by Jane on February 9, 2012
The grounds at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY
The 132-room Hotel Terra is a trendy, eco-friendly ski lodge; it may look like your typical Jackson Hole hotel from the outside, but once inside it proves to be a step above — and a touch more stylish –than many other area hotels. The lobby has fireplaces and the requisite antler-adorned walls, but they’re complemented by bright, modern furniture, accent walls, and funky light fixtures. The rooms are equally sleek but a tad cozier, with dark wood furniture, moss-green throws, modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, and organic toiletries in the bathrooms (complete with radiant flooring). Though families are welcome, couples will especially love this romantic lodge for its sexy rooftop Jacuzzi and the delicous Osteria restaurant that boasts an impressive wine list. But perhaps most importantly, the hotel is just a short walk from the slopes. After all, isn’t it always about location, location, location? Check out more amazing photos of the hotel after the jump or read the full review here >>
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The mess known as La Lohan. (Credit: Michael Williams/startraksphoto.com)
- After a disastrous first stay at the Chateau Marmont, Lindsay Lohan is back terrorizing the notorious Hollywood property. Reports say she partied hard last weekend, but she’s denying it, obvi. [HotelChatter.com]
- Talk about in-flight entertainment: Super Bowl Champs, the New York Giants, continued to celebrate their victory on the flight back to New York City. Watch the video. Seriously. [Gadling.com]
- San Francisco International Airport has gone all Zen on us: The airport has built an on-site yoga studio in Terminal 2, equipped with mirrored walls and mats to borrow. [ABCNews.com]
- Aruba is offering the Pats a serious consolation prize. So while Eli Manning hangs with Mickey, Tom Brady might be in the Caribbean. If Gisele’s gonna wear a bikini, we bet the whole team shows. [USAToday.com]
- Atlantic City just approved a “Tourism District Master Plan” that includes facelifts for the Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue, and more nightlife at Steel Pier. Bring on the diving horse! [ACWeekly.com]
by Jane on February 2, 2012
Although celeb divorces are super-frequent, we were blindsided when Heidi and Seal announced their separation. (But after seeing this picture, it’s pretty clear they haven’t been getting along.) And if that reveal wasn’t heartbreaking enough, it came on the heels of a slew of other celeb splits: Demi and Ashton, Vanessa and Kobe Bryant, Katy Perry and Russell Brand, to name a few. But as it always goes in Hollywood, every failed, star-studded relationship could have a second chance. And with the aforementioned couples, no finalizing papers have been signed. No completely irrevocable damage has been done. We think that a little R&R would help these duos unite once again — they just need the right recommendations. (From us, natch.)
The A-List Couple: Heidi Klum and Seal
Credit: Steve Connolly/startraksphoto.com
The Lobby at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler; Whistler, BC
Why The Hotel Can Save Them: 2004 was a good year for Heidi and Seal. They met, she gave birth to her daughter Leni (whom Seal later adopted), and then he proposed in an igloo in Whistler. So we think they should just head back to where it all began. We know that skiing can bring Heidi and Seal smiles; their last happy photo was a pic of them on the slopes over Christmas. Plus, at the kid-friendly Four Seasons, Mom and Dad can reconnect during a luxurious couples massage while the tots are at the kids club. Then the whole fam can cozy up in front of the fire in one of the massive residences to call it a night.
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One lucky family from the winning Super Bowl team’s home city will get to go on a “Super Tour” of the losing city, per the terms of the Super Bowl bet announced yesterday between Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Thomas Menino. Each tourism package includes a lot of fun sightseeing, wining, and dining — and most importantly, a two-night stay at one of the city’s hotels. (Fans can enter to win on their city website after the Super Bowl.)
So which fans will score the nicer hotel — Giants fans heading to Boston, or Patriots fans coming to New York? Find out in the hotel face-off below.
The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
The Grand Hyatt New York
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by Jane on February 1, 2012
On Valentine’s Day, just about anything can get a person in the mood — but there are some things are a sure bet. That’s why we perused our most romantic hotels to find come-hither amenities that could have even total strangers getting hot and heavy in no time. Grab your spouse, significant other, or the eye candy that lives next door and check in to one of these sexy spots.
THE LUSTY AMENITY: The Clothing-Optional Pool
The Clothing-Optional Lower Pool at the Ventana Inn & Spa; Big Sur, CA
The Ventana Inn & Spa is all about creating a zen, holistic retreat with such offerings as yoga classes, discovery walks, afternoon wine and cheese, Japanese baths, and two pools. Forgot to pack your bathing suit? No problem! One of the pools is clothing-optional (read: everyone’s in their birthday suit), so it’s easy to dive in and feel sexy. Check out more super-sexy hotel features after the jump!
