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China, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, the Philippines, Shanghai, Turkey. These days, there’s a whole lot more Mandarin Oriental to love (notwithstanding a very distinct gap in Southern California.)

And while LA might not yet be sporting just the right site for the future Mandarin Oriental, Los Angeles, the city IS an important feeder market for two other properties: Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

So much so that the general managers of both properties recently visited LA to talk luxury travel and more with area media and travel professionals.

So while SoCal fans of the fan wait for a Mandarin Oriental to call their own, what can they expect from their nearest MO neighbors? It seems the luxury brand is quite literally taking guests to new heights.

Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco

No doubt the San Francisco skyline might be one of the most gorgeous cityscapes of all times, and Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, located on the top 11 floors of San Francisco’s third-tallest building, has launched a new way to take in the view.

Now guests can convert the kinetic techno-energy of the city’s skyline into a lofty, calming experience with new Indian Summer Yoga Classes conducted on the property’s 40th floor Sky Deck.

Instructors teach a variety of yoga styles, such as the Vinyasa Flow Yoga for Strength, which focuses on linking body movement and breath, with a special emphasis on building strength.

The Yoga in the Sky Retreat package includes overnight accommodations, healthy breakfast for two at Brasserie S&P, two 45-minute Calm Mind treatment–featuring a signature head massage—and one yoga class on the Sky Deck, and is priced from $795 per night, plus tax and gratuities. Individual yoga classes on the Sky Deck, sans package pricing, are also available.
www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

More high-altitude hijinks are available with Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas in a new romance package that unfolds over the Las Vegas Strip.

I hear the cries of protest now. Yes, yes, helicopters rides ARE so 2013.

Not to worry, this journey soars over the city’s neon brilliance in an open-cockpit bi-plane, remodeled after a 1930’s Waco flyer.

A new romance package at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas includes an open-cockpit bi-plane ride over the Las Vegas strip.

The package also includes airport pick-up with complimentary champagne; your own personal romance concierge–Kiki De Montparnasse, who decorates your room with gifts that “celebrate intimacy”–an Art of Romance couples spa treatment; and a romantic four-course dinner for two in Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, with exhilarating views form the 23rd floor.

Available for a minimum two-night stay, the packages starts from $2,290. www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

More High-Flying News

It seems that Mandarin Oriental is even taking to the skies beyond North America. Travelers whose first class journeys take them between Europe and Asia this year will notice a sky-high appearance of Mandarin Oriental cuisine onboard select Cathay Pacific flights.

First class passengers travelling between Hong Kong and London through the end of the year will enjoy culinary offerings from one of two top Mandarin Oriental chefs.

Through Oct. 31, passengers will enjoy dishes created by Chef Uwe Opocensky, Michelin-starred Executive Chef at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014, passengers will enjoy a selection of dishes created by Dean Yasharian, Executive Chef at the acclaimed Bar Boulud at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Inflight Services Dominic Perret said: “Mandarin Oriental and Cathay Pacific are both home-grown Hong Kong brands that share many of the same attributes and have built an enviable reputation for service excellence.

We believe that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is a natural fit for us and I am sure our passengers will enjoy these fabulous creations.”

Read more: Spring Creek Ranch Unveils Wildlife Package

Three of the world’s longest land migrations happen in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, including the dramatic pathways forged by bighorn sheep during their explosive mating ritual of ramming one another and locking horns. 

This fall, Spring Creek Ranch, located in Jackson Hole Wyoming, has launched a new package, Bighorn Sheep and The Pathways of Migration, for guests who want an intimate view of this seasonal transition.

Teamed with a ranch naturalist, guests will delve into the delicate balance of life in this beautiful but fragile environment. Set against the grandeur of the Tetons; view elk, moose, eagles, mule deer, and possibly even wolves and bears converge on the Gros Ventre plains.

View the largest wintering herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in the world  while following in the footsteps of the Sheepeater Indians and their 4,000 year old petroglyphs.

