SocialiteTravel.com Weblog

Beat the End of Summer Blues with a Volunteering Trip to Fiji || Jaunted

2010-08-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Beat the End of Summer Blues with a Volunteering Trip to Fiji || Jaunted

Twitpic Adds Twitter Places

2010-06-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

Twitpic Adds Twitter Places

SocialiteTravel.com - The World's Largest Flashpacker Community!

Why we travel

2010-06-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

Why we travel

Jetstar Will Begin Using iPads as In-Flight Entertainment This Month || Jaunted

2010-06-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

Jetstar Will Begin Using iPads as In-Flight Entertainment This Month || Jaunted

New Orleans Bike Tour

2010-05-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

An off-the-beaten path bike tour that takes you outside of the French Quarter and into the real neighborhoods of the Big Easy. Bike Tours by Confederacy of Cruisers. A great intro into the city of New Orleans, we recommend renting a bike after the tour to explore more of the city on your own.

Going to New Orleans? You can make your bike tour reservations through Confederacy of Cruisers website, CLICK HERE!

The Travel Book

2010-04-26T12:06:00.001-07:00

Posted via web from SocialiteTravel.com's Posterous

Get Inspired - Now move along, the world is waiting for you!

SocialiteTravel.com
The World's Largest Community for Flashpackers and Global Backpackers - Connect Now!

Flashpacking in New Orleans, the Big Easy - 2010

2010-04-14T11:59:00.001-07:00

Posted via web from SocialiteTravel.com's Posterous

When in New Orleans, the only place to stay is at the India House Backpackers Hostel!

Flashpacking Hostels %u2013 Six Top Hostels For The Flashpacker

2010-03-03T01:42:00.000-08:00

Flashpacking Hostels %u2013 Six Top Hostels For The Flashpacker

Join the Flashpacking Travel Trend!

2010-01-13T05:12:00.000-08:00

New technologies have been changing the way people travel! We here at SocialiteTravel.com have always followed the trends in travel, and how changes in technology will ultimately affect all of us.....for the better of course!

We have combined the two types of travelers:
the Flashpacker, a tech-savvy backpacker
and the
Jet Set Guru, the new-age Jet Setter that has taken advantage of the "Digital Age", and has created wealth beyond their wildest dreams! So what do these two types of travelers have in mind?

Well,...................TECHNOLOGY!

Stay connected and mingle with us, we are creating the World's Largest Community for Flashpackers, Globetrotters, and Jet Set Gurus - SocialiteTravel.com

Lonely Planet Predicts El Salvador, Morocco, London Will Be Hot in 2010 || Jaunted

2009-12-29T10:28:00.001-08:00

Lonely Planet Predicts El Salvador, Morocco, London Will Be Hot in 2010 || Jaunted

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Up Next on the New Hotel Circuit: Hard Rock’s HRH Tower || VegasChatter

2009-12-18T00:34:00.001-08:00

Up Next on the New Hotel Circuit: Hard Rock’s HRH Tower || VegasChatter

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Inside The W Santiago's Grand Opening Party || HotelChatter

2009-11-21T08:36:00.001-08:00

Inside The W Santiago's Grand Opening Party || HotelChatter

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Paul Oakenfold, Oscar Goodman and, um, Peter Andre Ready for London's BA Launch Party || VegasChatter

2009-10-16T11:49:00.001-07:00

Paul Oakenfold, Oscar Goodman and, um, Peter Andre Ready for London's BA Launch Party || VegasChatter

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Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie Have Had Enough Of Commercial Airports || Jaunted

2009-10-06T12:39:00.001-07:00

Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie Have Had Enough Of Commercial Airports || Jaunted

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SocialiteTravel.com - For Jet Setters, By Jet Setters!

More Excuses To Drink in Vegas: Fall Cocktails || VegasChatter

2009-10-05T05:02:00.001-07:00

More Excuses To Drink in Vegas: Fall Cocktails || VegasChatter

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SocialiteTravel.com - VIP Nightlife & Travel Portal

'Jetsetter' Launches, Introduces Travel World To Trip Sample Sales || Jaunted

2009-10-01T08:13:00.001-07:00

'Jetsetter' Launches, Introduces Travel World To Trip Sample Sales || Jaunted

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The Playboy Club is Looking for Some New Bunnies

2009-09-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

It was a pretty ingenious idea to put the Playboy Club inside The Palms because any time Playboy comes in town they immediately head to The Palms.

But we're guessing infrequent visits from Hugh Hefner and his "Girls Next Door" and former playmates like Jenny McCarthy aren't enough for the Playboy Club.

This Sunday, the club is continuing its Playboy Club Calendar Search by selecting its Miss September. Girls who want to join the rest of the pin-ups for the 2009 calendar can enter online or in-person the night of the event. Girls chosen for the calendar will also win a chance to be seen inside the actual pages of a Playboy magazine.

As for the party 411, all ladies can sip on some free bubbly from 10pm until midnight but we don't know if that will help or hurt your chances of winning. by juliana - VegasChatter

Ritz Carlton Highlands in Lake Tahoe Opening December 9th, 2009

2009-09-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

It was under construction when I visited last winter, but I have it on good authority that the Ritz Carlton Highlands in North Lake Tahoe will open on December 9th, and what's more -- there's still availability over Christmas week. (Yes, I know we've not yet celebrated Columbus Day, but, for that peak week, Dan Sherman spokesperson of Ski.com has told me repeatedly that it's never too soon to secure your accommodations.)

The hotel, which is a series of linked pavilions, will have 170 guest rooms, 16 suites, each room with a gas fireplace. A gondola connects you to the bustling and lively Northstar village. The hotel's design, handled by Hornberger + Worstell, is meant to be a contemporary take on traditional great mountain lodges, like Oregon's Timberline Lodge. It was also designed to blend into the hillside, and to that end, the site was not clear-cut --- landmark trees were tagged, and worked around. by Alison Wellner - Luxist

Photo Gallery

SocialiteTravel.com - For Jet Setters, By Jet Setters!

Hotel Derek in Houston Unveils Its 'Lady Pink' Rooms

2009-09-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

The pink hotel craze continues but the latest hotel to use pink in its rooms is doing it for a good cause. The Hotel Derek in Houston has created five guest rooms designed for the female traveler (uh oh, paging gender neutralists) and 10 percent of the room rate will go towards the Houston chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Pink décor complements each of the guest rooms and includes luxurious bedding, bathroom accessories, as well as a cozy robe and slippers. A unique feature of the Lady Pink rooms is the wellness bar and soothing spa music atop each nightstand.

Room rates start at $289 a night during hte week and goes down on the weekends to $169. by juliana - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Houston, The Hotel Derek

British-American Boutique Hotels - Firmdale Opens the Crosby Street Hotel in NYC

2009-09-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Firmdale Hotels will open its first location outside of London, England with the introduction of the Crosby Street Hotel in downtown Manhattan. The Crosby Street Hotel opens its 86 rooms at the end of September.

Craig Markham, Marketing and PR Director for Firmdale Hotels, said that the boutique hotel chainlet didn’t want to do a London hotel in New York. What does that mean? Apparently, an understated entrance on a quiet cobblestone street, a private garden, a green roof and 40 different room designs ranging from folksy floral to contemporary minimalism sets the Crosby Street Hotel apart from its siblings in London.

The Crosby Street Hotel does contain a little bit of English whimsy. A different felt animal is appliquéd on the back of every dining room chair, and a huge primitive wooden bird hangs above the bar. Even the hotel’s logo, a dog on a leash next to its owner’s high-heeled boots, can be seen as a miniature print of the staff ties. If this isn’t enough to love, the Crosby Street Hotel is one of the first hotels in New York to boast a LEED’s certification. Via: Marrisa Liu - Trendhunter

References: firmdale, themoment.blogs.nytimes

SocialiteTravel.com - Jet Set Deals to NYC!

Renaissance Chicago Launches Soft Opening for Swanky Bar Novo

2009-09-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Where: 1 W. Wacker Drive [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60601

It looks like theWit's hot Roof bar has some competition. As part of the Renaissance Hotel's rebranding effort, the Renaissance Chicago Hotel had a soft opening for its new upscale Bar Novo on Sept. 17 and the lounge will post an official "open" sign on Oct. 1. And like any good business these days, the Bar even has its own Twitter page.

Formerly a stodgy cigar bar—hello, the Chicago smoking ban made cigar bars so 2007—the new space is warm and inviting with reds and deep wood. But the pièce de résistance of the decor is an open chef's station that's the hub of the bar. The station uses an special induction style cook-top that eliminates the use of open flames and bulky hood systems so that you can watch the chef, who has traded in his tired toque for a sleek fedora.

And while we love a place with a cool vibe, we're more interested in sampling the menu. Among the gourmet bar eats, we will go all carnivore and gobble down the "truffalo" wings served with ranch dip; the smoked prime rib nachos doused with Gloucester cheddar and heirloom tomato salsa; and the grilled Kobe beef sliders with miso onions and wasabi cheddar on a sesame brioche bun. For some variety, we'll end the meal with the housemade s'mores fondue.

If we have to have some fruit and veggies, we'll take them in our cocktails. Okay, that's stretching it, but it gives us an excuse to have three helpings in drink form: the cucumber pepper margarita with Milagro tequila, cucumber, bell pepper, lime, agave and jalapeño; the watermelon caiparoska with Finlandia grapefruit, watermelon, lime and sugar; and the basil tangerine gimlet with Finlandia tangerine, basil and lime. With that much alcohol, we might not be able to stumble our way to Roof for the after-party.

Bar Novo is open Monday through Friday from 4pm to 2am and Saturdays from 11am to 3am. Sundays are open from 11am to midnight. by Jennifer Kester - HotelChatter

[Photo: Urban Daddy]

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Chicago, Top Restaurants & Attractions

SocialiteTravel.com - Jet Set to Chicago!

Caribbean Airlines Hires Hotties To Build Their Brand

2009-09-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

When we think of heading down to the islands of the Caribbean, we usually look for cheap airfare on a low cost carrier or one of the country’s big boy airlines. For whatever reason, Caribbean Airlines never seems to be an option, nor do we even give the airline a second thought. Maybe that’s why the marketing gurus at the airline got together to give their company a fighting chance against all the competition.

The airline launched a contest to find 30 people to show off the spirit of the airline, the islands, and all things paradise. Apparently, they want you to feel on vacation as soon as you step aboard the plane—doubtful. These new brand ambassadors are made up of 20 good looking ladies and 10 handsome fellas, and will be out and about promoting the company that signs their paychecks. The Faces of Caribbean Airlines will make their first debut at Miami Carnival on October 10—probably in skimpy clothing.

We’re not totally sure if this will really get people aboard their airline, but anything to build brand awareness is probably a good thing. It’s not clear how much the new team members are getting paid, but it’s certainly not the best job in the world. For now we’ll keep our eyes out on the new cheer squad, and if you want to check them out online, there’s plenty of pictures to ogle over on their website. by kjb - Jaunted

Bold Faced Names Welcome Standard’s Boom Boom Room

2009-09-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Where: 848 Washington St [map], New York, NY , United States, 10014

There’s no word of it on The Standard’s website yet, but naturally the celebrities are already all over it. Madonna (and Jesus), Jude Law, Jon Bon Jovi, Josh Harnett, Rachel Zoe, Lindsay Lohan, Courtney Love—and did we mention Madonna?—were just some of the guests on hand to help Andre Balazs celebrate the opening of the Standard’s new penthouse bar, the Boom Boom Room, on Saturday night.

