October 2011

Beware: The Spookiest, Halloween-iest Hotels

by Jane on October 31, 2011

Halloween is the most sinful time of the year: it’s all about dressing up, indulging your sweet tooth, and attending outrageous (and sometimes spooky) late-night soirees. Whether you’ll be in balmy Miami or the Windy City for the festivities, there’s a hotel that’s celebrating Halloween in style. Check out our favorite spots for devilish partying from coast to coast below.

Lobby at the Liberty Hotel

Lobby at the Liberty Hotel

Liberty Hotel, Boston

A hotel in a prison? Yeah, that seems appropriate for Halloween. Occupying a former jail, the Liberty Hotel hosts an annual Halloween party. This year, the fete is circus-themed and will have circus-inspired cocktails as well as circus performers. While anyone can attend the soiree (as long as they’re in costume, of course), guests of the hotel can opt for the Halloween package which includes two tickets to the party, free parking, and free breakfast.

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Foto Friday: Halloween Parties

by Hilary on October 28, 2011

How will you be celebrating Halloween, and more importantly, what are you dressing up as?

Tryst at the Wynn Las Vegas

Tryst at the Wynn Las Vegas

Tagged as: Foto Friday

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Oyster’s 9 favorite hidden spots: Feel like you’re discovering them for the first time

by Kelsey on October 28, 2011

There’s nothing that beats the thrill of discovery on vacation: The remote waterfall, the picturesque cobblestone street, or the hidden beach that feels like it’s all your own. When we stumbled upon these nine spots on our travels, we experienced the aha moment that comes when you find something truly special. We’ll admit that we’re not the first travelers to experience these beautiful places — but then Columbus didn’t really discover America, right? So go ahead: Take a peek at our favorite hidden spots, and find out where to stay to discover them for yourself.

In the comments section, let us know about the special places that you’ve found!

Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Discover: Opaekaa Falls, Kauai, Hawaii

Cascading down into a hidden pool, this waterfall is easily one of the island’s most accessible major waterfalls. Located on a north branch of the Wailua River, Opaeka’a Falls is named for rolling shrimp that used to be present in the water. The falls can easily be seen from an overlook off of Kuamo’o Road — walk across the road from the lookout point and up the hill for another great vantage point.

Stay: Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort, Kauai, Hawaii

At this 118-unit high-end family-friendly condo resort, the beautifully decorated one- and two-bedroom suites are among the most luxurious in Kauai. A family-friendly pool and full kitchens make The Outrigger Waipouli appealing to vacationers who value high-quality rooms in a quiet atmosphere.

Floyd's Pelican Bar, Jamaica

Floyd's Pelican Bar, Jamaica

Discover: Floyd’s Pelican Bar, Jamaica

This is as unique of an experience as it gets. You have to take a small boat to get to this rickety shack on the ocean, where you’ll be treated to fresh, tasty fish cooked in front of you over hot coals. And the name is no coincidence: You can spot pelicans diving into the water around the bar for their own meal.

Stay: Jake’s, South Coast

With just 30 hippy-chic cottages in secluded Treasure Beach, Jake’s is a member of Island Outpost, Jamaica’s trendiest hotel group. Guests come to unplug — there’s no phone, Internet, or TV in the cottages. The black-sand beaches aren’t Jamaica’s most impressive, but the Driftwood Spa, on-site painting and yoga classes, and excellent food make this a particular favorite. Read More »

Tagged as: Aruba, Boston, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Jamaica, Kauai, Maui

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Best Cocktails At: Z NYC Hotel New York

by Hilary on October 27, 2011

We’re visiting the best, trendiest hotel bars to find you the tastiest cocktails in NYC. Not only have we got the photos, we’ve got the recipes — directly from the bartenders — so you can make them at home. Grab your martini glass, you’re having a cocktail party.

This week, we’ve got Z NYC Hotel. It’s not live on Oyster yet, but we got a sneak peek at this hot new hotel with a stunning rooftop and breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline. Check back soon to see our review of Z NYC Hotel! Previously, we’ve bar hopped at: 60 Thompson, The Grand Hyatt, New York, XVI at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, The Maritime, The James Hotel, Hilton New York Fashion District, and The Standard Hotel.

Drink #1: 7

7 at Z Hotel, New York

7 at Z NYC Hotel, New York

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Ron Zacapa 23
  • 1 oz fresh lime
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • Goya Ginger beer
  • Lime wheel

To make
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour 2 oz Ron Zacapa 23, 1 oz of fresh lime and 1 oz simple. Top with Goya Ginger beer and garnished with a lime wheel.
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New York City hotels that can transport you to Europe

by Hilary on October 27, 2011

Gilded moldings and rococo-esque ceiling paintings are just a start. These hotels are so Europe-esque you may forget you’re still in America.

The Pierre

Completed in 1930, The Pierre was built with a Neo-Georgian exterior (an American and English architecture inspired by the 17th century Georgian style of the first four British monarchs of Hanover). The upmost floors’ exterior, however, was modeled after the Royal Chapel at Versailles with Corinthian pilasters, arch-headed windows, and a copper roof.

The Pierre - A Taj Hotel

The Pierre - A Taj Hotel

During the hotel’s 2009 renovations, decor was updated with Asian accents but many French aesthetics remain, like the Rococo-inspired wall murals and the trompe l’oeil ceiling painting of the sky.

The Pierre - A Taj Hotel

The Pierre - A Taj Hotel

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Holiday Face Off: Metro City Lights vs. Beach Getaway

by Jane on October 24, 2011

‘Tis the season! Are you the type to head to New York City for the Rockefeller Center tree and lavish window displays? Or are you Caribbean-bound this time of year for some R&R? Either way, Oyster.com has found a destination and a hotel to suit your needs. So whether you’re planning on packing a parka or a bikini, check out our list below of the best places to stay this holiday season.

Christmastime in the Courtyard of The New York Palace

Christmastime in the Courtyard of The New York Palace

New York City

From Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the tree at Rockefeller Center, New York City knows how to celebrate the holidays and so do New York City hotels, with over-the-top decorations like the tree at The New York Palace.

Lights at the Entrance of The Pierre

Lights at the Entrance of The Pierre

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Tagged as: Christmas, New York City, Thanksgiving

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Foto Friday: Colorful Kayaks at the Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort

by Hilary on October 21, 2011

Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort

This 153-room property is located in northern Key Largo, a short drive from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and close to shops and restaurants. Not a lot stands out, but there are a few perks — like a diver’s center on-site, an adequate spa, and a nice private beach (albeit a tiny one, with little room for swimming). Big rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and nicer decor than other mid-range chains in the area — but many bathrooms could use a renovation. Upgrading to a suite will give you a full kitchen and a large sitting area, but smaller sleeping quarters. Book a room with an ocean view to enjoy the beautiful Key Largo sunsets (and avoid facing the nearby highway).

Grounds at the Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort

Grounds at the Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort

Tagged as: Foto Friday

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Top 8 Mancations for: Husbands Who Need A Break

by Hilary on October 20, 2011

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

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

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Hotels That Shaped History: Then Vs. Now

by Amanda on October 19, 2011

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.

The Willard Washington D.C.

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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Travel Tuesday: What’s New?

by Hilary on October 18, 2011

The Standard New York

The Standard New York

  • SPOT
    Beyonce and her pregnant belly were spotted at the Standard in New York shooting photos in the rain. Of course, the 5-month pregnant star makes everything chic — umbrella, baby bump, and all. [Hotel Chatter]

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Tagged as: Beyonce, Travel News

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