It doesn’t matter if you stay in a cheap motel or at an uber-luxe hotel overlooking Central Park — if the mattress isn’t comfortable, it can ruin your entire vacation. And as you know, you can’t return a bad vacation. So we at Oyster.com sleep on the job. You’ve read that correctly; we test out hotel mattresses around the globe so we can give you the low-down on which mattresses will help you catch some serious zzz’s. No more counting sheep! These hotel mattresses will have you sleeping like a baby in no time.
The Mattress: Tempur-Pedic
The Regular King Room at the Hotel On Rivington; New York City, NY
- You’ll love it because: Tempur-Pedic mattresses – in every room at the Hotel on Rivington – are like form-fitting, weight-distributing sponges created just for you. Not only are these mattresses designed to adjust with your movement — whether you sleep on your side, stomach, back, or all three – in order to maintain proper spinal alignment, but they are also designed to relieve pain at key pressure points.
Check out more amazing sleeps after the jump.
Tagged as:
Coral Gables,
Hotel Beds,
Las Vegas,
New York City,
San Francisco,
Washington D.C.
by Jane on February 22, 2012
You may have gotten over themed spots after your tenth birthday party (um, hello, Princess Tea Party Fest), but they’re actually great for some old-fashioned adult fun, too. Hotels across the world have fabulously themed bars that run the gamut from classy to trashy. So we’ve shuffled through the clutter to find the top 10 hotel bars that, despite (or because) of being themed, are super cool. Check out one of our favorites, Stables Bar in London below, and the rest of the cool, kitschy bars here.
Stables Bar at The Milestone Hotel; London, England
Tagged as:
Boston,
Cocktails,
Hawaii,
Hotel Bars,
Las Vegas,
London,
New Orleans,
New York City,
San Francisco,
St. Martin/St. Maarten
by Jane on February 15, 2012
Presidents Day is just around the corner and of course that makes us reflect on our country’s leaders. 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.
Square Feet: 2,000
Average Price: $1,200/night
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Tagged as:
Historic Hotels,
Los Angeles,
Luxury Hotels,
Presidential Suites,
Presidents' Day,
San Francisco
by Rachel on February 13, 2012
Not tied down right now? Lucky you! Thankfully, you don’t need to sit home tomorrow night and be sad — hotels across the country are pulling out the stops for those who are currently sans significant other. We found three of our favorite hotels that are actually offering anti-romance packages. But, all of them have a catch — should you find a cutie tomorrow night, you can get down and dirty with them in one of the hotel’s rooms. Don’t you feel independent already?
THE HOTEL: Four Seasons Miami; Miami, FL
THE PACKAGE: The Lonely Hearts Club Group Dinner
The Grounds at the Four Seasons Miami; Miami, FL
If you’re looking to meet ready-to-be-met singles, head to the Four Seasons tomorrow (and if you work in Miami’s financial district, you pretty much have no excuse, considering how close you are) to mug down on delicious fare at the hotel’s brand-new restaurant, Edge Steak and Bar. While the dinner costs $65 per head, you do get a leg up on a hotel room: Should you meet your match while finishing up with your Broken Hearted Napoleon (with passion-less fruit sauce, natch), the Four Seasons outpost is offering rooms at $469/night.
CHECK OUT MORE HOTEL HOT SPOTS FOR SINGLES AFTER THE JUMP!
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Tagged as:
Miami,
New York City,
San Francisco,
Valentine's Day
by Jane on February 6, 2012
Sun and sand is great and all, but some (us included) would argue that a beachy setting gets better when the clothes come off. Think of a nude beach as your new and improved wingman — its mere presence allows you to skip the whole how-do-I-get-him-or-her-out-of-their-clothes predicament. So come and get the skinny on our favorite nude beaches for one hot date this Valentine’s Day.
