Oyster.com Blog —

In the Spotlight: Altis Hotel — Lisbon

by Jane on May 2, 2013

Lobby at the Altis Hotel -- Lisbon

The Altis Hotel, with 300 rooms, is the largest property in the Altis chain and is certainly one of the brand’s most luxurious hotels. Elegant rooms are a decent size with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and TVs embedded in the mirrors. A major renovation was completed in 2011, and rooms feel fresh and contemporary. The hotel’s long list of amenities includes a restaurant on the 12th floor with great city views, a cozy lobby bar, and a coffee shop. The Altis also has a health club with an indoor pool, fitness center, and several treatment rooms. While this property has a reputation as a business hotel, it also attracts tourists with its convenient location near numerous attractions. A spacious marble lobby features large art installations and plenty of space to sit. Check out more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»

Tagged as: In the Spotlight, Lisbon

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Summer Road Trips: Weekend Getaways from NYC, D.C., L.A, and More!

by Jane on May 1, 2013

Summertime is fast-approaching and we can’t wait till the days of top-down convertibles, cover-ups and flip-flops dress codes, and mini weekend getaways. After all, a share can be great but there’s something about a spontaneous trip to the beach to really make it feel like summer. So whether your home base is New York or Los Angeles, D.C. or San Francisco, or even Boston, we have a beach destination that can easily be reached via a quick road trip. So grab a map, your sunglasses, and some road trippin’ munchies, and make your escape!

Weekend Getaway from New York City: Montauk

Travel time: 2 hours, 30 minutes via car

Visit Montauk before the "too cool" Hamptons vibe has rubbed off on it.

It may seem cliche, but there’s a reason why Manhattanites flock to the Hamptons come summer. Home to upscale restaurants, trendy workout clubs, quirky shops, and of course, beautiful beaches, it offers a nice reprieve from the congestion and smog of the city — while maintaining that cool (and sometimes snobbish) city vibe. Montauk, located at the furthest tip, however, has a more laid-back feel; residents fear that a recent influx of visitors will taint its unpretentious reputation, but for now it’s a nice alternative to the ultra-exclusive vibe of other Hamptons.

Where to Stay: A cool party spot, Sole East attracts a young, beautiful crowd. With a tasty on-site restaurant, a small pool with loungers, and beach cruisers available for rent, it’s a great pick.

Tagged as: Boston, Boutique Hotels, California, Cape Cod, Historic Hotels, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, Montauk, Monterey, New York City, party hotels, Romantic Hotels, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, The Hamptons, Value Hotels, Virginia Beach, Washington D.C

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Wedding Wednesday: The Standard New York

by Kristina on May 1, 2013

The Standard appears to sprout right out of the West Village, making it perfect for the quintessential NYC couple.

On this Wedding Wednesday, we’re showing off our West Village neighbor, the luxe Standard New York from renowned hotelier Andre Balazs. Balazs capitalized on the popular, elevated High Line park that opened in the summer of 2009 when he debuted this feat of design prowess: His 338-room hotel is propped up on huge concrete stilts so that it straddles, and hovers above, the park. For this, the Standard has garnered the praise of architecture critics, who marvel at how, from inside the building, one seems to be floating in the air.

The interior design is just as striking as the architecture, featuring hip, modern furniture and open bathrooms with deep soaking tubs or huge rainfall showers which, surrounded by clear glass panes instead of shower curtains, create the impression of bathing beside the Hudson River. Plus, floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the city. (The windows also offer views from the outside in, making for some interesting exhibitionism, if couples are into that sort of thing.)

For a wedding, The Standard’s unique architecture makes for a truly one-of-a-kind ceremony. This is a dream location for the stylish couple (with deep pockets) looking to indulge in the impeccable, but laid-back, city-chicness that is the Standard. Possible ceremony and reception spaces include the High Line Room, which features a covered terrace overlooking High Line Park and the Hudson River, and a stunning, exclusive rooftop space (which might require that the happy couple have some celebrity connections). Still, service at the hotel is never stuffy, nor short of excellence. Check out more wedding inspired photos of The Standard New York here >> Read More »

Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Destination Weddings, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Romantic Hotels, Wedding Wednesday

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Coolest Hotel Amenities in the Hamptons

by Devon on April 30, 2013

Bike Loans at C/O The Maidstone

The Hamptons has a reputation as one of the East Coast’s premier beach destinations, filled with natural beauty and luxe amenities. So whether they’re high-end spas, Buddha gardens, or some exclusive yacht parking, these Hamptonite amenities are some of our favorite hotel extras ever. Take a look at the perks that make weekends away in the Hamptons even better!

Tagged as: The Hamptons

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Fact or Fakeout: Stealing Hotel Furniture, a Jail-Turned-Hotel, and More!

by Devon on April 30, 2013

The exterior of the Lloyd Hotel; Amsterdam

1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Amsterdam’s Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy once operated as a Nazi-run jail during the German occupation.