Scrolling through slideshows of the party snaps like this one at the Huffington Post give us a good look at the mustachioed bartender, hostesses in Jetsons-like dresses and headpieces, and Courtney Love giving the finger—but the pictures show little of the space itself other than the nighttime view through the floor-to-ceiling windows. (Also, they don’t answer our burning question: was Paul Lekakis in the house?)

But today the dudes at UrbanDaddy have the first look inside the Boom Boom Room, and we’ve got to admit, the place looks like a mighty fine place to party. Or as UrbanDaddy puts it:

“The whole place has the feel of a party lounge Donald Trump would have built on his yacht in 1979, only 18 floors above the Meatpacking District and filled with the likes of Bar Refaeli and Karolina Kurkova.”

The gold-lined main room, with its buttery cream banquettes and chandeliers, and the smaller black-tiled room housing a hot tub open for private parties and to those members of the public with the good looks, connections, our straight-out chutzpah to get in, later this week.

Don't forget: if you get past the doorman, please do stop back here to tell us all.

For more photos, see the slideshow at UrbanDaddy.

Top 5 of America's Most Entertaining Cities

2009-09-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

Looking to get some entertainment in your life? Well check out the Top 5 Cities and wait no more - it's time for a getaway! Happy Travels =)

1. New York, N.Y.
Restaurants: 35,421
Bars: 3,844
Nightclubs: 400
Museums: 734
Live Theater Venues: 710
Sports Venues: 57
Sports Teams: 7
Forbes' Best Cities For The Outdoors Ranking: No. 21

2. Chicago, Ill.
Restaurants: 15,692
Bars: 2,493
Nightclubs: 219
Museums: 275
Live Theater Venues: 261
Sports Venues: 24
Sports Teams: 6
Forbes' Best Cities For The Outdoors Ranking: No. 25

3. Los Angeles, Calif.
Restaurants: 23,209
Bars: 983
Nightclubs: 283
Museums: 306
Live Theater Venues: 192
Sports Venues: 26
Sports Teams: 7
Forbes' Best Cities For The Outdoors Ranking: No. 32

4. Miami, Fla. (tie)
Restaurants: 9,689
Bars: 734
Nightclubs: 208
Museums: 133
Live Theater Venues: 91
Sports Venues: 18
Sports Teams: 3
Forbes' Best Cities For The Outdoors Ranking: No. 16

4. Washington, D.C. (tie)
Restaurants: 7,814
Bars: 477
Nightclubs: 146
Museums: 211
Live Theater Venues: 112
Sports Venues: 15
Sports Teams: 5
Forbes' Best Cities For The Outdoors Ranking: No. 9

Source: Yahoo, Forbes.com

Related Links: Hotel Deals - NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami

Click here for the full list of America's Most Entertaining Cities

Vegas Nightclubs May Have to Ban Public Stripper Poles

2009-09-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

If the Clark County commissioners have their way, patron-accessible stripper poles in Las Vegas nightclubs soon might be a thing of the past.

According to a Digital Journal article, a ban on tourists using stripper poles in Las Vegas nightclubs was discussed at a commissioners meeting on Aug. 18 and could be ratified by the end of the fall.

The move, apparently designed to keep visitors from exposing themselves at nightclubs, could result in employee-only restrictions for the poles, allowing only go-go dancers employed by the clubs to be the ones to straddle them.

Though no particular nightclub has come under fire, reports have surfaced that commissioner discussion revolved around Prive inside Planet Hollywood. The club was fined and shut down for violations of a liquor license (and other offenses) earlier this summer. It has since reopened.

Commissioners apparently also mentioned the new Sapphire Pool at The Rio, which also was shut down for the season after eight women and one man were arrested for prostitution. Yes, the stripper pole at The Rio is now closed.

What do all of these changes mean for the average Vegas visitor? Not much—at least not yet. But be warned; (undercover) Las Vegas Police and local sheriff’s departments say they are cracking down on lewd behavior at nightclubs. Much like Big Brother in Aldous Huxley’s famous book, “Brave New World,” they’ll be watching. In the meantime, ladies, if you need your stripper pole fix you could always try Stripper 101 at PH's V Theater. by Whalehead - VegasChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Vegas, Planet Hollywood, Rio Hotel Casino, Vegas Nightlife Passes

SocialiteTravel.com - VIP Nightlife & Travel

Holiday Travel Rush Already On

2009-09-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Ready to play chicken with fluctuating airfares? It's already time to start thinking about your holiday plans -- and I don't mean the upcoming weekend. I mean Thanksgiving and the Christmas/Chanukah extravaganza. There's a good chance that the cheap seats that exist right this minute will not exist a few weeks from now. Fall is traditionally the weakest season for the travel industry, and the airlines are worried about sales.

‘’I think that definitely we saw this year an earlier than usual push for fall and winter travel,’’ Travelzoo Senior Editor Gabe Saglie tells the New York Times. ‘’Before we were even talking about winter, airlines were talking about late December travel deals.’’ Overall prices are down about 20 percent from last year, and many airlines launched big sales this week to entice travelers to get in the skies. However, the airlines aren’t completely over a barrel for the holidays. They know that people will still be traveling, and as the season wanes, they’ll have a much better grasp on how many people will be going home for the holidays, and will plan accordingly. This means that all the last-minute Annie’s will be stuck at best with a middle seat, but more likely, with no flight at all. Hello Greyhound! ‘’Waiting until the last minute (to buy a ticket) in the recent past has allowed for greater availability,’’ Saglie said. ‘’The holidays are when things will start to turn around.’’ Basically: start looking now, and if you see a deal, grab it.

By: Bryce Longston - BlackBookMag

SocialiteTravel.com - Jet Set the World with Us!

Ritz-Carlton Atlanta Celebrates Its 25th With Redesigned Foyer, Lobby & Lounge

2009-09-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta marked its 25th anniversary with a complete redesign of the entrance foyers, lobby, and lobby bar, now named Lumen, which features exotic, sophisticated edible cocktails, a Lumen signature cocktail, and art-themed cocktails.

The new interiors feature well-known, traditional elements transposed in an updated way, such as a Chippendale Mahogany sideboard refinished in a hand-applied gilded platinum tone; sheer shrouds wrapped around the hotel's crystal chandeliers; and accent chairs graced with damask patterns in oversized formats.

Lumen underwent a great change. The lounge, so named for its many light effects, now greets guests with crystal chandeliers that glow red at night; seven-foot tall custom settees covered in midnight blue mohair, complete with their beaded sconces; a bar cabinet that glows blue in the evening; mirror-polished, handspun metal tables custom-designed by Brad Oldham (brother to designer Todd); beaded corkscrew floor lamps; and a custom-designed, under-lit onyx-topped communal-styled table seating up to eight.

My friend Nancy is scheduled to speak at a meeting being held at this Ritz, and I can't wait to hear what she thinks of the new spaces. See the gallery for before and after shots. by Lisa Palladino - Luxist

Related Links: Atlanta 411, Hotel Deals in Atlanta, Ritz-Carlton Atlanta

Paltrow Lets It All Hang Out (Of Her Tank Top) At Barcelona's Airport

2009-09-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

If only we had a dime for every time we've flashed our bra at the airport security check, we'd have just about enough to buy a stick of gum. And you know why? Because we are not Gwyneth Paltrow, who apparently decided that the weather in Barcelona was cold enough to wear a scarf, but so hot that a handkerchief of a tank top would do for the flight home.

Alas, the tank top didn't do very well, and now pictures of Paltrow not only looking haggard at the checkpoint are out on the web, but they include her flesh-colored bra, which, unless you do a double-take, looks like fully nude side-boobage. We're going to jot this down in our no-nos list of in-flight fashion, for obvious reasons. Also, doesn't that scarf kind of look like a neck brace until you see the whole picture?

Gwyneth was in Barcelona to watch her husband, Chris Martin, perform with Coldplay. Gwyneth actually speaks fluent Spanish and wants her children to grow up just as bilingual. Noble ambitions, but mommy has that Goop newsletter thing to work on, so it's back to London. by JetSetCD - Jaunted

Self-Service Hotels - Base2stay in London is Budget-Friendly, Looks like a Dorm

2009-09-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

The base2stay in London combines the comfort of luxury lodging with the most budget-friendly type of service: self-service.

The base2stay offers rooms starting at 81₤ with beds, private bathrooms and a mini kitchen, no more, no less, which is, essentially, all most short-term travelers need anyway.

The base2stay is a no-frills accommodation yet still offers luxuries like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The self-service features are hidden in a cupboard which offers a microwave, kettle, fridge, dishes and cutlery as well as fair trade coffee and tea. Sounds like most hotels in North America, but base2stay is a unique concept for Europe; it doesn’t offer a bar, restaurant, spa or fitness facility.

With people more money-minded than ever, budget self-service hotels could be the way of the future. Via: Bianca Bartz - HotHotelReviews

References: base2stay, sturmunddrang.de

Related Links: London 411, Hotel Deals in London

SocialiteTravel.com - Jet Set to London

Boutique Hotel Fashion - W Hotels Launches Apparel and Accessories Line

2009-09-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

These days successful companies, labels and firms are looking to expand into different markets in an effort to corner the latest trend, appeal to the masses and one-up the competition. The latest company to take the plunge into the fantastical world of fashion—following Harvard University—is luxury hotel chain W Hotels.

With 34 fresh-faced and renowned designers, W Hotels’ apparel and accessories line is set to be unveiled September 10th at the prestigous ‘Fashions Night Out’ in London. Via: Jacqueline Parrish - TrendHunter

More Photos

References: cocoperez, yousaytoo

Book W Hotels on SocialiteTravel.com
For Jet Setters, By Jet Setters!

Supermodel Getaways

2009-09-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

Where the prettiest and skinniest go to relax

An angel and a pirate may not be what you expect to find vacationing at a five-star luxury resort nestled among 1000-year-old palm trees in the south of Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s most stunning islands. But that’s what you’ll discover at the Grand Hotel Residencia, where Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, one of Victoria’s Secret’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful angels, can be seen relaxing on the sun deck with Orlando Bloom, her Pirates of the Caribbean boyfriend.

The sculpted white sand dunes of Maspalomas beach are only a short walk away from the Grand Hotel Residencia, which provides the seclusion and natural beauty today’s supermodels say they crave. Tropical gardens and a heated freshwater pool surround the resort’s two-story villas designed by French architect Alberto Pinto. The hotel’s spa services include Ayurvedic treatments, an aqua gymand a staggering array of beauty treatments to keep photogenic guests looking glamorous.

Travelers clamoring for a glimpse of other uber-svelte beauty queens will find them at hotspots like Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, where Claudia Schiffer has been a guest. The chic mountain resort is located in the southern part of the Swiss Alps and provides a healthy dose of Champagne-sipping starlets. Badrutt’s has seven restaurants, four bars and deluxe suites that cost up to $19,200 a night in peak season. Liz Hurley and Kate Moss are known to frequent the King’s Club, a star-studded nightspot owned by the hotel.

Kristin Hutton, a Badrutt’s Palace spokesperson, says the palace is popular with celebrities and models because the staff is “accustomed to dealing with high-profile guests who require a certain level of discretion, attention and service.” Indeed, Badrutt’s gives the word “luxurious” a whole new meaning: The hotel provides butlers on every floor, certified concierges and on-site stores like Cartier, Gucci and Versace.