On the weekends of November 13-16, 20-23 and 27-30, guests who book this package will join the largest herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in the world and follow the footsteps of the Sheepeater Indians, discovering 4,000 petroglyphs detailing the pathway of their seasonal migration, with the guidance and narration of Spring Creek Ranch’s Resident Naturalist Phoebe Stoner.

Guest can expect wild western adventure by day and luxury by night when they book the “Bighorn Sheep and the Pathways of Migration” package, which along with wildlife safaris and National Park tours, offers multiple 3-course gourmet meals at The Granary restaurant and deluxe hotel accommodations.

Package details:

• Welcome gift
• Daily breakfast at The Granary restaurant
• Welcome reception and orientation
• Naturalist-hosted, three-course meal at The Granary restaurant
• Full day Wildlife Escape Tour into Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge
• Lunch in one of Jackson’s delicious restaurants
• Full day Bighorn Sheep and Historic Petroglyph Tour
• Admission to the National Bighorn Sheep Center
• Admission into Grand Teton National Park
• All naturalist gratuities
• A final 3-course meal at The Granary restaurant

The package, which includes three nights in a Spring Creek Ranch deluxe hotel room, starts from $999.

Read more: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite Expansion Earns LEED Certification

Bighorn Sheep & The Pathways of Migration
www.springcreekranch.com

Ring in the New Year in true New York style at the brand new Hyatt Times Square New York, which has recently announced that it is accepting reservations starting Jan. 1, 2014.

The sleek 487-room Hyatt Times Square features spacious George Wong-designed rooms, which average 364 square feet each. The 54-story property has just 11 rooms on each floor for a comfortable, apartment-like atmosphere allowing guests to feel like they are experiencing true New York City-style living.

Each guest room features floor-to-ceiling windows and an eclectic collection of city-themed pop, minimalist and conceptual artwork.

Guests who book the Presidential Suite can also enjoy the glorious views of the Manhattan skyline from their own private terrace.

Connect with New York’s favorite watering holes and secret haunts by chatting up the in-the-know concierge, who promises to be eager to share local lore and favorite neighborhood spots.

The property also features a hip roof-top lounge, designed by SPAN Architecture, with stunning river-to-river views and cozy indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

A stylish George Wong-designed vintage diner will offer a vibrant setting as well as take-out food that can be ordered in person or by phone for pick up.

The hotel’s is home to an airy, state-of-the-art fitness center and 4,200-square-foot spa, the only hotel spa in the area, which includes a Blow Out Bar, manicure and pedicure stations, and couples treatment rooms.

Slated for a soft opening in October 2013, Hyatt Times Square New York will be housed at 135 West 45th Street in the heart of the Theater District and steps from Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the 6th Avenue business district.

Room rates start at $299 per night for a standard room based on single occupancy.

Read more: Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey Opens for Business

Hyatt Times Square New York
www.timessquare.hyatt.com

Pacifica Hotel Company, California’s largest independent hospitality company has announced the opening of their latest venture, the Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey.

Formerly the Marina International Hotel, the newly flagged and completely transformed Hilton Garden Inn underwent a massive eight-month renovation.

With 134 eclectic guestrooms housed in a collection of individual bungalows and small buildings, Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey offers a uniquely boutique experience.

For a deluxe California experience, one freestanding unit features a two-story layout with winding staircase and loft sitting room. Each guestroom features the brand’s Hilton Serta Perfect Sleeper with pristine linens.

Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and a complimentary state-of-the-art 24-hour business center features a remote printing system which allows wireless printing from any laptop or smart phone.

Marina Grill and Bar, an upscale-casual restaurant open to the public, offers a combination of beach eats and contemporary fare. Guests can start their day with a full-cooked-to-order breakfast featuring omelets, oatmeal, fruit, breads and the brand’s signature waffle.

Happy Hour runs daily from 4-7pm and includes small bites like Pan Fried Vegetable Potstickers and Grilled Fish Tacos. Dinner service and evening room service are also available.

