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Travel

Finalized your New Year’s Eve plans yet? If you’re lucky (or looking for last-minute inspiration), you’ll be spending the night partying at the Wynn Las Vegas. There’s plenty to do: sneak in one last decadent pre-New-Year’s-resolution meal at Okada, pick up the gifts you wish you had been given during the holidays with on-site high-end shopping, and finally party into 2012 at super trendy Tryst nightclub. Who wouldn’t want to brag that they rang in the New Year at one of the Strip’s most extravagant luxury hotels?

Tryst at the Wynn Las Vegas

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Pool at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

Still looking for a New Year’s Eve party for this weekend? This behemoth hotel and casino on the outskirts of Atlantic City is a hub of entertainment, and arguably the city’s premier destination. The 2000-room property (which opened in 2003) overlooks a marina at Renaissance Pointe. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep rooms bright, and suites are well-appointed with comfortable bedding, large iPod docks, large marble bathrooms with large soaking tubs, and fantastic views of the marina. Entertainment is outstanding, from celebrity chef restaurants — including Bobby Flay Steak and Wolfgang Puck American Grille — to an Italian-inspired indoor pool, plenty of shops, a performance hall that hosts musical guests and comedians, and spa treatments. While it’s not directly on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk, the on-site casino clocks in at a massive 161,000 square feet, giving guests plenty to do without needing to venture out. It easily stands out as one of the most refined properties in the area. Read the full review >>
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Foto Friday: Sea Breeze

by Zach on December 16, 2011

As Texas’ largest coastal city, it’s no wonder that activity in Corpus Christi revolves around the ocean. Blistering hot summers give way to exceptionally mild winters, bringing in travelers year-round to hit the beach or take advantage of incredible ocean views. This destination has plenty of kid-friendly hotel options, making it a great family getaway spot any time of year.

Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay, Corpus Christi, Texas, United States

Views abound at the Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay

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Traveling during the holiday season is as old as the holidays themselves – literally, if you ask anyone who owns a manger in Bethlehem. But just because people hit the road doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to feel the spirit of the season wherever they go. To help get you feeling festive, here are some killer seasonal perks that hotels have provided to their guests.

Santa Paws at the Eventi

Santa and his helper meet with the Eventi's four-legged guests

The holidays are for everyone: not just adults and children, but for pets as well. This past weekend, the second annual Santa Paws event at the Eventi Hotel in Manhattan treated four-legged guests to a visit from St. Nick. There was no shortage of festive dog biscuits or fresh water bowls as pets took their turns explaining to Santa why they can’t seem to stop digging up the front yard.

Ripken meets Santa at the Eventi

Kimpton properties such as the Eventi are already well-known for being super pet-friendly, so arranging a pet photo opp with Santa and his helper is simply par for the course. Of course, everyone was on their best behavior – including owners, who were treated to candy canes and delicious hot chocolate. If this was any indication of who made the “nice” list, Santa is going to be delivering a ton of bones this year. Read More »

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Travel Tuesday: What’s New?

by Carolina on December 13, 2011

W New York - Union Square

W New York - Union Square

  • MAKE OUT
    Just like Kristen Wiig and Fabrizio Moretti did at the W Union Square. The comedian and The Strokes’ drummer were seen “literally on top of each other” at Lilium, the hotel’s new club. [Hotel Chatter]

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Foto Friday: Point of View

by Zach on December 9, 2011

Travelers know the difference between rooms with a view and rooms with a view: Just ask anyone who’s been to Carmel Highlands, California. Monterey County’s natural beauty has attracted visitors since the turn of the century, and nothing has changed, least of all the scenic beauty. Not to mention, you’ll get the healthy dose of sea breeze you’ve been needing for a while.

The Sunset Suite at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands

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Hearing “Silicon Valley” usually makes people think of microchips and insanely rich geeks. What people may not realize is that the area has plenty of things to do for the casual traveler, including golf, winery tours and spa weekends. Whether or not your start-up just had a successful IPO, views like this make it a spot worth checking out.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

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Travel Tuesday: What’s New?

by Hilary on August 9, 2011

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, LA

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, LA

  • WATCH
    Rumor has it the Entourage boys are staying in the Gable Lombard Penthouse Suite at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Three full-size bedrooms, a full-sized kitchen, vaulted ceilings, 1,500sq.ft. of roof deck space underneath the Hollywood Roosevelt sign, and a built-in surround system, among many other amenities are included in this bad boy. [Hotel Chatter]

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Master Bathroom at The Hydrangea Suite at the L'Auberge Del Mar

Master Bathroom at The Hydrangea Suite at the L'Auberge Del Mar, San Diego

  • RINSE
    Say bye-bye-bathtub — hotels are moving away from the bathtub and towards the even more luxurious shower. Who’s got time for a long, hot soak on the road these days? We’ve got places to go, people to see. [USA Today]

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TK

We like to call this one "Snowboarding in Switerland" by @IvanaB_

We spend a lot of time on Twitter interacting with our travel tweeps, which means we’re able to live vicariously through everyone who is off galavanting around the globe. We love when people keep us in the loop by tweeting photos of their adventures from the road, so we thought it might be fun to roundup some of the best travel photos we’ve found on Twitter this week and share them with our readers. For starters, check out the above photo taken by @IvanaB_.

Some of our faves were clearly taken with smartphones, while for others it’s harder tell how it was snapped. But one thing is for sure: The world is an oyster, and these tweeps know how to take advantage.

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