by Zach on January 17, 2012
Preparing for the birth of a child is one of the most exciting things that can happen to a couple. Even if it’s just testing paint swatches in the nursery, lots of time and energy is spent getting everything ready for the big day. And while the preparations themselves may seem hectic, they pale in comparison to the duties that come along with caring for a newborn infant.
This is why the trend of “babymooning” began to catch on in the mid-2000s. A quick, romantic trip is a great way for couples spend an intimate weekend together before the arrival of their child. Mothers and fathers-to-be treat themselves to pampering spa treatments, cozy rooms, and relaxation in a last hurrah before parenthood begins. Being the hotel experts, we rounded up some of our favorite hotels for the perfect babymoons. Because take it from us when we say that happy, relaxed parents make the entire process easier.
Mount View Hotel & Spa (Calistoga, CA)
Winery Artist Cottage at the Mount View Hotel & Spa; Calistoga, CA
Heading to a small B&B is a win/win for expectant couples: the vibe is more relaxed, the atmosphere more romantic and the service personalized. The Mount View Hotel & Spa takes it a step further with the “Oh Baby!” welcome package: for $270, each parent is treated to a 50 minute massage (including a pre-natal option), a box of chocolate truffles, sparkling cider, two souvenir champagne flutes and a special shirt that helps expectant mothers massage their baby. Need more? The package also includes a $10 “craving card,” where hotel staff will fetch mothers-to-be anything from olives to Oreos from local stores. While we can’t suggest that couples partake in the wine tasting tours that dominate the area, we’re fairly confident that you’ll appreciate the calm surroundings of northern Napa Valley.
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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 »
by Jane on December 27, 2011
You know what New Year’s Eve means: cocktail dresses, wild parties, a midnight countdown, and just hours until your New Year’s resolutions kick in. It can be tough to start in on your new diet-and-exercise regimen — especially after a night of raucous debauchery — so we’ve come up with the top six last-minute active getaways to help you jump start your goals for 2012. You will have never looked or felt better! We have a destination for every kind of woman in every kind of location (with great deals to boot) so getting in shape will be fun – we promise! Whether you like to burn calories whizzing down the slopes or want to start fresh with a detox and yoga, we have a spot for you. Check out Oyster.com’s top picks for active getaways below, or on Shape.com!
The rock wall in the fitness center at the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa
For the party-girl: Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa Miami Beach in Miami
Some of you will undoubtedly be hitting up the clubs in Miami Beach for a wild New Year’s Eve. So for all you party girls out there, the Canyon Ranch Miami Beach is the perfect choice: It has a slightly more relaxed vibe than other Canyon Ranch resorts (so there will be no judgment for your escapades the night before) and it offers about 40 free fitness classes everyday (so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to burn off the calories from the New Year’s Eve champagne toast). The Canyon Ranch brand is synonymous with good health and the Miami Beach outlet is no different; guests sign waivers that they will not smoke while at the resort, the restaurant serves healthy options off of a menu with detailed nutritional information next to every item, and the massive fitness center includes dozens of cardio machines and a rock-climbing wall. Best of all, starting on January 1st, the hotel offers a four-night Your Stay, Your Way package for guests staying in room types of the Ocean Palm suite or higher, which entitles them to a $400 credit that can be used towards the spa, the shop, and the restaurant. So after a sunset yoga class or a beach conditioning workout, you can order an icy, alcoholic beverage by the pool (albeit low-cal and flavored with acai juice) – hey, you’re still a party girl at heart.
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by Jane on November 30, 2011
Everyone promised that you would have skiing down in no time, right? Instead, you got stuck on the “Magic Carpet” and could barely manage the “pizza” while ski-clad tots were gracefully whizzing past you. Trust us, we’ve been there. But after many failed attempts at tricky ski maneuvers like getting off the ski-lift without face planting, we’ve learned a new trick: how to find the coolest non-skiing activities in ski towns. In fact, ski towns have a lot more to offer than just the slopes — we promise! So for those of you who got roped into a ski-centric vacation, check out our favorite non-skier activities in nine ski destinations below.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort
Ice-skate: If you’d rather not hit the slopes, ice-skating is a great way to still get outdoors and get your heart rate pumping. There is an ice-skating rink right out the front door of The Arrabelle in Vail Square, with views of the slopes, the village, and the massive Christmas tree.
