Category: Hotel

Ready to propose, but looking for an over-the-top way to grab your sweetie’s attention?

How about popping the question from the field of the famed Rose Bowl Stadium, while the 40-piece Pasadena Symphony Orchestra plays a private serenade?

It’s no problem, with the new “Proposal of the Century” package, recently rolled out by the Langham Huntington, Pasadena. Both the hotel and the famed Rose Bowl Game, watched by millions every January, celebrate their 100th anniversary this year.

The package, which starts at $100,000, includes:

• Private and exclusive use of The Rose Bowl Stadium, allowing the guest(s) to “Pop the Question” directly on the field.  The couple may invite up to 40 friends and family to witness the moment.
• A private serenade for the participating couple, presented by the 40-piece Pasadena Symphony Orchestra, and performed directly on the Rose Bowl field.
• A  hand crafted, custom-designed engagement ring featuring a 2.50 carat cushion-cut diamond with a total retail value of $35,000 by Single Stone, located in nearby San Marino, California.  A customized stone upgrade is offered as a separate option.
• Use of the Rose Bowl video message board to illuminate a personal “Marry Me” message and/or photo collage of the couple during their private engagement experience at the Stadium.
• An engagement photographer and videographer to document the proposal experience.
• Chauffeur-driven transportation between the Rose Bowl Stadium and The Langham Huntington, Pasadena via Bentley Flying Spur sedan.
• A two-night stay in The Langham Huntington’s 3,200-square-foot Tournament of Roses Presidential Suite.
• In-suite VIP amenities including a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Rose Brut Millesime Champagne, 100 long-stemmed roses from Passion Growers – providers of the Official Rose of the Rose Bowl and the Rose Bowl Stadium, chocolate-covered strawberries, a pair of monogrammed Langham bathrobes, and fresh rose petals sprinkled throughout the suite.
• A romantic four-course dining experience with wine pairings provided by The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse, presented either in-room or in the restaurant’s exclusive Red Wine Room.
• Daily breakfast for two, in-room or at The Terrace.
• A dedicated Langham Engagement Coordinator to assist in planning everything from the gala marriage  proposal to the entire romantic getaway, from start to finish.

Although the Proposal of the Century was launched to coincide with Valentine’s Day, it will be offered through Dec. 29, 2014.

Read more: Best Western Denver Southwest Unveils Dinosaur Theme

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
http://pasadena.langhamhotels.com.

Visitors to Denver can enjoy a Jurassic night’s sleep, thanks to a $4 million prehistoric makeover at the Best Western Denver Southwest.

The 112-room hotel in Lakewood, Colo. has been transformed into part hotel and  part natural history museum with a tribute to all things dinosaur.

“We wanted this to be a one of a kind, immersive experience that feels like you’ve entered an old explorer’s club and a storied natural history museum,” said Best Western Denver Southwest Co-owner Greg Tally.

Outside the property visitors are greeted by a life-sized stegosaurus statue named Stanley, which serves as the hotel’s official mascot.

The dino is a nod to nearby Dinosaur Ridge, where the world’s first stegosaurus was discovered, which continues to be an active site where fossils are still being unearthed. 

Throughout the hotel interior, visitors will encounter dinosaur skulls, interactive fossil tables, classic dinosaur artwork and fun facts about the study of dinosaurs.

To ensure scientific integrity in the design, the Tally’s partnered with paleontology experts from across the country, including several from the nearby Morrison Natural History Museum.

To create a classic museum feel, millworkers pulled pieces from an early 20th century bank lobby and used them to rebuild the hotel lobby with an antique fireplace, mahogany and pine paneling and louvered glass bookcases.

The space is complemented by a marble floor, overstuffed leather furniture and a coffee table created from a vintage steam trunk.

“The renovations at the Best Western Denver Southwest really epitomize the independent spirit of Best Western and the commitment to creating a unique experience for our guests,” said Ron Pohl, Best Western senior vice president brand management & member services.

