The Canyon Ranch in Miami has a gorgeous rooftop pool with stunning ocean views.
Deciding on a destination for an upcoming trip is never easy. While the beach and mountains may beckon, cities are a great option year-round, offering an array of activities for every type of getaway. After a long day of sight-seeing, however, some may long for those quiet, relaxing moments by the pool that are often easier to come by in non-urban destinations. So we’ve rounded up our favorite urban rooftop pools, so you can find relaxation even in a bustling metropolis. Click through the slideshow and discover some of our favorite hotel rooftop pools.
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Albuquerque,
Atlanta,
Austin,
Dallas,
Denver,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
San Antonio,
San Diego,
Seattle,
Washington
by Jane on April 16, 2013
Through our many travels we’ve learned that April showers don’t just bring May flowers – they bring delicious May produce! Everything from zucchini to asparagus, spring peas to corn, and watermelon to strawberries begin sprouting up during the spring and summer. And if you’re not quite ready to put on the overalls and bring in the harvest yourself, the next best thing is to visit a local farmers’ market, where fresh produce abounds. We’ve picked out our 10 favorite farmers’ markets across the states, so no matter where your spring and summer vacations take you, you’ll have plenty of tasty treats to bring home. And we’ve even found a great hotel near each spot so you can be sure to beat the crowds.
1. Pike Place Market, Seattle
Vegetable stand at Pike Place Market
Pike Place is one of Seattle’s main attractions. Featuring numerous produce, meat, and fish stands, the market also has plenty of craft kiosks for buying local artwork and gifts. It is open 7 days a week, and though most stands close around 5 p.m., several fine-dining restaurants on the 9-acre historic district are open late.
Where to Stay: Inn at the Market is aptly named. It is one of Seattle’s best-known, and most popular, hotels, in large part due to its unbeatable location: It’s in the heart of downtown Seattle, just half a block from Pike Place Market.
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Atlanta,
Boston,
Boutique Hotels,
Charleston,
Chicago,
D.C.,
Los Angeles,
Luxury Hotels,
New York City,
Oregon,
Portland,
San Francisco,
Seattle,
Washington
The Ahwanee, Yosemite National Park
Nothing man-made can rival Mother Nature at her finest. For those who love the great outdoors, the most memorable vacations aren’t at massive mega-resorts — they’re at hotels that bring you closer to some of the world’s natural wonders. From an historic landmark hotel in Yosemite National Park to a lodge at the top of a massive waterfall to luxury tree houses nestled among California’s redwoods, these 10 hotels have natural settings that are truly jaw-dropping.
Tagged as:
Bermuda,
Botswana,
Costa Rica,
Jackson Hole,
Lake Tahoe,
Sedona,
St. Lucia,
Travel Inspiration,
Washington
The Outlook Inn is one of the most romantic spots on the San Juan Islands.
Couples have a lot of reasons to be attracted to the Evergreen State. From sleek Seattle boutiques to secluded inns on the San Juan Islands, there’s a little something for every romantic in this corner of the Pacific Northwest. Outdoorsy couples will love hiking in the romantic Snoqualmie Valley, in the shadow of one of Washington’s many waterfalls, while city-slickers will fall in love with Seattle’s funky food scene and vibrant nightlife. So if you’re planning a romantic getaway with that special someone to Washington State, be sure to consider these hotels ready for romance.
Tagged as:
Romantic Hotels,
San Juan Islands,
Seattle,
Washington
The Marriott Wailea Resort is a romantic honeymoon locale on Maui.
Honeymoons must be two things: romantic and memorable. Any old trip to the beach is just not going to suffice for a couple’s post-nuptial getaway. But thankfully, there are plenty of unique and luxurious properties out there for newlyweds. Remote jungle hideaways, cozy mountain lodges, luxe European grand dames, and gorgeous beachfront properties are waiting with a bottle of champagne at the ready to toast your “I dos.” These romantic hotels around the world are perfect honeymoon locales; go ahead and swoon over them in this slideshow.
Tagged as:
Austin,
Big Sur,
Botswana,
Cape Cod,
Carmel Valley,
Costa Rica,
Destination Weddings,
Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,
Guatemala,
Hawaii,
Honeymoons,
Hong Kong,
Ireland,
Jamaica,
Lisbon,
Maui,
Paris,
Rio de Janeiro,
Romantic Hotels,
Rome,
San Juan Islands,
Singapore,
Washington,
Yosemite
by Jane on January 23, 2013
April Yvonne; Photo Courtesy of Laurie Bracewell
The luxury Capella hotel brand, with properties in Los Cabos and Singapore, has landed in the nation’s capital. Capella DC‘s doors officially open in April, and the hotel is sure to exude the same elegance and glamour that the brand is known for. But this Capella will have something that the others do not — it’s own resident stylist. Yep, you read that correctly. Like some of our other favorite hotels with over-the-top (but truly awesome) services, the Capella hotel caters to it’s guests every need — even their fashion needs. Stylist April Yvonne, creator of MyDCStyle.com, will serve as the hotel’s resident stylist, assisting guests with shopping and styling during their visits. In the past, we’ve sat down with a nightlife concierge, a genealogy butler — even a pet psychic. So we couldn’t wait to have our very first chat with a resident stylist — not to mention the only one that we know of — and get all the scoop on what’s hot and what’s not. From packing tips to what puts D.C. on the fashion map, April answers all of our questions. Check out the interview after the jump!
