Lake Tahoe

Foto Friday: Choose Your Own Adventure

by Devon on November 2, 2012

When it comes to vacations, everyone has their own style. Many people like to travel within a budget, while others prefer to go all out and splurge on some luxury digs. Some like an active getaway, while the rest (us often included) just want to kick back and relax. Whether you’re a beachgoer or a mountain-climber, or whether you prefer to get there by plane, train, or automobile, Oyster wants to know which vacation you would choose: Over-the-top luxury or rustic tranquility? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.

Option 1: Over-the-Top Luxury

The Viceroy Miami is luxury at its finest

Luxe example: Miami is not shy about turning on the glitz and the glamour. The flashy coastal city is home to a number of upscale hotels, including the Viceroy in the bustling downtown area. The hotel’s crowning achievement is the 28,000 square foot spa, designed by Philippe Starck. The spa includes a water lounge, juice bar, redwood saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms, and massive gym with a yoga and Pilates studio. With amenities like these, luxury travelers will feel right at home pampering themselves with the finest the Magic City has to offer.

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Tagged as: Foto Friday, Lake Tahoe, Miami

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7 Hurricane-Proof Vacation Destinations

by Kelsey on November 1, 2012

If you’re one of the millions of people on the eastern seaboard affected by Hurricane Sandy, you’re probably a bit preoccupied this week with power outages, mass transit meltdowns, and such. You may have faced danger or devastating destruction (Red Cross donations here, people), or you may be reveling in your electricity-free vacation from work. (At least until you realize that no electricity means no hot showers — we figured that out the hard way.) But one thing is for sure: Once things are up and running again, and planes are flying to far-away places, it will be time to plan yourself a nice vacation away from this mess. Just be sure to pick a vacation destination that is reliably hurricane-free. Here are some top-notch options, as well as great places to stay while you’re there:

Lake Tahoe, California

Though Lake Tahoe may sometimes get serious snowstorms, the cold waters along the California coast mean that hurricanes almost never make landfall in the state (only two have hit in the last 100 years). When they do hit, it’s typically Southern California that is most affected instead. Lake Tahoe safely sits in northern California, where it has 300 days of sun a year and plenty of great year-round vacation activities — swimming, boating, and hiking in the summer, and skiing in the winter.

Lake Tahoe gets 300 days of sunshine a year.

Oyster.com Hotel Pick: Franciscan Lakeside Lodge

This cluster of cabins right on the lake makes a great value pick. While some rooms are tucked across the street from the lake in a darker, tree-covered area, the lakefront cottages have excellent views and open to the sandy beach and a private pier where guests can swim and play in privacy. Kitchenettes make dining in (and saving money) easy. And the heated outdoor pool (open seasonally) is said to be the largest in North Lake Tahoe.

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Tagged as: Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Madrid, Napa Valley, Paris, Vancouver Island

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Five Affordable Destination Weddings Not on the Beach

by Carolina on August 29, 2012

When planning a destination wedding, the first locations that come to mind are likely postcard-perfect beaches in the Caribbean or some other exotic sandy setting. However, if you’re not quite ready to spend a fortune — or you don’t want to put that burden on your guests — there are tons of gorgeous, inexpensive (or shall we say, less expensive) destinations in the U.S. that make for memorable weddings. And it’s always nice a change of scenery! Just because you’re not Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner doesn’t mean you can’t have your own beautiful destination wedding, so we’ve put together a list of our favorite spots for a more affordable event to help you decide.

Destination #1: Vermont

Vermont, with its quaint villages and scenic landscapes, is probably your best bet for a back-to-nature inspired wedding. If you can totally see yourself posing for the pre- or post-wedding photos along tumbling streams, thick woodlands and gorgeous views, search no more. Its small, cozy inns and B&B’s are perfect for intimate weddings and small receptions, and the green meadows and steep mountains make for great backgrounds when saying your “I Do’s.” You will probably need a car or a shuttle to move your guests around, as Burlington’s is the only major airport serving the entire state, but the scenery and the vibe will prove to be well worth it.

Oyster’s Fave Value Wedding Spot: Swift House Inn

The Swift Room at the Swift House Inn; Mid Vermont, VT

Vermont's kitschy B&Bs are perfect venues for intimate weddings and family affairs.

The historic Swift House Inn is located within walking distance of downtown Middlebury, a picturesque New England town, with traffic-free streets lined by locally owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The hotel’s 20 rooms are spread throughout the Main House (formerly a Governor’s Mansion), the Carriage House, and the Gate House. Room decor varies, allowing guests to choose a room depending on personal style. Some rooms offer a classic New England B&B vibe with floral wallpaper, fireplaces, and four-poster beds, while others are more understated, with soft-toned walls and tasteful furniture. One of the inn’s highlights is its delicious and free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant, Jessica’s, is a popular destination for both guests and locals.

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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Lake Tahoe, Maine, Romantic Hotels, Savannah, Sedona, Value Hotels, Vermont

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Five Hotel Restaurants Around the Globe with Views You’ll Just Dine For

by Kristina on August 14, 2012

Pretty sweet view, right?

Lush, tropical landscapes. Gorgeous city skylines. Tempting mountain vistas. These are the reasons why we go on vacation, right? That, and being able to relax and let someone else do the cooking for a change. But why not have both? Hotels with top-notch restaurants know that pulling in diners is about more than just the grub. A destination restaurant has to have both killer cuisine and a view to dine for [Ed. Note: See what we did there?] in order to pull vacationers away from their lounge chairs. We’ve seen some of the most unique and breathtaking vistas, all while dining on the freshest cuisine, at these five scrumptious hotel properties.

