The Las Vegas Strip will welcome The Cromwell, the strip’s first standalone luxury lifestyle boutique hotel and casino, this spring.
Luxury Boutique The Cromwell to Open on Las Vegas Strip
With a prime location at Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard, one of the busiest intersections of the Las Vegas Strip, the hotel will feature 188 rooms and suites, a 40,000 square foot casino, hotel lobby bar, lounge, restaurant by Giada De Laurentiis and day and nightlife venues by Victor Drai.
The Cromwell will blend vintage with modern, drawing inspiration from the Coste Hotel in Paris with black Parisian-style awnings and gold fixtures adorning the windows.
The lobby is reminiscent of a parlor from the past, and bookshelves adorned with leather bound books clad the walls.
Giada De Laurentiis’ self-titled restaurant, Giada, will offer al fresco dining and a beautiful exhibition kitchen showcasing fresh pastas being made daily by hand and a signature antipasto bar, the first such offering on the Strip.
Victor Drai, nightlife innovator behind some of the most memorable nightlife experiences, will launch the renowned Drai’s After Hours, which will also introduce a dazzling rooftop pool, day club and nightlife venue.
Just in time for spring break, a new beach retreat has opened in Oceanside, Calif. Located just one block from the Oceanside pier, the new 149-room SpringHill Suites San Diego features panoramic ocean views and a coastal vibe.
Surf-Inspired SpringHill Suites San Diego Opens in Oceanside
The stylish, surf-inspired retreat is located within walking distance of the beach, Oceanside harbor and the shops, restaurants, museums and activities offered in downtown Oceanside.
Guests also enjoy convenient access to such area attractions as Camp Pendleton, Mission San Luis Rey, Legoland California and the San Diego Zoo.
San Diego’s newest property was carefully designed to reflect Oceanside’s relaxed beach culture. Adding to the beach-house theme, a custom-curated collection of surf- and ocean-inspired artwork by Southern California artists hangs throughout the property.
A giant living wall mimicking wave patterns serves as a backdrop to a first-floor indoor/outdoor lounge area with a fire pit. Guests are also invited to relax at the rooftop pool or the second-floor view deck, complete with a fireplace and cozy seating.
Complimentary hot breakfast is served daily, and for lunch or dinner, visitors can dine at Hello Betty, a unique fish house concept by restaurateur, Peter Karpinski that is located adjacent to the hotel. In the lobby, the Market offers convenient 24/7 access to snacks and beverages.
For those who seek a car-free “green getaway,” the property is just two blocks from Oceanside train station, which is serviced by both Amtrak and San Diego’s local Coaster.
Through the end of May, visitors can enjoy 20 per cent off the best available rates. Guests must book online by May 31, 2014, and use promotional code NEW. (Some blackout dates may apply ,and the deal cannot be booked via phone.)
The shores of Lake Tahoe will welcome the first fire-star luxury resort this December.
The 88-room Landing Resort & Spa will provide guests with an intimate connection with the lake, including lake-view rooms, decks and patios, and private beach access for guests.
The Landing Resort & Spa Opens on Lake Tahoe
Warmth and light are key design features throughout the resort: all rooms have fireplaces, the lobby has an oversized stone-faced fireplace, outdoor fire pits on a lakeside patio outside the new Jimmy’s Restaurant serve as a gathering spot for guests with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe, and the resort is lit with romantic gas lamps.
Additional resort amenities include a large wine cellar featuring a special selection of 250 labels from around the world, a backlit onyx-walled bar, outdoor pool and hot tub, a state-of-the-art fitness centre with steam showers, and a lake-view meeting room and boardroom.
Complimentary amenities include valet service, business center, high-speed WiFi and internet connections. Seasonal amenities include complimentary “town cruiser” bicycles and free ski storage, ski valet and boot warmers.
Jimmy’s Restaurant, constructed and opening with the hotel, serves wood-fired Greek seafood and locally sourced California cuisine and includes private dining alcoves with fireplaces for a luxuriously intimate experience.
The Landing’s full-service spa and hair salon offers customised spa treatments using organic and natural botanicals, including sports-specific treatments perfect for guests enjoying outdoor activities on the lake or in the mountains.