Supermodels yearning for more discreet vacations opt for private villas or boutique hotels at a safe remove from the public, according to Melissa Sarrazin, a manager at IMG Models. Sarrazin says that while “models differ in their ideas of the ideal getaway vacation,” they often “stay away from the large resorts and more commonly prefer renting a charming house.”

Beautiful bad girl Kate Moss also seeks out low-key getaways. Moss recently made headlines when her Topshop boss, billionaire Sir Philip Green, treated her and rock-star boyfriend Jamie Hence to a vacation worth $200,000 in Mallorca, Spain. In previous trips to the island, Moss has checked in at La Residencia Hotel, a charming hideaway nestled in the hills of Mallorca’s northwest coast. Guests at this picturesque refuge can luxuriate in a four-bedroom villa that comes with its own heated pool and views of the Mediterranean Sea. Moss isn’t the only celebrity in town: Aging A-listers Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones all own homes here.

The once-quiet fishing town of Montauk, N.Y., is another destination rapidly becoming a favorite among fashionistas, with the new Surf Lodge leading the movement. Since its opening in June, the relaxed hotel designed by Robert McKinley has already attracted male supermodel Tyson Beckford. The 32 modern rooms flaunt views of the water, private decks adorned with a hammock, and glass-walled spa bathrooms. Combining the laidback spirit of Montauk with the Hamptons’ stylish (if sometimes stiff) elegance, it’s no wonder Ralph Lauren, Cynthia Rowley and Donna Karan are also fans.

When away from New York, Czech bombshell Karolina Kurkova—one of the youngest models ever to grace the cover of Vogue at the tender age of 17—calls The Standard Hotel in Miami Beach her home away from home. Guests here enjoy free use of the lavish spa, which includes a plunge pool, mud lounge and Roman-waterfall hot tub. Legendary fashion photographer Bruce Weber recently shot a “Summer Camp” series for W magazine at The Standard, the cover of which featured Kate Moss, Daria Werbowy and Lara Stone tucked in one of the hotel’s beds.

With a salary hovering north of $33 million and one of the world’s most stunning female figures, it’s no surprise that Brazilian bombshell Gisele Bündchen often chooses her native Brazil to vacation. Attending Carnival in Rio this year, she was spotted lounging at the Copacabana Palace pool. Bündchen is also said to favor the spacious penthouse at Marina All Suites, a luxury boutique hotel situated across from the ocean in the affluent neighborhood of Leblon. The hotel’s colorful décor captures Brazil’s sexy charm, and enormous suites offer panoramic views of the sea. Naomi Campbell has also been spotted here.

Not all supermodels head for the beach to relax. Fellow Brazilian beauty Adriana Lima, another of Victoria’s Secret’s dazzling angels, jetted to the stunning Amangani Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyo., in winter 2009, where she married Serbian basketball player Marko Jarić. With a heated quartzite-tiled 35 meter outdoor swimming pool, elegant suites that overlook the Teton Mountains, and a restaurant with redwood walls illuminated by a wood-burning fire, it’s no wonder supermodels head for the wild west to unwind.

Perhaps more than most supermodels, Heidi Klum’s business acumen has dispelled the myth that models are lacking in the intellect department. As a Victoria Secret starlet, executive producer of Project Runway, wife of musician Seal, and mother of three children, this German wonder-woman is no stranger to success. Klum and Seal own a villa in Costa Careyes, Mexico, an upscale development located on a 30,000-mile nature reserve between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Favored among well-heeled celebrities for its unspoiled beaches, exotic architecture and bohemian spirit, the 50-villa community has been seducing the likes of Christie Brinkley, Claudia Schiffer, Uma Thurman and Giorgio Armani since it opened.

Wayne Hudson, a representative of Costa Careyes, the company founded by Gian Franco Brignone that builds and rents villas in the area, says that privacy is “the single biggest appeal” of the development to stars like Klum and Seal. “In Careyes, which is a small isolated community, they have extreme privacy from the outside world. And the Careyes residents who are VIPs for a variety of reasons just treat them as another member of the community.”

Costa Careyes isn’t the only secluded Mexican getaway ideal for the genetically blessed. Longtime American beauty icon Brooke Shields is on the list of models known to have graced the rooms of the Esperanza resort in Cabo San Lucas. The Esperanza features a 2,000-square-foot penthouse suite with 24-hour butler service, a stone-terraced, multi-level restaurant with views of the Sea of Cortez, and, of course, the ultimate necessity for famous sunbathing beauties: a private beach. Via: Jennifer Murphy - ForbesTraveler

SocialiteTravel.com - Jet Set the World

Aloft Hotels - Jet Setting at a Steal

2009-09-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Aloft Hotels, a vision of W Hotels is a cool, new place to stay when you are looking to Jet Set on a Steal! Affordable, Hip, and Exciting....Aloft Hotels is definitely on our list as Cool Hotels. Check them out!

Book Aloft Hotels on SocialiteTravel.com and get great internet rates! We support Global Charities - Thanks to you!

W Barcelona Will Open on October 1 with Rooms at $344 a Night

2009-09-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

Wow. Seems like "mañana mañana" may not be the way the Spaniards do things anymore. Or not in Barcelona, because the W is still set to open October 1*, and, as we just found out, you can even make reservations for one of the 473 rooms.

The promised “endless sea and city views” sound good, right? Well, if you want to experience them, you’ll have to start saving your pennies. The cheapest room (a Wonderful one) is currently going for EUR 240, or $344, excluding tax. Want a suite? That’ll be EUR 580, or $831. Let’s hope it’s worth it.

*Let’s just forget this is their third opening date, and give them the benefit of the doubt, ok? Good. by londontown - HotelChatter

Related Links: Barcelona 411, Hotel Deals in Barcelona

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Hotels on Stilts - Angsana's InOcean Villas are Island-Free Vacations in the Maldives

2009-08-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

The Maldives’ newly-opened Angsana Velavaru InOcean Villas are swanky hotel rooms on stilts. The luxurious collection of 33 two-story vacation homes are joined by a boardwalk but are completely isolated in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

The remote Angsana Velavaru InOcean Villas’ abounds with amenities like infinity pools, spas treatments, fine dining, and of course diving, which is what the Maldives are most famous for.

Don’t get top worried about being too cut-off from terra firma, though; take one of InOcean Villa’s own kayaks and paddle a mere 20 minutes, and you’re on dry land. Via: Elsa Blaine - HotHotelReviews

References: angsana, timesonline

Related Links: Hotels in the Maldives, Angsana Velava Photo Gallery

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Who Will Save Our Celebrities From The Toxic Power Of Twitter?

2009-08-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Where: New York, NY, United States

Finally using her Twitter account for good, this week Britney Spears handed out tickets to her shows at Madison Square Garden in New York to a lucky fan via tweeted clues.

Is Spears playfully engaging with a new medium, or playing a dangerous game? Spears or her handlers left a series of clues for followers to parse about the place she was, like "Manhattan," and "below 60th Street and above 20th Street." The clues apparently led to the Times Square M&M store, just when you thought it was going to be something original and local-approved -- but anyway!

In the end, it wasn't Britney herself handing out the tickets—of course not, that's what you pay people for. Nonetheless the giveaway, and similar stunts pulled by @The_Real_Shaq and other celebs on Twitter sent the New York Times sniffing around the scene for an article pondering the fact that Twitter's biggest numbers are being posted not by text-friendly teens, but by adults.

Having jobs would keep most of New York from dashing off for the day to find Britney, but not all. It wouldn't be that hard for an ill-intentioned follower to locate and do harm to a celeb trying to "connect" with the "fans."

Ironically, most of the teens in the Times story raise questions of privacy which presumably we grown-ups on Twitter have learned to successfully navigate without the help of Internet Guardians. But as more celebs take to tweeting their trips (ex: Lily Allen), the potential exists for more than touristy heckling, clueless Twitpics, and hasty PR-driven apologies. More followers can mean more readers of your travel plans, and not all of them with innocent intents. Celebs beware; there's a time to take yourself off the map. by egw - Jaunted

Related Links: Hotel Deals in NYC, NYC Packages, New York Pass

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Dubai's Latest Flashy Statement Of Wealth: Designer Seatbelts

2009-08-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Good old flashy Dubai might be one of the world's largest consumers of gold-covered cars, but apparently they think they're too cool for school to use a seatbelt. Thanks to Luxist, we hear that drivers in the United Arab Emirates are so loathe to use seatbelts, that the country is lauching its own aggressive seatbelt safety campaign a la the US and France.

WIth only 11% of Emiratis deigning to strap themselves in, auto accidents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi especially are oftentimes more serious than what should be. As a result, the seatbelt safety campaign wants to appeal to residents' love of luxury and fashion by painting the seatbelt as a statement, as well as safety, item.

How will they do this, you ask? Well, by printing seatbelts with logos of luxury brands, or your favorite team, or the Emirati flag. We imagine a taxi cab picking us up from Dubai's airport, and we climb into a back seat to buckle up with Armani belts. Luxist points out that luxury brands aren't exactly liberal with the use of their intellectual property and might poo-poo use of logos, but we bet that soon you'll able to buy seatbelts in Dubai slathered with the (unofficial) Louis Vuitton Damier pattern nonetheless. by JetSetCD - Jaunted

[Photo: uncle boatshoes]

South Beach Goes Hollywood, Budget Hollywood

2009-08-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Where: 334 Arizona Street [map], Hollywood, FL, United States, 33019

No, no, the SoFla folks aren’t coming west, just heading north. The self-described “hip hotel group” The South Beach Group has just announced a new property in Hollywood Beach, Florida. But don’t look to their Miami Beach boutique hotels—Catalina, Riveria South Beach, Whitelaw, et. al—for clues to the new digs: this baby is a two-in-one, the Hollywood Beach Hotel + Hostel.

For those who haven’t stayed in a hostel since that time they hooked up with the cute Dutch backpacker, we turn to South Beach Group honcho Alan Lieberman for illumination: “The difference between a hostel and a hotel is about a community,” he says. “It’s easy to get to know other people in a safe environment. It’s not uncommon for guests to meet and make plans to experience the city together.”

In other words: bunks. Some of the “Key West styled units” at The Hollywood Beach Hotel + Hostel will have queen beds and private bathrooms, but for the most part we can expect the typical hostel set-up, complete with security lockers and a shared kitchen and living room. Since this is SoFla, there’s also an outdoor lounge and deck area.

“We are taking the hostel concept to the next level,” says Nathan Lieberman. How so? Well, they’re offering free WiFi, Cable TV, beach access, pool tables, and the use of surfboards and bicycles.

Then there’s their sunny spin on sharing a room with strangers: “The idea was a simple one; stay with your best friends who you haven’t met yet and share the cost of the room.”

Ready to meet your BFF? Head over to the hotel + hostel’s website. Beds start at $19.95 a night (in the “Single and ready to mingle” category). If you want to stay in a female-only (“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”) or male-only (“Mancation”) room, it’s an extra two bucks. by MsRebecca - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Hollywood Fl., South Beach Hotels, Hostels

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Chase Temple Ruins And Hammock Lounging With A Cold Laotian Beer

2009-08-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

Even though the recession has hampered exotic travel, there are still those intrepid explorers going all out. All this week, our Cambodian embed Claire will share experiences from her trip to Laos.

