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 10, 2011
A few days ago, we headed down to balmy Miami to search for the sexiest hotel bathrooms with FOX’s lifestyle show, Deco Drive. Together we put together a TV segment on some of the coolest, chicest, down-right sexiest hotel bathrooms in all of Miami. We needed a place to rest our heads during our trip, so we chose The Setai South Beach, knowing that the Asian-inspired oasis — located in the center of South Beach — would not disappoint. And it didn’t. Though our trip was short, we were reminded how much we love the over-the-top amenities and tranquil ambiance of The Setai. Below is a little bit more about why we love it so — with photos to boot.
Soaking Tub in the Studio Spa Suite
It doesn’t get much sexier than this. The Studio Spa Suite features an open bathroom, and a large soaking tub in the middle of the room. The set-up gives the room a spacious, free-flowing feel, ideal for couples. But those looking for a little privacy can find that too: Rattan-covered doors can be pulled shut to separate the bathroom from the rest of the room (though the tub is still out in the main room).
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Back for its twentieth year in a row, Lollapalooza is bringing in crowds like we’ve never seen. From Kanye West to Arcade Fire, Grant Park will be the place to see and be seen in Chi-Town come August 5th. If you’re looking for a good time with great friends and rockin’ accommodations, these hotels are calling your name. You’ll be able to party all day and night, and walk a few steps to a heavenly bed.
Essex Inn
3 pearls, $157/ avg. per night
This 254-room Essex Inn is a decent value pick across the street from Grant Park, near the Museum Campus. Some of the bright, comfortable (if chain-like) rooms have great views of the lake, and the huge indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center are both pluses. It’s true that leisure travelers can usually find comparable hotels farther north for similar rates, but the free Michigan Avenue shuttle to popular sites helps compensate for the South Loop location.
Essex Inn, Chicago
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Walking on water is an uncommon ability. I think we can all agree on that.
However, ever since Stand-Up Paddling (that’s “SUP” to you!) hit the scene, the sensation of gliding along a liquid surface is more accessible.
Everyone who is anyone — and many of us who are not featured regularly in tabloids — is climbing atop these big boards and paddling her way towards blissful serene summer moments, not to mention an amazing total body workout.
From our friends at SELF.com, here are 5 reasons why you should run — don’t walk (even on water) — to the nearest SUP session to try this surfing/canoeing hybrid:
1. Celebs Love It:
If Kate Hudson jumped off a bridge, would you? Well, maybe if there was a bungee attached. This new water sport has an insane amount of A-list traction: Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner, Owen Wilson, Matthew McConaughey, Cindy Crawford, Adrian Grenier, Rihanna, Denise Richards and Ben Harper are just a few of the hard-bodied celebs spotted getting their SUP on.
Where to SUP: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
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Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you need to give up everything you’ve worked for. Leading a healthy lifestyle takes commitment, and showing it off on your next vacation is the cherry on top of your fit sundae. Find out which areas to work on according to which travel itch you’re having.
Traveling to: South Beach
Focus on: Belly
Where to stay: The Setai
South Beach is all about the bikinis, so having a toned tummy is ideal when strolling on the beach. The Setai, one of Miami’s most luxurious beach hotels, has three pools — each a different temperature — and a prime beachside location. To get those toned abs that’ll turn heads, try planking, side crunching, The Hundred (an amazing Pilates move), and bicycle abs. Watch your 6-pack form in no time!
The Setai, Miami
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Let’s tackle a problem we all face: the travel lull. Airports, busses, taxis, subways… everyone knows that travelling can be taxing – especially on your waistline. In all our angst over arranging the big trip, sometimes we forget to schedule time for ourselves and our bodies. Well for those of you travelling to New York, problem solved! With the help of SELF, we’ve found the top five hotels with fantastic gyms in New York City. Read on to find out where to book your next stay!
Affinia Dumont, Gramercy and Murray Hill
Want to be sure to work out while away? Well, this motivational atmosphere won’t take no for an answer! This hotel is completely fitness themed, with fitness tips on the TV sets in the elevator, a complementary “Experience Kit” in every room, equipped with a yoga mat and videos, and a concierge who is also a personal trainer! The gym has LifeFitness equipment, weight machines, cardio machines with personal televisions – the whole nine yards.
Affinia Dumont New York
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Could this timelapse video release be more perfect for Oyster’s launch of Chicago? This was filmed on a boat on Lake Michigan through the Chicago Canals. It takes place over 3 and a half hours.
On the same note, Oyster just returned from boat rides on the river as well, along with mouth-watering deep-dish pizza, and stunning illuminated skylines. Chicago, where The Bears and The Cubs are essentially a religion, the serene Lake Michigan shores are a short drive away, and museum culture is uniquely diverse, is the perfect city for both personal vacation and business travel alike. The Windy City gave us breathtaking photos we can’t wait to share with you.
There’s nothing like water parks during summertime. The kids are ecstatic, the weather is hot, and the energy is soaring. The fun never ends at these aquatic playgrounds, so let the games begin at these 8 magical water parks. Check out our full list of water parks your kids will love >>
Nickelodeon Suites Resort Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
Guests at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort, one of Orlando’s best options for families outside of a theme park, have free access to two on-site water parks. The Oasis water park, seen here, has an Olympic-size pool, waterslides, and a kids’ play area (just note that this pool might be closed during the off season). The Lagoon water park, seen here, has a zero-depth entry pool, a four-story water tower, waterslides, two Jacuzzis, and a 400-gallon “dunk tank.”
Nickelodean Suites Resort Orlando, Florida
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Stunning King Corner Room at B Ocean
This past weekend, we were lucky enough to be in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for the grand opening of B Ocean hotel, which soft opened in January and is the first in a new brand of hotels.
It’s a great-looking hotel with all the signs of modern trendiness: it’s white, it’s minimalist and austere, and the lobby brightens up with colored lights come nightfall.
The hotel is right across the street from a great beach, and every single room has a beautiful ocean view — no rooms face the back of the hotel. The personable Holli Ugalde (winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 7) helms the casual B’stro restaurant (which will appear in every B hotel), and across the lobby is the dimly-lit, delicious Saia, serving inventive (if expensive) sushi and hand-crafted cocktails.
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St. Regis Monarch Beach
Oyster recently got back from such a beautiful trip that we just couldn’t wait to share with you! Here are some breathtaking (if we may say so ourselves) photo highlights of our recent trip to Orange County, California.
We’ll be sharing our full O.C. hotel reviews with you soon!
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