“We take pride in giving our hoteliers the freedom and support to make their design dreams a reality and you can see the personal passion that the Tally’s put into making this a one of a kind hotel.”

Rooms at the property feature decorative touches to enhance the explorer experience, including the historic artwork of paleontologist Arthur Lakes.

Other amenities include a new pool in the shape of Western Interior Cretaceous Seaway of 85 million years ago, a newly renovated hot tub and daily complimentary full breakfast.

The property has also added a coffee bar and interactive learning station, as well as a restaurant and bar named Roof Lizard Lounge. On the ceiling of the restaurant swims a 40-foot dig panel of a tylosaurus named Sophie.

The Best Western Denver Southwest is located just outside Downtown Denver. In addition to Dinosaur Ridge, the hotel is located near other paleontological attractions, including Morrison Natural History Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Triceratops Trail.

Read more: Zipline Through Wine Country With Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel

Best Western Denver Southwest
www.bestwestern.com

Adventure travel and wine tasting have joined together along the Central California Coast in distinctive package offered by the Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel.

Thrill-seeking travelers can enjoy a zipline tour in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, offered by Margarita Adventures, which includes four distinct ziplines spanning more than 3,000 combined feet.

Guests start with “The Renegade,” a 1300-foot crossing over a grassy valley, ending in an oak forest situated along the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The final leg, the “Pinot Express,” soar 125 feet over a mountainside forest and then crosses directly over a Pinot Noir vineyard for a total distance of 1,800 feet.

The program includes an overview of the ranch’s sustainable winegrowing practices, its role as part of California’s famed Mission Trail, and it’s valtrex alternative over the counter history as one of California’s oldest continuously operated cattle ranches.

Located just minutes away from award-winning golf courses, California’s leading wineries, the Pismo Beach sand dunes and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, the Seacreast Oceanfront Hotel is located on a five-acre, oceanfront bluff.

The hotel offers stylish retro-modern guestrooms, free Wi-Fi Internet in every room, and a complimentary continental breakfast. At night, the best way to enjoy the resorts stunning Pacific Ocean sunset views is by cozying up to one of its many fire pits and enjoying a fresh-baked cookie.

The “Santa Margarita Zip-Line Adventure” packages includes accommodations in an ocean-view guestroom, ziplining for two with Margarita Adventures and an optional wine tasting at Ancient Peaks Winery and starts from $409.

Read more: Bonaventure Resort & Spa Connects Guests with the Everglades

Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel
www.seacrestpismo.com

Bonaventure Resort & Spa has rolled out a new only-in-South Florida package that should appeal to guests wanting to blend some eco with their adventure.

The resort, located just 10 minutes from Sawgrass Recreation Park, has launched the Bon-adventure Package, which includes a thrilling, high-speed airboat ride along the edge of one of the world’s greatest ecosystems, the Everglades.

Part high-speed ride, part nature study, the 30-minute ride travels through the exotic flora that makes its home in South Florida, including sawgrass marshes, cypress and mangrove forests.

Along the way, guests can spot distinctive Florida wildlife in its natural habitat, including alligators, manatees, schools of dolphins, vibrantly-colored tropical birds. Travelers with a keen eye, might even see the legendary Florida Panther prowling buy valtrex over the counter through the park.

The Everglades Bon-adventure Package includes:

–      30-minute airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park
–      Overnight accommodations
–      Transportation to and from the park
–      Daily breakfast
–      $50 resort credit to use anywhere at the resort, including its acclaimed aLaya Spa

The package is priced from $159 per room per night, and is available through September 30, 2014.

Read more: The Wild West Comes Alive at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

Bonaventure Resort & Spa

Situated in the heart of the affluent Fort Lauderdale neighborhood of Westin, Fla., the Bonaventure Resort & Spa is a leading South Florida resort featuring 400 spacious guest rooms and 100 suites.