The Sebastian - Vail
Go on a Dogsled Tour: While your friends are out enjoying the fresh powder on the slopes, you can be too — but in the comfort of a horse, er, dog-drawn sleigh. Winterhawk Dogsled Adventures runs daily tours in Alaskan husky-drawn sleds; the basic tour explores the expansive grounds of the historic 4 Eagle Ranch, while adventure tours run across more remote terrain at a higher altitude. The concierge at The Sebastian can arrange a tour for you, even ahead of your stay.
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by Zach on November 25, 2011
We’ve compiled the hotels that offer the best shopping to guests — so that you have a mid-shopping retreat, right on-site.
The Mandarin Oriental, Boston
The Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Besides the in-room Playstation 3s, massive Spa by Mandarin and a welcome beverage for travel-weary arriving guests, the Mandarin Oriental is literally attached to the Prudential Center Mall, one of Boston’s most popular shopping destinations. Read More »
As the Hotel-Tell All, Oyster is very well-traveled when it comes to hotels. We’ve seen it all — whether good or bad. Let it be known: after visiting thousands of hotels, the tiny fees, poor service, and mediocre food starts to get irritating.
11. Valet Charges
No parking? Don’t charge through the roof for valet parking. You know it’s our only choice and makes us bitter.
Valet at The Angler's Boutique Resort
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If you’re citified but like to hike, a foodie but ride your bike more than your car, or use your Patagonia Solar Wind Jacket for a city blizzard, you can consider yourself Urban Rugged by Oyster’s standards.
These destinations and hotels are rustic-chic with lots to do, whether it’s hiking, cycling, shopping, going to art galleries or eating in top notch restaurants. At these eight hotels, you can always tap into your natural — and metropolitan — side.
The Travaasa Hana hotel overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury in the middle of Maui’s lush, secluded east coast. It has incredible service, a long list of stuff to do and only 70 rooms on acres of uncrowded property. The rooms are large, clean, sleekly furnished — and stripped of TVs, clocks and radios. Though it’s hard to reach, it’s worth the trip. The gorgeous, secluded location near hikes, waterfalls and beaches, excellent cuisine using local products, one of the most beautiful spa facilities on the island and unmatched personalized touches make this hotel one of your best choices in Hawaii.
Travaasa Hana, Maui, Hawaii
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Welcome to our first feature of the new series: Top 8 Mancations. We’ll cover the best hotels for different guys’ needs. Yes, girls’ getaways are — well — girly and fun, but guys deserve some quality time to let loose as well.
First up: Husbands who need a break.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not encouraging men to jump on a plane after every tiff, but don’t we all need a breather sometimes? These hotels accommodate those husbands who are looking for some alone time, party time (appropriate partying, of course), zen time, and more. Hey guys, escape here for some much needed rejuvenation.
The James New York
Treat Yourself: The James New York
Haven’t been away in a while? If you’ve got some extra dollars to spare, now’s the time to put it to good use. This 114-room SoHo boutique, with a stunning rooftop bar and pool, nightly wine and cheese, restaurant by David Burke, and a hotel art curator, embodies the hip, creative neighborhood it inhabits. Its bright, minimalist rooms are full of thoughtful details to make you feel at home. Treat yourself to luxury, trend, and a happening New York neighborhood for a good dose of relaxation.
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Did you know Mark Twain wrote two of his books in The Willard Washington D.C. hotel? Or that The Plaza in New York City was the setting for Barefoot in the Park, with a young Jane Fonda and Robert Redford? Some of the coolest, most historic hotels still stand today. While some of them have undergone drastic cosmetic alteration, many, surprisingly, have hardly changed at all.
Please note: All historic photos can be credited to the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs database.
It’ll be hard to find a more interesting historic hotel in the States. It was in this very hotel that Mark Twain wrote two of his books in the early 20th century. A staple in D.C. culture, The Willard used to be referred to as the “center of Washington” by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. created a draft of his “I Have a Dream” speech while staying in a room here. Other notable guests include Charles Dickens, Buffalo Bill, and multiple presidents.
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by Jane on October 12, 2011
The days are getting cooler, the nights are getting longer, and the aroma of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is in the air. It’s fall! That’s right, die-hard leaf peepers; we’ve found some of the best places to check out the fall colors. Stay in a hotel with stunning views of the trees, or with easy access to the city’s best parks.
- The Boston Common, down the street from the Taj Boston
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. Room categories with views of the Public Garden include Premier Rooms, Deluxe Rooms — Park View, and Commonwealth Suites.
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