There’s nothing like a classic New York versus Boston sports game: There’s the always-dueling Red Sox and Yankees; the formidable Celtics and decent (?) New York Knicks; and of course, the new rivalry of the New England Patriots and New York Giants. This year’s Super Bowl also marks a rematch of 2008′s Big Game . But if you couldn’t afford to jet out to Indianapolis to catch your favorite football team in play (and who could, with hotel rates in the city hovering around $450/night), hole up a hotel bar local to your team. Not only will you have the camaraderie of fellow fans, but you’ll also be able to watch in style, too. Bonus? If you get too drunk, you can stay in one of the hotel’s available rooms. Just saying.
The Bar: Champions
Champions Bar at the Boston Marriott Copley Place; Boston, MA
With 44 HD TVs strategically positioned throughout the bar, a 12’X24’ viewing screen, 36 beers on tap (we recommend one of the Dogfish brews) and a long list of cocktails, the Champions Sports Bar at the Marriott is one of the best places to catch the game. Whether you sit at the bar over a drink and a small bite, or at one of the tables enjoying a full meal — order the Boston Lobster sliders — you’re sure to get a good view of the screens. Plus, you’re within a stone’s throw of Fenway Park and the TD Garden — two venues that’ll make any sports afficionado feel right at home. (At least a Boston fan.)
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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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The New York Palace
The winter holiday season in New York City brings not only ice rinks, tourists, and hordes to the stores, but also myriad Christmas lights and ornaments that change every year. Every hotel in the city dresses up at least a little for the holidays, in red, green and gold garlands, or shiny tinsel, or simple lights. Below, check out some of the best decorations we’ve seen this year!
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by Hilary on November 22, 2011
These hotels are the most fashionable, stylish, trendy, and the all-around best Vogue-esque vibe you can get.
Trump SoHo
Donald Trump’s first hotel in downtown New York has the attention to detail and hands-on service you’d expect from a Trump property, but the slightly hipper vibe and great SoHo location cater to a younger set. The exclusive, celebrity-filled Kastel bar, pricey Quattro restaurant, luxurious spa, and seasonally open pool are the hotel’s main features.
Trump SoHo
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The Standard New York
- SPOT
Beyonce and her pregnant belly were spotted at the Standard in New York shooting photos in the rain. Of course, the 5-month pregnant star makes everything chic — umbrella, baby bump, and all. [Hotel Chatter]
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by Hilary on September 29, 2011
No doubt, there are horror stories about New York hotels with dark, dingy rooms, cockroaches in the bathrooms, and stains on the sheets. But in general, the great majority of hotels in New York are very clean. Still, it takes a lot for us to qualify a hotel as super clean. After staying at about 200 hotels throughout New York City, we’ve awarded the few immaculate properties that will put even the most extreme germaphobe at ease.
Crosby Street Hotel
The Crosby Street Hotel opened in October 2009 on a quiet, cobblestoned street in SoHo. There’s not a thread out of place in the luxurious, whimsically decorated rooms and public spaces.
Crosby Street Hotel
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Cold summertime cocktails. So hot right now. We’re visiting the best, trendiest hotel bars to find you the tastiest summer cocktails in NYC. Not only have we got the photos, we’ve got the recipes — directly from the bartenders — so you can make them at home. Grab your martini glass and hit the deck, you’re having a cocktail party.
First up, Jimmy at The James, New York.
DRINK #1: The Cartel
The Cartel, Jimmy at The James, New York
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Herradura Silver Tequila
- 1 oz Canton Ginger Liqueur
- 2 oz Pineapple JUICE
- ½ Honey Syrup
- 4 dash Peruvian Bitters
To make
Build in tin, shake with ice, strain into rocks glass, garnish with pineapple wedge.
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by Allie on January 19, 2011
What adjective would you use to describe your perfect weekend getaway? Literary? Refreshing? How about groovy? Try out these cool historical trips for an out-of-the ordinary vacation.
San Francisco:
If you were part of the counter culture during the Summer of Love, then you undoubtedly feel the calling to visit Haight-Ashbury. Even if you weren’t a flower child, there is so much to do and see near the intersection of these famous streets.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one sight to see on your groovy vacay
Do: Embrace your inner Flower Child and tour The Haight
Take the Flower Power Walking Tour or be your own guide. Be sure to see the residences of The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. Stroll the side streets of Haight Ashbury and Cole Valley where Victorian homes are plentiful. The Haight has a wide variety of cafes and restaurants—why not end the day with Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia? Read More »
Radegast Hall & Biergarten in Brooklyn is a great spot for warm-weather drinking.
With the temperatures rising, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy a drink (or twelve). And there’s no place better to mix booze and sunshine than at one of the Big Apple’s many excellent outdoor beer gardens. These fun spots will have you raising an oversized stein to good times with good friends — over (one too many) good beers.
Lorely Restaurant & Biergarten: It doesn’t get any more German than Lorely. Located on the Lower East Side, this truly authentic old-school beer garden looks like a piece of Bavaria landed in the Big Apple. From the frosty imported German brew to the delicious German grub, Lorely is legit. This brewhouse even had its tables made by a designer in Cologne. 7 Rivington Street. Stay nearby at the GEM Hotel SoHo.
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