The spa also includes a sauna, steam room, special couple’s room and relaxing Spa Sanctuary serving a selection of detoxifying teas
Located adjacent to Lake Tahoe’s Lakeside Beach, The Landing Resort & Spa provides private beach access for guests. To ensure the perfect vantage point for capturing the famous views, The Landing also boasts a 3,600-square-foot rooftop deck, perfect for parties, weddings and events.
The resort is within walking distance to the golf, outdoor concerts, nightlife, dining and shopping opportunities of South Lake Tahoe.
Just three blocks from Heavenly Village and Gondola, Village Centre and gaming casinos, The Landing provides complimentary local transportation via Mercedes Sprinter to South Lake Tahoe hot spots.
Travellers looking to capitalise on Florida’s scenic natural setting, while getting away from the hubbub of the larger resort destinations, have a new option in Streamsong, Florida.
Located on 16,000 natural acres, the new 216-room, luxury Streamsong Lodge, which opened earlier this month, is located miles away from Florida’s theme park resorts.
“Our mission at Streamsong is to redefine what guests, particularly golfers from all over the world, should expect from a luxury resort,” said Richard Mogensen, Streamsong’s general manager.
Streamsong guests can enjoy critically-acclaimed golf, world-class bass fishing, a sporting clays facility, a unique grotto-style spa, exceptional food offerings, stunning vistas, and plenty of wildlife in an all-natural Florida setting.
Award-winning architect Alberto Alfonso designed Streamsong’s Lodge to showcase and celebrate the property’s natural location, and guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass which provide unobstructed views of the property’s lakes and surroundings.
Streamsong guests can enjoy the property’s setting by strolling along a tranquil nature trail while watching for local birds and wildlife.
Or they can test their aim at the resort’s sporting clays facility; sample the prolific bass fishing lakes; and take a dip in the lakeside infinity pool.
Even the spa draws inspiration from the setting. AcquaPietra, a 7,000-square-foot grotto-style spa with seven unique pool experiences and nine treatment rooms, was designed to represent the prehistoric seas that once covered the region.
Golfers can experience two award-winning golf courses, Streamsong Red, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and Streamsong Blue, designed by Renaissance Golf Design (Tom Doak). The courses were recently ranked as the 12th and 14th best resort courses in the United States by Golfweek.com.
Three restaurants are located on site, including SottoTerra serving Italian cuisine and P2O5 with a menu that is influenced by traditional Floridian comfort food.
Fragmentary Blue, the Lodge’s rooftop lounge, serves pub-style small plates and provides the perfect spot for incomparable sunrise and sunset viewing and stargazing.
Located between Orlando and Tampa, Streamsong is convenient to two international airports and six regional airports.
Planning a road trip to America’s top ballparks this summer? Be sure to make a stop at The Verb hotel, an edgy new look at a classic mid-century modern motor hotel.
The Verb hotel will open this summer in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood // (c) 2014 The Verb Hotel
The Verb hotel, which re-imagines the historic Fenway Motor Hotel, serves as a pop-culture museum of sorts, paying tribute to the key role Boston played in hosting influential artistic, musical and cultural talents.
Music and pop-culture memorabilia that reflect Boston’s heritage adorn the public spaces, including historic Boston Phoenix covers and photographs of musicians who performed locally or appeared on WFNX, Boston’s famed classic rock station.
Opening summer 2014, The Verb hotel will provide a hip-casual hangout in the midst of the vibrant, spirited Fenway neighborhood.
“The Verb reflects the energy, music and attitude that are at the heart of the Fenway neighbourhood,” said General Manager Anna Gaffney. “The Verb’s place in history, its experiences and subsequent stories to tell, make this a spot like no other.”
Samuel’s & Associates, the developers behind the project, have launched many of Fenway’s newest residential, retail and commercial spaces.
“We saw a real opportunity to create something unique in this space, while respecting the independent spirit of the local community, building on the arts culture in Fenway and delivering real hospitality in a world that moves too fast,” said Steve Samuels, Chairman and Principal of Samuels & Associates. “The Verb will be a distinctive destination and experience for locals, tourists and business travellers alike.”
