Category: Hotel

  • Picnic With a Manhattan View

    Picnic With a Manhattan View

    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.

    Z NYC Hotel Exterior & Rooftop

    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.

    Z NYC Hotel
    212.319.7000
    www.zhotelny.com

  • El Portal Sedona Hotel Announces Partnership with Puppy Charity

    El Portal Sedona Hotel Announces Partnership with Puppy Charity

    The El Portal Sedona Hotel, in partnership with MasterCard and Visa, has teamed up with local animal charity, High Country Puppy Rescue, a Flagstaff, Arizona-based organization that rescues puppies from neglectful or abusive situations, and fosters them out to volunteers in order to relieve pressure from shelters and pounds.

    When guests stay at the El Portal Sedona Hotel and use either their MasterCard or Visa, the credit card companies will donate a portion of the fees to the High Country Puppy Rescue.

    El Portal owner Steve Segner is no stranger to animal organizations. Before he was the owner of El Portal Sedona Hotel, Segner was a the owner of a number of pet stores, and during that time, served as the President of the World Wide Pet Association for three years.  

    After valtrex order online selling their California-based pet food business, Steve and his wife Connie, moved to Sedona, AZ and bought the El Portal Sedona Hotel.

    The El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet-friendly, luxury boutique property in Sedona, Arizona.
    The El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet-friendly, luxury boutique property in Sedona, Arizona.

    El Portal Sedona is a luxury boutique hotel that is also pet friendly because the Segners believe that neither owners nor pets should have to sacrifice amenities, style, or service to experience all that Sedona has to offer. 

    Each of the property’s guest suites includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool bath and WiFi; featherweight cashmere blankets, luxury Egyptian cotton sheets, and premium down pillows and comforters Here, guests have access to concierge services for Sedona and the surrounding area.

    El Portal Sedona Hotel
    www.ElPortalSedona.com

    High Country Puppy Rescue
    http://www.highcountrypuppyrescue.org

  • Groom Bootcamp for Husbands-To-Be in Switzerland

    Groom Bootcamp for Husbands-To-Be in Switzerland

    Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, in St. Moritz, Switzerland has launched a groom bootcamp that “… tests the eligibility and improves the housekeeping skills of a modern-day husband.”

    Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

    According to the press release, the hotel’s Licence to Wed package puts the husband-to-be through a variety of challenges to prepare him for married life, including a washing and ironing test, a gentleman’s etiquette course and a culinary class with the executive chef.

    Okay, it’s not as bad as a Hello Kitty wedding. But it still involves ironing. On vacation.

    Fortunately there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

    Once the groom passes the course, he and his bachelor party will be given a chance to enjoy the local area. In winter, they will be taken by Rolls-Royce to the Muottas Muragl cable-car for a toboggan adventure.

    In summer, the party will instead go to Lake St. Moritz for a sailing trip with the hotel’s skipper.

    The bachelor party will also enjoy a visit to the Palace Wellness spa, a tour of the Palace Wine Cellar with the hotel sommelier and an informal dinner at the Chef’s Table. Finally, the groom’s party will enjoy a pub crawl of St. Moritz.

    The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel License to Wed package is available from December 5, 2013 for a minimum of four people and includes a two-night stay in Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in a Superior Single Room (from $1,627 US) or a Superior Double Room (from $2,694 US), including breakfast, access to the refreshment bar, movie channels and WiFi Internet.

    The package includes:

    • Completion of the Badrutt’s Palace Licence to Wed programme (including the ironing course, etiquette and cooking session as well as a certificate after completion)
    • One set dinner in the elegant Le Restaurant or cozy Chesa Veglia (excluding beverages)
    • One exclusive tour of the Palace Wine Cellar with the sommelier (including a glass of Champagne per person)
    • One set dinner at the Chef’s Table in the Palace Kitchen (excluding beverages)
    • A Muottas Muragl toboggan run with toboggan rental in winter or in summer two hours’ cruising on the Badrutt’s Palace with skipper
    • A concierge-recommended pub and bar tour through St. Moritz
    • A ticket for all mountain railways and cable cars for the entire region
    • Transfer to/from Corviglia mountain railway for the duration of the entire stay.

