Monday Morning Ahhhh: Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Monterey County

by Jane on June 10, 2013

The views from the hotel are breathtaking.

The 144-room cliff-side Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers awe-inspiring views unrivaled anywhere else around Monterey and Carmel — some could even argue the entire West Coast. Accommodations are seemingly as roomy as the stunning ocean views they offer, most complete with working fireplaces and stocked with simple yet modern amenities. The on-site restaurants serve meals that rival the scenery, and the outdoor fire pit is good for relaxing and taking in healthy doses of sea breeze after a day of kayaking (you can rent kayaks through the concierge). So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Hyatt Carmel Highlands.

Tagged as: Luxury Hotels, Monday Morning Ahhhh, Monterey County, Romantic Hotels

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Best Hotels in San Francisco for Mixing Business with Pleasure

by Jane on June 7, 2013

Plenty of business people find themselves traveling to San Francisco for work. And while the city has plenty to offer all kinds of travelers, it can be tough for business travelers to find some time to enjoy the city’s many perks. Fortunately, we’ve gone through our database and have found the top business hotels that are perfect for mixing business and pleasure.

For the Food Fanatic: The St. Regis San Francisco

Ame serves delicious dishes with an Asian twist.

If you’re using the company card, you might as well eat well! And nothing impresses clients like a delicious meal. For food fanatics traveling on business, we recommend the luxurious St. Regis. With a prime location on the border of the Financial District, 15,000 square feet of meeting space, and rooms with daily newspaper delivery, large flat-screen TVs, and writing desks, its a great pick for business travelers. You can even stay up-to-date in the bathroom, where small flat-screen TVs are attached to the mirrors. And you can enjoy your downtime with some delicious grub; the hotel is home to Ame, a renowned restaurant from Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani, that has been awarded Michelin stars the last five years. 24-hour room service is also available.

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Tagged as: Business Hotels, Historic Hotels, Luxury Hotels, San Francisco, Value Hotels

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Foto Friday: Name This City!

by Devon on June 7, 2013

Which lovely city are we featuring this week!?

This gorgeous international city was named after the sea captain who first explored the area for the Royal Navy. Also known as Hollywood North, this city sets the scene for tons of movies and TV shows each year, second only to Los Angeles  in North American television production. And motion picture entertainment isn’t the only thing with a foundation here: Pamela Anderson, Michael J. Fox, and the environmental organization Greenpeace all hail from this stunning locale.

Think you know? Find out after jump! Read More »

Tagged as: Foto Friday

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How Kim and Kate Will Spoil Their Spawn: Over-the-Top Hotel Baby Amenities

by Jane on June 6, 2013

Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton are ready to pop (both have June due dates), and the world has been mesmerized by their growing bellies and beautiful (and, um, innnnteresting) maternity fashion choices. And we know that once those bundles of joy arrive, they’ll be getting tons of attention — not only from the paps and fans, but also from their doting parents. So we did a little research to figure out just how Kim and Kate will spoil their spawn. We made a list of the five most over-the-top, kid-friendly hotel amenities out there that these celebrity (and royal) moms will definitely approve of — and will probably take advantage of during their many travels. If Kimbryo will love these kid-friendly amenities, so will you!

Tea Parties at The Carlyle, New York City

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

It would be wise for newbie celebrity tots to take notes from Suri Cruise — after all, she is the most watched, and adored, celebrity offspring of all time. And back in 2007, when she was just 18 months old, Suri hosted an over-the-top Madeline-themed tea party in the iconic Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, complete with live musical accompaniments, tasty treats such as mac ‘n cheese and mini burgers, and about 25 guests. The event reportedly cost Katie and Tom a whopping $100,000. We’re sure the Kardashians and the royal family could also afford to throw such a lavish affair, but us mere mortals can enjoy tea in Bemelmans (where the walls are covered with Madeline illustrations) with our tots as well. The afternoon tea starts up again in October, and includes tea, hot chocolate, pastries, finger sandwiches, a pianist for sing-alongs, and Madeline books on-hand for reading, all for a reasonable prix-fixe price.

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Tagged as: Beverly Hills, Hawaii, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Oahu

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10 Spa Escapes in Europe

by Kristina on June 6, 2013

Visiting Europe is often composed of a whirlwind tour, during which visitors hurry from one tourist destination to another. Therefore — in between trips to museums and monuments — finding the time to breathe can be surprisingly difficult. To help speed along to the moment where you actually find relaxation — you’re on vacation, after all — some of our favorite hotels across the pond are outfitted with top-notch spas designed to get you to that “Ahhh” feeling faster than you can say “Euro Trip.” Whether all you want is some downtime in the sauna or a deep tissue massage, these properties have you covered. So sit back and relax—the Louvre will still be there tomorrow.

1. K West Hotel & Spa, London 

The intimate spa encourages relaxation at every corner.

K West is a smart and sophisticated option in London, with its main attraction being the beautiful K Spa. Featuring sleek style and impressive facilities — the hydrotherapy pool and “Snow Paradise” room are particularly noteworthy — the spa is well-regarded throughout the United Kingdom. The “Snow Paradise” room is meant to follow a hot steam treatment, and is based on Finnish spa techniques of using hot-cold therapy to stimulate circulation and the immune system.