The Verb will feature 94 guest rooms, all at an affordable luxe price point. An outdoor pool and surrounding pool deck give the property a unique edge. Signature cocktails and bar bites will be served at the outdoor pool and in the lobby area.
The Verb hotel is set to open in summer 2014, and reservations will be accepted starting April 1, 2014.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced that it will develop a 900-room InterContinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California. The luxury hotel will be the centrepiece of the Wilshire Grand project, a $1.1 billion development by Korean Air and Hanjin Group.
Once completed, the property will be the largest InterContinental hotel in the Americas region. The 73-story, 1,100-foot-tall development is set to be the tallest building in the western United States, providing unobstructed 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Currently under construction, the development will house the InterContinental hotel as well as offices and retail space, and is set to open in 2017.
The first hotel to be built by Korean Air in the U.S., the Wilshire Grand property will feature 900 guestrooms located on floors 31 through 69, while the lower seven stories of the building will house business and convention facilities, including 370,000 square feet of office space.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will develop a 900-room InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in downtown Los Angeles, California. // (c) 2014 AC Martin
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will develop a 900-room InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in downtown Los Angeles, California. // (c) 2014 AC Martin
The new property will reflect the four ecological typologies of Los Angeles while also embracing the laid-back sophistication of the city. The natural wood and warm colors in the building will reflect the city’s beach culture while the hotel’s sky lobby–located on the 70th floor, and the first sky lobby on the west coast–will incorporate Los Angeles’ car culture into the design through abstract representations of car lines into the internal paneling and décor.
The Wilshire Grand will also have tailor-made facilities to offer a special experience for its guests. The upper part of the building will be a dome, inspired by the shape of an airplane, and the banquet room will feature glass doors for guests to overlook the panoramic view of the garden. Moreover, windows in the guest rooms can be opened to allow customers to fully enjoy the pleasant weather of LA.
“We are delighted to have InterContinental Hotels & Resorts join our Korean Air family of hotels,” said Heather Cho, vice president of Hanjin International Corp. “The InterContinental brand is well-respected by world travellers and embodies the luxury experience we intend to provide at the Wilshire Grand.”
From its humble beginnings in 1945, Hanjin and Korean Air have become one of the largest logistics and travel/hospitality companies in the world, including the largest Asian airline in Los Angeles. The InterContinental brand began just a year later in 1946 and has grown to more than 180 hotels globally, with an additional 51 additional hotels in its development pipeline. InterContinental® Hotels & Resortswww.ihg.com/intercontinental
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that it will open one of its leading-edge Aloft brand properties in Louisville, Kentucky.
Scheduled to open in April 2015 in the city’s central business district, the new-build Aloft hotel will feature 167 loft-like rooms, forward-thinking technology and a vibrant, social atmosphere.
“The Aloft brand in a terrific match for the lively city of Louisville and will likely attract savvy travellers and young professionals with its urban design and live music offerings,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood.
The property will feature the brand’s signature W XYZ bar, with programming that includes a lineup of local, emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands scheduled through Live at Aloft Hotels programming. Other facilities include the Splash pool, 24-hour fitness centre and 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Owned by REI Real Estate Services, LLC and Poe Companies, LLC, and managed by White Lodging Services Corporation, Aloft Louisville Downtown will be located walking distance to the KFC Yum! Center, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Waterfront Park and the shops, dining and entertainment at the Fourth Street Live complex.
With more than 75 hotels in 14 countries around the world, Starwood’s Aloft brand delivers a fresh approach to the traditional hotel landscape. Aloft recently announced that select properties will roll out Keyless Check-In, allowing guests to use their smartphones to check in to the hotel and open their guestroom door.
This follows on the heels of Smart Check-In, the first mobile check-in using RFID technology to truly bypass the front desk available at 14 Aloft properties.
There’s magic in the air when New York Burger Week rolls around.
Maybe it’s the sizzling aroma that escapes every open doorway, or maybe it’s just the city doing what it does best—transforming comfort food into a celebration.
