by Rachel on February 10, 2012
Credit: Courtesy of Jenny Kang
Jenny Kang is the practically the poster child for New York street style — she is the Fashion Editor for New York Magazine, after all. The Chicago native, who has described her style as “preppy sportswear with punches of fun,” knows how to pick out ideal spots to cool her heels between shows. We asked Kang to dish on her favorite hotels, and of course, her favorite designers. Right now she’s loving Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu and Givenchy, but is most looking forward to the Marc Jacobs show this NYFW. “The way he presents his collection is always innovative, almost like fashion theater,” says Kang. Check out her favorite New York City hotels (hint: there’s one she really loves) for New York Fashion Week after the jump.
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Tagged as:
Fashion and Travel,
Hotel Bars,
Hotel Restaurants,
New York City
Credit: Courtesy of (the super-chic) Jen Ford
Jen Ford is a serious player in the fashion game, having helmed up Lucky Magazine‘s Fashion News and Features department as its director for about seven years now. Twice a year, Ford packs her bags and spends a month traversing the globe to check out the next season’s latest looks. So there’s no doubt that she not only knows how to pack a mean suitcase, but also knows what to look for when it comes to hotels. Before she jumps across the pond to London Fashion Week, though, she stays local to her home base, NYC, checking out about a dozen shows daily for a week. (She’s most looking forward to the Derek Lam and Preen shows — they make her “weak in the knees.”) We grilled her to find out where the fashion elite dine, drink and sleep during the beast that is New York Fashion Week. Check out Ford’s favorite hotels after the jump, then tell us: Where would you want to stay for NYC Fashion Week?
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Tagged as:
Fashion and Travel,
Hotel Bars,
Hotel Restaurants,
New York City
The Park Suite at the Gansevoort Park Avenue; New York City
First there was New York City’s Restaurant Week, where hundreds of hotspots and local dives alike offer seriously discounted prices on (what are usually) three-course meals. Enter NYC ‘Hotel Week.’ From January 6 to January 15, several properties around the city are offering hotel rates starting for as little as $100 a night — with both budget and luxury options. For $100 you can snag a night at the Pod Hotel; If you’ve got a few extra bucks to spend, check out Andaz Wall Street or Gansevoort Park Avenue (where a certain Kardashian resided during the failure of her 72-day marriage) for up to $250 a night. Wanna know more? After the jump, check out the hotels involved this year and how to score the deals.
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Tagged as:
Luxury Hotels,
New York City,
Value Hotels
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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Tagged as:
Aspen,
Breckenridge,
Ice Skating,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Placid,
Park City,
Salt Lake City,
Vail,
Vancouver,
Whistler
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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Tagged as:
Hawaii,
Maui,
Phoenix,
Portland,
San Francisco,
Santa Fe,
Sedona,
Vail,
Vancouver
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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Tagged as:
Golf Resorts
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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Tagged as:
Fall/Autumn
by Jane on September 12, 2011
New hotels are constantly springing up during the year and we have our eyes peeled for every one. Some are more exceptional than others, however, and we can’t wait to share our finds of the hottest, newest, most luxurious hotels across the U.S. So whether you’re Times Square bound or longing to relax by the pool in Fort Lauderdale, there is a hip, new hotel waiting for you. So new, in fact, that some of these hotels are still little known secrets — we’re letting you in on the top-secret buzz.
Pool at the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale
B Ocean Fort Lauderdale
Just opened in April, the all-white B Ocean sits right across the street from the beach, with an austere, minimalist design — similar to the style of a W hotel, with subtle neon lighting in the lobby come nightfall. The ocean views are the star here, but you’ll also find two great restaurants and a small pool with an accompanying outdoor bar. Despite a trendy appearance, this 240-room hotel is also popular among families.
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