by Jane on February 1, 2012
On Valentine’s Day, just about anything can get a person in the mood — but there are some things are a sure bet. That’s why we perused our most romantic hotels to find come-hither amenities that could have even total strangers getting hot and heavy in no time. Grab your spouse, significant other, or the eye candy that lives next door and check in to one of these sexy spots.
THE LUSTY AMENITY: The Clothing-Optional Pool
The Clothing-Optional Lower Pool at the Ventana Inn & Spa; Big Sur, CA
The Ventana Inn & Spa is all about creating a zen, holistic retreat with such offerings as yoga classes, discovery walks, afternoon wine and cheese, Japanese baths, and two pools. Forgot to pack your bathing suit? No problem! One of the pools is clothing-optional (read: everyone’s in their birthday suit), so it’s easy to dive in and feel sexy. Check out more super-sexy hotel features after the jump!
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by Jane on January 24, 2012
Presidents Day is just around the corner and of course that makes us reflect on our country’s leaders — and Obama’s State of the Union Address tonight at 9 p.m. EST. But c’mon, we’re a hotel website so what it really makes us think about is presidential suites. The most lavish accommodations in hotels, presidential suites are fit for, well, presidents. In fact, they reportedly got their name from President Woodrow Wilson, who had a strict list of requirements for his hotel rooms. Some of those requirements may be standard nowadays (such as en-suite bathrooms) but the over-the-top luxury remains. Last time, we highlighted the best presidential suites in New York City and Washington, D.C. so this time we’re heading to the West Coast to find the most drool-worthy presidential eye candy in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
The Hotel: InterContinental San Francisco
Built in 2008 in the business-oriented neighborhood of SoMa, the modern InterContinental has luxury-level service, high-tech guest rooms, a lap pool, a popular spa, and a Michelin-star restaurant.
Presidential Suite at the InterContinental San Francisco; San Francisco, CA
Oyster.com’s Favorite Feature of the Presidential Suite:
There’s a lot to love about the two-floor presidential suite, but we really go gaga over the wrap-around balcony with amazing city views and the funky light fixtures.
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With the Year of the Dragon fast approaching, Chinese communities across the U.S. (and everyone who likes a good party) are gearing up for the host of events that will take place starting on January 23 as part of the New Years’ celebration. San Francisco, New York and LA all have a long list of parades, traditional performances and balls — but it’s where you’re kicking up your heels at night that matters. Several of our favorite hotels have created special packages for you to enjoy — and partake in — the Chinese New Year celebration.
Dragon Gate in Chinatown; San Francisco, CA
Boasting the largest Chinatown in the country, it’s no wonder San Francisco has some of the best festivities. You might have missed the Flower Market Fair, but you can still get tickets here for the traditional concert given by the San Francisco Symphony Chinese New Year Community on February 11; take part in the 34th annual Chinese New Year Run rolling through Chinatown on February 19; enjoy the parade on February 11, and head to the zoo on January 29 to catch some acrobatic performances, tricks and more specialized family fun.
Where to Stay: Omni San Francisco Hotel
The 362-room Omni has spacious, quiet rooms and terrific service that’s on par with some of San Francisco’s best (and most expensive) hotels. Décor is tasteful and classic, the on-site steakhouse is outstanding, and the property is just steps from Chinatown and public transportation.
Lobby at the Omni San Francisco Hotel; San Francisco, CA
Chinese New Year Package: Accommodation in a Deluxe Room, two tickets for bleacher seating on the parade route, fortune cookie amenity and free valet parking for one vehicle, for $385 per night.
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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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by Ben on October 1, 2010
A view of Downtown LA, where the famous Staples Center is located
Sports are everywhere you look this time of year: football is just starting, baseball and MLS soccer are going into playoff mode, and before we know it, basketball and hockey will be in full swing, too. As a New York fan and resident, it pains me to suggest escaping to the warm weather of the Southern California to get your sports fix, but there’s no denying the convenience of having so many great arenas centrally located in or near downtown. And whether you’re traveling just to see your team or you’re hoping to catch a game as part of a larger trip, these are the hotels you’ll find most convenient.
by Angie on July 28, 2010
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Last week, we showed you some great hotel deals for Labor Day weekend in Miami. But for those of you heading to the Pacific Coast for your long weekend, we’ve thought we’d help you out by giving you a list of Los Angeles hotels that are on sale right now. And each sale we’re telling you about is for one of our favorite hotels in L.A., so you know you’re in good hands. These sales won’t last all summer, so be sure to book now if you want to enjoy your Labor Day on the beach at a reduced price.
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Grauman's Egyptian Theater in Hollywood plays host to American Cinematheque
When you think of Los Angeles, you probably think of the movie business and Hollywood. One of the benefits of living in, and visiting, Los Angeles is getting an inside look at the film business. While many tourists take tours of the major studios, a great way to get learn about the industry is to go to a movie screening. At many screenings, the star, or the director, or the writer will speak about the film and how it was made.
American Cinematheque, an organization founded to preserve and promote film, hosts numerous screenings throughout the year that are open to the public. Screenings take place at two historic theaters — one in Santa Monica; the other in Hollywood. Read More »
The solar-powered Ferris Wheel at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles
The hundred-year-old Santa Monica Pier continues to be one of Los Angeles’ ‘must-sees.’ Strolling the length of the Pier (nearly 2,000 feet) can feel like you’re walking on water, or off into the sunset.
It’s a great place to bring kids. They can ride the historic 1922 Carousel, or the famous solar-powered Ferris Wheel (that they say can be seen from space), or play in the cavernous arcade with 200 games, from the classic to the contemporary. Under the Pier, you can visit The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which features interactive exhibits presented by Heal the Bay. Kids might even recognize the Pier from such movies as The Hannah Montana Movie, Forrest Gump, and Iron Man.
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The Getty Center in Brentwood, Los Angeles
When it comes to ‘must-see’ attractions in Los Angeles, The Getty Center in Brentwood is easily in the top three. First, admission is free (though parking costs $15). It’s known as much for its art and photography collection as it is for its landscaping, stunning architecture by Richard Meier, and sweeping views. (Note: There are two Getty Museums, the other being the Getty Villa in Malibu.)
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Bergamot Station art gallery in Santa Monica
Sitting on eight acres, Bergamot Station (2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica) is the largest art gallery complex and cultural center in Southern California. Unlike the smaller galleries, when you visit Bergamot you can park in one place and spend the day seeing art; not driving from one gallery to the next.
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