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Tagged as: Florence, Foodie, Hong Kong, Hotel Restaurants, Lake Tahoe, Luxury Hotels, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos

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In Lieu of London: 4 Olympic-Inspired Spots in the States

by Devon on July 3, 2012

There’s a lot happening across the pond this summer. London not only celebrated the 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II with Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, but the UK is also gearing up to host the 2012 Olympics, with the opening ceremony kicking things off on July 27. Not everyone can fit into Olympic Park, however, and that includes us here at Oyster. So as much as we’d love to watch Michael Phelps sweep another summer games in the flesh, we’ve decided to show a little patriot pride by visiting our favorite Olympic-inspired stateside destinations. Whether they’re spots where Olympians have once stayed, or have a British air about them that’ll transport you to London, we’d argue that they’re (well, almost) worth missing the games for!

Vacation like a champ at the Olympic Village Inn in Lake Tahoe

http://www.oyster.com/tahoe/hotels/olympic-village-inn/

The Olympic Village Inn in Lake Tahoe

The Olympic Village Inn was home to U.S. Olympians in the 1960s when they underwent training in Squaw Valley for the Winter Games in Rome. At the foothills of a small ski town in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the inn has rooms with names such as Chamonix and Kitzbuel — both towns in Europe that have hosted Winter Olympics. The inn offers adventurous guests plenty to do with free bicycle rentals and access to a nearby hiking trail. Read More »

Tagged as: 2012 Olympics, Beverly Hills, Boston, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, New Orleans

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Think Beyond the Beach: Amazing Lake and River Getaways

by Kelsey on June 20, 2012

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe, California

It’s true that the ocean is awesome — but reaching it can be a trek for many travelers. And even for those who live close to the beach, there comes a point in the summer when you get sick of sand getting stuck between your toes. That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favorite spots for freshwater fun; these beautiful lakes and rivers are an active traveler’s dream, offering activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, nearby hiking, and more. Check out our trip options suited to a range of tastes — whether you prefer picnicking on Tahoe’s shores or cave tubing along the Macal River in Belize.

 

 

Tagged as: Belize, Botswana, Boutique Hotels, Geneva, Guatemala, Lake Placid, Lake Tahoe, Luxury Hotels, San Juan Islands, Washington, Whistler

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The Best Road Trips From: San Francisco

by Rachel on May 31, 2012

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

If you’re lucky enough to live in San Francisco or its outer-lying suburbs, you know one thing for sure: There are plenty of vacations that are just a short car ride away. And while SF has plenty to offer on its own — hello, Union Square shopping — sometimes it’s a bit more fun to take a drive. Especially in a convertible. With the top down. So get your bags packed, slather on some sunscreen and hop in the whip — we’ve got some miles to cover.

Road Trip #1: San Francisco to Napa Valley

  • Total Driving Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
  • Distance Covered: 49 miles
  • Take This Trip If: You’ve had a long week, and desperately need a glass of wine.

A private outdoor living room at Calistoga Ranch.

The pool at EuroSpa & Inn.

Wine is steeped in Napa County’s history, with vineyards popping up in the area by the mid-19th century. Known to produce some of the top American vintages, Napa also has more to offer than delicious drinks, including romantic scenery, top-notch spas, and incredible dining — including arguably the country’s top restaurant, French Laundry by famed chef Thomas Keller. If you’re aiming for a luxurious experience, look no further than the 5-pearl Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort. The romantic property has killer rooms complete with working fireplaces, private Jacuzzis, and outdoor rain showers. For a more budget-conscious option, check out the EuroSpa & Inn, which has free Wi-Fi, amazing views from the pool and hot tub, as well as spacious units furnished with wet bars and microwaves. Plus, breakfast is on the house.

  • Top Driving Tip: When leaving from San Francisco, you have two options when heading north to Napa — the Bay Bridge or the Golden Gate. Go with the latter; it’s a far more scenic drive and will get you to Calistoga in approximately the same amount of time.

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Tagged as: Lake Tahoe, Luxury Hotels, Napa Valley, Road Trips, Romantic Hotels, San Francisco, Value Hotels, Yosemite National Park

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The 10 Best Mountain Views in the World

by Carolina on April 3, 2012

10 Best Mountain Views

Can you figure out where this picture was taken?

 

Although the snow is melting, ski destinations can be just as pleasurable when the weather heats up — and they’ve got the serious scenery to back it. And even if you’re not into a rugged vacay, there are still plenty of spots for you to chill out with incredible mountain views. Check out our ten favorite now!

Tagged as: Breckenridge, Costa Rica, Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, Luxury Hotels, Napa County, Oahu, Palm Springs, Park City, Resort Hotels, Sedona, St. Lucia

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7 Lucky Hotel Casinos Not in Vegas

by Rachel on February 6, 2012

We’ve been a bit obsessed with the City of Sin as of late (Maybe it’s because we’re dying to go!), but with its inflated room rates and over-the-top glitz, we can’t afford to always go gamble in Vegas. Thankfully, there are some pretty sweet casinos far off the Strip (and we mean far) where you can still win — or lose — some big bucks. Check out our seven favorites and take a chance at one of these spots.

THE HOTEL: The Trump Taj Mahal; Atlantic City, NJ

The entrance to the casino of The Trump Taj Mahal; Atlantic City, NJ

WHY GAMBLE HERE: Although gaudy and dated in terms of its decor, the Taj offers up a huge casino over 3500 slot machines and 200 table games. There’s also a Baccarat pit, poker room and a Simulcast facility to place your racing bets.  Plus, the hotel has a prime spot on the beach boardwalk and has a wide range of dining options, including the upscale Italian restaurant (and editor favorite) Il Mulino.

Check out more non-Vegas casinos after the jump!

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Tagged as: Albuquerque, Atlantic City, Casino, Lake Tahoe, Phoenix, Santa Fe

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