Orange County

Naughty or Nice: What Santa Thinks of Your Favorite Hotel Features

by Kristina on December 21, 2012

Are you on Santa’s Naughty or Nice list this year? We’ve seen a lot of good and bad behaviors during our travels over the last year — and maybe dabbled in both as well! So we know every dirty little secret, or shiny gold star, that you’ve been part-and-parcel to on vacation. But if you’re not sure where you stand in Santa’s twinkling eyes, we’re here to help. You can find out whether your favorite hotel amenities will get your stockings stuffed full of goodies or weighed down by coal this holiday season with our quiz. So check out which list you’re on!

The Naughty List: 

1. Have you stripped down?

Clothing optional resorts like the Desire Riviera Maya can see some X-rated action.

For some travelers, itsy bitsy bikinis or revealing Speedos just don’t cut it — a vacation isn’t a vacation without a little nudity. Luckily for them, some hotels are redefining casual dress with policies that let guests bare it all (or almost all), like the couples-only, clothing-optional Desire Resort & Spa Riviera Maya. A little voyeurism never hurt anyone — but don’t be surprised if your nude antics land you on the naughty list this winter.

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Tagged as: Amsterdam, Bahamas, Belize, Christmas, Hollywood, Ireland, Jamaica, Las Vegas, New York City, Orange County, Riviera Maya, Toronto, Washington D.C.

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15 of the Best Luxury Hotels in the U.S.

by Carolina on December 6, 2012

Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling like royalty, sleeping in some of the world’s most expensive suites, and eating in Michelin-starred restaurants? The time and money for that kind of trip can be tricky to come by, but it’s always good to be ready just in case the opportunity arises, right? We here at Oyster have been lucky enough to have visited thousands of hotels around the globe and across the states. The U.S. is known for having high standards when it comes to hotels, and hotels stateside offer some of the most decadent services around. So we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite luxury properties in the States for those planning a luxe trip — and for those who just like to dream. Enjoy!

The St. Regis New York

Rooms feature decadent decor and opulent bathrooms.

Rooms feature decadent decor and opulent bathrooms.

There are dozens of ultra-luxurious hotels in New York, but The St. Regis is second to none, with a refined atmosphere, extraordinary service that includes butlers on call 24-hours, Clefs d’Or concierges, a signature bath menu, gorgeous guest rooms, a great Fifth Avenue location (the better for shopping), and a stunning Beaux Arts lobby. (Phew! That was a long list.) It won’t come cheap, but the level of luxury offered here is not found in any other hotel in the city.

  • Our favorite luxe amenity: The packing and unpacking services offered by the guest’s personal butler

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Tagged as: Carmel Valley, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Luxury Hotels, Miami, Napa Valley, New York City, Orange County, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Silicon Valley, Washington D.C.

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12 Hotel Fitness Centers with Killer Views

by Carolina on November 14, 2012

Batter this than a concrete wall, huh?

Better this than a concrete wall, huh?

No one likes to work out in a depressing basement with stuffy air and no natural light, but sometimes travelers have to take what they can get. After all, many hotel fitness centers feel like afterthoughts, with a few rusty machines crammed into a sad little rooms in forgotten corner of the hotels. But some hotels go above and beyond to provide an appealing space for travelers to work out, with large windows overlooking the city, the mountains, or the beach! Check out our 12 favorite hotel fitness centers with awesome views — and don’t forget to pack your workout clothes!

Tagged as: Austin, Barcelona, Bermuda, Boston, Cancun, Chicago, Hong Kong, New York, Orange County, Rio de Janeiro, San Diego

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Travel Like a Star: 7 Suites Where Celebrities Have Stayed

by Carolina on November 9, 2012

We’ve all heard celebrities complain about how difficult it is to be famous — and we understand that sometimes you just want to grab a coffee without having a dozen paps photographing your every move. Still, when sponsors regularly put you up in $7,000-a-night Presidential Suites that we can only dream about, please excuse us if we’re not feeling all that sorry for you. But to be fair, we here at Oyster are just as guilty as the next person of loving all that’s glitter and glamour, so we’ve been checking out where some of the top celebrities have stayed. Keep reading and discover the stars’ not-too-shabby digs!

The Celebrity: Kim Kardashian

For $8,000 you can also stay in this bi-level presidential suite.

For $8,000 you can also stay in this bi-level presidential suite.

The Hotel: Gansevoort Park Avenue - New York, NY

  • Price: Starts at $8,000.

The Gansevoort’s Presidential Suite was Kim’s pick during her stop in New York to film a season of Kim and Kourtney Take New York. The 2,700-square-foot, bi-level penthouse has an expansive terrace with city views; a dining area with a wet bar; a living room with a foosball table and a fireplace; a lofted bedroom featuring a plush king bed and a top-notch sound system; floor-to-ceiling windows, and two bathrooms, one of which has its own steam shower and whirlpool. The hotel also features a chic outdoor pool, a myriad of popular late-night spots, and a renowned Italian restaurant.