    Located in one of the most challenging ski areas in the world, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel features 157 guestrooms and 37 suites with stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

    The hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Historic Hotels.

    Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
    www.badruttspalace.com

  • Viceroy Zihuatanejo Celebrates Mexico’s Eclectic Zanka Fest

    Viceroy Zihuatanejo Celebrates Mexico’s Eclectic Zanka Fest

    Mexico’s most unusual festival is set to take place at the sister beach resorts of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Dec. 12-15, 2013.

    Zanka Fest

    The name of the festival, Zanka Fest, reflects the camaraderie among the residents of the Costa Grande of Mexico’s Guerrero state.

    The people who live along the coast affectionately call each other “zanka,” which roughly translates as friend or compadre.

    Zanka Fest 21013, which will feature everything from DJ parties and art exhibits to a professional surfing competition, will take place in several locations in the resort town of Ixtapa and the picturesque fishing village of Zihuatanejo, which are only four miles apart on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

    “Zanka Fest 2013 is an eclectic, one-of-a-kind festival that will be four days of non-stop fun,” said Viceroy Zihuatanejo General Manager Martin Kipping. “Our guests can be part of all the festivities, while enjoying a luxurious and pampered resort stay, with our special festival package.”

    Among the events and activities taking place on La Ropa Beach, where the Viceroy Zihuatanejo is located, are artists painting and exhibiting their works, including such current Mexican urban artists as Saner, Seher One, Itzel Nájera and Mocre; screenings of surf films by Mark Kronemeyer; welcome and nightly parties on the beach, all with DJs and live bands; a three-day surfing competition with 80 national and international athletes; stand-up paddle board (SUP) races in Distance, Elite and Fun categories; and meet-and-greet events with the professional surfers, artists and musicians.

    The Viceroy Zihuatanejo Zanka Fest 2013 Package includes:
    • Accommodations
    • Breakfast for two daily
    • Passes for two to all Zanka Fest events and activities.

    The rate for a Deluxe Room is $443 per night for a two-night package, or $329 per night for stays of three nights or longer.

    Viceroy Zihuatenejo
    866-905-9560
    viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

    Zanka Fest
    www.zankafest.com

  • Get Naughty, Give Back with Personality Hotels

    Get Naughty, Give Back with Personality Hotels

    Travelers wanting to indulge in their wilder side, or re-enact their favorite scenes from 50 Shades of Grey, need look no further than Personality Hotels of San Francisco.

    Hotels of San Francisco.

    The boutique hotel collection is offering guests a chance to live out some of their favorite scenes from the wildly popular erotic book series, at their three Union Square hotel locations.

    The new 50 Shades of Women…Come Again package, which includes a sexy set of naughty gifts, is available at Hotel Diva, Kensington Park Hotel and Hotel Union Square.

    And living out your naughty fantasies comes with an added bonus, as Personality Hotels will donate $10 from each package to the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund (BCEF), an organization which provides quick and compassionate emergency financial assistance to low-income people battling breast cancer.

    “Our original 50 Shades of Women package in 2012 was so successful that we’re rousing our guests to return alongside the launch of the ‘50 Shades of Grey’ where to buy levitra film on February 14,” says Yvonne Detert, founder and CEO of Personality Hotels.

    “Our ‘Come Again’ package is more enhanced than the first, with more frills guaranteed to please our adventurous guests.”

    The package, a $150 add-on to the regular room rate, includes:
    The Minna Limon Vibrator (squeeze as you please)
    Art of Lust Condoms
    Feel Me Bondaids Handcuffs
    Silky Sash Restraint
    Lilly Fringe Whip
    Madame’s Mystique Paddle
    Les Petits Bon Bon Tickle Me Tickler
    Wicked Aqua lubricant 2.0 fl oz

    “A discreet black satin box with the indulging toys awaits you in your room upon check in,” said Detert. “It’s up to you how you unwrap and use the goodies inside this sexy treasure chest. Personality Hotels has you covered, all in the privacy of your own deluxe hotel room.”

