The Tranquila Suite at La Tranquila; Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The smallest room at La Tranquila in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit is 16 times bigger than a standard room at The Jane Hotel in New York City.
2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? According to singer Josh Groban, his dog Sweeney has a favorite hotel: The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.
3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The most expensive treatment at Mango Bay in Barbados is a $7,000 facial that includes a face massage with gold flakes.
4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? An Irish billionaire owes The St. Regis Washington, D.C. $10 million after throwing a St. Patrick’s Day party at the hotel’s bar and leaving without paying the tab.
5. FACT OF FAKEOUT? Stock investor Marty Zweig is selling his three-floor penthouse at The Pierre hotel in New York for $120 million.
Check out the answers after the jump!
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Tagged as:
Barbados,
Fact or Fakeout,
New York City,
Riviera Nayarit,
Washington D.C.
Brunch at Atrio at the Conrad Hotel -- Miami
Spring has sprung and that means Easter is just around the corner! When Peter Cottontail comes hopping down the lane, we get all too excited for egg hunts, chocolates galore, and — most importantly — Easter brunch. Who doesn’t love the combo of booze and food on a Sunday afternoon? And when it’s in the name of all that is holy — well, that’s just an extra perk! A chic hotel is often just the place to find a perfect Easter brunch spread, so we’ve rounded up our favorites across the states. View our mouth-watering slideshow below and prepare yourself to mug down deliciously this Sunday.
Tagged as:
Atlanta,
Boston,
Chicago,
Easter,
Easter brunch,
Los Angeles,
Miami,
New York City,
Phoenix,
San Francisco,
Spring,
Washington D.C.
by Devon on March 22, 2013
Winter is on its way out and spring is making an entrance. But choosing where to watch the clouds part and the flowers bloom can be tricky. Washington, D.C. is one of the most popular spots to visit during the season, thanks to its gorgeous cherry blossom trees and the White House Easter Egg Roll. But over in Europe, Paris is known for its gorgeous tulips and lush green backdrop. So which pick spring city are waiting to see? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.
Option 1: A Spring Stroll Though Washington, D.C.
Every spring, crowds flock to D.C. to catch a glimpse (and a whiff!) of the city’s iconic cherry blossom trees. Guests staying at the Mandarin Oriental have a particular advantage on the crowds, with the hotel being just a short walk from the Tidal Basin’s blossoms. After a stroll through the blooming landscape, the White House is a quick drive away, as are tons of parks and landmarks, making the Mandrin the best option for spring visitors. Read More »
Tagged as:
Foto Friday,
Paris,
Washington D.C.
by Jane on February 22, 2013
As we’ve said before, a vacation just isn’t a vacation without delicious food and delicious views. And when you can have both together, well, that’s a match made in culinary heaven. Back in August, we gave you a peak at five hotel restaurants with scrumptious food set against amazing backdrops — and now we add eight more restaurants to that list. Dig in!
Lounge at the La Reunion Golf Resort & Residences
It doesn’t have to be fancy to have great views – and delicious food. This luxury golf resort in Guatemala is surrounded by four volcanoes, two of them being active. While the Sky Bar and the upscale restaurant also have views of the volcanoes, we love the laid-back, al fresco lounge, where diners can grab a burger and sip on a smoothie (the lounge’s specialty). During the weekends, the lounge often hosts Guatemalan buffets and barbecues.
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Tagged as:
Big Sur,
California,
Costa Rica,
Guatemala,
Napa Valley,
New York City,
Venice,
Washington D.C.,
Whistler
by Devon on February 18, 2013
When the White House just doesn't cut it, there's always the Waldorf.
Happy President’s Day from all of us at Oyster.com! This beloved federal holiday was established in 1879 and occurs on the third Monday of every February, perfectly in between Lincoln’s February 12th birthday and George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd. In honor of President’s Day, we’d like to recognize some of our favorite historic hotels that have been lucky enough to have a Commander in Chief or two grace their digs. Click here to take at a look at our favorite presidential hotels, where everything from scandals, to gunshots — even to haircuts, has taken place.
Tagged as:
Historic Hotels,
New York City,
San Francisco,
Washington D.C.
Trust us, we here at Oyster get it more than most people — going on vacation is freakin’ awesome. Vacations are all about fun, relaxation, and the “what happens here, stays here” vibe, and when you’re on a vacay, it feels like nothing can get ya down. But some hotel websites go a little too far and market their properties by showing “guests” in absolutely euphoric (and unrealistic) states. To the point where we’re pretty sure that that kind of happy can only be reached if you’ve been dabbling in some recreational, er, “fun.” And depending on the destination, maybe you have been. But still, when we’re deciding where to stay for our winter getaway, we usually don’t base it on how happy the “guests” on the website seem to be. Nonetheless, those photos can be pretty entertaining. Last time, we rounded up a bunch of marketing photos where the guests just couldn’t seem happier. And this time, we’ve done the same thing — but focused on those hotel couples that just seem so in luuuurve. We’re sorry, but even if we were married to Ryan Gosling, we wouldn’t be smiling that big! Check out some of the most hilarious hotel couples we found!