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Tagged as: Chicago, Hawaii, London, Los Angeles, New York, Oahu, Orange County

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5 Mind-Blowing Corporate Retreats

by Kelsey on October 25, 2012

For a lot of employees, corporate retreats are dreaded events. And for good reason: At a bad corporate retreat, you might end up singing Kumbaya in the woods with your boss or falling backwards into the arms of a coworker to “build trust.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Oyster.com, we’ve covered some resorts that provide truly awesome settings for company getaways. The daily schedule may still be in your boss’s hands, but at least the resorts will make the probability of being able to squeeze in some fun much higher.

Best Corporate Retreats for…

An AIG-Style Luxury Bash

The Hotel: St. Regis Monarch Beach, Orange County

St. Regis Monarch Beach

St. Regis Monarch Beach, where AIG spent over $7,000 on golf fees alone for their executive retreat in 2008.

If you’re in the mood to party like it’s 2008, look no further than the St. Regis Monarch Beach. This is the high-end hotel where AIG reportedly spent over $400,000 on an executive retreat — less than a week after the government’s $85 billion bailout of the company. (The bill included over $23,000 in spa treatments; we guess the executives had a lot of de-stressing to do after their company nearly went down the toilet.) But hey, the times are a changin’ and 2012 has seen the return of luxury corporate retreats. So go on, celebrate the fact that your company is no longer facing imminent disaster (we hope). With a gorgeous 18-hole, ocean-view golf course, eight tennis courts, a renowned spa, an excellent business center with videoconferencing technology, and a high-tech boardroom, it’s the ideal setting for a decadent company getaway.

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Tagged as: Belize, Business Hotels, Finger Lakes, Luxury Hotels, Miami, Orange County, Sedona, Value Hotels

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Oyster Decodes Hotel Points Programs Part 1: Marriott Hotels

by Carolina on October 5, 2012

Oyster Decodes Hotel Points Programs is a new series where we break down hotel rewards programs and give you the inside scoop on how they can save you money.
 
Hotel point programs are not always easy to decipher, and sometimes even we (travel experts, after all) feel we need a guide to understand how they work. But it’s worth the effort it takes to decode: All are free to join, and more often than not, end up saving travelers a significant amount of cash. This week, we’re biting the bullet and starting with cracking the Marriott rewards program, which is one of the most difficult to navigate as guests can redeem their points at over 3,600 locations worldwide across 12 distinctive brands.
 
Marriott properties are divided into eight categories — depending on the hotel brand, location and type — and five tiers.  Members can earn up to 10 points for every dollar spent at Marriott hotels, as well as at Marriott’s partner airlines and rental car companies, which include Hertz, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic. They can then redeem the points earned on hotels, airlines and other services. While advantages of joining the program are numerous, the system is not always straightforward, so we’ve selected some of our favorite hotels in each category and tier where, for a certain number of points (starting at 70,000), you can enjoy a one night stay in a standard room. Start redeeming those points!

Tier 5: 70,000 points

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong - Hong Kong, China

The gorgeous indoor pool has great views and a Jacuzzi

The gorgeous indoor pool has great views and a Jacuzzi

Only a few hotels in Hong Kong deliver the Ritz-Carlton’s level of luxury. Large rooms feature decadent touches, such as plush beds with 400- to 600-thread count linens, iPods and iPod docks, Nespresso coffeemakers, and high-end toiletries. The hotel is set on floors 102 to 118 of Hong Kong’s tallest building, and while acrophobes may not appreciate being this far from the ground, the height does make for breathtaking views — that is, when the sky is clear. Highlights include a stylish indoor pool, sleek gym, and top-notch spa. The Ritz-Carlton is connected to a great shopping mall and corporate offices, and also offers easy access to the airport train and the MTR. However, its location in an up-and-coming business area west of Tsim Sha Tsui is a bit out of the way for leisure travelers.

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Tagged as: Atlanta, Berlin, Costa Rica, Dallas, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Los Cabos, New York City, Orange County, Puerto Vallarta, Rome, Singapore, Tucson

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Oyster Reveals Some of the Most Over-the-Top Hotel Amenities

by Devon on September 27, 2012

We love when hotels feature one-of-kind amenities — many of which tread the line between amazing and ridiculous (not that they can’t be both). While W hotels are known for  their Whatever/Whenever service – which promises to accommodate any (legal) guest requests at any time, and the Sound Your Stay rock star treatment at Hard Rock Hotels — complete with free Fender guitars rentals — is pretty awesome, it’s the wildly decadent, completely over-the-top amenities we love best when visiting our favorite hotels. Here’s just a taste of some of the creative ways hotels are keeping guests happy with some unnecessary [Ed. note: Or are they?] but incredible hotel indulgences.