The beach at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa; Miami, FL
WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: Though Miami is topless-friendly just about everywhere, Haulover Beach is the only true nude beach in this spring break hotspot. The waters are crystal clear, the soft sand is debris-free, plus there are tons of on-beach amenities. Haulover has lifeguards (in swimsuits, unfortunately), food and drink vendors, and plenty of organized activities like birthday-suit volleyball, although we recommend not going for the save.
WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Less than a 5-minute drive from Haulover Beach, ONE Bal Harbour has a prime location for seeing some skin. Plus, this luxury resort has massive suites, a 10,000-square-foot spa, and over $4 million dollars worth of modern art.
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Tagged as:
Costa Rica,
Hawaii,
Jamaica,
La Jolla,
Miami,
San Francisco,
St. Barths,
St. Martin/St. Maarten,
Valentine's Day,
Vancouver
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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Tagged as:
Bermuda,
Big Sur,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
Romantic Hotels,
San Francisco,
Toronto,
Valentine's Day
If you haven’t found “the one” yet, but are planning on taking out someone new (and maybe special) this Valentine’s Day, some serious impressing is in order. Hotels exude sexiness on any given day, and these bars don’t disappoint: Each of them has its very own get-into-his-or-her-pants kind of charm.
The Bar: Kittichai
Kittichai at 60 Thompson; New York City, NY
Why We Love It: The trendy NYC ambiance simply rules. Although the food — which is thai — is only so-so on a good day at this combo bar/restaurant, the romantic atmosphere makes up for its over salted fare. Eclectic music (think French renditions of silly American nursery rhymes) adds to the quirky-chic vibe, just be prepared to shell out a few bucks: Everything’s more expensive in Manhattan.
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Tagged as:
Austin,
Chicago,
Denver,
Hotel Bars,
Las Vegas,
Los Angeles,
Miami,
New Orleans,
New York City,
Romantic Hotels,
San Francisco,
Washington D.C.
by Zach on January 20, 2012
The Super Bowl is so close we can hardly contain ourselves, but there’s still one last round to go before the AFC and NFC can duke it out for ultimate supremacy — and that fabled trip to Disney World. Check out the best places to stay if you’re going to the game (or just looking to watch with like-minded fans). We couldn’t help but make our own predictions, too. But if you need us for anything Sunday, you can find us glued to our TV.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS at Foxboro Stadium, 3 PM EST Sunday
Where to stay: The Liberty Hotel; Boston, MA
The Lobby at the Liberty Hotel; Boston, MA
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Tagged as:
Boston,
San Francisco,
Sports and Travel
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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Tagged as:
Chinese New Year,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
San Francisco,
Urban Hotels
Now that the madness of Week 1 is over (and the embarrassed Falcons can hang their helmets for the season), it’s time to get down to football business: The best versus, well, the not best. This weekend we’ll see Tim “Touched by an Angel” Tebow battle it out against the genetically-blessed Tom Brady (I swear, I really am a Giants fan); Big Blue is heading up north to face the practically indomitable Green Bay Packers; and the quietly looming 49ers are playing host to (the also indomitable) New Orleans Saints. The most curious match up, though, is happening in Baltimore, where the Ravens are taking on the…err…Texans. (Is it bad I keep forgetting they’re involved?) We scouted the home fields for some sweet hotel picks for this weekend’s epic games.
HOUSTON TEXANS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Where to Sleep: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; Washington, D.C.
The neighborhood at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; Washington, D.C.
Why Here: Forgo Baltimore for D.C., as its just about a 40-minute train ride from the capital city — and offers up plenty more to do. (Sorry, Baltimore! We still heart you.) And as a bonus, the Hyatt Regency is just a five-minute walk from the train station you’ll need to hop on to get to the game. The hotel offers up a huge heated, indoor pool — great for families — along with an amazing fitness center and soundproof, guest-room walls. (Great for couples, perhaps?) Plus, the property is in prime sightseeing territory, practically steps from the Capitol Building — so make sure to snap a few great pics before heading out of town. Read More »
Tagged as:
Boston,
San Francisco,
Sports and Travel,
Washington D.C.
