by Devon on March 8, 2013
Getting physical on Spring Break at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta
Bathing suit season is just around the corner, and we’re getting ready to strut out stuff on the beach once again! Lucky for us, we met some very bendy friends while staying at Barcelo Puerto Vallarta who showed us a few great yoga moves.
Read our caption after the jump, then enter your own in the comments section below!
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Foto Friday,
Puerto Vallarta
by Devon on March 1, 2013
Spring (and St. Patty’s Day!) are just around the corner, and there’s nothing we look forward to more than lush greenery, open skies, and a nice wool sweater, making Ireland the perfect place to experience the new season. Before going on our Irish adventure, however, we have to find the right place to stay for our budget.
Ireland may have some gorgeous hotels, but for a truly Gaelic experience, visitors can stay in a number of historic castles. Two of the best options on the island are the Ballynahinch Castle in Connermara and Ashford Castle in County Mayo. Even though both are great options, they come at two very different prices. Ballynahinch is located along a stunning river and has homey, country decor. The 18th-century castle also boasts gourmet on-site cuisine and plenty of modern amenities inside its comfy rooms. Ashford Castle, another historic, unspoiled property, also sits along a lovely riverfront location, a spa, and gorgeous rooms with views to match. Even though Ballynahinch may not have the luxury touches that Ashford Castle has, the price can’t be beat!
Can you tell which is which? Ballynahinch’s high-end rooms start at €135 per night, whereas same-level Ashford rooms start at a steeper €655 per night. Check out the rooms each hotel offers, take a guess in the comments section below, and then find the answer after the jump!
Option 1
Option 2
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Foto Friday,
Ireland
by Devon on February 22, 2013
When you have to take a gamble on your vacations, you better know what your odds are of hitting the jackpot. If the choice is between Las Vegas and Atlantic City, both are viable options for card sharks and those who want to play the slots. Sin City may be the epitome of a gambler’s paradise thanks to endless casinos and 24/7-nightlife, but Atlantic City rules the East Coast, with a more laid-back feel and an easy-to-get-to location. Whether you want to stroll the Strip or take to the boardwalk, these lucky locales each have a distinct approach to pleasing their clientele. So which would you choose? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.
Option 1: Getting Your Sin On in Las Vegas
Things can get a little crazy at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas
The MGM Grand is one of the Vegas’ most iconic hotels, sitting in the heart of the Strip, and offering not only dining from celeb chefs but also tons to do on-site before you head to the giant casino. The hotel even boasts one of the best pool scenes in the city at Wet Republic, and, after a recent major overhaul, the hotel got even more grand. Read More »
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Atlantic City,
Foto Friday,
Las Vegas
by Devon on February 15, 2013
Show us what you think of this mystery city!
Baseball fans might have an easier time guessing this gorgeous city, whose stadium has one of the highest attendance records in the MLB. But this mystery locale is also known for some of its refreshing feats, including having the largest beer brewing plant in the world, and being the city where 7-Up and commercial iced tea were invented. The biggest reason we love this city, however, is for its contribution to hotels across the country: While staying at a downtown hotel, Cary Grant laid chocolates on the pillow of his female companion, leaving his mark on turn-down service (and surely his lady friend!) forever. But just what city are we talking about?
Think you know? Find out after jump!
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Foto Friday
by Devon on February 8, 2013
Ahhh, there’s nothing like kicking back by the pool with a tasty drink and some fruit munchies. On a recent trip to Cancun, we even got to indulge in some poolside R&R at the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort – with a little whimsy, thanks to their playful take on tropical refreshments.
Poolside lounging has never looked so good!
Read our caption after the jump, then enter your own in the comments section below!
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Cancun,
Foto Friday
by Devon on February 1, 2013
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re getting in the mood for love and we’ve been gearing up for that perfect romantic getaway. When planning our trip-for-two to Paris this month, we took a look at two gorgeous and unique hotels in the City of Light, one bursting with over-the-top luxury, and the other more toned down and intimate.
The lavish Hotel Plaza Athenee is a classically Parisian hotel, with luxurious guestrooms, a chic location in the Golden Triangle, and stunning Eiffel Tower views. But the more intimate (and far less expensive) boutique Hotel Joyce, with funky interiors, a quiet-but-convenient location in the 9th Arrondissement, and gorgeous French balconies, is also a fine option for couples. So while the Athenee costs upwards of $1,160 per night, the equally romantic Hotel Joyce starts at a cool $190. Both would make the perfect love nest, but one is fraction of the price. Which is which? Check out the rooms each hotel offers, take a guess in the comments section below, and then find the answer after the jump!
Option 2
Option 1
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Foto Friday,
Paris,
Romantic Hotels
by Devon on January 25, 2013
Most aquatic creatures have their preferences when it comes to taking to the waters. When we venture into to the great outdoors for an active vacation, we always have a tough time deciding whether to kick it lakeside, or trek to the ocean. Yes, the salty ocean air is be refreshing, but it’s also pretty darn calming by the lake shore. So which would you choose? Take a look at the waterfront options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.
Option 1: Lake Placid Getaway
Many travelers prefer the calming waters of a lakeside retreat.
The secluded High Peaks Resort on Lake Mirror in Lake Placid is the perfect lakeside vacation, with the lush natural surroundings of the Adirondacks and great recreational activities offered on-site such as kayaking and paddle boating. Read More »
Tagged as:
Foto Friday,
Lake Placid
by Devon on January 24, 2013
All the best (and weirdest!) photos on Oyster
Here at Oyster, we love the weird, the wacky, and the wonderful. Some of our favorite experiences on the road have been the unexpected sights we encounter, like exotic creatures, unfamiliar customs, and some pretty interesting fellow guests. Luckily for us (and you!), we get to share all of our craziest moments every week in a series we call Foto Friday: Caption This Photo! Here are some of our best (and weirdest!) moments, captioned for your entertainment. Enjoy!

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Foto Friday
by Devon on January 18, 2013
Between its gleaming coastal beaches and picturesque bluffs, this classy city has plenty of gorgeous sights. But this locale has tons of other bragging rights beyond its stunning views. Up until the 1970s, this city reined as the tuna capital of the world, and one of its best known hotels (an Oyster hotel at that!) is the largest all-wooden structure in the U.S. It’s no wonder people are star-struck by this destination, with famous natives who include Cameron Diaz, Ted Danson, and Hua Mei, who was born in 1999 and is the first giant panda to be born in the Western Hemisphere since 1990. [Hint: He's a resident of the city's well-known panda habitat!]
Think you know the city? Find out after jump!
This coastal town is known for its marine history and pleasant year-round temperatures.
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Foto Friday
by Devon on January 11, 2013
When you come to the SLS South Beach, you best be ready to fight
We here at Oyster love when things get a little weird. And at the design-centric SLS Hotel South Beach, the decor can definitely get a little lot weird, albeit the good way, thanks to the stylings of Philippe Starck and Lenny Kravitz. One of our favorite pieces is this Mexican wrestler wall-mounted bull in the hotel’s restaurant, Food by Jose. And while the food may be worth making the trip down to Miami, we sure don’t want to have any run-ins with this guy during our visit!
Read our caption after the jump, then enter your own in the comments section below!
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Foto Friday,
Miami