Connecticut

Spring Feasts: Seasonal Menus at Fabulous Foodie Hotels

by Kristina on April 25, 2013

With Spring officially upon us, our taste buds are craving some tasty seasonal treats. No longer satisfied with spiced-lattes or hearty soups, our appetites are demanding fresh vegetables and delicate flavors. Fortunately, some of our favorite hotel restaurants are answering this epicurean call. Featuring rotating menus designed to bring the best of the seasons to their diners, these establishments pack a powerful punch in the taste department. Dig into our favorites around the globe…

The Restaurant at The Caves, Jamaica 

A spring feast in the Caribbean.

Food at this lush escape — tucked into the seaside cliffs of Negril — is delicious, with the chef incorporating local, seasonal ingredients into meals as often as possible. This is wholesome home-cooking at its best, ranging from traditional jerk chicken to extravagant five-course meals. For Spring, diners should look forward to rock shrimp simmered in a savory coconut sauce, served with seasoned Basmati rice, sautéed calalloo greens and roasted ripe plantains.

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Tagged as: Connecticut, Foodie, Jamaica, London, Monterey County, New York City, Telluride

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Top 5 Summer Activities in New England

by Carolina on April 1, 2013

Although the ski slopes are a draw, New England’s cold winters sometimes scare visitors away– but come the warmer months, the region turns into a bustling destination with beachgoers, outdoors enthusiasts, foodies, and even visitors whose only plans are to watch the world go by from a chair on the front porch of a quaint B&B. From Maine to Rhode Island, New England offers endless options for those looking to relax — be it with friends, family, or their better half. We picked out five activities so no matter with whom you’re traveling, you’ll have a great time.

For families: Seal-watching on Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Cape Cod

Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are mostly known for their miles of sandy beaches and famous visitors (we missed you last year, Mr. President). It’s a favorite among couples in need of some R&R, but there is tons for families to do as well. One of the most fun activities when traveling with kids is seal-watching in Chatham, probably the most charming New England beachside community. While seals can be spied from several spots, one of the best places to catch a peek is from the shores of Chatham Lighthouse Beach, which Harbor and Grey seals call home every year when the warm weather sets in. Just remember to stay at a safe distance!

Stay: Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham

Rooms and suites are large enough to fit in a rollaway.

Rooms and suites are large enough to fit in a rollaway.

Nestled near the heart of Chatham on 25 scenic acres overlooking Pleasant Bay, Chatham Bars Inn has been a local staple since 1914. The true Cape-Cod style architecture is complemented by lovely interiors to match — upholstered wingback chairs, antique-style turned-leg furnishings, and seafaring decor. But don’t let the term “inn” fool you, this property is big and amenities-packed, with a beautiful spa, modern fitness center, scenic beach, fine dining, private chartered boats, and classic clay tennis courts. Thanks to the large pools (including a kiddie pool) and an extensive kids’ club, the Inn is a popular choice for families.

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Tagged as: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont

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Oyster Stats: Proof That Nevadans Win Big — At Least When It Comes To Hotels

by Kristina on November 16, 2012

In our Oyster Stats series, we’re sharing surprising tidbits on a range of topics using data we’ve accumulated from our hotel coverage and site traffic. Our goal is not to provide scientific data but to provide interesting directional insights about travel trends.

If you think you’re a smart shopper, you may have to think again. Because according to our research, some states are getting a lot more bang for their buck when it comes to hotels — and the results are pretty surprising.

Essentially, people from certain states are doing a better job of finding the lowest price possible for the highest pearl rating possible, guaranteeing a more luxurious stay at a smaller cost. Others, however, are not so savvy. Shelling out more money for a hotel with a lower pearl rating, these shoppers get a lot less pearl per dollar than their compatriots across state lines. Just check out how the numbers break down:

Here we show how the price per pearl differs among our best and worst shoppers. Our best shoppers in Nevada can, theoretically, book a five-pearl hotel for $290 per night, whereas New Yorkers, our worst shoppers, would pay $445 per night for a five-pearl property.