What: Surf Butler

Why carry your surf board when the St. Regis surf butler can?

 

Where: The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, Orange County

St. Regis hotels are known for their top-notch butler service, which even uses eButlers to receive requests via e-mail. With such attentive service throughout the luxury chain, it’s no wonder that oceanfront St. Regis hotels, like the Monarch Beach Resort in Orange County, offer surf butlers. Before your lesson in hanging ten, the surf butler will take your measurements for your wetsuit and bring all necessary equipment right down to the sand so you won’t have to lift a finger — your focus should be on catching some gnarly waves anyways, dude! Read More »

Tagged as: Chicago, Luxury Hotels, Miami, New York City, Orange County, Portland, St. Barts, Washington D.C.

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The Best Roadtrips From: Los Angeles, CA

by Carolina on July 5, 2012

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

Los Angeles is awesome whichever way you look at it. Despite its reputation of having few attractions for tourists and huge distances to cover to get to any of them, L.A. has plenty to offer with top-notch restaurants, world-class museums, a vibrant nightlife scene, and wonderful beaches that attract millions of visitors every year. But it’s good to take a break from all the buzz sometimes and head somewhere new, be it a more relaxed spot for some serious R&R, or the perfect stretch of sand for surfing. So whether you’re in town visiting and want to mix it up a bit, or you’re a resident and want to get away from it all, start packing and hit the road! We’ve got the perfect nearby spots that are just a short drive away.

Road Trip #1: Los Angeles to Orange County, CA

  • Total Driving Time:1 hour
  • Distance Covered:51 miles
  • Take This Trip If: You’re ready for some pampering
It'a all about fun in the sun and easy living here in the O.C.

It'a all about fun in the sun and easy living here in the O.C.

Don't you just want to take a dip in the Coliseum Pool at the Pelican Hill?

Don't you just want to take a dip in the Coliseum Pool at the Pelican Hill?

Lunch with a view at the Montage Laguna Beach

Have lunch with a view at the Montage Laguna Beach

Orange County is known for its well-heeled residents and high prices, but if you want to get some serious R&R, it’s the place to be. This string of uncrowded beaches is a good pick for families, but the area is popular among couples as well for its bucolic landscape and unparalleled sunsets. The beaches (and the waves) are definitely the main draw. If you’re planning a trip with the family, the ultra-luxe Pelican Hill is a wonderful choice. The property boasts two great golf courses, along with a plethora of other amenities, such as two gorgeous pools, a world-class spa, a fitness center, and a top-notch kids’ club. If it’s just you and your significant other, the Montage Laguna Beach is great for spending some quality time together. It offers an excellent spa, impeccable grounds, and beautiful rooms with breathtaking views.

  • Top Driving Tip: The fastest and shortest way to get there is the Santa Ana Freeway, but if you’ve got some time to spare, Cabrillo Highway (SR 1) is the most scenic. Along the way you’ll see gorgeous beaches and rolling hills.

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Tagged as: Beach Hotels, Los Angeles, Luxury Hotels, Orange County, Palm Springs, Road Trips, San Diego, Santa Barbara

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The 9 Most Incredible Sunsets Ever

by Carolina on April 19, 2012

Riu Palace Tropical Bay All Inclusive; Negril, Jamaica

Riu Palace Tropical Bay All Inclusive; Negril, Jamaica

Throwing in a sunset scene is high on the to-do list of movie directors who want to connect with the audience and make us sigh with jealousy. Because the truth is, few things are more romantic and relaxing than watching the sunset, be it on a pristine beach in the Caribbean or atop a high-rise in Miami. We’ve made a compilation of some of the best ones so that next time you plan a getaway you’ll have part of the work done.  Because really, what’s a vacay without a good sunset?

 

Tagged as: Aruba, Botswana, Florence, Hawaii, Jamaica, Los Angeles, Miami, Orange County, Turks and Caicos

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The 10 Most Incredible Ocean Views

by Carolina on March 1, 2012

Penthouse at the Villa La Estancia; Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Penthouse at the Villa La Estancia; Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

There’s nothing like a beautiful ocean view to make you take a deep breath and relax. In fact, a balcony with an ocean view is often a prerequisite for travelers looking for some serious R&R in sunny destinations. (Us included.) Regardless of your budget, location, or taste, we’ve found the perfect room with a view. Check out our ten favorite now!

Tagged as: Barbados, Bermuda, Cabo San Lucas, Costa Rica, Hotel Views, Orange County, Puerto Vallarta, Turks and Caicos

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