Situated next to the scenic Marina Del Rey Harbor and Marina Beach, and conveniently located just a few miles from LAX airport, Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey is close to local attractions like Venice Beach, Fisherman’s Village, Ballona Wetlands and the Santa Monica Pier and such aquatic activities as kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and sailing.

Read more: Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs Set to Open October 4

Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey
310.301.2000
www.hilton.com

When the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs opens in Palm Spring on Oct. 4, 2013, the property will display an eclectic collection of rock memorabilia, including autographed guitars, costumes from world tours, rare photographs and original contracts from nearly every genre of music—used by such performers as Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake.

The property will also feature a unique lobby sculpture made of 500 recycled loud speakers and assorted electronic parts including amplifiers, radios, tuners and more. 

The interactive display, which will allow guests to “communicate” with music, was designed by popular Berlin-based artist Benoît Maubrey. In total, more than 75 items will be displayed throughout the new hotel, with the entire collection having been carefully chosen from the coveted “Rock Vault,”  Hard Rock International’s famed warehouse in Orlando, Florida that stores more than 74,000 prized possessions gathered from rock and roll greats.

“We can’t wait to show off our amazing collection,” says Hector Moreno, Vice President and General Manager for the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs.

“Our guests will get to see items from the biggest legends in musical history, as well as memorabilia from contemporary superstars like Maroon 5, Gwen Stefani, Rihanna, Shakira, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, and so many other incredible performers.” A few highlights from the extensive collection includes:

• Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards signed Danelectro guitar
• Original photos used in the artwork for the Who’s epic 1973 album, Quadrophenia
• A corduroy jacket owned and worn by the late, great Johnny Cash.
• A wool jacket worn by Frank Sinatra, as well as a supplement to his Capitol Records contract from April 1, 1953 that was signed by the Chairman himself, stipulating that he would always receive top billing on all record labels. Sinatra was a part time Palm Springs resident.
• A leather biker jacket once owned by Elvis, along with a badge given to the King by the Palm Springs Police Department making him an honorary Captain.
• A unique Vera Thordardottir outfit worn by Lady Gaga during her performance at Sir Elton John’s “White Tie and Tiara Ball” in 2010
• A stylish William Rast tuxedo jacket worn by Justin Timberlake in a 2008 “Fashion Rocks” photo shoot.
• A fringed outfit worn by Barbados-born pop sensation Rihanna in the video for her 2010 smash single “Only Girl (In the World)”
• A meticulously hand-crafted First Act guitar made especially for, and with the input of, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine who used it on stage.
• A Yamaha CB70 electric grand piano acquired by Chris Martin of Coldplay, who used it live as a composition tool and also in the video for “Shiver”
• A leather shirt from the personal wardrobe of Sly Stone, leader of Sly and the Family Stone
• A custom suit tailored for Sammy Davis, Jr. who once owned a home in Palm Springs
• A fringed jacket from the 1960’s belonging to Jimi Hendrix, the most influential electric guitarist of all time
• Bruce Springsteen’s lyrics to “Hearts of Stone” – never released – with his handwritten annotations
• Eric Clapton’s vintage National Studio 66 guitar
• A fringed vest worn by the first lady of country music, Loretta Lynn

Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs is a luxury resort located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, California.

Upon completion, the property will feature 163 guest rooms, a lively pool scene, dining, entertainment and special events.

Additional music-related amenities will include a VIP Rock Star Suite, a Rock Spa®, a Body Rock® workout facility, and the world-famous Rock Shop® featuring Hard Rock’s iconic, collectible merchandise. Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs www.HRHPalmSprings.com

Read more: Bicycling Paradise to Open in Blue Ridge Mountains

Hotel Domestique, a new, contemporary boutique hotel near Traveler’s Rest, SC, has started accepting reservations for its opening on Sept.. 9, 2013.

“Late summer and early fall are incredible seasons in the Blue Ridge Mountains,” said Hotel Domestique’s General Manager and Sommelier, Richard Jardin. “We look forward to welcoming our first guests to experience Hotel Domestique.”