Southern Laos more closely resembles its neighbors, with a flatter, rice-paddy covered landscape. Here, main attractions include Wat Phu Champasak, temple ruins in a stunning setting and Si Phan Don, the 4,000 islands, a mid-river delta in the Mekong.

Wat Phu Champasak, an ancient Angkorian temple built into a hillside, is about two hours south of Pakse by sangtheaw. The infrastructure here, and the tourism machine, deteriorates slightly, leaving more options for independent travel alongside Lao people. We rode in a truck with a week’s supply of produce and several old ladies who helped us understand prices and figure out our route, all without any ability to truly speak to each other.

The setting for Wat Phu is the most beautiful we’ve ever seen for an Angkor ruin, carved into a jungly hillside with a waterfall dropping behind it. Fog settled low on the hills, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the place.

Further south from Wat Phu and its adjacent town of Champasak is Si Phan Don, a delta of 4,000 islands in the Mekong. Activities there involve cycling around backroads, over bridges and past villages, motoring around the islands to small islands (which disappear in rainy season), and spotting river dolphins. Eating is a surprisingly fun hobby too, we discovered, with superb Lao-style laap (a limey, spicy minced meat dish and curry soups served with the country’s ubiquitous sticky rice. Every guesthouse seems to have gotten on the pumpkin burger train too, which is fantastic.

The two main islands for travelers are Don Det and Dhon Khon, with the main town—and access to $3 per hour internet—on the northern tip of Don Det. Near town is also an Australian-run bakery, with freshly made cinnamon buns and various baked goods that emerges in this remote island location like a mirage in the dessert.

Bungalow-style guesthouses line the riverfront, costing about $1 or $2 per night. Lounging on the hammock between meals, sipping Beer Laos—Southeast Asia’s best brew. Just another of the many things that Laos does best in the region. And this is how we'll remember our trip: sipping Laotian beer from the porch of a $2-a-night guesthouse, fresh from discovering temple ruins. by ced138 - Jaunted

Related Links: Laos 411, Hotel Deals in Laos

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It's A Great Day For A Sail, On Murdoch's $310,000-A-Week Sailboat

2009-08-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

When we aren't out jetting around on LCCs, busing to Baltimore for $1 or hopping a high-speed train, we like to fantasize about that other form of transportation: the almighty ship. So to allay our own curiosity as much as yours, we're spotlighting yachts with either notorious owners or histories...or both. Know of a bootylicious boat? Let us know.

Last month, we featured the $1 Million-a-week yacht charter of the Fontainebleau Hotel owner's 'Mad Summer' boat. Recognizing that this price bracket is far out of reach for many people, hell, all people, we're toning it down to something more affordable.

What do you say you and nine of your friends get together and shell out a total of $310,000 for a week onboard a sailboat? This isn't just any sailboat however, it's Rupert Murdoch's 'Rosehearty,' and she's got an aluminum hull and technical advances to daze the most seasoned seaman.

The 184-footer is outfitted with the standard millionaire/billionaire play things: hottubs, A/V equipment and top-of-the-line audio systems to turn your deck into a movie theater, a full gym, two sailing dinghies and a dinghy sailing instructor (we want this job), and a full complement of dive gear.

If we had our way with this baby, like Rupert does when he has a spare second, we'd take her all up in the Windwards, the Leewards, and the Edwards—we don't even know if Edwards Islands exist, but we'd sure look for them with the 'Rosehearty.' You can look into chartering her here.

by JetSetCD - Jaunted

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Art Gallery Hotels - The LALALA Arthotel Features Rooms by 7 Different Artists

2009-08-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

The LALALA hotel in Sopot, Poland has seven rooms designed by seven different artists, each with their own unique flavor. The beautiful room designs range from elegant to kitchy, featuring everything from clean, crisp white to vibrant retro and striking Asian-influence.

The artists who contributed to the project include Jakub Rebelka, Iwona Cybula, Asia Piascik, Marek Mielnicki, Emilia Bartkowska, Patrycja Orzechowsk, Kuba Bakowski, Honorata Martin, Ula Wasielewska and Joanna Zastrozna. Via: Cecilia Biemann - HotHotelReviews

References: dezeen

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Leonardo DiCaprio Is Making Out And Dodging Explosions In Paris

2009-08-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Protecting Ellen Page from flying debris and making out with Marion Cotillard is all in a week’s work for Leonardo DiCaprio. Leo, Ellen and Marion are all in Paris this week filming the contemporary Sci-Fi thriller Inception, which is being directed by The Dark Knight’s Christopher Nolan. Very little is known about the film except that it takes place in "the architecture of the mind," whatever that means.

What we do know for sure is that Leo and Ellen filmed at Cafe Debussy and near the Pont de Bir-Hakeim on the Seine yesterday. This isn't the first time on the big screen for the bridge; it was also featured in National Treasure 2, Munich and Last Tango in Paris.

Leo invited a few family members along on the Paris trip, including his mother who seemed to be doting on her famous son. We wouldn’t be surprised if Leo put his family up at the ultra lux Four Seasons George V while they're visiting him in Paris. Right now, the hotel is offering a special Bed and Breakfast Package that includes a full American breakfast daily for up to two adults at the hotel’s La Galerie, Le Cinq restaurant or through In-Room Dining for $1170.00 a night. For that kind of money, you too could probably also be making out with Marion Cotillard. by cmb - Jaunted

[Photo: Just Jared]

Related Links: Paris 411, Hotel Deals in Paris, Four Seasons George V, Paris Packages

Living the Rock 'N' Roll Life at The Andaz West Hollywood

2009-08-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Where: 8401 W Sunset Blvd. [map], West Hollywood, CA, United States, 90069

The West Hollywood drag of LA's Sunset Strip is synonymous with a frenzied rock 'n' roll lifestyle. This is the stretch of bright lights that The Viper Room and Roxy Theater call home, and where on any given night, well-heeled groupie types (or "Band Aids," as the Always Famous euphemism goes) can be seen wandering in droves toward the latest insider after party. We'll reserve judgment about the outfit choices we've observed.

The recently reinvented Andaz West Hollywood has long been a part of this local, life-on-the-edge culture, playing host to guests who have an appreciation of the Strip's late night hustle and hard cocktails. For this year's Sunset Strip Music Festival, which will be held from September 10-12, The Andaz has been named the host hotel and is offering discounted rates of up to 20% accommodations from Thursday, September 10th through Sunday, September 13th to mark the high gloss occasion.

If you're planning on hitting up the event, it's probably a smarter—not to mention safer—bet to stay near the wild revelry of the SSMF. If you've ever dared a bar crawl along the Strip, you'll know that things naturally tend to get a little out of hand. Plus, when the inevitably deafening sounds of Korn have you screaming "Gimmie Shelter," then ducking into the Andaz could be a temporary retreat. Our suggestion: the rooftop Sundeck. But if you're looking to keep the buzz going through the next morning, you can order a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with Sunday Brunch. Old habits die hard, it seems. For reservations, call 323.785.6090 or visit http://www.andaz.com/. by Heidi Atwal - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Hollywood, Andaz West Hollywood, Best Hotels - One Click!

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Digital Nomad Lobbies: Working It Out at Smyth Tribeca

2009-08-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Where: 86 W Broadway [map], New york, NY, United States, 10007

There has been a lot of talk recently about the lifestyle of digital nomads -- folks who work from wherever they might roam. HotelChatter has been covering hotel wifi since the beginning, but as we cited in our 2009 annual hotel wifi report times they are a changin'.

The biggest change on the tech side is the growing popularity of the usb broadband card. As more and more people buy into these cards (and more and more GMs pray to the hotel gods they do) there are a growing number of digital nomads that no longer tap into a hotel WiFi network.

Instead, these nomads are in search of killer hotel lobbies to comfortably work in. That's right, digital nomads have no problem coming in, kicking back on hotel lobby couches and doing an hours worth of work. So once again hotels have a choice -- welcome these folks, pay no mind to them, or actively try to kick them out.

With this in mind, we figured it was time for us to start rating hotel lobbies on their digital nomad quotient. In our latest edition, the The Smyth Tribeca Hotel.

The sectional seating area.

Hotel: Smyth Tribeca Hotel

Location Layout: Lobby. You walk through the front entrance, staffed by handsome young men, and make a right. There is a front desk in front of you, a sort of lounge/bar on your left and big seating area on your right with both soft banquette seating (with tables) and a huge sectional sofa facing out onto Broadway.

Outlets: We found one next to the wall on the banquette+table side.

Furniture: Verrrry comfortable. Sit back and relax.

Digital Nomad Tolerance: They will tolerate you, but it helps to order a drink or food from the bar/temporary restaurant, Jour et Nuit.

Phone Calls: You can make 'em, but the reception in here was god awful. And we have no idea why. It was on the ground floor right next to some large windows.

Overall Mood: Pleasant. It was quiet and professional with just the right touch of design flair. Nothing too ostentatious like the Gramercy Park Hotel and nothing to cold and scary like the Thompson LES hotel. It reminded us a lot of 60 Thompson but fresher. Oh and without the constant groups of models/wannabes sashaying throughout the place.

Digital Nomad Grade: B, if you have a WiFi card and don't need to make phone calls. We can't wait to head back to this lobby with our shiny new WiFi card. The food was tasty, the seating comfortable and generally, very digital-nomad friendly. But if you don't have a WiFi card and are a hotel guest trying to rely on the hotel's WiFi, forget about it! The hotel charges $10 a day and it kept dropping our signal. Also, dropped phone calls? FAIL. You're better off at the Starbucks across the street. by juliana - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in NYC, Smyth Tribeca, NYC Packages, New York Pass

Indian Princess Baths - The Alva Park Resort & Spa Features 6-Star Luxury in Costa Brava

2009-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Alva Park Resort & Spa in Costa Brava, Spain is a six star relaxation retreat in one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean.

Alva Park Resort is in Platja de Fenals, making excursions to different areas of Barcelona and Girona a breeze. With amenities like an Indian Princess bath featuring salt water and underwater music, however, you might not make it very far from the resort.

The Alva Park Spa (Molton Brown Spa) features decor like river stones and Buddha sculptures, making it a very zen destination for those seeking to connect with their spiritual sides - or just enjoy world class pampering.

The Alva Park Resort has 88 suites, each of which includes a lounge area with “an Oriental art gallery with Mongolian pottery and reproductions of Han Dynasty statues and ancient Chinese coins,” according to The Leading Hotels of the World. Factor in the 300-yarn fine Egyptian cotton sheets and top notch electronics (but who would want to flick on a Bang & Olufsen TV with the world’s best scenery outside the door?) and you’ve got a paradise for even the most discerning of jet setters.

Check out pictures of Alva Park Resort & Spa in the gallery, and if you’re really ready to get whisked away from your day-to-day routine, make sure to check out their site! Via: Bianca Bartz - HotHotelReviews

References: alvapark, lhw

Related Links: Spain 411, Hotels in Costa Brava, Alva Park Resort & Spa, Photo Gallery

French champ, Brazilian models and NYC beats

2009-08-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Place:

Pink Elephant

The Scene:

Located in a swanky corner of Dacon Tower in Sao Paulo’s Jardins, New York’s Pink Elephant lands a Sao Paulo outpost for late night debauchery and celebrity revelry. With outposts of Crobar and Pacha, Sao Paulo lands one of its first international VIP-style nightclubs looking to bolster its velvet rope demographic with a stylish late-night dance lounge for Brazil’s tabloid-set. While some had serenaded of Pink Elephant’s demise in NYC, the club is gaining a second life as a resort mega-club with outposts in the Hamptons, Sao Paulo and coming soon to Monte Carlo and Punta del Este.

