View of the Charles River in Boston
In Boston you really get the best of both worlds: It’s a bustling city with fabulous shopping and nightlife, but it also provides outdoorsy types with plenty of al fresco activities to indulge in, especially during the summer. Check out our favorite activities below and the hotels to stay in that are convenient to each.
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The five-pearl Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas, with whopping 3,000 rooms, is one of the world's best megaresorts.
A lot of travelers look for peace and quiet when they go on vacation – rustic getaways, secluded island retreats, and romantic beach escapes. And we love the special, intimate properties that deliver that kind of experience. But sometimes, you want the razzle-dazzle of an over-the-top, stuffed-to-the-gills megaresort, where extras like fantastic restaurants, cool pools, golf courses, beaches, entertainment, or water parks are never far away. For an elaborate, ultra-convenient, don’t-make-me-work-for-it vacation, consider staying at one of Oyster’s all-time favorite megaresorts. Read More »
The Betsy Hotel in Miami is on sale now for Labor Day Weekend
Like it or not, Labor Day is just around the corner. While no one wants to think about summer ending, it’s never too early to think about your Labor Day plans, especially if your plans include booking a hotel and a plane flight.
Right now many of our favorite Miami hotels are running sales for Labor Day weekend, so we thought we’d tell you a bit about the hotels and the savings they’re offering. But don’t delay in making a decision, as these sales will likely vanish as the holiday weekend draws nearer.
The below hotels all have Oyster ratings of 4 pearls (out of 5) or above, so you know you can’t go wrong choosing any of these options — these are truly some of our favorite hotels in Miami. The sale price we’re showing is the average per night during Labor Day weekend.
- List Price: $264/night
- Sale Price: $211/avg. per night
- Location: South Beach
- Pearl rating: 4
After a $40 million overhaul, the Betsy reopened in 2009 with a beautiful rooftop spa and solarium, a renowned restaurant (BLT steak), and bright, charming rooms. The pool’s a bit disappointing, and the rooms aren’t as large as the Mondrian’s, but for tasteful luxury and a rare dose of tranquility on Ocean Drive, this is where it’s at.

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Locals and tourists fish from the pier on Manhattan Beach while they watch the sunset.
People don’t often associate Los Angeles with the great outdoors — the larger-than-life Hollywood sign, rumored celebrity trysts at Chateau Marmont, and bumper-to-bumper traffic are all more likely to come to mind. But with the ocean, renowned golf courses, and the nation’s only outdoor, regulation-sized polo field (who knew?), Los Angeles has plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay. Check out our favorite picks below and the hotels that are convenient for each. Read More »
Rainbow over a bay in St. Thomas
It’s summertime — time for a well-deserved Caribbean escape — and planning your island vacation is at the top of your list. The U.S. Virgin Islands sound nice, but which island to choose? You’ve talked to friends who’ve stayed on St. John and St. Thomas, and you’ve heard rave reviews about both. Hm. Decisions, decisions. Well, this is where Oyster steps in. Both islands are great so your choice should be based on what you plan to do. Want to see colorful, tropical fish? Party late into the night? Or just get away from the everyday hustle and bustle? We’ll help you pick the island made for just what you’re looking for, and we can tell you where to stay once you get there. So relax. Picture your toes in the sand with a drink in your hand (and an umbrella in that drink), and let us take it from here. Read More »
The Caves in Jamaica epitomizes rustic luxury.
At Oyster, when we say rustic, we don’t mean camping. We mean intimate, deliberately simple bungalows with lots of wood and stone, breath-stopping views, serene locations, and a bohemian spirit. It’s no surprise that Jamaica, a land of brilliant reggae, jerk chicken, blue lagoons, rugged cliffs, and the motto “No problem, mon” — as much a way of life as a maxim — has mastered the art of rustic. At the beautiful, unique bungalows at The Caves, Tensing Pen, Jake’s, and Rockhouse, guests can truly connect with Jamaica’s culture and natural wonders. Read More »
The Deluxe Room at Taj Boston, which is on sale now
Boston is beautiful in the summer, and some of our favorite Beantown hotels are on sale now — perfect timing for planning a summer weekend getaway. Below are four beautiful Boston hotels we highly recommend.
The below prices are for the weekend of July 16 through 18, just to give you an idea of each hotel’s rates. But prices are great throughout the month of July (and perhaps even beyond if you’re lucky), so click the “Book Now” button and then change your dates to see prices for your specific travel dates.
- List Price: $324 per night
- Sale Price: $259 per night
- Location: Back Bay
Bought from the Ritz-Carlton in 2007, the Taj Boston holds on to the Ritz’ elegant look, but also offers some superb perks, like chenille bathrobes and free rides in the house Jaguar. Given its free business center, well-equipped gym, and ideal location bordering the Public Garden and the swank boutiques along Newbury Street, it’s an excellent luxury pick. Read the full Taj Boston hotel review.
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Outdoorsy travelers can take in sights like the Golden Gate Bridge by sea kayak, or from beautiful Presidio National Park.
With rich natural attractions — like Presidio National Park, and of course, the bay — and plenty of jogger- and cyclist-friendly paths, San Francisco is a great city for getting outdoors. Below, take a look at our picks of some of the best outdoor activities to try during your trip, and our favorite hotels that are convenient for each.
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There are still great, affordable hotels available for July 4th weekend, including this Four Points by Sheraton
Even though July 4th weekend is only 8 days away, it’s not too late to find a well-priced, convenient hotel in the heart of Manhattan. So if you’re planning on coming to New York City but haven’t ironed out the details yet, or if you want us to inspire you to come to New York, below you can read our recommendations for six hotels that still have availability and extremely fair prices. Whether you’re coming from far away or just need a nearby stay-cation in your own backyard, don’t miss Manhattan’s spectacular Macy’s fireworks, tanning in Central Park, and rooftop grilling that continues all weekend long. Prices shown are for July 2 through July 5.
A reliable chain that offers free wireless and access to a 24-hour fitness center, this hotel provides in-room comforts and features that best other hotels in its price range. Though it is situated on a drab, industrial-style street, SoHo’s famous boutiques, bars, and restaurants are just around the corner.
- Location: SoHo
- Price: Average $239/night
- Room available: Traditional King Room. Maximum capacity is 2.

After the jump, 5 more last-minute hotel options.
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Stunning vistas, dramatic waterfalls, imposing volcanoes, vibrant culture and beaches that go on for miles: Hawaii is a place that dreams are made of. To help you see all that Hawaii has to offer, we’ve compiled a list of can’t-miss attractions on Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, paired with recommendations of some of our favorite nearby hotels. Ready to start your Hawaiian adventure? Dive in!
Visitors to Maui should be sure to catch the nightly ceremonial cliff dive off of Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach.
Do: Watch a Ceremonial Cliff Dive (Maui)
Black Rock, an eroded cinder cone sacred to ancient Hawaiians on Kaanapali Beach, is the site of daily sunset cliff dives. A man dressed in a traditional loincloth lights torches on the rock, offers a lei to the Hawaiian gods above, and dives into the water below as a reenactment of the dive taken by the last chief of Maui.
Stay: The Sheraton Maui
The Sheraton Maui, a 508-room resort with spacious rooms, a big pool, and a full spa, arranges the daily ceremony, and guests of the resort can watch (and photograph) the cliff diver as he lights Tiki torches on the hotel grounds on his way to rock.
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