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Tagged as:
D.C.,
Oyster Q&A,
Washington
The Colonnade at The Fairmont Washington, D.C.
1. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Fairmont Washington, D.C.’s $100,000 Presidential Detail Package included a $5,000 shopping spree at SAKS Fifth Avenue, a visit to the “First Ladies Exhibit” at the Smithsonian, and in-room hairdressing services.
2. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The San Francisco Marriott Union Square has just launched the “Workspace by the Minute” program, which allows guests and non-guests to rent flexible work and meeting space by one-minute increments instead of having to rent it for a full day.
3. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Lindsay Lohan has been barred from all W hotels in New York after trashing yet another hotel room at the W New York – Union Square while partying.
4. FACT OR FAKEOUT? Martha Stewart recently stayed in a two-bedroom Fairway Villa at the Wynn Las Vegas, which features a private massage room and a private pool.
5. FACT OR FAKEOUT? The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach’s Polo in Paradise package includes a one-and-a-half-hour personalized polo class at the International Polo Club, a gourmet picnic, and Sunday brunch while watching a polo match from preferred veranda seating.
Check out the answers after the jump!
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Tagged as:
Fact or Fakeout,
Las Vegas,
Miami,
New York City,
Palm Beach,
San Francisco,
Washington
Some hotels go above and beyond to satisfy their guests’ every need. At a few of our favorite hotels, we’ve encountered everything from a Genealogy Butler in Ireland to a Nightlife Concierge in Miami. While some may label these services over-the-top, we can’t help but be a little excited about this new trend in all-out pampering. After all, the sommeliers, concierges, butlers, and psychics (yes, psychics!) of the hospitality world have some interesting insights for us once we tracked them down and got the skinny on just what goes on behind closed doors.
Dr. Pepper Schwartz
We recently sat down with Dr. Pepper Schwartz, the Romance Concierge at the Salish Lodge and Spa in Snoqualmie Valley. Located about 45 minutes outside of Seattle overlooking a gorgeous waterfall, the Salish is among the most romantic spots in the Pacific Northwest. It is only fitting, then, that the hotel goes the extra mile in catering to couples — especially with Valentine’s Day less than a month away! (Incidentally, the Salish is ready and waiting for the rush of couples — check out their “Month of Love” specials here.)
Dr. Pepper, a native of Snoqualmie Valley, has a PhD in Sociology from Yale University and is currently a professor at Washington University. Her work has been featured on The Today Show, Oprah, Good Morning America, and NPR. Dr. Pepper is also the Love and Relationship Expert for AARP and the Chief Relationship Expert for Perfectmatch.com, as well as the author of 17 books on romance and relationships. Thoroughly impressed? We are!
Perfect Places for Passion and Romance at Any Age, Dr. Pepper’s upcoming book (which features the Salish), will serve as a guide to the most romantic travel destinations across the globe. For her insights into romancing your special someone on vacation, read our full interview after the jump »
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Tagged as:
Oyster Q&A,
Romantic Hotels,
Washington
Views at this romantic resort are breathtaking.
The Salish Lodge & Spa, situated in a gorgeous spot overlooking the falls in Snoqualmie, is about a 40-minute drive from Seattle. The historic property originally opened with only eight rooms back in 1916, and continues to be a popular romantic getaway and wedding destination today. The restaurants feature beautiful views and the elegant spa has numerous signature treatments (including one with homemade honey!). Sexy rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and peek-a-boo bathrooms with two-person tubs, perfect for couples. The entire property has a soothing, rustic-luxe style; features such as stone fireplaces, stacked firewood, cashmere throws, bookcases, and warm, earth tones complement the outdoor scenery. And newlyweds can indulge in the lodge’s famous four-course breakfast before heading out to the many nearby outdoor activities.
All of this luxury comes at a price, and a daily resort fee on top seems excessive — but then, this lodge is one of the most romantic destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The Salish offers a variety of romance packages geared toward couples, which often include the services of a Bath Butler, chocolate lollipops with honey and cinnamon, champagne and keepsake flutes, and a copy of Dr. Pepper Schwartz’s Great Sex Weekend. Dr. Schwartz also happens to be the boutique hotel’s resident Romance Concierge, so if you want to plan anything special for your honeymoon, she’s the one to consult. Check out more honeymoon-inspired photos of the Salish Lodge & Spa after the jump » Read More »
Tagged as:
Destination Weddings,
Honeymoons,
Luxury Hotels,
Romantic Hotels,
Washington
by Jane on December 14, 2012
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 newest find: a view that’s too good to be true at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. See for yourself »
Tagged as:
D.C.,
Washington