The hotel’s scenic setting makes it a perfect choice for outdoor adventurers who can enjoy hiking, fishing, golf and horseback riding in such nearby areas as Caesars Head State Park, Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, and Table Rock State Park.

Bike Riding with George Hincapie
Surrounded by scenic roads that wind their way through the picturesque landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hotel Domestique will primarily cater to bicycling aficionados.

Co-owner George Hincapie, who competed in the Tour de France 17 times, used to train in the area, and has now developed comprehensive bike programs for the hotel.

Guests can book cycling packages, led by Hincapie himself, or take advantage of weekly women’s, beginner, and general rides led by experienced riders. Cycling and triathlon clinics and training camps will also be offered throughout the year.

The property features a small bike shop with an on-site mechanic, BMC road and mountain bikes rentals, and mapped ride routes around the region.

Complete Renovation
The completely remodeled property, formerly named La Bastide, is located in a serene, hilltop setting, and features 13 intimate rooms.

Upon entering the hotel guests are greeted by sweeping views of the rolling countryside. An on-site library with oversized fireplace offers a quiet pocket for intimate conversation, and the expansive outdoor patio, complete with a new pool, are surrounded by lush landscaping.

Each of the 13 guestrooms features French doors/windows that open to scenic views, and many include a patio and fireplace.

Restaurant 17
Hotel Domestique’s Restaurant 17 is set amongst the vineyards surrounding the property.

Executive Chef Adam Cooke will draw on local sources for the majority of ingredients, reworking dishes to adapt to the South’s fast-changing growing season with menu items such as elk carpaccio with blood orange, horseradish and pea shoots, or rabbit meatballs with peas, sage and wild leeks.

An extensive wine program developed by GM and Sommelier Jardin will complement culinary offerings.

Read more: Como Hotels & Resorts to Open Miami Beach Location in December 2013

Hotel Domestique
www.hoteldomestique.com

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced the opening of a new Texas hotel, the Hotel Van Zandt, located in Austin’s historic Rainey Street District.  

Slated for an early 2015 opening, the 16-story boutique hotel will feature 322 guest rooms, more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space, a yet-to-be-named restaurant, and a pool deck and bar.

Located at the intersection of Red River and Davis Streets in the heart of the Rainey District’s thriving nightlife scene, the Hotel Van Zandt will be located minutes from the convention centre and many other popular downtown Austin attractions.

“Austin is not just the state capitol and location of the University of Texas, but also the heart of a booming live music scene and the epicenter of a thriving technology sector. It’s a perfect fit for our guest-centric, fun and slightly irreverent brand, and a city we’ve been eager to enter with the right opportunity for a while,” said Kimpton CEO Mike Depatie.

Hotel Van Zandt joins Kimpton’s two existing hotels in Dallas (Kimpton’s Hotel Lumen and its Hotel Palomar Dallas) as well as the Pearl Hotel slated to open in in San Antonio next year.

Hotel Van Zandt is the company’s seventh announced addition to its portfolio this year, a line up which includes developments in Savannah, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Palm Springs, Sedona and Grand Cayman.

Read more: Room With a View: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Kimpton Hotels
www.KimptonHotels.com

Nothing says autumn in New York quite like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

But if you’re not ready to fight the crowds and are looking for something a little more intimate, take heart. The newly opened Refinery Hotel, a turn-of-the-century hat factory turned luxury hotel located in New York City’s Fashion District, has some of the parade views, and a few spaces are still available.

Whether you’re looking for Snoopy, Mickey Mouse or Kermit the Frog, the Refinery Hotels, which overlooks 6th Avenue, provides viewing, napping and in-room dining at your leisure, all while avoiding the crowds and New York’s tricky late autumn weather.

About the Refinery Hotel

The 12-story Refinery Hotel opened in New York’s Fashion District this May. Originally built in 1912 as a high-end millinery factory and tea salon, Refinery’s 197 rooms feature loft-like settings with custom furniture, original artwork, industrial-chic design, 12-foot high ceilings and Frette linens.