The Four Diamond property, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is near some of South Florida’s most storied attractions, including Sawgrass Mills Mall–the largest outlet mall in the United States, the BB&T Center, eco-adventures in the Everglades, legendary white sand beaches, and night life in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
www.bonaventureresortandspa.com

Bonaventure Resort & Spa Bon-adventure Package
800-327-8090
bookings.ihotelier.com

This summer, get your cowboy on at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, as the resort rolls out the Wild West Academy, providing new, in-depth ways to explore the surrounding area.

The Wild West Academy includes seven programs that explore local culture, nature and traditions.

How To Be A Cowboy

Guests interested in the history and culture of the American Cowboy, can spend the day learning the mechanics of rodeo, leather stamping and barrel racing.

Stargazing Journey

Wyoming, the least populated US state, offers dark skies that are ideal for budding astronomers. Guests can explore the Milky Way, galaxies and the solar system with a high-powered telescope, aided by the guidance of a resort astronomer.

Wildlife Safari

Wander off the beaten path with a resort naturalist, who points out wildlife such as black bears and grizzlies, wolves, moose, bison, pronghorn, eagles, owls and mule deer in their natural environment.

Guests of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole can wander off the beaten path with a resort naturalist, who points out wildlife such as black bears and grizzlies, wolves, moose, bison, pronghorn, eagles, owls and mule deer in their natural environment.

Fly Fishing

A hand-crafted wooden boat, the Snake River, and an expert Four Seasons fly fishing guide who points out aquatic life and insects, all set the stage for a lazy afternoon pursuing the perfect catch.

Read more: Learning & Lodging with Grand Canyon National Park Lodges

Night On The Range

Enjoy a chef-led culinary arts experience with Executive Chef Michael Goralski, who demonstrates how to cook game meat and prepare a delicious meal using indigenous ingredients found throughout the region.

Shoshone Way of Life

Learn the history of Jackson Hole’s original residents, the Shoshone people. Spend an afternoon learning the Shoshone language, making crafts and cooking fry bread over an open flame, while sharing ancestral stories with the locals.

Historical Tours

The streets of Jackson Hole to come to life as a resort guide spins the tales and traditions of the people that once called this area home.

Wild West Academy offerings can be booked prior to arrival directly through the concierge.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
www.fourseasons.com/jacksonhole

Travelers interested in taking a deeper look at Grand Canyon National Park can delve into the park’s human history, geology and wildlife as part of a new two-day Learning & Lodging package offered by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges.

Developed in conjunction with the non-profit Grand Canyon Field Institute, the new immersive package includes two nights lodging and two days of educational hiking and touring, accompanied by a park naturalist.

“Learning about the Grand Canyon through the eyes of a naturalist makes a Grand Canyon trip more memorable, and these family-friendly programs are a great option for dedicated learners of all ages,” said Bruce Brossman, regional director of sales and marketing for concessioner Xanterra South Rim, operator of lodges, restaurants and other concessions in the park.

“We are privileged to work with the professional staff of the Grand Canyon Field Institute, and we have been pleased to see the popularity of this two-day program expand since it was first offered a few years ago.”

By day, participants will hike the popular Bright Angel Trail or up to Shoshone Point, which offers one of the best views of the Canyon. Participants will also explore the Grand Canyon Village Rim Trail and walk near the Tusayan Ruins and Desert View Watchtower.

The daily hikes are rated “level two,” with hikes up to three miles in distance and typical elevation changes of up to 1,000 feet per day. Grand Canyon Field Institute recommends participants be in good physical condition and have some hiking experience.

By night, guests relax at the Maswik or Yavapai Lodge, both which are located just a short walk from the canyon rim and near the Grand Canyon Village and its hotels, restaurants, shops and canyon viewpoints.

The package includes two breakfasts, two box lunches, a gift shop coupons and one dinner meal coupon, which can be redeemed at the Maswik Food Court or Yavapai Cafeteria. One the open night guests can enjoy, on their own, one of the Grand Canyon’s other top restaurants including El Tovar Dining Room or the Arizona Room.

Package rates begin at $390 per person plus taxes and gratuities; and children must be eight years or older to participate.The year-round program begins on Sundays (excluding major holidays) and ends on Tuesdays.