Pink Elephant SP steps-out in red carpet style with a topiary-lined entrance abuzz in flashbulbs and I-Phone snapshots of arriving guests. The interior club takes glamour to the max with a central lounge area of circular pink-tufted banquettes with solitaire-shaped cocktail tables overcrowded with crystal stemware and buckets of bubbly. Walls are framed by exposed brick walls, plush pink drapery and wood-paneled bar area overcrowded with those unwilling to pay-up for bottle service. Between DJ sets of hip-hop and Latin pop, guests make their way to the bathrooms that are mini-salons with make-up and hair crew spritz and teasing with Dior beauty products.

JetSet Tips:

Pink Elephant begins its world club domination with stylish VIP club in Sao Paulo’s Jardins.

Last Word:

It’s all about being beautiful and filthy rich, if you’re neither of the two simply queue-up in line and wait your turn up to 45-minutes to get through the door. Remember, the Brazilians like to catwalk even in their nightclubs so dress to impress without being too dressy. Via: Anne Vine - JetSetReport.com

Related Links: Brazil 411, Hotels in Sao Paulo, Pink Elephant Brazil

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NYC's Hotel Gansevoort Gears Up For New Club 'Provocateur'

2009-08-07T04:15:00.000-07:00

Where: 18 9th Avenue [map], New York, NY, United States, 10014

Remember the heyday of the Hotel Gansevoort in New York's Meatpacking District, before The Standard came and when the Gansevoort still had bedspreads without cigarette burns in them? It was the place to go on a Friday or Saturday night in summer, for a drink at their rooftop "Plunge" pool bar or down at their garden restaurant/club, Stereo.

Now that Stereo has closed, leaving the corner of the Meatpacking eerily quieter at night, what will move into the prime space? Another club of course, but this time not of your typical $19 cocktails and black minidresses sort, or so it seems. The new venture will be called "Provocateur" and is billing itself as "The [heart] of Progressing, Vocal & Indie Music."

We never thought we'd see those genres associate with The Gansevoort, but know they are just trying to stay hip byt knocking out the lounge and techno beats in favor of something more buffalo plaid-friendly.

The Club is due to open this fall, and you know since we spend the better part of our days spying on The Standard, that we should be in the perfect spot to see what blossoms at "Provocateur." by JetSetCD - HotelChatter

[Photo: HotelChatter]

Related Links: Hotel Deals in NYC, Hotel Gansevoort, New York Pass

Why Just Visit An Irish Castle When You Can Stay In One?

2009-08-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Where: Shannon, Ireland

If touring a castle in Ireland just isn't enough and leaves you wanting more, then why not sleep in a castle? it's the easiest way to live out your fantasy of being a royal, and you're in luck because there are plenty regal Irish castles that have been turned into luxury hotels.

One of the best castles-turned-hotels is the Dromoland Castle in Co Claire, just a few minutes from Shannon, making it easily accessible via the Shannon International Airport. It's also an excellent home base for visiting tourist traps in western Ireland, like the Cliffs of Moher and of course the Blarney Stone.

If tourist traps don't sound appealing, there is really no need to ever leave Dromoland. The five star hotel is on a 375-acre estate where guests can go hunting, fishing, horseback riding, play golf or tennis, or just hang out and do nothing at their full-service spa. The hotel also has several restaurants for breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner.

The baronial Dromoland castle has a fascinating history as well. It was the ancestral home of the O'Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), High King of Ireland in the eleventh century. More recently, the castle was the location of EU-US Summit in 2004 and hosted President Bush who stayed at the facility while attending the summit.

Right now, The Dromoland Castle is offering a special 3 Night Break which includes 3 nights Deluxe Accommodation with Full Irish Breakfast each morning in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant for two adults and 2 children for € 640. by cmb - Jaunted

[Photo: FanPop]

Related Links: Ireland, Hotels in Shannon - Ireland, Dromoland Castle, Vacation Packages

Cameron Douglas Was 'All Strung Out' at The Gansevoort Hotel

2009-08-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Where: 18 9th Avenue [map], New York, NY, United States, 10014

We knew the Hotel Gansevoort was a party hotel but Cameron Douglas was throwing quite a different type of party in his hotel room the other night. The 30-year-old son of actor Michael Douglas was busted by the DEA task force inside his guestroom, where he had been staying for quite some time on his dad's dime. Douglas was reportedly in possession of half a pound of crystal meth, valued at $18,000, which he was intending to sell. The NY Post reports:

He had been staying at the hotel for some time in a room rented by his father, and when authorities barged in, they found the place a mess and Cameron Douglas "very strung out," according to the sources.

An informant had told the investigators that Douglas -- grandson of Kirk Douglas -- was the middleman in a deal to move a half-pound of crystal meth from California to New York to sell.

Douglas has been arrested on other drug charges twice before. He's currently being held by the Feds and his dad, Michael is said to be furious. Yeah, we would be too if we were paying close to $400 a night for our son to hide his crystal meth. Now we just feel bad for the housekeeping team who had to clean up that mess. by juliana - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in NYC, The Gansevoort Hotel, NYC Packages

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Newest Fashion Hotel On The Block: Tcherassi In Colombia

2009-08-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's official: 2009 is the year of fashion designer hotels. Missoni just debuted their first in Scotland, Palazzo Versace continue to proliferate, Diesel's creative director opened a Brazil retreat in spring, and Armani will have his first in Dubai on December 2. We can't just look at the biggest names as the only creators of boutique properties, however, as Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi steps up to open her own tropical resort in fall.

Tcherassi will be the first Latin American designer to go the hotel route, but will keep it close to home with a 7-suite colonial mansion property on the Colombian coast in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena de Indias. Who will be staying here, you ask? Tcherassi's fans, naturally, as the designer is known for her wedding atelier especially, and even has a US store and bridal workshop in Coral Gables, Florida. Marry in Miami; honeymoon in Colombia. Why not?

Of course there will also be a spa and restaurant, and judging from the exposed restaurant area and pool above, as well as the glass bathroom, this place will be your typical see-and-be-seen boutique hotel. by JetSetCD - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Cartagena - Columbia, Silvia Tcherassi

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Buy Your Bathing Suit From A Vending Machine At The Standard

2009-08-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Ever gone on vacation and realized you left your swimsuit behind. Worry no more if you are staying at any of The Standard hotels. Sporty clothing company Quiksilver has partnered with André Balazs' The Standard Hotels on co-branded swimwear that will be sold not only in the hotel boutiques but also poolside in special vending machines in New York, Los Angeles, Hollywood and Miami. It's a smart collaboration, The Standard is infamous for its pool scenes.

Four different styles of men's board shorts were designed one for each hotel but women will have to content themselves with a black string bikini. Items can be purchased online at shopthestandard.com, and the first vending machine will open in Los Angeles on August 8.

by Deidre Woollard - Luxist

[via The Thread]

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Four Seasons Is Top Luxury Hotel

2009-07-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Bad news for the Ritz-Carlton, it's no longer the top dog in luxury hotels. That's according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study. The study looked at overall hotel guest satisfaction across six hotel segments from luxury to budget. The Ritz-Carlton has been chosen the top luxury hotel in past years but this year the honor went to the Four Seasons even though the rooms at the luxury chain are more expensive. In the next tier down, the winner of the Upscale segment was Embassy Suites Hotels which took the honor for the third year running.

To determine overall satisfaction the study looked at seven key measures: reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; hotel facilities; and costs and fees. Over 66,000 people who stayed n a hotel between May 2008 and June 2009 were part of the study. The survey showed that guest satisfaction with luxury hotels has remained stable from 2008. The most-desired amenities include complimentary breakfast, wireless Internet access and pillow-top mattresses. In luxury hotels a high percentage of guests say they expect in-room high-definition flat-panel TVs. The study also found that guests are more aware of property-initiated "green" programs and 72 percent say they participated in their hotel's conservation programs. by Deidre Woollard - Luxist

[via LA Times Daily Travel & Deal] Source

Hip Hostels - Barcelona’s Centric Point Creates Travel Oxymoron for Backpackers

2009-07-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

The word “hostel” usually conjures up images of bummy backpackers slumming it in old, basic, barren, cramped, shared accommodations, that and a really bad horror flick. This is definitely not case at Centric Point Hostel located Barcelona, Spain.

The atmosphere and vibe is laid back to compliment the prices which start at just over $30 for dorms or $80 for private rooms. While the amenities provide a hip and chic feel. Yes I’m using the word “amenity” in a blog about a hostel. Located in the heart of Barcelona, the very affordable digs include a common room outfitted with Internet access, music, satellite TV and a Nintendo Wii. They even toss in free breakfasts.

So if you are travelling to Spain on a budget but still want to stay in style, check out this new way to “rough it.” Totally focused to the international traveller from our travellers desk you can book all kinds of tours and activities to socialize and discover the city. Altogether one of the most spectacular hostels in Europe. (metronews) Via: Ryan Hinkson

References: centricpointhostel, metronews

Bar Refaeli Seeks Solace in St. Tropez Nightclub

2009-07-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Where: St. Tropez, France

We're heading into the final month of summer here and you know what that means--celebs will be descending en masse in St. Tropez on the French Riviera for their annual pilgrimage of partying, yachting, topless sunbathing, and more partying.

But it looks like Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue cover girl, Bar Refaeli is getting a head start. The beauty was seen partying it up with Brazilian polo player and entrepreneur Ricardo Mansur, leading us to believe that her on-off boyfriend, Leonardo DiCaprio, is once again "off." This Ricardo dude might also have it out for Leo as he reportedly once dated Leo's ex, Gisele Bundchen, as well.

While celebs can be found throughout the summer in St. Tropez (not all of them are classy like Jon Gosselin, Tara Reid and Avril Lavigne), August seems to be the month to go. The New York Times has a great article about the madness of splashy flashy St. Tropez that gives a good history of the place and how it turned into such a party spot. True, the article is from 2005 which is now firmly "pre-recession era" but this is the French Riviera--there's no such word as "recession," is there?

And as for how Bar actually got to St. Tropez, well we're guessing she didn't fly her SI One.

by juliana - Jaunted

[Photo via TMZ]

Related Links: Hotels in St. Tropez, France 411, Celebuzz

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Wild Eco Retreats - West Africa's Resort Spa Channels the African Wild

2009-07-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

Scottish-based design consultants, Treasured Dreams, is one of the world’s leading treehouse design and construction companies, and they have been aspiring to create one of West Africa’s leading eco holiday resort and spa.

The aim of the project is to create the next most sought-after destination for exclusive sunny short hall vacations for European residents as well as a luxury spa, five star hotel and numerous exceptional dining alternatives. The resort will feature about 75 villas and 200 residences and combines a destination experience with luxurious facilities.

All suites feature luxurious en-suite bathrooms, multimedia DVD players, satellite TV, and coffee/tea making facilities; each villa comes with its own private Jacuzzi that over looks the river.