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Credit: Mark Savage/startraksphoto.com
- Momma Kris Kardashian spent the weekend with her ducklings Kim, Kourtney and Robert at the W Dallas, where Khloe and hubby Lamar Odom (above) are renting a suite. [HotelChatter.com]
- Starting on January 26, all airlines are required to include “all mandatory taxes and fees in the advertised fare” in order to comply with a new U.S. Department of Transportation rule. Plus, passengers can now put a reservation on hold for 24 hours without having to pay for it. [FoxNews.com]
- To fight the “TSA regulations limiting liquids in carry-ons”, Rosewood Hotels is introducing the 24-hour fragrance butlers, who will offer guests a wide range of perfumes to choose from. [USAToday.com]
- Alaska Airlines is putting an end to 30 years of prayer-card distribution among its first class passengers. But Sarah Palin isn’t too happy about it. [LATimes.com]
- Downton Abbey fans, start packing: Highclere Castle, featured in the Emmy-award series, has opened its doors. You and three others can explore and dine at the estate for $12,000. [Vagabondish.com]
Even though Hawaii is known for its breathtaking beaches, the 50th state actually offers much more than just a swim in crystalline waters and great waves to surf. Discover the archipelago’s wonders — away from its sandy stretches — with this selection of activities we’ve come up with for you. From the soaring cliffs of the Waimea Canyon in Kauai to the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Oahu, Hawaii will win the hearts even of those who are allergic to relaxing on lounge chairs under the sun. Check out the best sun-safe activities to do while visiting any of the islands — just make sure to slather on some SPF first.
Road to Hana, Maui; Maui, HI
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The adult pool at the Marriot Harbor Beach Resort and Spa; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Our friends at SELF.com like to remind us how important being active is — and how important it is to eat healthy, too — even when you’re on the road. So when they let us know about their new Jump Start Diet Plan, created by uber-trainer (and former Biggest Loser star) Jillian Michaels, we were happy to jump on board (pun intended). The plan features some kick-ass workout moves that mesh toning and cardio to save time while burning mega-calories, plus easy-to-follow diet tips that making shaping up a cinch. But what we loved the most about the plan is, that if you join SELF and sign up to Jump Start online, you’ll be entered for a grand prize trip to the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa in super-sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Not only is the total package worth over three grand, but the hotel also has a well-earned, 4-pearl rating from us here at Oyster.com.
If we won, we’d start our day with a killer yoga class — or just a great workout at the sleek 24-hour fitness center — and then lounge on the beach or poolside in the quiet adults-only area. To cap the day off, we’d stop by the spa for a luxurious treatment. We recommend the Harbor Beach Signature Tropical Tiki Bliss massage (80 minutes for $225), designed to soothe even the achiest of muscles while still Zen-ing you out. Check out more photos of the hotel after the jump, or read the full review now to see why we love this spot.
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by Jane on January 25, 2012
We know Valentine’s Day is a few weeks away but if you want to wow your significant other, the time to plan is now. Especially if you want to wow her (or him!) with a proposal. We’re sure any kind of proposal could have your special someone crying tears of joy in no time. But if you really want to make it a proposal to remember, whisk your better half away on a romantic getaway and propose at one of our favorite romantic spots.
The Harvest Dance Suite at the Spring Creek Ranch; Jackson Hole, WY
Set in a wildlife refuge more than 700 feet above the Jackson Valley, the Spring Creek Ranch has arguably the most stunning views of the Tetons in the area. It has a wide array of room categories, from standard hotel rooms to immense two-bedroom condos, and he delicious, popular restaurant and the excellent heated outdoor pool are not to be missed.
Best Spots for Proposing:
If your soon-to-be-fiance is the active type, strap on your snowshoes and take her to a secluded spot on one of the property’s many trails. Beside the lake or in the teepee are also romantic spots for popping the question.
by Jane on January 24, 2012
Presidents Day is just around the corner and of course that makes us reflect on our country’s leaders — and Obama’s State of the Union Address tonight at 9 p.m. EST. But c’mon, we’re a hotel website so what it really makes us think about is presidential suites. The most lavish accommodations in hotels, presidential suites are fit for, well, presidents. In fact, they reportedly got their name from President Woodrow Wilson, who had a strict list of requirements for his hotel rooms. Some of those requirements may be standard nowadays (such as en-suite bathrooms) but the over-the-top luxury remains. Last time, we highlighted the best presidential suites in New York City and Washington, D.C. so this time we’re heading to the West Coast to find the most drool-worthy presidential eye candy in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
The Hotel: InterContinental San Francisco
Built in 2008 in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern InterContinental has luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, a lap pool, a popular spa, and a Michelin-star restaurant.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
Oyster.com’s Favorite Feature of the Presidential Suite:
There’s a lot to love about the two-floor presidential suite, but we really go gaga over the wrap-around balcony with amazing city views and the funky light fixtures.
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