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Tagged as: Connecticut, Las Vegas, Maine, New York, Oyster Stats, Park City, Phoenix

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Falling into Autumn: Great Places to Watch the Leaves Change in New England

by Devon on September 13, 2012

Gone are the barbeques and beaches of summer, and in are the crisp air, pumpkin spices, and crunching leaves of fall. (Not that we’re complaining — our hair looks way better now.) Now that autumn is on the verge of its commencement, we’re ready to drive up to New England to wander around and soak in the vibrant folliage. But to take the trouble out of where to go, we’ve found the best locales  in the region for “leaf peepers,” as they are known, to explore the lush outdoors and curl up with some apple cider after with a loved one.

Visit: Providence, Rhode Island

The Christopher Dodge House has plenty of seasonal treats for Providence's fall guests

Stay: Christopher Dodge House

As one of New England’s most populated cities, Providence still has small town charm with its big city draws. Though the Rhode Island capital boasts its share of fine dining and high-end boutiques, Providence is the quintessential getaway for leaf peepers, filled with rolling, tree-lined walkways and lush park gardens. For the best view of the changing leaves, the Christopher Doge House sits in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of town, and is still just a short walk from neighboring green spaces like Roger Williams Park. After exploring the golden outdoors, guests can head back to the B&B and relax with a cup of hot tea and cookies around their in-room fireplaces, all before the early sun starts to set. Read More »

Tagged as: Autumn/Fall, Boutique Hotels, Connecticut, Luxury Hotels, Maine, Nantucket, Providence, Vermont

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The Best Road Trips From Philadelphia

by Rachel on August 16, 2012

The Best Road Trips is a weekly summer series highlighting our favorite getaways from major cities all over the United States.

Dubbed the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia is famous for its rich revolution-era history, its architecture (modern landmark skyscrapers and historic brick buildings sit side-by-side), and its truly fanatic sports fans (the Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and Eagles all play here). And although plenty of tourists flock here to taste a slice of Americana, Philadelphia’s residents may be eager to escape — even if just to another metropolis. So pack your bags, crank up the A/C, and hop in the car — we’ve got some miles to cover.

Road Trip #1: Philadelphia to Atlantic City, NJ

  • Total Driving Time: 1 hour, 8 minutes
  • Distance Covered: 61.9 miles
  • Take This Trip If: You’ve got cash to spend — and not a clue where to start spending it.

Casinos are arguably AC's biggest draw. (Pun intended.)

The (aptly-named) Water Club at the Borgata offers several serene indoor havens like this.

Resorts has an Art Deco vibe -- which we find to be very chic.

Unlike other Northeastern beach destinations like the Hamptons and Cape Cod, Atlantic City (located on the Jersey Shore) is described as the Las Vegas of the East Coast, and with bright flashing lights dotting the boardwalk, big events (concerts, boxing matches), big gambling options, and boozed-up visitors, it’s clear the reputation is deserved. During the warmer months, expect to see guests soaking up the sun beachside during the day, then mingling over chic cocktails or gambling during the evening. Make sure to stroll the boardwalk and pick up some salt-water taffy, too — the city’s most celebrated treat. Stay in a resort along the oceanfront boardwalk to be closest to the action, or in the marina if you’re looking to feel a bit more secluded. A fantastic luxury option is the Water Club at the Borgata, an 800-room modern and exclusive escape from the bustle of Atlantic City. Guests have access to the casino, restaurants, and nightlife of the attached Borgata Hotel — but have their own exclusive amenities, too, including five adults-only heated pools and the serene two-story Immersion spa. For those looking to spend more green on gambling than on room rates, check out the Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City, which has its very own “Roaring Twenties” vibe — thanks in large part to the hit HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Rooms here lack modern amenities such as duvet covers and flat-screen TVs, but there is an indoor/outdoor pool, and nightlife options — including Prohibition, the city’s first gay club — which are all pretty solid.

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Tagged as: Atlantic City, Connecticut, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Road Trips, Value Hotels

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