Boutique Hotels

No More Megaresorts: 10 Unique Boutiques in the Caribbean

by Kristina on May 17, 2013

Hidden among the Caribbean’s many mega-resorts are some of the most unique, intimate boutiques travelers can imagine. With laid-back, eco-friendly attitudes, these petite hotels are some of the best in the region, offering personalized service and truly relaxing atmospheres. So consider passing on that 500-room all-inclusive and indulge in some intimacy at these wonderful boutiques.

1. Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas

The gorgeous Fowl Cay Resort feels more like a private home than a hotel.

Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas.  Read More »

Tagged as: Bahamas, Barbados, Beach Hotels, Boutique Hotels, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos

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Literary Hotels: Where famous authors have partied, waited arrest, and — yes — even written novels

by Jane on May 15, 2013

Whether they’re on business or leisure, with the family or solo, almost all travelers consider a book (or a Kindle, whatever) a must-have while on a trip. Personally, we love curling up with a good read while we’re jaunting from city to city. But — taking it one step further — we really love enjoying a novel in the exact same place where the author once roamed There’s just something in the air — and p.s. these wordsmiths usually stayed in some pretty nice digs. So we rounded up the literary hotels where famous authors have partied, waited arrest, you name it. Hey, some even wrote while they were shacked up in their hotel rooms. Check out nine spots where famous writers have spent some time.

Cadogan Hotel, London

The Entrance to the Cadogan Hotel

Built in 1887, the Cadogan Hotel has seen its fair share of history within the walls of the stately Edwardian townhouse. In the realm of literary history, Oscar Wilde was a frequent guest, and he caused quite a scandal when he was arrested at the hotel in 1895 (though friends encouraged him to flee the country, Wilde refused).  Poet laureate John Betjeman commemorated the arrest in his poem The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel, and the hotel has renamed the room where the handcuffing went down as the Oscar Wilde Room. At the time of the arrest, it was simply room no. 118.
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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Istanbul, Jamaica, London, Luxury Hotels, New Orleans, New York City, Romantic Hotels

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Monday Morning Ahhhh: Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve, Costa Rica

by Jane on May 13, 2013

We had a hard time saying "goodbye" to this view!

Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort — guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 16-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it’s far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak up the goodness that is the Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve.

Tagged as: Beach Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Costa Rica, In the Spotlight, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels

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Over-the-Top Themed Hotel Rooms and Suites

by Devon on May 10, 2013

It's a pink explosion in the Barbie Suite at the Palms!

Hotels often incorporate themes into their rooms, but these so-called themes are usually “classic elegance,” “boho chic,” or “understated luxury.” In the case of the rooms in this slideshow, however, the themes are a bit more specific — and over-the-top. From a suite that Barbie would approve of, to a room dedicated to David Beckham (and, in particular, his abs), we’ve found some amazing themed rooms and suites that are worth a visit (or at least a look).

Tagged as: Amsterdam, Berlin, Boutique Hotels, Canada, Cancun, Catskills, Dallas, Hong Kong, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Las Vegas, London, Luxury Hotels, Miami, Montreal, New York, Paris, Romantic Hotels, San Francisco, St. Louis, Value Hotels, Vermont

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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.

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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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8 Impressive Hotel Art Collections Worth A Visit

by Jane on April 19, 2013

When traveling around the world, tourists often have famed art museums on their lists of must-see attractions. But what if the hotel they’re staying in is basically a museum unto itself? The following hotels all offer top-notch amenities and services, but they all also have such stunning art collections, you won’t even need to step foot out of the lobby to get your culture on (although we’d still highly suggest it). Here are eight hotel art collections that are worth a visit.

Egerton House Hotel, London

An original lithograph by Toulouse-Lautrec hangs in the dining room.

Housed in a beautiful historic townhouse in Knightsbridge, the Egerton Hotel features numerous period pieces, such as antique chandeliers, mirrors, and grandfather clocks. The artwork is equally, if not more, impressive. The common spaces boast original artwork by Matisse, Picasso, and Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as prints from the Illustrated London News. Guests staying in the blue Deluxe King Room can take in a Toulouse-Lautrec lithograph, hanging on the wall opposite of the bed, every morning right when they wake up.