The property includes a premium, upscale restaurant and bar, lobby lounge, and a stunning 3,500-square-foot indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge, where guests can enjoy food and drinks while taking in stunning views of the Empire State Building.

The building, formerly called the Colony Arcade, will span the entire block of 38th to 39th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Its Neo-Gothic arches and windows are surrounded by nostalgic sculptural accents.

Today, the space has been revitalised with subtle riffs on period details and clever nods to the Colony’s history, like the lobby bar called Winnie’s, an original (and presumably hat-wearing) tenant.

Even the hotel’s uniforms are inspired by the past. Resembling a traditional factory worker uniform, the outfits have a modern high-fashion flair including G-Star jeans, chambray shirts, suspenders, black ties, and custom pins inspired by hat making tools.

“Our design is part history and part inspiration,” explains Christina Zimmer, with Stonehill & Taylor principal designers of the lobby and rooftop bar.  “We thought about how the original tenants lived and worked.  We considered everything, the owner of the tea room and the fashions of the ladies who lunched.”

Refinery Hotel intends to remain connected to New York’s art, fashion, and cultural scenes. The hotel will transform its loading dock into “hatbox,” a raw, industrial gallery space, which will serve as the perfect venue for creative programming.

The space will provide a versatile setting, and a prime location to facilitate exceptionally unique displays and events.

Read more: Lady Luck is Grand in Downtown Las Vegas

2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Now in its 87th year the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season on Thursday, Nov. 28 at 9 a.m.

More than 8,000 participants will set down the streets of Manhattan. Against a backdrop of more than 3.5 million spectators and more than 50 million viewers nationwide, this year’s Macy’s Parade’s will features 15 giant character balloons; 37 large- scale, novelty/ornament balloons, balloonicles, balloonheads and trycaloons; 30 floats; 1,600 cheerleaders and dancers; 900 clowns; 11 marching bands; and a host of celebrity performers.

Rooms at the Refinery Hotel start at $366 per night

Refinery Hotel New York
www.refineryhotelnewyork.com

The resurgence of Downtown Las Vegas, which is rapidly becoming known as a trendy place to eat, sleep and drink, has continued with the Nov. 12 opening of the new Downtown Grand Las Vegas, a 634-property that once bore the moniker Lady Luck.

The property’s 634 hotel rooms are located in two towers—the 18-story Casino Tower and 25-story Grand Tower; and the stylish space also includes 25,000 square feet of gaming, with nearly 600 brand-new slot machines, 30 table games and a sports book.

With its opening, Downtown Grand increases the dining options in downtown Las Vegas, including the Stewart + Ogden diner bistro, a three-meal restaurant featuring a menu designed by award-winning restaurateurs Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla.

Red Mansion Chinese Restaurant and MOB Bar, a downtown favorite, has reopened inside the property with a larger location that features increased seating and a stage for live music. 

A hotel highlight will be Picnic, a rooftop retreat with an infinity pool, private cabanas, a fire pit, and a large, full-service restaurant and bar, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2014.

Located at 3rd Street and East Ogden Avenue, Downtown Grand is a pivotal component in the renaissance of the downtown are, which has been the focus of public and private investment in order to create a more vibrant environment for tourists, businesses, and residents. 

Recent new attractions such as the Mob Museum and businesses including the corporate headquarters of Zappos have sparked additional interest and investment in the area.

CIM Group, known for their development of the trend Hollywood & Highland area in Los Angeles, led the redevelopment of the hotel, which is located in the emerging dining and entertainment district just steps away from the Fremont Street Experience.

Downtown Grand is the first investment in Las Vegas for CIM, who also partnered with the city of Las Vegas to create a destination retail center surrounding nearby the Mob Museum.

Read more: Marriott Opens North America’s Tallest Hotel

Downtown Grand Las Vegas
www.downtowngrand.com