Either way, as someone who’s eaten burgers from Buenos Aires to Bangkok, I knew I had to dive mouth-first into the madness. And oh, what a delicious journey it was.
Let me take you on a personal tour of 10 unforgettable burgers that defined my experience during the NY Burger Week. Whether you love them smashed, stacked, or steeped in steakhouse tradition—there’s something here to make your inner foodie sparkle.
Top 10 Must-Try Burgers from New York Burger Week – Quick Guide
#
Restaurant
Burger Name / Style
Highlights
Location
1
Minetta Tavern
Black Label Burger
Dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, upscale brioche bun
Greenwich Village
2
Bill’s Bar & Burger
Classic Cheeseburger
American cheese, lettuce, comfort-food vibes
Multiple Locations
3
Black Iron Burger
Smash Burger
Crispy edges, juicy thin patty, East Village cool
East Village
4
Peter Luger Steak House
Steakhouse Burger (Lunch Only)
Legendary dry-aged beef, minimalist perfection
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
5
Red Hook Tavern
Dry-Aged Tavern Burger
Juicy thick patty, hidden gem status
Red Hook, Brooklyn
6
7th Street Burger
Signature Burger
Casual, satisfying, great for late-night bites
East Village
7
The Spotted Pig
Roquefort Cheese Burger
Funky blue cheese, classic NYC gastropub
West Village (Note: Check if reopened)
8
4 Charles Prime Rib
Lux Steak Burger
Prime beef, indulgent, candle-lit atmosphere
West Village
9
Sage Bistro Moderne
Bistro Burger
Gourmet toppings, truffle fries, French bistro style
Long Island
10
Hamburger America
Fried Onion Burger
Crispy onions smashed into patty, nostalgic diner vibes
Lower East Side
#1. Minetta Tavern – The Black Label Legend
My first stop was the storied Minetta Tavern, tucked between Greenwich Village nostalgia and modern NYC flair. Their Black Label Burger isn’t just a meal—it’s a rite of passage. The patty, made with a proprietary dry-aged beef blend, is incredibly juicy with a complex, almost nutty richness.
Topped simply with caramelized onions and nestled into a soft brioche bun, this burger whispers elegance in every bite.
Local Tip: Go early or make a reservation—this place is no secret.
#2. Bill’s Bar & Burger – Comfort in Every Bite
Next, I swung by Bill’s Bar & Burger, the kind of place that feels like a cozy hug from a city that never stops moving.
Their burgers don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they perfect it. With crisp lettuce, melted American cheese, and a thick patty cooked just right, it’s the burger I didn’t know I was craving until the first bite.
Personal Note: I devoured mine with a classic milkshake. No regrets.
#3. Black Iron Burger – The Smash Hit
In the East Village, Black Iron Burger brought the crispy edge. Their smash burgers are grilled to perfection—thin, juicy patties with crackly, caramelized bits that burst with flavor.
I sat at the bar and watched them press each patty like a ritual, the aroma filling the air with anticipation.
Travel Glitter Tip: Ask for extra pickles. Trust me.
#4. Peter Luger Steak House – Where Steak Meets Bun
Even legends like Peter Luger step into burger territory during lunch hours. Their burger, made from the same revered dry-aged beef as their steaks, is minimalist heaven.
No cheese, no fluff—just pure beef glory. Sitting in this old-school Brooklyn steakhouse felt like being part of New York culinary history.
Fun Fact: They only serve this burger at lunch. Plan accordingly!
#5. Red Hook Tavern – The Hidden Gem
Brooklyn’s Red Hook Tavern may be a trek, but oh, is it worth it. Their burger is a thick, juicy dream, and the dry-aged beef flavor lingers long after the last bite.
It’s everything you want in a classic burger—nothing more, nothing less, and absolutely perfect.
Monica’s Note: Pair it with their shoestring fries and a cold beer. Instant bliss.
#6. 7th Street Burger – The Anytime Crowd Pleaser
At 7th Street Burger, things feel casual and fun—like discovering your favorite dive bar also makes a killer burger. The menu offers several solid choices, but I stuck with their signature.