1. Your room or mine?
“What about one final fling before you marry that old ball and chain?” (Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah)
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Tagged as:
Austin,
Berlin,
Boston,
Chicago,
Denver,
Miami,
Monterey Bay,
Naples,
San Diego,
Savannah,
Washington D.C.
by Jane on January 30, 2013
Oyster's photo of the pool at the Marigot Beach Club
Here at Oyster, we pride ourselves on intensively visiting, photographing, and reviewing every single hotel we feature on our site. Our photos are undoctored and honest, but on our travels, we’ve found that the hotel’s marketing photos can be heavily retouched or cropped mysteriously. Our Photo Fakeouts are legendary — just look at
the Sexy Lady Phenomenon — and we felt it was only appropriate that as we expand our coverage, we expand our Fakeout repertoire, too. So today, check out our slideshow of our newest finds!
Tagged as:
Barbados,
Boston,
Lima,
San Juan,
St. Lucia,
Washington D.C.
by Jane on January 23, 2013
We’re all about a funky hotel or two, but there’s something to be said for the grand dames. They celebrate their storied histories and iconic statuses with classic, timeless decor — that’s almost always tres chic and just a bit over the top, dahhhling. And whenever you step into one of these hotels, you feel like you’re in the presence of greatness — at least, great decor and design. So today we’re giving a photo tour of our favorite hotels that have that classically elegant (and dare we say, old money?) look down pat. From gilded pillars to floral patterns, from dainty tea sets to regal portraits, these hotels keep their spaces feeling timeless. Get inspired — and get the look!
Lobby at The Fairmont San Francisco
The Fairmont combines the amenities, technology, and corporate-dominated clientele of a large, modern property with the history, cachet, and decor of a turn-of-the-20th-century grand old dame. Upon entering the lobby, guests are wowed by the sweeping ceilings, gilded accents, intricate wrought ironing, and massive marble columns, under which guests can recline on plush velvet sofas in rich golds and browns. The overall effect is stunning, and exudes a glamorous 1920s vibe. Rooms, many with stunning views, are equally elegant with warm gold and green accents, antique mahogany furniture, and cozy beds.
Tagged as:
Berlin,
Boston,
Dublin,
Ireland,
London,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
Paris,
Philadelphia,
San Francisco,
Washington D.C.
In honor of President Obama’s inauguration on Monday, we’re taking a look back at his travels over his last four years in office — and on the campaign trail. The Commander-In-Chief has laid his head in some of our favorite hotels around the globe and, thanks to his refined taste and seriously swanky style (although we’d argue we really have Michelle to thank for that), we’re always eager to see where he’ll travel to next (and, more importantly, where he’ll stay!). Congratulations, Mr. President! May the next four years be full of prosperous times — and plenty of unique hotel stays!
This decadent junior suite at The Hay-Adams offers White House views.
Four years ago, President Obama moved his family into the Presidential Suite at this historic hotel with White House views after former President George W. Bush rejected his request to stay in Blair House, the White House’s guest residence. President Obama wanted to move to Washington three weeks before his inauguration so that his daughters could start at Sidwell Friends School without missing the beginning of the term, but he was informed that Blair House was already booked (for former prime minister of Australia John Howard and several receptions, as it later turned out). Lucky for him, The Hay-Adams is one of DC’s most luxurious stays. Read More »
Tagged as:
Berlin,
Chicago,
Dublin,
Election 2012,
Historic Hotels,
Las Vegas,
Los Angeles,
Los Cabos,
New York City,
Obama,
Phoenix,
Presidential Hotels,
Washington D.C.
by Jane on January 8, 2013
A meal that has been adopted by countries the world over, Sunday brunch was (supposedly) dreamed up in the late 1800s by a British writer who thought that the noonday feast would be a welcome treat — and much-needed hangover cure — for ”Saturday-night carousers.” But no matter the origin, brunch has come to be a weekly staple — and the silver lining to a day often overshadowed by the start of a new work week looming in the future. So whether it’s buffet-style, booze-focused (bottomless Bloody Marys, anyone?), or family-oriented, brunch can put a smile on just about anyone’s face. We’ve chowed down at plenty of happiness-inducing brunches across the U.S. and have come up with a list of our favorite spots to grub on Sunday. Check ‘em out!
The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco
Sunday brunch at the Palace is legendary. Not only is the setting beautiful — we’re talking 40- to 50-foot vaulted ceilings, neoclassical marble columns, and six-foot-wide crystal chandeliers, topped by a sunlit translucent windowed ceiling — but a jazz trio plays beautiful music as hotel guests, locals, and visitors pile tasty treats on their plates. Sushi (with sushi chef), omelets (with omelet chef), crepes (with crepe chef), fresh fruit, sandwiches, salads, oysters on the half shell… you name it, it’s part of the buffet. Plus unlimited coffee, orange juice, and champagne.
Oyster’s Pick: Cinnamon-raisin French toast with flame-heated maple syrup
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Tagged as:
Boston,
Chicago,
Foodie,
foodie travel,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
San Francisco,
Washington D.C.