The Hotel Spa has been designed with the surrounding landscape in mind. The interiors reflect the natural colors of the African landscape, with the work of local artists adding colorful highlights. In Treasured Dream's world nothing is impossible. We dedicate ourselves to giving you the best possible service and ensuring your time with us is a pleasurable experience. And, if you share in our belief that nothing is impossible, you will find that the only limit to what can be achieved by our own imaginations. (treehouse-builders) Via: gorby2

References: treasureddreams, treehouse-builders

Related Links: Africa Destination Guide

The W Fort Lauderale Wants You To Visit Their Water Wonderland

2009-07-24T02:25:00.000-07:00

Where: 401 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd [map], Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States, 33316

The W Fort Lauderdale's Terrace Bar

Yes, summer in Florida is sticky and sweaty. But the still-new W Fort Lauderdale is trying to woo you down to the Sunshine State with its “W Presents Wonder on the Water” promotion.

According to the hotel’s website, here’s what you get:

· VIP Living Room table with two Coastal-politans

· W beach towel, two lounge chairs & an umbrella on the beach

· Bliss® Hot Cream Manicure $25

· Chef-guided kitchen tour with wine at Stephen Starr’s signature restaurant

· Unbelievable room upgrade!

That’s the Living Room lounge in the hotel—not to be confused with the nightclub of the same name up at the Los Olas riverfront (a place Playboy describes as “the Jetsons on crack.”)

This Living Room has a 20-foot “signature bar under overheard tilted mirrors” where hotel literature encourages you to create your own action “kicking back on mattress-inspired seating under the pool as you catch glimpses of swimmers through portholes.” There’s also a “sultry hidden nook with glistening LED starlights.”

That W beach towel will set you back 38 clams if you buy it in the W Hotels Store, and the Bliss Hot Cream Manicure is usually 25 bucks.

Oh, and as for that chef-guided tour with wine at Stephen Starr’s signature restaurant? (Steak 954, which the Miami Herald granted an “excellent” review.) Read the fine print when you go to book this promotion and you learn that this is contingent on purchase of dinner for two.

Still, the package starts at just $299 for a Wonderful Room with Limited View for a stay this Saturday night. Not too shabby when you consider how good it will feel to wrap your freshly manicured nails around a Coastal-politan in the sultry hidden nook! by MsRebecca = HotelChatter

[Photo: Tom Barnes]

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Ft. Lauderdale, W Fort Lauderdale, Vacation Packages

The Most Natural Partnership in Vegas: The Hard Rock and Virgin America

2009-07-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Where: 4455 Paradise Road [map], 89169

It’s the most holy of alliances. Virgin America, the rock ‘n’ roll airline, has teamed up with Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel for a special promotion. From now until December 30, you can get a 30-percent-off rate at Hard Rock Hotel when you book three nights or more. While VA’s promo offer suggests the special is good “exclusively” for Elevate – its frequent-flier program – members, the Hard Rock’s site is also running a “Summer Special” on it Web site that seems to offer exactly the same deal.

Normal rates for next Friday night (July 31), for example, in a king-sized room are $259. With the discount (either via VA or Summer Specials) that means you pay only $181 and change. Here’s an unexpected perk, too: while Saturday night, August 1, is totally sold out if you try to book it through the regular “reservations” tab on the HRH’s Web site, if you book by clicking on the “Summer Specials” button, you can actually score a room. It’s $499, mind you, but it’s there.
While we’re scratching our head as to how VA can claim "exclusivity" for the offer, it’s not a bad deal. Check this out: if you’re interested in booking a room during the mid-week in December, your rate is a low, low price of $48 per night. Holiday shopping junket, anyone? by Erika Pope - VegasChatter

[Photo: Old Shoe Woman]

Related Links: Vegas Hotel Deals, Hard Rock Hotel, Vegas Packages

The Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club Pool By the Numbers

2009-07-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Where: 1281 Channel Drive [map], Santa Barbara, CA, United States, 93108

Guests of the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort in Santa Barbara have a choice when it comes to pools: the "intimate" Resort Jungle Pool or the "legendary" Olympic-sized pool across the street at the private-membership Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.

The spa, and fitness facilities here are open to club members and Four Seasons guests only. And with that kind of exclusivity, numbers matter.

Below, we've rounded up some interesting numbers regarding this exclusive pool area.

160: length of the Coral Casino pool in feet.
31: number of private cabanas surrounding the pool.

180: number of chaise lounges by the pool for the cabana-less; number of degrees of your Butterfly Beach view.

1937: year the beach club was built.

65 million: cost in dollars of the Coral Casino’s recentish restoration by architect Peter Marino.

3: number of years spent on said face-lift.

5: price in dollars for the cheapest items on the Coral Café menu: onion rings, sweet potato fries, truffle and parmesan French fries, or tortilla chips with salsa.

600: actual cost in dollars for onion rings or fries, once you factor in the necessary Four Seasons room rate that will allow you access to the Coral Casino.

500: approximate numbers of Coral Casino club members.

250,000: starting cost for membership.

250: estimated number of names on membership waiting list.

795: rack rate listed for a room at the Four Seasons Biltmore this Saturday night.

90210: all you can think about, if you are a guest of a member who gets to play rich at the “beach club” for a day.

Having a friend whose parents are members of the club and being able to hang by the pool when it’s close to empty? Priceless.

by MsRebecca - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotels in Santa Barbara CA, Four Seasons Biltmore Resort

My House Hollywood - The Latest Celeb "it" Bar

2009-07-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Place:
My House Hollywood

The Scene:

The nightlife version of Hollywood Cribs, My House is the latest late-night reincarnation of the former-Garden of Eden near the corner of Hollywood and Vine. If it were any other city the fact that a nightclub with its historic Moorish-theme that had been around since the ‘30s and entertained everyone from Rudoloh Valentino to Billy Idol would have been spared from the Dodd Mitchell Hollywood re-do. Not so much. Instead, the man the designed Dolce and Falcon, two former-Hollywood hotspots, gets his hands and paint cans on the former-space and creates an Alice in S&M-wonderland that currently the party spot du jour for the Audrina and Paris set as well as various tabloid magazine parties.

Bitterness aside, My House attempts to recreate the Hollywood Hills house party experience in a massive streetfront space that includes a kitchen-theme bar area with stainless steel appliances and super-sex bartenders mixing Patron margaritas. The space is sexy and well thought-out, nearly 10,000 square feet that includes a living room-theme lounge area and micro-dance floor as well as an upstairs bedroom that doubles as the VIP space. Outside is a tranquil terrace area and smoking patio that offers glimpses of the building’s past but with new fireplace, cabanas and even a Jacuzzi for 2am skinny-dipping.

JetSet Tips:

My House is currently used as an event’s space that means that every night offers a different party, promoter or theme. Log-on to the website or call in advance to make sure you get your gay night straight from your US Weekly nights.

Last Word:

Historic Hollywood nightclub gets a mansion-theme facelift by the LA designer of Dolce and nearby Katana. Via: Ann Vine, Editorial Review Author - JetSetReport.com

Related Links: My House, Hotels in Hollywood, Los Angeles 411

New Croatian Radison Blu Offers 100,000 Sq. Ft. Spa

2009-07-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Radisson Blu Resort and Spa Dubrovnik just became the largest resort on Croatia's Dalmatian coast. The new property, which is only 11 miles from Dubrovnik International Airport, boasts more than 100,000 square feet of spa, sports and wellness facilities with treatments such as hydrotherapy and salt saunas. This is the first Anne Semonin spa to open in Croatia, and to celebrate the milestone, several exclusive treatments have bee developed.

The spa itself occupies 37,000 square feet along the Croatian coastline, with seven individual treatment rooms and two more for couples. An outdoor hot tub sits at the center of this layout. The Thalassotherapy Therma Stone Experience, 100% Active Ice Therapy Facial and Black Sand Scrub & Ocean Massage Ritual were developed specifically for the Radisson Blu – I guess giving three more damned good reasons to get on a plane for Dubrovnik.

Another 75,000 square feet is dedicated to a sports and wellness center. The 60-foot lagoon pool, waterfall and underwater vitality jet lounges sound simply seductive, and there are additional treatments built around these decadent aquatic amenities.

Pass on the cliche European destinations this year, and head out to the Dalmatian coast. The spa experience will be a far cry from the usual. Via: Tom Johansmeyer - Luxist

World Cup South Africa 2010: Starting Your Journey to Cape Town

2009-07-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, the World Cup South Africa 2010 is going to be a thrilling event. Almost every single World Cup has been, and there are always enough upsets caused by underdogs, captivating victories by the masterful nations, and tightly fought matches, to enthrall the crowd.

In 2010, more of the same can be expected, with the most skillful players from the greatest nations in the world all going head to head for the ultimate prize in football: the World Cup.

If you’re a fan, then this represents a mouth watering opportunity. Not only is South Africa accessible and easy to get to, but it is a beautiful and exotic nation in its own right, which is the main reason why it has become such a popular tourist destination. Further deserving mention is the fact that Cape Town itself is regarded as a premier tourist location within South Africa.

Dare you pass up the chance to enjoy the very best in your favorite sport, coupled with the prospect of a wonderful vacation?

Truth be told, you really shouldn’t dally about too long. Of course, the thought has crossed your mind, but you probably put it off as something you’d decide closer to the time. In itself, this is a huge mistake that so many people make.

Although the Cape Town is prepared for the World Cup South Africa, there is bound to be a shortage of tickets and accommodation as the kick off day approaches. Booking in advance can save you the heartache of missing out on this excellent opportunity.

Consider it this way: Your journey to the World Cup South Africa should begin right here, and right now.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/world-cup-south-africa-2010-starting-your-journey-to-cape-town-991719.html

Via: brealynn

Related Links: South Africa 411, Cape Town Hotels, Johannesburg Hotels, Hostels, Flights to South Africa, Vacation Packages

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Monaco Taps Motown For Its 'Black Legend' Nightclub

2009-07-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

File this item under "uncomfortable coincidences": the developers of the famed Hotel Byblos and St.-Tropez club plan to open an upscale nightclub in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with a theme of great African American musicians. To be called "Black Legend," the club will serve tapas all day while featuring impersonator acts singing soul, funk and pop music, but with a focus on the Motown greats.

Speaking from experience—wink wink—we can vouch for the fact that in Monaco, most of the nightlife happens either onboard a yacht or in a high-rise swanky condo, not in clubs or bars since the daytrippers and tourists take over those. Nonetheless, we don't doubt that "Black Legend" will be a success, considering the French disposition to old African American cabaret acts; they did raise Josephine Baker and more to stardom with the US would have none of it.
The club, due to open this October, should have plenty time to hone its Michael Jackson memorial act and more before the famed Monaco Grand Prix rolls back into town next May.

Via: JetSetCD - Jaunted

[Photo: mhintsa]

Related Links: Hotels in Monte Carlo, St. Tropez Hotel Deals, Search All Hotels - One Click!

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Boracay Island Resort In Philippines

2009-07-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

Partly because of its wind and weather patterns, tourism in Boracay is at its peak during the Amihan season. During Amihan, the prevailing wind blows from the east. Boracay's main tourism area, White Beach, is on the western side of the island and is sheltered from the wind. Daytime temperatures on Boracay generally range from 77-90°F (25-32°C) from the beginning of the Amihan season into February or March, increase to the 82-100°F(28-38°C) range.

A number of accommodation types are scattered all over the island, ranging from luxurious hotel types to budget, Spartan rooms. Guests can also choose according to location--Station 3 is where most of the cheaper lodgings are located, while Station 2 is meant for those who want to be within close proximity of the bars. Station 1, meanwhile, is where you can find the more isolated accommodations.