Unpretentious and flavorful, it’s the kind of burger that satisfies whether you’re nursing a hangover or just wandering the city.
Vibe Check: Great for a spontaneous burger fix.
#7. The Spotted Pig – A True New York Classic
There’s a reason The Spotted Pig keeps popping up on every “must-eat” list. Their classic American burger is rich, bold, and just indulgent enough.
It’s topped with Roquefort cheese, which adds a funky creaminess I didn’t expect to love—but did.
Cultural Tidbit: This was one of NYC’s first gastropubs. You can taste the legacy.
#8. 4 Charles Prime Rib – The Lux Burger
If you like your burgers with a side of opulence, 4 Charles Prime Rib is your spot. Their burger is basically a love letter to steak lovers.
Juicy, thick, and served in a candle-lit dining room that oozes charm, this is the kind of meal you linger over.
Reservation Tip: Book early—it’s small and wildly popular.
#9. Sage Bistro Moderne – For the Fancy Foodies
Now, if you like your burgers dressed up, Sage Bistro Moderne offers a bistro-style burger that feels like dining at a French café.
The patty is tender, layered with gourmet toppings, and served with truffle fries. Oui, please!
Monica’s Reflection: Sometimes you want a little sophistication with your side of ketchup.
#10. Hamburger America – A Bite of Nostalgia
Last but not least, Hamburger America delivered a burger that felt like it came straight out of a vintage diner. Their Fried Onion Burger has crispy bits of onion smashed right into the patty.
Each bite had the perfect crunch-meets-juiciness ratio. Simple, nostalgic, unforgettable.
Did You Know? This spot is inspired by a film and book that documents America’s great burger joints!
Final Thoughts from the Grill
New York Burger Week wasn’t just about burgers—it was about stories, traditions, and the way food brings people together. Each place had its own vibe, its own rhythm, and its own take on the all-American classic.
So if you’re ever in NYC during Burger Week (or really, any week), skip the same old spots and take your taste buds on a tour. Follow the glitter—it’ll lead you somewhere delicious.
There’s something magical about New York in May—the sun’s a little warmer, the sidewalks buzz a little louder, and if you’re lucky, you might just find yourself in the middle of the juiciest celebration the city has to offer: New York Burger Week.
As someone who’s eaten burgers on rooftops, in dive bars, and even one handed to me by a guy in a Chewbacca costume (more on that in a minute), I can tell you this isn’t your average food week. This is seven glorious days of creativity, community, and more beef patties than you can count. Let me take you through the events that made this week one for the books.
The Burger Feast at Hudson Common: A Kickoff You Can Sink Your Teeth Into
From the moment I stepped into Hudson Common, I knew Burger Week wasn’t messing around. The energy was infectious—live beats from Lily Vanilli spilled into the air, mixing with the sizzling scent of burgers being flipped just a few feet away.
Each corner was packed with NYC’s finest burger artisans. I devoured a juicy stack from Hard Time Sundaes and then chased it with a smoky bite from Black Iron Burger. And the beer? Perfectly chilled pours from Kelso Beer Co., each one paired to match a different burger’s flavor profile. My tastebuds were in heaven.
Travel Tip: Come hungry and pace yourself—there’s a lot of meat to love.
Burgers for Barkers: Burgers, Booze & Big Hearts
I’ll be honest—this one tugged at the heartstrings. Outside NY Distilling Co, I joined a cheerful crowd huddled around the Hard Time Sundaes truck, scarfing down free burgers while dropping cash donations into a big, friendly-looking tip jar.
The cause? New York Bully Crew, a nonprofit saving pit bulls and other misunderstood pups. Inside, The Shanty served up local spirits, while happy faces toasted to doing good with every bite. The burger was melt-in-your-mouth perfect, but the real reward? Knowing it was helping dogs find loving homes.
Boozy Burger Brunch at Beer Culture: Where Flavour Met Firewater
Brunch took a boozy, beefy twist at Beer Culture. The trio of mini burgers from Schweid & Sons—each crafted with a different beef blend—were a juicy education in meat mastery. My personal favorite? The prime chuck patty, hands down.
