral wallpaper. Freebies include continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres – but parking is not included.
Read the full review>>
Read More »
by Zach on December 28, 2011
Pool at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
Still looking for a New Year’s Eve party for this weekend? This behemoth hotel and casino on the outskirts of Atlantic City is a hub of entertainment, and arguably the city’s premier destination. The 2000-room property (which opened in 2003) overlooks a marina at Renaissance Pointe. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep rooms bright, and suites are well-appointed with comfortable bedding, large iPod docks, large marble bathrooms with large soaking tubs, and fantastic views of the marina. Entertainment is outstanding, from celebrity chef restaurants — including Bobby Flay Steak and Wolfgang Puck American Grille — to an Italian-inspired indoor pool, plenty of shops, a performance hall that hosts musical guests and comedians, and spa treatments. While it’s not directly on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk, the on-site casino clocks in at a massive 161,000 square feet, giving guests plenty to do without needing to venture out. It easily stands out as one of the most refined properties in the area. Read the full review >>
Read More »
by Jane on December 22, 2011
Common Area at the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
This ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge on an island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta isn’t a hotel, it’s an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and the guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay. The &Beyond chain specializes in “glamping,” nicknamed as such for it’s blend of glamorous accommodations within rustic, natural settings, and the Delta Camp lodge is one of its best offerings. Guests can get up close to exotic wildlife (think: lions and hippos) on both land and water, and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat. After a day’s excursion, the small group of guests returns to a tasty Pan-African meal before turning in to the nine safari tents, which are fully screened in and thoroughly high-end, with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, lots of wood, and private pools. See the full review >>
Read More »
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.
Read More »
by Kelsey on December 13, 2011
Lobby at Esperanza Resort
This beautiful, luxurious 57-room resort is one of the nicest in Los Cabos, and offers more of a home-y vibe than other high-end properties in the area. Handsome, tastefully rooms start at 925 square feet, and are decorated in traditional Baja style, with authentic artwork and wood detailing. They come with high-end electronics and decadent bathrooms (some with Jacuzzi tubs), but the private terraces are arguably the highlight; all have at least partial ocean views (many have jaw-dropping ocean views), and some have Jacuzzis. The beach is secluded and gorgeous, but the large waves and rough reefs make it unfit for swimming. The resort’s pools are top-notch, though, and pool staff offers free treats (like ice pops and fresh fruit) every hour. Since it’s a smaller resort, guests get a decent amount of individual attention. Although not much is within walking distance, the resort provides plenty for guests to do on-site, including several dining/drinking options and an art gallery. Read More »