Frendz Resort, one of the best beach locations on Boracay, is only a two minute walk from the famous white beach of Boracay, restaurants and entertainment venues. Situated where u want to be, near all the action, yet away from the hustle and bustle of the beachfront.

Frendz Resort is a fun-filled resort offering 15 native style bungalows, all with their own verandahs to relax on.

Another resort that will captivate your senses is the Nami Resort. All rooms at Nami have breathtaking views and a Jacuzzi on the balcony. The interior design is Contemporary Filipino. All rooms are air-conditioned, come with complete bathroom amenities, terry bathrobes, IDD/NDD telephones, DVD players upon request, cable television, minibar and in-suite spa facilities.

So if you are planning to go for a vacation, then I would strongly recommend you to visit Boracay Island! by: Jackson

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/boracay-island-resort-in-philippines-822177.html

About the Author:

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Homage Hotel Packages

2009-07-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hollywood Heights Hotel Celebrates Michael Jackson

Hollywood Heights Hotel is offering a special Michael Jackson Package to commemorate his contributions to the music industry.

However, this Michael Jackson hotel package is not a fan-driven spectacle as we may have expected. Hollywood Heights Hotel will be donating 10% of the cost of the hotel room to the Make a Wish Foundation—one of Michael Jackson’s favorite charities.

The Hollywood Heights Hotel package is available from now until August 29th, which would have been Michael Jackson’s 51st birthday.

This is a great way to pay homage to the King of Pop while also doing something for a good cause.

by: Rose Nazarali - HotHotelReviews

References: hollywoodheightshotel, travel.latimes

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Green Costa Rica Hotels Celebrate Their Blue Flag Beach With Deals

2009-07-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Two resorts in Costa Rica have been taking good care of the beach they share — in fact, they've been so environmentally friendly that the Manzanillo Beach, where you'll find the Allegro Papagayo Resort and the Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort, has been awarded an Ecological Blue Flag for 2009.

Blue Flag beaches are not common, and it's a good way to recognize a beach whose caretakers are making sure it's clean, safe and will stay that way in the future. And these two Occidental resorts are celebrating their Blue Flag achievement with a couple of special deals for this summer.

At the Allegro Papagayo, they've reduced the nightly rates to start at $68, and they've also got a special for kids: under-12's can stay for free until December 18. Nearby at the Occidental Grand Papagayo, they've also reduced the nightly rates, so they now start from $122, and their extra special is giving you a fourth night free if you book three nights in Royal Club accommodations. And of course, if you're staying at either of these places you can be sure that the beach is going to be a high quality one — a pretty important factor for a summer vacation.

Via: amandak - HotelChatter

[Photo: acodring]

Courtney Love Allegedly Trashes The Inn at Irving Place

2009-07-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Where: 56 Irving Place [map], New York, NY, United States, 10003

This is the state of rockstars today: trashing the crap out of cute little boutique hotels like the Inn at Irving Place. Sad. And not very nice. And Courtney Love, girl, you are sort of too old to be doin' that sort of stuff, no?

While we were hangin' out and watching fireworks this weekend, Miss Courtney Love was busy with other things. Namely, she was apparently "trashing" her room. According to Page Six:

While the rocker was visiting New York on June 17 with her 16-year-old daughter, Frances Bean, sources say Love completely ruined her accommodations.

The hard-partying 44-year-old widow of Kurt Cobain left dirty needles and used feminine hygiene products behind, according to sources, and also flooded the floor.

Ew. Ew! Courtney! Girl! Come on. You leave a mess like that behind and you've gotta at least tip your housekeeper (and, um, tip them like $5000), you know?

For those of you unfamiliar, The Inn at Irving Place is twelve-room hotel "furnished with exquisite antiques reminiscent of the New York of Edith Wharton." Quaint and sweet, with rooms that start around $445 per night. Not a trashable-by-rockstars kind of place. Edith Wharton would not be impressed. by Jenna - HotelChatter

Virgin Galactic and the 40th Anniversary of That Other Moonwalk

2009-07-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

by Alison Wellner

The untimely death of Michael Jackson has adults of a certain generation remembering the days of the moonwalk craze. But for those with a few more candles to blow out on the birthday cake, the term "moonwalk" conjures up the name of a different iconic American entirely: Neil Armstrong.

The 40th anniversary of the first moonwalk is swiftly approaching: July 20, 2009. And although it's been long in the making, Virgin Galactic moves ever closer to making a space journey a reality for private citizens willing to spend $200,000. (A bargain, really, considering that arranging private space travel today costs about $20 million.) On May 28, 2009, Virgin Galactic announced the successful completion of the first phase of tests of the rocket motor that will propel space tourists up, up and away.

There are still more tests to go, but at this point, the plan is to start sending passengers into space as soon as late 2010. (Delays are very likely, so no need to go into an oxygen-free environment just yet -- don't hold your breath.) There's no moonwalking in the cards, but there is traveling at 3,000 miles an hour to 70 miles above the earth's surface, experiencing weightlessness and a view of more than 1,000 miles in all directions.

If you want to get to this before the been-there-done-that's set in -- at current tally, there are 300 people from 42 countries waiting for their turn -- it's worth signing up early. You can accomplish this exclusively through luxury travel pros Virtuoso, who are the first "Accredited Space Agents."

In fact, Virtuoso founder Matthew D. Upchurch is a candidate to be among the first to make the trip. Whether he's on the very first flight will be determined by a lottery -- he's got a 1 in 14 chance. But hey, the odds of reaching the moon at all forty years ago had to be longer than that.
Source

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W South Beach Is Open!

2009-07-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Where: 2201 Collins Ave [map], Miami Beach, FL, United States, 33139

The day has come: W South Beach is open. Yes, open. It is July 2nd, 2009 and, presumably, there will be heads on brand new W SoBe pillows this evening. Surreal, isn't it? Consider it your very special Fourth of July holiday present. Or consider it a sweet, sweet miracle.

As we've already noted, this weekend appears to be sold out — but if you're really jonesin' to get in there, you can get a room on Sunday night (there appear to be some available) — and rooms are actually down below the $300 mark; you're looking at $295 (before taxes) for a king.

But don't go booking a bikini wax, a massage and a romantic meal just yet: the on-site Bliss Spa isn't opening until December 15, and Mr. Chow isn't supposed to open until August 15.

Are you inside the W South Beach this weekend? Send us pics and tell us what the scene is like!

by Jenna - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in South Beach, W South Beach, South Beach Hotel Meta-Search

A New Island Off Waikiki Beach Hopes To Lure Us Out To Sea

2009-07-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

If you somehow get tired of all the natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer, there’s soon going to be a new fake paradise for visitors to check out. A company called KanDoo is almost finished creating their own artificial island about 200 yards off Waikiki Beach.

KanDoo Island is really just a humongous catamaran that will serve as a water sports entertainment paradise for visitors and locals alike. The 98-ton boat will offer snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing lessons, and even jet ski trips off its “shoreline.” After a long day on and in the water, come back to the catamaran for some evening entertainment. There will be live music, nightclubs, and probably a fair share of Mai Tais. The company’s CEO wants KanDoo to be a 24/7 destination, but we’re a little skeptical that people will be swarming the place throughout the night.

To prepare for such a large addition to Hawaii tourism, the company has done their own environmental impact study, even though it wasn’t required, and things seem to have checked out well enough. With the sea creatures safe, the place is set to drop anchor for paying customers on July 4. We can already hear "I'm On A Boat," blaring in the background.

Oh, and if you’re worried about getting seasick, they’ve got you covered; the KanDoo will offer electronic motion sickness wristbands so you can leave the Dramamine back on shore. by kjb - Jaunted

[Photo of Waikiki Beach Before The New "Island": phault] Where: Honolulu, HI, United States

Related Links: Kandoo, Hotels in Waikiki, Hawaii Packages, One Search -All Waikiki Hotels

Jay-Z To Kick Off Fourth of July Weekend at The Palms

2009-06-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

We unearthed a few more Fourth of July events worth a mention—still precious few fireworks shows to pass along, but if that’s all you cared about, you’d probably be staying home anyway. Everyone knows the fireworks in Vegas happen on the stage and the dance floor, baby, and here’s where you can find them:

Jay-Z will be performing this Friday and Saturday at The Pearl Theater at The Palms. Tickets range from $129 to $229, and can be purchased here.

Mandalay Bay Beach is hosting fireworks at 9 p.m., just before its Mystic Roots beach concert. Vegas.com advises that these fireworks will be visible really only to concertgoers and guests of the hotel with pool-facing rooms, so we’re not really sure why they same Web site is touting…

VooDoo Lounge atop the Rio as the place to “watch the fireworks from the Strip up close and personal”—we can’t find any evidence that there are any other July 4th fireworks shows going on anywhere on the Strip. VooDoo does have a $100 open-bar package that night, though, and you may be able to spot the fireworks at various outerlying hotel-casinos (like those at all nine Station Casinos) from its location 50 stories up. by Erika Pope - VegasChatter

[Photo: mulmatsherm/jill, jellidonut… whatever]

Tel Aviv in Israel See + Do

2009-06-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Concierge.com's insider take:

Like Israel itself, Tel Aviv is compact and easy to navigate. Most of its main hotels are spread along its central seafront strip—close to Dizengoff Street's prime shopping—while historic districts such as Neve Tzedek and the Bauhaus-filled "White City" are a half-hour walk south. Farther on are the market-filled quarters of Florentine and Jaffa, while in the city's far north are the New Port area, Tel Aviv's famed university, and parks along the slow-flowing Yarkon River.

The rapidly gentrifying city-center Gan HaHashmal district takes its name (Electric Park) from the city's first power station, opened here in the early 1920s. For decades, the area was Tel Aviv's de facto "Red Light" district, with its once-grand Ottoman-era homes falling into disrepair. But since the turn of the millennium, the Gan has developed into a warren of stylish shops, hip nightspots, and tasty cafés—all with an independent spirit reminiscent of Manhattan's Lower East Side. Try the LovEAT café for fair-trade espressos (1 Barzilay St.; 972-3-566-6699), Kisim for high-quality leather goods (8 HaHashmal St.; 972-3-560-4890), and Levontine for live music—from jazz to hard rock—and cocktails (7 Levontine St.; 972-3-560-5084).

Even though Tel Aviv's population is barely 500,000, its arts scene is (almost) as sophisticated as anything America or Europe can offer. The city's pride and joy is the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of venerable conductor Zubin Mehta. It celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2006, and performs in the iconic, modernist Mann Auditorium (972-3-621-1766; http://www.ipo.co.il/). Nearby, the Israeli Opera puts on some half-dozen productions annually from the likes of Mozart, Verdi, and Strauss, almost always with English subtitles (972-3-692-7777; http://www.israel-opera.co.il/). For visual art, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art houses an impressive array of European, American, and Israeli works from the 16th century onward—including paintings by Liechtenstein, Rubens, Kandinsky, and Israel's own Reuven Rubin (27 Shaul HaMelech Blvd.; 972-3-607-7020). The city's architecture is celebrated at the Bauhaus Foundation Museum, a private home which cosmetics heir Ronald Lauer renovated in 2008 to display furniture, photography, and crafts from seminal Bauhaus designers including Mies van der Rohe, Erich Mendelsohn, and Marcel Breuer (21 Bialik Street; 972 3 620 4664). The Cameri Theatre of Tel Aviv presents plays and theatrical events, both large and small, such as the sold-out musical-theater piece Badenheim 1939 by Israeli composer Gil Shohat and a Hebrew-language version of Hamlet that traveled to the U.S. in 2007. Performances on Tuesday evenings have English translation (30 Leonardo da Vinci St.; 972-3-606-0960; http://www.cameri.co.il/). The Batsheva Dance Company presents its thoroughly contemporary take on dance at its elegant, Arabic-styled home at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Neve Tzedek (http://www.batsheva.co.il/). Tel Aviv also plays host to many of Israel's important cultural festivals: the winter Jazz Festival (http://www.jazzfest.co.il/); Israel Chamber Orchestra classical music festivals (http://www.ico.co.il/); and film and documentary festivals at the Israel Cinematheque (http://www.cinema.co.il/).