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Tagged as: Barcelona, Dublin, Europe, Florence, Hotel Spas, Ireland, Istanbul, Italy, Lisbon, London, Norway, Paris, Rome

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Getting Outdoors in the Southwest: Our Favorite Places to Visit

by Devon on June 5, 2013

Sedona provides the perfect hiking grounds for your next trek.

The Southwest is one of our favorite places to get physical thanks to its crisp, high-altitude air; gorgeous terrain; and earthy, holistic vibes. And though there may be tons of incredible national parks throughout the region — including Arches, Zion, and the Grand Canyon — other lesser-known areas prove to be just as majestic. Take a look at just a few of our favorite places in the Southwest to get fit and reconnect with Mother Nature!

 

Tagged as: Albuquerque, Austin, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Antonio, Santa Fe, Sedona, Tuscon

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Wedding Wednesday: Ventana Inn & Spa hosts $10 million Sean Parker nuptials in Big Sur

by Kristina on June 5, 2013

Stunning views of Big Sur's cliffs can be seen throughout the property.

This week we’re taking a behind-the-scenes look at the Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur, which hosted billionaire Sean Parker’s nuptials this past weekend. Parker, of Napster and Facebook fame, wed singer-songwriter (and baby momma) Alexandra Lenas in a ceremony at the resort on June 1. Situated on more than 200 acres of picturesque oceanfront land, the property looks like a rustic cabin nestled in the woods — making it a gorgeous setting for a wedding. And Parker isn’t the first big-wig to notice that fact either: Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied tied the knot here last year (albeit in a much more low-key ceremony). Find out what makes Ventana so swoon-worthy — and get details on Parker’s $10 million wedding — after the jump »  Read More »

Tagged as: Big Sur, California, Celebrity Travel, Destination Weddings, Wedding Wednesday

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Our 9 Favorite Summer Hotel Amenities in the U.S.

by Carolina on June 4, 2013

Having a pool in your hotel is always a great perk when traveling in the summer, but there are many other seasonal hotel amenities that can make a trip special. Part of our job here at Oyster is to experience the property in full, and we never miss a chance to make the most of our visit. We’ve done everything you can imagine, from zip-lining in a snowstorm to bird-watching binoculars in hand — all for the sake of a complete review. These are our favorite summer amenities and where to find them.

Loaner bikes: Paradise Point, San Diego

The best way to explore this private island is on a bike.

The best way to explore this private island is on a bike.

Plenty of hotels offer loaner bikes for guests to use during their stay, but few are located on a 44-acre private island where the best way to explore is on two wheels. Sea World San Diego and Pacific Beach’s shopping and dining are just a short bike ride away – so leave the car in the hotel’s parking lot and enjoy the sea breeze in your hair.

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Tagged as: Austin, Boston, Calistoga, Deer Valley, Kauai, Miami, San Diego, Santa Fe, Santa Monica

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Fact or Fakeout: The End Of Room Service, Free Poolside Movie Nights, and More!

by Carolina on June 4, 2013

Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV

Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV

1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is hosting free poolside movie nights, back by popular demand, this summer. Non-guests can purchase tickets for $3.

2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The New York Hilton Midtown is ending its room service due to “a decline in traditional room service requests over the last several years.”

3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? “The Big Bang Theory” actress Regina King was seen canoodling with an attractive young man at Villa del Palmar Cancun during her recent stay at the resort.

4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Venice’s Hotel Cipriani is launching a “Dinner in the Sky” experience, which sits up to 22 guests around a dining table 164 feet in the air for a one-hour, three-course meal.

5. FACT OR FAKEOUT? With 2,019 rooms, the Hyatt Regency Chicago is the largest hotel in the Windy City. The Palmer House Hilton Hotel comes in second with 1,639 rooms.

Check out the answers after the jump!

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Tagged as: Cancun, Chicago, Fact or Fakeout, Las Vegas, New York City, Venice

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Outdoorsy Summer Travel: The 7 Best Destinations in the U.S.

by Kelsey on June 3, 2013

Summer is the time to get outdoors and get active. And even though it can get your blood pumpin’, there is nothing more relaxing than some quality time with Mother Nature, whether you’re hiking, fishing, or whitewater rafting — or simply kicking back and taking in the views after a day filled with activity. Our seven favorite spots in the U.S. for an outdoorsy getaway this summer were chosen for their combination of natural beauty and breadth of outdoor activities. To make planning easier, we’ve also recommended a cabin, lodge, or ranch in each place that brings you closer to the outdoors with great views or settings.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is most famous for its stunning red rocks, which are particularly beautiful in the glow of sunrise and sunset, and have formed the backdrop for many a western film. The temperatures here are cooler than other Arizona destinations, thanks to the higher elevation, and Ponderosa Pines surround the city. It’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent biking, horseback riding, and a particular focus on hiking. Some of the most popular hiking spots include Cathedral Rock, Bear Mountain, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Rock.

Where to Stay: L’Auberge de Sedona, with 87 luxurious and woodsy cottages spread across 11 acres
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Tagged as: Finger Lakes, Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, San Juan Islands, Sedona, Telluride, Yosemite National Park

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