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Tagged as: Boston, Boutique Hotels, Chicago, Dallas, hotel art collections, Las Vegas, London, Luxury Hotels, New Orleans, New York City, Washington D.C

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Big Cities, Small Stays: Intimate Boutiques in Bustling Metropolises

by Kristina on April 18, 2013

Legado Mitico is a charming, 11-room boutique in bustling Buenos AIres.

Finding a quiet boutique in a big city might seem like a challenge, but in reality, some of our most intimate stays are tucked into the corners of the world’s largest metropolises. Offering personalized service and charming details, these petite hotels – most have less than 20 rooms –  are some of our favorites. So if mega-metropolises such as Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles might intimidate you, fear not. You can always retreat to these intimate boutiques for some quiet time amidst the bustle of the big city.

Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Hong Kong, Lima, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, New York City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Sao Paulo, Toronto

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Wedding Wednesday: Mansion at Judges’ Hill, Austin

by Kristina on April 17, 2013

Built in 1900, this neoclassical mansion is the perfect place for a true Southern wedding.

The upscale, 48-room Mansion at Judges’ Hill is steeped in Southern history, making it an ideal spot for a wedding, darlin’. Housed in the neoclassical Goodall Wooten House — dating back to 1900 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places — the hotel combines old-fashioned charm with modern comforts. And the mansion, with its columned facade and wide veranda, looks like it was picked up from a storied estate and dropped on the residential street southwest of the University of Texas, just a 5-minute drive from downtown Austin, where it sits. The common areas maintain the elegance instituted by the entrance with hard-wood floors, coffered ceilings, white wainscoting, rich rugs, and original artwork. The library, a small room off the bar, is cozy, and the dining room features pretty crystal chandeliers. The rooms are perhaps a bit less impressive than the public spaces; they’re quaint, but not quite luxurious.

But for weddings, the Mansion pulls out all of the stops. The staff, which has coordinated many a wedding in the past, is dedicated to making the bride and groom as relaxed as possible on the big day. They assist couples with menu planning, ceremony and reception set-up, and ceremony personalization so you’ll leave your own stamp on the Mansion’s grand backdrop. There are eight reception sites available, the most popular being the grand ballroom (seats 50 to 250 guests), the Goodall Wooten House (seats 50 guests), and the central courtyard. See more wedding-inspired photos of the Mansion at Judge’ Hill here »  Read More »

Tagged as: Austin, Boutique Hotels, Destination Weddings, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Wedding Wednesday

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The 10 Best Farmers’ Markets across the States (and Where to Stay Nearby)

by Jane on April 16, 2013

Through our many travels we’ve learned that April showers don’t just bring May flowers – they bring delicious May produce! Everything from zucchini to asparagus, spring peas to corn, and watermelon to strawberries begin sprouting up during the spring and summer. And if you’re not quite ready to put on the overalls and bring in the harvest yourself, the next best thing is to visit a local farmers’ market, where fresh produce abounds. We’ve picked out our 10 favorite farmers’ markets across the states, so no matter where your spring and summer vacations take you, you’ll have plenty of tasty treats to bring home. And we’ve even found a great hotel near each spot so you can be sure to beat the crowds.

1. Pike Place Market, Seattle

Vegetable stand at Pike Place Market

Pike Place is one of Seattle’s main attractions. Featuring numerous produce, meat, and fish stands, the market also has plenty of craft kiosks for buying local artwork and gifts. It is open 7 days a week, and though most stands close around 5 p.m., several fine-dining restaurants on the 9-acre historic district are open late.

Where to Stay: Inn at the Market is aptly named. It is one of Seattle’s best-known, and most popular, hotels, in large part due to its unbeatable location: It’s in the heart of downtown Seattle, just half a block from Pike Place Market.

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Tagged as: Atlanta, Boston, Boutique Hotels, Charleston, Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Oregon, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington

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