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 »
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Boutique Hotels,
Destination Weddings,
Luxury Hotels,
New York City,
Romantic Hotels,
Wedding Wednesday
The Relais & Chateaux Santa Teresa is a historic mansion turned luxurious boutique in Buenos Aires.
South America is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Whether you want to sit beachside in Rio De Janeiro or soak in views of the Andes in Lima, the top hotels in the region are prepared to cater to your every whim. With both the grande dames of Buenos Aires and the luxe boutiques of Santiago offering guests the ultimate in service and amenities, it’s hard to turn down a trip to this diverse and exciting continent. Check out our favorites (so far!) in this slideshow.
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Argentina,
Brazil,
Buenos Aires,
Chile,
Lima,
Luxury Hotels,
Peru,
Rio de Janeiro,
Santiago,
Sao Paulo,
South America
by Jane on April 29, 2013
Talk about a room with a view!
Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa Del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children’s program, the resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 128 suites feature attractive contemporary decor — picture clean lines, white walls, and rich woods — as well as high-tech amenities and private outdoor plunge pools. They have an open-air vibe, with many floor-to-ceiling windows, and the overwater lagoon suites have swim-up access. Plus, suites include freebies such as Wi-Fi, fresh fruit, and bottled water. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak in the goodness that is the Rosewood Mayakoba.
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Kid-Friendly Hotels,
Luxury Hotels,
Mexico,
Monday Morning Ahhhh,
Riviera Maya,
Romantic Hotels
This luxury pick in Guatemala lies in the shadow of four volcanoes (two of them active -- for a truly hot honeymoon).
For this edition of Honeymoon Hotel of the Week, we’re heading to La Reunion Antigua Golf Resort in Guatemala. An outstanding luxury boutique located in the shadow of four volcanoes (two of them active — for a truly hot honeymoon), La Reunion is about 30 minutes from the colonial city of Antigua. Luxurious facilities and incredible volcano views are highlights here that the bride and groom are sure bask in during their stay. There’s also a fabulous infinity-edge pool and a Pete Dye-designed golf course, if couples feel like stretching their legs. Plus, the upscale restaurant and rooftop bar both have volcano views. The 26 rooms mix elegant decor with hand-woven textiles from local artisans to create comfortable, romantic spaces. Featuring private patios with infinity-edge swimming pools and fantastic bathrooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor showers, they are perfect for couples.
Honeymooners should consider booking the Romantic Package, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine and either a relaxing couples massage in your private suite or a piece of jewelry designed exclusively for La Reunion by Silvia Asturias. See more honeymoon-inspired photos of La Reunion after the jump »
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Guatemala,
Honeymoons,
Luxury Hotels,
Resort Hotels,
Romantic Hotels
by Jane on April 22, 2013
The Inn at Palmetto features a beautiful spa overlooking the lush scenery.
This “inn” in Carolina Lowcountry, really more akin to a sprawling estate, provides a one-of-a-kind experience that uniquely blends southern history and almost otherworldly natural beauty: rivers, misty marshes, old oaks draped with wispy Spanish moss, and salty breezes. The main hotel building looks like a classic southern mansion, and the 50 Cottages and Cottage Suites are simultaneously homey and utterly luxurious, with working fireplaces, screen porches, and gorgeous bathrooms. The multi-bedroom Village Homes are also luxurious, but lack some of the nuances of the cottages. Guests can enjoy a range of recreational facilities, including golf, bicycling, tennis, croquet, kayaking, and swimming (in the two pools), and the luxury spa is highly acclaimed. It’s not an overstatement to say that the inn is one of the most special properties in the entire country. So as we say every week, sit back, relax, and soak in the goodness that is the Inn at Palmetto Bluff.
Tagged as:
Luxury Hotels,
Monday Morning Ahhhh,
Palmetto Bluff,
Romantic Hotels,
South Carolina
by Jane on April 21, 2013
Las Vegas is wild year round, but it reaches its highest peak of crazy when the cesspools outdoor pools reopen for the spring and summertime crowds. Known for their ever-flowing liquor, bikini bodies, and raucous behavior, Vegas pool parties are some of the most popular places to let it all hang out (literally and figuratively). Pools at hotels such as Cosmopolitan, the Luxor, and the Monte Carlo are all open, but here’s the list of our four favorite Vegas pools that are now open for a wild, warm-weather crowd.
Reopened: April 21st
Sunday Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
When people think of Las Vegas pool parties, the Hard Rock’s infamous Sunday Rehab often comes to mind. These parties show Vegas at its finest — or most terrifying, depending on your view. But even people who arrive terrified often feel just finnnnne a few cocktails in. Reopened a few days ago for its ninth season, Rehab features tons of booze, live DJs, and scantily-clad partiers you probably saw at Vanity the night before, who are taking the whole “hair of the dog” saying very seriously. Gents have to hand over $50 at the door (although we”d advise buying tickets in advance) while the ladies get in for just $30. But most claim that it’s worth the price; you just may find that special someone. For those who want to ensure they’ll have to spot to wind down if they need a reprieve from the partying, pricey daybeds and cabanas are available for rent.
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Las Vegas,
Luxury Hotels,
party hotels
by Jane on April 19, 2013
London, considered one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural cities, also happens to carry a reputation for being rainy, and a public-transit rider’s nightmare. But like most of the greats, this city’s best qualities lie in its history, culture, and activities, and it’s certainly not a destination you want to miss! So we’ve found just the spot to stay for almost every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to take the kids along, Oyster has a hotel in London for you. We brought them to you all week on Captivate elevator screens, so see the full roundup below!
Langham Hotel London
With gorgeous, classically decorated rooms, an in-house book butler, a spacious fitness center, and a premier location for West End shopping, this is a good place to be. The beautiful Chuan Spa, 16-meter pool, and salt sauna just adds to it’s romantic vibe.
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foodie travel,
Kid-Friendly Hotels,
London,
Luxury Hotels,
Romantic Hotels,
Value Hotels
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.
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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Boston,
Boutique Hotels,
Chicago,
Dallas,
hotel art collections,
Las Vegas,
London,
Luxury Hotels,
New Orleans,
New York City,
Washington D.C
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
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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Atlanta,
Boston,
Boutique Hotels,
Charleston,
Chicago,
D.C.,
Los Angeles,
Luxury Hotels,
New York City,
Oregon,
Portland,
San Francisco,
Seattle,
Washington