Each burger was paired with a craft beer or whiskey (I went the whiskey route—bold move before noon, but no regrets). With reps from Two Roads Brewing and Heaven Hill guiding us through each tasting, this brunch was all about discovery—and indulgence.
Star Wars Night at Pounds & Ounces: May the Burger Be With You
Lightsabers. Leia buns. Wagyu beef. I swear I walked into another galaxy.
Pounds & Ounces turned into a burger-loving Mos Eisley for a Star Wars-themed night. I chomped down on a Kobe-Wan Waygu Burger while watching Empire Strikes Back under soft neon. Bonus points for the Dark & Storm Troopery cocktail, which packed more punch than the Millennium Falcon at hyperspeed.
The best part? Fans dressed in full costume, competing for a Schweid & Sons apron and a $100 gift card. I didn’t win, but I did take home a Darth Vader-themed burger napkin I’ll probably keep forever.
Blind Burger Tasting at Genuine Superette: A Flavorful Mystery
Ever eaten a burger blindfolded? I have now.
At Genuine Superette, we were handed three mystery burgers and challenged to guess which was made with standard beef, Schweid & Sons’ prime chuck, and their super-secret blend. The flavors were bold and the guessing? Surprisingly hard!
I only got two out of three right, but I left with a full belly and a newfound respect for what a quality beef blend can do.
Beer Burger Dinner at Beer Authority: Elevated Comfort Food
By the time we hit Beer Authority, I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another burger. But three gourmet creations from Chef Louis changed my mind fast.
Each off-menu burger came with a carefully matched Allagash beer, plus crispy fries and tangy fried pickles on the side. It felt upscale and casual all at once—the kind of event where you clink glasses with strangers and talk about your favorite buns like old friends.
Bubbles & Burgers at New York Burger Co.: The Grand Finale
The week wrapped with a little sparkle—literally.
Inside New York Burger Co., I enjoyed a multi-course burger tasting where every dish came paired with bubbly—from dry Prosecco to rich Champagne. Each sip was designed to enhance the burger’s unique profile. My favorite? A tangy blue cheese burger paired with a fruity Rosé Sparkling that balanced every bite.
Between the elegant setup, the live music, and the knowledgeable hosts from Baron Francis, it was a gourmet sendoff that reminded me just how diverse and joyful burger culture can be.
Final Thoughts
New York Burger Week isn’t just a celebration of meat and buns—it’s a love letter to creativity, community, and the joy of food. It’s where chefs let loose, fans geek out, and strangers bond over their shared obsession with burgers.
If you’re in New York in May, do not miss it. I’ll be there again next year—napkin in hand, appetite ready, and heart full of burger joy.
Ready to plan your Burger Week adventure? Stay tuned to Travel Glitter for more tasty guides and travel-inspired food journeys.
Ever since Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant–and Harry and Sally–used the Empire State Building as the site to reaffirm their enduring love, sweeping nighttime views of Manhattan have become synonymous with romance itself.
Now the Z NYC Hotel has launched a new way to combine romance and city views.
The hotel’s Rooftop Picnic Package allows guests to picnic in style, on a stunning 5,000-square-foot rooftop, with breathtaking views overlooking Manhattan.
From its Long Island location, the 14-story Z NYC Hotel offers distinctive views of the city’s skyline, especially in the morning, when the skyscrapers glow with the rays of the eastern sun.
The Rooftop Picnic Package includes:
Accommodations in a Queen Room with a view
Picnic setup for two on the hotel’s rooftop, Z Roof
Picnic basket packed with a delectable meal
Assortment of games to play while picnicking
Rates for the Rooftop Picnic Package start at $225/night excluding tax and gratuity, and the package is through Oct. 1, 2013.
The Z NCY Hotel, originally a warehouse until 1996, opened in 2011 amidst the hip food outlets, shops, galleries and sculpture studios that comprise Long Island.
Each of its 100 guest rooms feature panoramic views, and the roof is the perfect spot to watch the myriad fireworks displays that take place all year long.
The Z NYC Hotel is a quick 10 minute cab ride, or one subway stop over the river on the 7 train, and complimentary shuttle service is provided every hour.