    The package will be available throughout 2015.

    Personality Hotels
    www.personalityhotels.com

  • Chihuly at Denver Botanic Gardens with Hyatt Hotels of Denver

    Chihuly at Denver Botanic Gardens with Hyatt Hotels of Denver

    Hyatt Hotels of Denver Downtown–Grand Hyatt Denver and Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center–are making it easy for guests to attend Denver’s latest must-see art installation, “Chihuly” at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

    Through Nov. 30, 2014, the Denver Botanic Gardens is presenting the works of noted artist Dale Chihuly, in an dramatic outdoor setting–the first major outdoor exhibition of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region.

    Chihuly Denver Botanic Gardens 2014

    Chihuly’s elegant sculptures–ranging in size and style from small water floats to a 30-foot tower–add bold colors and dramatic beauty to the gardens’ 24-acre landscape. Informed by nature, each installation responds to neighboring plants, flowers and architecture.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Chihuly to Denver Botanic Gardens,” says Brian Vogt, CEO of the Gardens. “The iconic artwork will enhance the Gardens’ living collection in a powerful, yet graceful way that is at once familiar and other-worldly.”

    Chihuly is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. He is renowned for ambitious architectural installations around the world, in historic cities, museums and gardens.

    A series of special events frames the Chihuly exhibit, including Chichuly Nights, held throughout October and November, when the artworks are illuminated at night for a unique perspective.

    Hyatt Hotels of Denver Packages

    Located in the heart of the Mile High City, less than three miles from Denver Botanic Gardens, Hyatts’ overnight packages are:

    Chihuly Glass in the Gardens Package

    Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
    The package includes two VIP admissions to the exhibition and two cocktails in the hotel’s Peaks Lounge or in the Altitude Restaurant.

    Towering over Denver at 37 stories, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center is one of the region’s largest hotels–home to 1,100 newly refreshed guest rooms adjacent to the Colorado Convention Center, in the heart of Denver’s theatre district.

    The hotel’s Peaks Lounge, located on the 27th floor, is known for its views of the Mile High City and surrounding Colorado mountains.

    Grand Chihuly Package

    Grand Hyatt Denver
    The package includes two VIP admissions to the exhibition and complimentary hotel valet parking for one car. The recently renovated, 516 –room Grand Hyatt Denver overlooks the Rocky Mountain front range.

    Its Pub 17 on Welton Street capitalizes on the state’s microbrew culture, offering a selection of more than 50 craft beers, regionally sourced fare and western slope wines.

    Both overnight packages are valid through Nov. 30, 2014, and start from $147 per room.

    More Information

    Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
    www.DenverRegency.Hyatt.com

    Grand Hyatt Denver
    www.GrandDenver.Hyatt.com

    Denver Botanic Gardens
    www.botanicgardens.org

  • Southern California’s Only Swim-Up Bar

    Southern California’s Only Swim-Up Bar

    Which hotel is home to Southern California’s only swim-up bar?

    Harrah’s Resort Southern California, located in San Diego county, is home to Southern California’s only swim-up bar.

    The swim-up bar is one of a trifecta of pools that make up Dive Day Club, a venue that debuted last year as the resort completed the first phase of a multi-million dollar renovation.

    In addition to the swim-up bar and the resort’s main pool, Dive also features a 400-foot-long lazy river, which winds its way through grottos and waterfalls.

    Dive, which is rapidly becoming San Diego’s stay-and-play destination, is also home to nine hot tubs, 21 cabanas and 10 day beds.

    Whether you prefer amped-up Vegas-style pool parties, grooving to retro beats, sipping ‘ritas in the late afternoon, or just chillaxing in the Southern California sunshine, Dive is hosting a summer full of events, with one sure to match your pool personality.