Read more: The Wild Side of the Big Apple with Apple Core Hotels

Learning & Lodging
866-471-4435
www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute.

Grand Canyon National Park
www.nps.gov/grca

This summer, check out the wild side of New York City, with new “Central Park Zoo” packages offered by Apple Core Hotels.

The package, which includes up to four “Total Experience” admissions to the Central Park Zoo is available at The Hotel @ Times Square and Broadway @ Times Square Hotel, both located in the heart of Manhattan.

The package also incorporates Apple Core Hotel’s complimentary “3-for-free” deal which includes complimentary continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and unlimited nationwide calls.  Additionally, children under 13 stay free when sharing their parents’ room.

As an added bonus, Apple Core Hotels will provide a city guide map that points out iconic New York City landmarks that guests can see on their way to Central Park, as well as ice-cold water bottles so each family member can stay cool in the summer heat.

Apple Core Hotels

Apple Core Hotels is a group of five, centrally-located, midtown Manhattan properties located within walking distance of many must-see New York attractions such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, and Macy’s. Properties include nyma, the new york manhattan hotel; the smoke-free Broadway @ Times Square; The Hotel @ Times Square; the landmark La Quinta Manhattan; and the Ramada New York/Eastside.

All five properties feature free WiFi Internet access in all rooms and public spaces; free nationwide and toll-free calling; and a complimentary daily continental breakfast.

Central Park Zoo

This summer at the Central Park Zoo, guests can enjoy penguin and sea lion feedings, as well as special presentation of “Rio: The 4-D Experience,” all in one family-friendly location in Central Park.The “Central Park Zoo” Package

• Complimentary daily continental breakfast and in-room coffee
• Reimbursement of four “Total Experience” tickets to the Central Park Zoo
• ($16 in advance, $18 in person for adults; $11.50 in advance, $13 in person for children)
• • Guide map pointing out NYC landmarks
• • Standard room accommodations; either two double beds or two queen beds

Room rates for the “Central Park Zoo” package begin at $262.99 per night, and require a minimum two-night stay. The package is available through September 15, 2014

Read more: Off to See the Wizard with Palmer House Hilton

Apple Core Hotels
www.applecorehotels.com

Central Park Zoo
www.centralparkzoo.com

Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY! With the launch of the new “Off To See The Wizard” package, Chicago’s iconic Palmer House Hilton invites guests to take a journey somewhere over the rainbow this September.

The acclaimed “The Wizard of Oz” film–celebrating its 75th anniversary this year–is based upon a famed novel, Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which was launched at the Palmer House Hilton in 1900.

The package honors writers, books worms and history buffs with a variety of VIP writing amenities, a complimentary caffeine fix and a soothing spa treatment.

Available through the month of September, guests booking the “Off To See The Wizard” package will allow writers to blend old school and new-fangled writing techniques with a quill pen and ink blot as well as complimentary in-room wireless internet access.

A welcome basket of energizing fixes will energize writers burning the midnight oil, including a coffee maker, two energy bars and two energy drinks.

And to soothe cramped writers hands, Palmer House’s Balance Spa will offer a complimentary Paraffin Hand Treatment, including a mini hand massage or polish change, in addition to a 30% discount on any additional spa services for the duration of the stay.

Opened in 1871, Palmer House Hilton is the nation’s oldest continually operating hotel and has born witness to many significant moments in Chicago’s history.

At the turn of 20th century, Palmer House was Chicago’s liveliest social and entertainment center, playing host to U.S. presidents, literary greats including Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde and legendary entertainers including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald and Liberace.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first introduced to the public by author L. Frank Baum and the George M. Hill Company at the annual Book Fair held at Palmer House, July 5-20, 1900, receiving much acclaim and advanced sales ahead of the book’s official release in September of 1900 and cementing its status as one of the best-known stories in American popular culture to-date.

The “Off To See The Wizard” package is available September 1-30, 2014, and rates start from $179/night.

Read more: The Sky’s the Limit with Mandarin Oriental

Palmer House Hilton
www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com

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