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Boston

NYC and Boston Mayors’ Super Bowl Bet: Which Fans Will Score the Better Hotel?

by Kelsey on February 1, 2012

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 Ritz-Carlton Boston Common

The Grand Hyatt New York

The Grand Hyatt New York

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Tagged as: Boston, New York City, Sports and Travel

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The Best Hotel Bars to Watch the Super Bowl in Boston and New York City

by Carolina on January 30, 2012

There’s nothing like a classic New York versus Boston sports game: There’s the always-dueling Red Sox and Yankees; the formidable Celtics and decent (?) New York Knicks; and of course, the new rivalry of the New England Patriots and New York Giants. This year’s Super Bowl also marks a rematch of 2008′s Big Game . But if you couldn’t afford to jet out to Indianapolis to catch your favorite football team in play (and who could, with hotel rates in the city hovering around $450/night), hole up a hotel bar local to your team. Not only will you have the camaraderie of fellow fans, but you’ll also be able to watch in style, too. Bonus? If you get too drunk, you can stay in one of the hotel’s available rooms. Just saying.

The Hotel: Boston Marriott Copley Place; Boston, MA

The Bar: Champions

Champions Bar at the Boston Marriott Copley Place; Boston, MA

Champions Bar at the Boston Marriott Copley Place; Boston, MA

With 44 HD TVs strategically positioned throughout the bar, a 12’X24’ viewing screen, 36 beers on tap (we recommend one of the Dogfish brews) and a long list of cocktails, the Champions Sports Bar at the Marriott is one of the best places to catch the game. Whether you sit at the bar over a drink and a small bite, or at one of the tables enjoying a full meal — order the Boston Lobster sliders — you’re sure to get a good view of the screens. Plus, you’re within a stone’s throw of Fenway Park and the TD Garden — two venues that’ll make any sports afficionado feel right at home. (At least a Boston fan.)

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Tagged as: Boston, Hotel Bars, New York City, Sports and Travel

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NFL Playoffs Week 3: Where to Stay (and Oyster.com’s picks)

by Zach on January 20, 2012

The Super Bowl is so close we can hardly contain ourselves, but there’s still one last round to go before the AFC and NFC can duke it out for ultimate supremacy — and that fabled trip to Disney World. Check out the best places to stay if you’re going to the game (or just looking to watch with like-minded fans). We couldn’t help but make our own predictions, too. But if you need us for anything Sunday, you can find us glued to our TV.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS at Foxboro Stadium, 3 PM EST Sunday

Where to stay: The Liberty Hotel; Boston, MA

The Lobby at the Liberty Hotel; Boston, MA

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Tagged as: Boston, San Francisco, Sports and Travel

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NFL Playoffs Week 2: Oyster.com’s Top Places to Stay

by Rachel on January 13, 2012

Now that the madness of Week 1 is over (and the embarrassed Falcons can hang their helmets for the season), it’s time to get down to football business: The best versus, well, the not best. This weekend we’ll see Tim “Touched by an Angel” Tebow battle it out against the genetically-blessed Tom Brady (I swear, I really am a Giants fan); Big Blue is heading up north to face the practically indomitable Green Bay Packers; and the quietly looming 49ers are playing host to (the also indomitable) New Orleans Saints. The most curious match up, though, is happening in Baltimore, where the Ravens are taking on the…err…Texans. (Is it bad I keep forgetting they’re involved?) We scouted the home fields for some sweet hotel picks for this weekend’s epic games.

HOUSTON TEXANS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Where to Sleep: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; Washington, D.C.

The neighborhood at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; Washington, D.C.

Why Here: Forgo Baltimore for D.C., as its just about a 40-minute train ride from the capital city — and offers up plenty more to do. (Sorry, Baltimore! We still heart you.) And as a bonus, the Hyatt Regency is just a five-minute walk from the train station you’ll need to hop on to get to the game. The hotel offers up a huge heated, indoor pool — great for families — along with an amazing fitness center and soundproof, guest-room walls. (Great for couples, perhaps?) Plus, the property is in prime sightseeing territory, practically steps from the Capitol Building — so make sure to snap a few great pics before heading out of town. Read More »

Tagged as: Boston, San Francisco, Sports and Travel, Washington D.C.

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Our Top Picks for Lifestyle-Transforming Destinations

by Jane on January 9, 2012

OK, so even though Oyster.com is a travel website and our main goal is to deliver the truth about hotels, we also secretly moonlight as a life coach. That’s right, we can dole out advice on waaaay more than just hotels; don’t forget — we helped you get over your ex, offered Lindsay Lohan some sound legal advice, and dissected the key moments in Kris and Kim’s “marriage” (if you can call it that) that lead to the split. So yeah, we’re basically the new-and-improved Dr. Phil with a ton of travel tips to boot. To help transform your lifestyle, we scoured the globe and found the destinations best suited for changing your life for the better. (We guess some people can handle the total transformation at home but a vacation is always nice, right?) So grab a friend who’s also in need of a little improvement and head to Oyster’s top five picks for transforming your life! Check ‘em out below or on Shape.com.

Sunday Farmers' Market in Washington, D.C.