    Harrah’s Resort SoCal swim-up bar

    Service Industry Mondays
    Every Monday, Dive offers complimentary admission to members of the service industry, who also receive discounts on select pitchers and buckets of beer.

    Neon Nights – Fridays at Dive

    Harrah’s So Cal lights up the desert every Friday night, during its themed pool party featuring live entertainment on the lazy river.

    Adult Swim Saturdays

    Every Saturday during the summer months, Dive Day Club transforms into Southern California’s most popular poolside destination, for Adult Swim Saturdays.

    World-renowned DJs spin tunes at this Vegas-style day club, and while this season’s schedule  is still being confirmed, past appearances have included Lil Jon, Pauly D, EC Twins and Morgan Page.

    Dive After Dark Saturdays

    When the Vegas grooves end, the throwback fun begins. Every Saturday night, DJs encourage guests to shake their groove thing to popular dance music through the ages, from the 1970s to the present day.

    With no cover charge, guests can cut a rug, enjoy margaritas at the swim-up bar, luxuriate in a hot tub, or simply lounge by the pool.

    Dive Detox Sundays

    Need a little downtime? After a lively Saturday, Dive slows things down on Sundays with a mellow afternoon of hydration and smooth island beats.

    1st & Dive

    Following a busy summer, dive into some football action. Watch NFL games on 9’ x 16’ poolside LED TV, with different games being
    shown in each cabana, and food and drink specials all Sunday long.

    Hotel guests staying in king rooms receive two complimentary admissions daily; guests staying in rooms with two beds will receive four complimentary admissions daily.

    Entry fees for all other guests are $20/person Monday-Friday and $30/person for the Sunday Adult Swim. Saturday admission starts at $30/person and varies based on entertainment.

    Dive Day Club
    855.969.DIVE
    www.DiveDayClub.com

  • Hotel Encanto De Las Cruces Gets Ready for Lift Off

    Hotel Encanto De Las Cruces Gets Ready for Lift Off

    For the staff of Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, the expression “out of this world” has recently taken on a new meaning.

    The hotel has recently reached an inter-galactic milestone; it was selected by Virgin Galactic as the official preferred Virgin Galactic hotel and resort in Dona Ana County, New Mexico.

    To that end, the luxury property, managed by Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc., is undergoing a series of large-scale renovations and upgrades in order to meet the needs of Virgin Galactic executives, and to welcome the first Spaceport America Astronauts and their families.

    Hotel Encanto De Las Cruces

    “We have been working hard at Hotel Encanto and are ready to welcome our global and national visitors to beautiful Southern New Mexico,” said Jim Long, Founder/CEO, Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    “We are proud to be selected as the preferred Virgin Galactic Resort for Dona Ana County and are fully committed to providing premium service to all future Astronauts and others who travel to our area as part of the Spaceport experience.”

    Improvements at Hotel Encanto include remodeling a number of room into Executive Suite VIP Wings. Guests in the Executive Wings will experience VIP concierge service, private areas, customized room service menus, and upgraded first-class rooms and suites.

    The remodeled room will have upgraded finishes throughout, including marble-clad bathrooms, custom cabinetry, and artisan-built furniture, all designed by Adriana Long.

    “The new Virgin Galactic guest room design reflects the culturally rich style of Hotel Encanto along with an adventurous and contemporary attitude.  The design will be timeless and luxurious,” said Adriana Long, designer.

    Hotel renovations also include additional poolside terrace rooms and outdoor spaces. Greg Trutza, an award winning landscape architect, has designed outdoor Spanish gardens, patios and a resort-style pool.

    The area includes terraces, balconies, fire pits and fountains built out of old world stone accents, providing more than 2,500 square feet of updated and newly added additional space for private functions and VIP gatherings. 

    The hotel also remodeled its nightclub patio, designed by Long. The new Azul Ultralounge now includes a large, contemporary outdoor patio with luxury contemporary furnishings.