2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? American travelers admit that the hotel items they are most likely to steal are pieces of furniture like lamps and artwork. (Ed. note: Not including toiletries because, come on.)

3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Treasure Island and New York New York in Las Vegas are testing a digital lost and found database where guests can search for misplaced items online.

4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Playboy hotelier Vikram Chatwal had his rehab-bound friend Lindsey Lohan escorted out of the Dream Downtown after the two were seen fighting at Cherry restaurant.

5. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Kimpton hotels — including properties like Hotel Manoco and Hotel Rogue — are getting physical with their new fitness-inspired room service, where guests can have their in-room yoga mats rolled out for them at no additional charge.

Check out the answers after the jump!

Tagged as: Amsterdam, Fact or Fakeout, Las Vegas, New York City

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Luxe Stays in South America

by Kristina on April 29, 2013

The Relais & Chateaux Santa Teresa is a historic mansion turned luxurious boutique in Buenos Aires.

South America is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Whether you want to sit beachside in Rio De Janeiro or soak in views of the Andes in Lima, the top hotels in the region are prepared to cater to your every whim. With both the grande dames of Buenos Aires and the luxe boutiques of Santiago offering guests the ultimate in service and amenities, it’s hard to turn down a trip to this diverse and exciting continent. Check out our favorites (so far!) in this slideshow.

Tagged as: Argentina, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Chile, Lima, Luxury Hotels, Peru, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Sao Paulo, South America

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Monday Morning Ahhhh: Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

by Jane on April 29, 2013

Talk about a room with a view!

Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa Del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children’s program, the resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 128 suites feature attractive contemporary decor — picture clean lines, white walls, and rich woods — as well as high-tech amenities and private outdoor plunge pools. They have an open-air vibe, with many floor-to-ceiling windows, and the overwater lagoon suites have swim-up access. Plus, suites include freebies such as Wi-Fi, fresh fruit, and bottled water. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak in the goodness that is the Rosewood Mayakoba.

Tagged as: Kid-Friendly Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Mexico, Monday Morning Ahhhh, Riviera Maya, Romantic Hotels

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The Top 10 Sexiest Hotel Spas

by Kelsey on April 28, 2013

There are a lot of things that make a spa great — the range of services, the quality of the masseuses, the number of features. That’s all well and good, and you can find the lists of our favorite spas in cities across the states on our Hotel Spas page. But what makes a spa great isn’t necessarily what makes a spa sexy. The spas that make our sexy list, however, are, in a nutshell, stunning. These spas beckon you; just looking at the photos makes you calmer. So sit back, relax, and enjoy these super sexy spas that’ll make you say ahhhh.

Terranea Resort, California

Spa at Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Tagged as: Hotel Spas, Romantic Hotels

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5 Beach Getaways for Foodies

by Devon on April 26, 2013

Far from more culinary capitals such as New York City and San Francisco, beach destinations are rarely the first stop on an epicurean getaway. But plenty of tropical locales boast impressive chef creations, from farm-fresh plates, to straight-from-the-ocean cuisine. And just because you appreciate a quality Porterhouse cut and kicking back on the beach with a mai-tai shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice one for the other. Whether you’re looking for a truly delicious all-inclusive plan, or some mouthwatering organic delights, we’ve got the best foodie beach destinations for all palates.

For All-Inclusive Dining…

From the family behind Le Cirque comes some of the best inclusive cuisine in the D.R.

To foodies, all-inclusive resort dining just means sloppy buffet lines and leftover à la carte “crab meat” (and to be fair, it often does). But luckily some resorts don’t mind offering some actually decent, and often delicious, menu options that you’ll look forward to chowing down on. These resorts may be pricey, and few and far between, but they’re worth the visit. Your taste buds — and stomach — will thank you!

Stay: Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic

The five-pearl Casa De Campo is one of the top properties in the D.R. With over a dozen dining options, the resort’s all-inclusive rates include renowned eateries such as the waterfront Beach Club and the Mediterranean-inspired La Caña, both from the famed family behind Le Cirque restaurants in New York and Las Vegas. So whether you’re craving spicy rack of lamb or fresh grilled seafood, this resort won’t make you shell out extra for a good meal.

Tagged as: Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Miami, Puerto Rico

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12 Gorgeous Urban Rooftop Pools

by Carolina on April 26, 2013

The Canyon Ranch in Miami has a gorgeous rooftop pool with stunning ocean views.

Deciding on a destination for an upcoming trip is never easy. While the beach and mountains may beckon, cities are a great option year-round, offering an array of activities for every type of getaway. After a long day of sight-seeing, however, some may long for those quiet, relaxing moments by the pool that are often easier to come by in non-urban destinations. So we’ve rounded up our favorite urban rooftop pools, so you can find relaxation even in a bustling metropolis. Click through the slideshow and discover some of our favorite hotel rooftop pools.

Tagged as: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Antonio, San Diego, Seattle, Washington