Sunday Farmers' Market; Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

Ranked by PETA as one of the most veg (and vegan)-friendly cities in the country, Washington, D.C. is the perfect spot to transform your diet. Going vegetarian is all the rage (Meatless Monday, anyone?) — it’s been proven to be good for your heart, your skin, and your immune system – and D.C. has tons of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. But even if you’re just looking to increase your veggie intake without completely swearing off meat (I mean, have vegetarians never had a hamburger before? Hard to give up, don’t you think?), D.C. is a good place to be. With the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” nutrition initiative, the capital is all about you getting your three to four servings of fruits and veggies (each!) every day. Read More »

Tagged as: Boston, Eco-Friendly, Fitness Centers, National Parks, Seattle, Shape.com, Urban Hotels, Washington D.C.

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Treat Yourself in 2012: The Best Hotel Spas for a Good Detox

by Rachel on January 3, 2012

Most of us spent last weekend popping bottles of (cheap) champagne, passing cheese platters, or ordering in MSG-loaded Chinese food. Regardless of which indulgence you chose, there’s definitely at least a tinge of holiday hangover – alcoholic or otherwise. Start the year off right by heading to one of these super-sleek spas in a city near you.

The spa bathroom at the Beverly Wilshire; Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES: The Spa at the Beverly Hills Wilshire
The Detox Treatment: The Detox Massage ($180 for 60 minutes)

The Deal: As if complimentary use of the 8,000-square foot spa’s saunas, steam rooms, and experience showers (which feature the likes of colored lighting and variable pressure) wasn’t rejuvenating enough, every treatment here is top-notch, which is why we’d head straight for a Detox Massage. Therapists at the Rodeo Spa use specific massage techniques to flush out kidney, liver and other bodily toxins that will relax your mind, too.
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Tagged as: Boston, Hotel Spas, Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, New York City, San Francisco

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Post-Breakup Escapes: Where to Go to Get over Your Good-for-Nothing Ex

by Jane on December 5, 2011

Dubbed the “turkey drop,” the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas mark a peak in break-ups across the country. Seriously, research has proven it. Were you blindsided by a “we need to talk” text from your soon-to-be-ex while you were out buying their Christmas present? Well you weren’t the only one. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore may have beaten everyone else to the punch by announcing their split just a week before Thanksgiving, but Olympic gold-medalist Lindsey Vonn kicked off the “holiday break-up season” on November 28th when she and her husband announced their plans to divorce.

Think your relationship will make it through Christmas? Statistics will make you think again...

Think your relationship will make it through Christmas? Statistics will make you think again...

So if you get dumped this holiday season, you’re in good company. But if that fact is not enough to cheer you up, we understand. That’s why we’ve picked the best post-breakup escapes around the globe.

The bridge at Tensing Pen

The bridge at Tensing Pen

Tensing Pen in Negril, Jamaica

When your ex broke the news, did you feel the urge to jump? Well, gone are the days of “lover’s leaps” (he/she is sooo not worth it) and here are the days of low-bridge-jumping — an exhilarating rush that’s a little like falling in love with someone new. Set in the cliffs of Negril’s West End, Tensing Pen faces the ocean but doesn’t have a traditional sandy beach. Instead, high, rocky cliffs descend to the pure blue water below. Guests can climb down the cliffs and swim from a handful of ladders that have been built into the cliffs, but the general consensus is that you can’t finish your stay without jumping from the long, skinny bridge about 20 feet or so above the water. Doesn’t that sound refreshing? And it doesn’t hurt to be on a sunny island while you’re getting over your ex who’s stuck at home, filled with regret.

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Tagged as: Boston, Boutique Hotels, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Miami, New York City, Puerto Vallarta, San Francisco

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A Tanning Butler, Anyone? Luxury Services Designed For The 1%

by Carolina on December 1, 2011

These hotels clearly had the one percent in mind when they designed the decadent services below. Read on for a voyeuristic peek into the lives of the people that the 99% loves to hate. (We’ll give you a hint: It sometimes involves butlers whose sole job is rubbing on sunscreen).

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York City

WHERE: The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, New York City

WHAT: White-glove elevator operator

The economic crisis might have killed many of the extras in some upscale hotels, but the Carlyle in New York keeps the bar high. This historic property pampers its guests from the moment they walk through the door, with bellboys, valets and a special concierge vestibule. However, their most unique amenity is the white-gloved elevator operator that transports you not only to your room, but to New York’s golden days.

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Tagged as: Bahamas, Boston, Butler, Los Cabos, Luxury Hotels, Miami, New York City, San Diego, Turks and Caicos

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Hotels with the Best On-Site Shopping

by Zach on November 25, 2011

We’ve compiled the hotels that offer the best shopping to guests — so that you have a mid-shopping retreat, right on-site.

The Mandarin Oriental, Boston

The Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Besides the in-room Playstation 3s, massive Spa by Mandarin and a welcome beverage for travel-weary arriving guests, the Mandarin Oriental is literally attached to the Prudential Center Mall, one of Boston’s most popular shopping destinations. Read More »

Tagged as: Bahamas, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Shopping

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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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