    “By partnering with Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, we further our vision of investing in the local New Mexico community while we define the Virgin Galactic astronaut experience,” said Virgin Galactic CEO, George Whitesides.

    “Future astronauts will come from around the world to New Mexico, so it’s important that they experience the outstanding local offerings and character as part of their experience.”

    The hotel also plans to hire VIP Guest Concierges that will act as Ambassadors on behalf of the hotel and any Virgin Galactic guest. Additionally Hotel Encanto plans to hire multilingual staff to help with international travelers.

    Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
    www.hotelencanto.com

  • Opera Lover’s Dream at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

    Opera Lover’s Dream at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

    When it comes to Europe, vising the region’s grand opera houses is usually a must-do item on any opera lover’s travel list.

    Now the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest has created a new dining experience that will redefine how travelers to Budapest experience the Hungarian State Opera House.

    Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

    The Opera House, one of Europe’s most beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings, is considered to be one of the best opera houses in the world, with acoustics similar to such famed venues as La Scala in Milan and the Paris Opera House.

    Hungarian State Opera House

    The horseshoe-shaped, 1200-seat auditorium is now available for exclusive private dinners, which can be accessed by guests of the Four Seasons Hotel.

    The onstage private gourmet dinner includes a Four Seasons limousine ride to the Opera House, where guests can enjoy a grand entrance into the opulent foyer with its vaulted ceiling, grey marble columns and sweeping staircase.

    Dinner, an exquisite five-star meal created by Executive Chef Leonardo Di Clemente, is served in the middle of the grand stage.

    While enjoying gourmet dishes such as sea bass with black olives and veal fillet Rossini style, guests will be entertained by musicians and singers who provide entertainment in a combination of music, theatre, and dance.

    The experience is available exclusively to individual guests and groups of the hotel or the Gresham Restaurant.

    Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
    + 36 1 268 6000
    rfp.budapest@fourseasons.com
    www.fourseasons.com/Budapest

    Hungarian State Opera House
    www.opera.hu/en

  • Loews Ventana Canyon Opens Butterfly Garden and Desert Tortoise Exhibit

    Loews Ventana Canyon Opens Butterfly Garden and Desert Tortoise Exhibit

    Arizona’s distinctive natural landscape and wildlife are now more accessible than ever at Loews Ventana Canyon, which has recently opened a new butterfly garden and tortoise exhibit.

    The resort, recognized as an environmental leader for its design and preservation of its desert surroundings, is the first Arizona resort or hotel to feature certified butterfly and desert tortoise exhibits.

    Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

    “This is just one way we are embracing nature on our property and giving guests an up-close-and-personal experience with our local flora and fauna,” said Brian Johnson, Managing Director of Loews Ventana Canyon.

    “In addition to enhancing our beautiful surroundings, these new features offer something that’s unique, educational and fun for visitors to help them connect to Tucson’s wild side.”

    Butterfly Garden

    Located just steps from resort’s pool, the 1,500-square-foot butterfly garden, certified by the National Butterfly Association as a national butterfly garden and a monarch flyway, features 20 types of plants to attract more than 60 species of butterflies.

    The resort partnered with the Southeast Arizona Butterfly Association to develop the garden and identify plant species such as Mojave milkweed, Arizona foldwing and Arizona milkweed that are most enticing to butterflies.

    butterfly garden

    Tortoise Exhibit

    In addition to the garden, two desert tortoises now reside at the resort in a new 800-square-foot tortoise exhibit that was certified by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

    The exhibit, built by the resort landscaping staff in consultation with the museum and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, is part of the museum’s Tortoise Adoption Program to benefit the welfare of captive and wild tortoises and turtles.
    Loews Ventana Canyon

    The 398-guestroom Loews Ventana Canyon Resort features two Tom Fazio-designed PGA golf courses, a kid’s camp, a full-service spa and fitness center and many nearby hiking trails.

    Loews Ventana Canyon
    800-234-5117
    www.loewshotels.com/ventana