Source: Conceirge.com [Photo: wayfaring.info]

Do Brunch In Your Bikini at Rare 120 at The Hard Rock

2009-06-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Where: 4455 Paradise Rd. [map], 89109

No one should walk into Hard Rock Hotel's Rehab pool party on an empty stomach--that's just bad news waiting to happen. Better yet, everyone should walk into Rehab on a full stomach and already partly tipsy. Otherwise, you've going to have some serious catching up to do.

Perhaps the Hard Rock already knows this which is why they have started a bikini brunch at their Rare 120 steakhouse, located poolside.

Held every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, bikini brunch offers guests an all-you-can-drink Bloody Mary and Bellini bar. And yes, you can wear your bikinis and board shorts in the restaurant. Once you're full up on liquid courage, then you can brave the crowds at Rehab. Rare 120 will give out Rehab passes but as we told you last week, don't put too much stock in those passes.

However, ladies should put a lot of stock into looking hot. That will surely catch a bouncer's eye and you'll get into Rehab faster. That's just the way it goes in this town.

by Stephanie Sims - VegasChatter

Free Bikes for Tourists

2009-06-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Boutique Hotels Across the US Loan Bicycles Gratis

Four boutique hotels across the US are offering visitors free bike loans so they can see the city sights in an eco-friendly way.

The Liberty Hotel in Boston, the Bowery Hotel in New York, Hotel Occidental in San Diego, and Ace Hotel in Palm Springs are all offering free bike loans with the cost of a room.

Not only do you get to stay in an ultra luxe hotel, but you can also do some fun inner-city sightseeing for free. Via: Rose Nazarali

References: treehugger

After Breaking Up With Rande Gerber, Cherry at The Red Rock Has Re-Opened

2009-06-24T04:17:00.000-07:00

Where: 11011 W. Charleston [map], 89135

Following a brief closure, Cherry Nightclub at Red Rock reopened to the public on Saturday, June 20.

The nightclub got a fairly substantial makeover, including re-finished floors, new lighting, additional VIP seating and a new and improved sound system. Floor-to-ceiling windows have transformed into breezy sliding doors, maximizing the feeling of seamless South beach-esque indoor/outdoor space.

The formerly Rande Gerber-run hot spot has always been a favorite of Vegas locals and the clubbing jetset and now the new elevated VIP area behind the DJ booth puts all of those pretty people on public display.We love the intimate performance space, the edgy beats, and the private outdoor pool area, and we'll be watching closely as upcoming acts are announced in the coming weeks. by globetrotting gourmet - VegasChatter

Commercial Space Travel

2009-06-24T03:39:00.000-07:00

Spaceport America Will Launch You Out of This World

The world’s first commercial spaceport, called Spaceport America, started being constructed in New Mexico last Friday. Spaceport America will host commercial operations by private space travel companies like that of Virgin Galactic.

The design for this new, commercial space industry was created by American and British architects, who were chosen after competing in an international design competition.

Via: Tisah Tucknott - TrendHunter

References: spaceportamerica, loudreams

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Koa Kea: Kauai's New Luxury Boutique Hotel

2009-06-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is the first season for Koa Kea, a new hotel & resort on Kauai's Poipu Beach. The hotel and resort opened in April 2009, and it's built on the grounds of the old Poipu Beach Hotel which was shuttered in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki in 1992.

Other than the footprint, the resort has been completely rethought. It has three separate buildings that create something of a U-shape, facing the ocean. Before renovation, the former hotel had some rooms over the lobby that faced away from the water -- basically no view at all save for the parking lot. No longer, those rooms without a view have been (very wisely) transformed into a spa, and a departure lounge for late or early arriving guests.

Koa Kea has a retro vibe going on -- in this sense, it reminded me of the Valley Ho in Scottsdale, one of my favorites. In the lobby and in the guest rooms, the dominant impression is of white textiles and dark brown wood, with accent colors of fuschia, teal and coral -- very bright, but designer Anita Brooks used an appropriately light hand. It's all quite a nice foil for Poipuand Kauai's exuberant greenery and bright blue ocean. There are six ocean-front suites and three ocean-view suites, the ocean front suites make more use of traditional sand, pale green and blue beach tones that you often see in ocean view rooms -- because really you're not going to be admiring the bed spread if you're right on the ocean.

All rooms are well equipped with Anichini linens, flat screen TVs, Nespresso Espresso coffee makers (read the instructions!) and iPod docking stations

Koa Kea has 121 rooms, six ocean-front suites, and three ocean-view suites. Opening promotional rates from $299 (for a garden view) to $2575 for an ocean front two-bedroom suite.

by Alison Wellner - Luxist, Gallery: Koa Kea Kauai

Flying Bars - Jagermeister's Unique Festival Promotion

2009-06-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

View Photo Gallery Here

The German Outdoor Festival Summer comes along with some interesting promotions. Jägermeister, one of the most famous German digestifs, is traveling around with a flying liqueur bar which allows festival vistors to have their drinks 50 meters over the festival ground and give them a great view to the stage.

Another amazing festival promotion featured in the above gallery is Warsteiner, the German beer brand, who is using eco-friendly deluxe tents from my-hab to build up a Warsteiner village, giving the visitors a dry and deluxe place to sleep and relax. Via: Holger Mohr - TrendHunter

References: ringrocker, festivalhopper.de

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Hyatt Plonks A Resort In The Sand of Vietnam's Famous China Beach

2009-06-19T00:39:00.000-07:00

You know what? We don't hear enough about the Vietnam hotel scene, and we know they totally have one because of all the heavily-touristed beaches along that beautiful coast of theirs.

Finally now we have an update on the Vietnam situation from Hyatt Hotels, and it's looking good; they've begun construction on the new Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, with 174 luxury condominiums and 27 oceanfront pool villas. The tropical property, due to open in early 2010 (so soon!) on 50 acres of land along a half-mile of China Beach, which Forbes named one of the top ten most beautiful world beaches, will be designed in the layout of a Vietnamnese town.

This sprawling plan, from the architectural firm RMJM, will maximize each room's views of sights like Marble Mountain and, of course, the sparkling blue South China Sea.

If this sounds a little too much like your idea of paradise, the complex will also offer a few private residences for sale, starting from one-bedrooms around $180,000, all the way up to private villas for $1,400,000. Those are a little too close to New York prices for us, but hey—they've got one of the world's best beaches and we've got the East River, so perhaps it makes sense.

[Image: Hyatt Regency Danang Resort]

Via: JetSetCD - HotelChatter

The Social House is a True Find...at Three in the Morning

2009-06-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Since Las Vegas is a 24-hour town, then it is only fitting that we start recommending places for the night owls. Sure, many travelers to Sin City instinctively know where the late-night hotspots are but we thought we would make it just a touch easier for the rest of you. So for starters, we will highlight the Social House at Treasure Island.

Some of you may already know the Social House as a popular Pan-Asian restaurant with a high end dress code and the assorted fancy trimmings, but were you also aware that this joint turns into a sleek, sultry lounge that serves sushi and wine until the wee hours until dawn on Friday and Saturday nights?

We kid you not, especially about something as entertaining as this. That is because the Social House lounge is that cool and rare thing - a posh bar that exudes class but leaves the pompous attitude outside. With good music, a nice area to roam and dance, and a general clientele that is toney but still approachable, you almost cannot go wrong with this one, especially when you realize how (relatively) affordable their sake and wine list is.

Better still, the view on the patio is stellar overlooking the Strip with subtle sophistication. In summation, just get there. Via: VegasMichaelT - VegasChatter

[Photo: Zerorules677]

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Las Vegas, Vegas Vacation Packages, Treasure Island Hotel Casino, Vegas Nightlife Passes

The Villas at Le Sereno St. Barth Can Be All Yours For $10 Million

2009-06-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

We have a love-hate relationship with resorts whose rooms are bigger than your average single-family home, so it was a with a mixture of delight, disbelief, and unadulterated envy that we learned of the three new Christian Liaigre-designed villas at Le Sereno Resort on St. Barth’s Grand Cul-de-Sac beach.

Each one of the three-bedroom mini-mansions spreads out to over 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, taking advantage of Grand Cul-de-Sac’s dramatic vistas. According to Liaigre’s press release:

The design of the villas emphasizes simplicity, serenity and attention to detail with ample use of warm, natural textures of varying woods and stone that contrast with the dramatic colors of the view.

A Parisian designer, Liaigre has put his mark on some of the world’s best-known hotels like the Mercer in New York and the Bora Bora Club Med, as well as the residences of the rich and famous, like Rupert Murdoch. The simplicity and elegance of his designs is evident in the mostly neutral tones accented by a dash of color here and there, as well as huge windows that link the indoor living rooms and bedrooms with the sprawling wooden decks where guests can laze away the day listening to the surf roll in.

The bi-level villas have private pools on the top level, while the main level contains a salon overlooking the ocean, a dining room, and a kitchen, as well as a wood-paneled library that converts into a fourth bedroom. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, so no sharing necessary.
Villas come with 24-hour dedicated butler service, and the possibility of private spa treatments and dining. The non-shut-ins will enjoy full access to the hotel’s beach, pool, and Le Restaurant des Pecheurs.

Are you a “mine, don’t touch!” billionaire? Each one of the villas can be exclusively yours for a mere $10 million. If that’s a little more spare change than you have at the moment, you can still get a villa for somewhere between $4,850-$20,785 per day depending on the season. So that’s what it costs to live like Rupert Murdoch? Huh. by EricRosen - HotelChatter

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Droplet Architecture - Hi-Tech Resort Design Especially for Humid Coastlines

2009-06-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Spanish architect Orlando de Urrutia has produced a concept building design that promises to make water out of air and sunlight while housing coastal resort clientele. Dubbed ‘The Water Building,’ the design resembles a huge water drop and will employ state-of-the-art Teex Micron technology to generate pure, drinkable water from the atmosphere using solar electric power.

The futuristic project combines an aesthetic design with energy-gathering photovoltaic glass, vents and equipment to work the magical feat of water-extraction and purification. It is intended to model eco-sustainability and raise environmental awareness by enveloping its guests in the water drop form.

Designed for humid regions, the Water Building Resort not only purifies salty sea and rainwater but also controls the water quality with the help of a water treatment facility on the bottom floor. Based on the theme of water, its upper floor harbors restaurants, gyms, exhibition halls, hotel and conference rooms, and spa services. (thedesignblog.org)

References: thedesignblog.org, deurrutia.blogspot

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Buried Tomb Bars - Cobra Nightclub

2009-06-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

Cobra Nightclub In Toronto is an Ironically Lively Adventure

Located in Toronto, the Cobra Nightclub has a cool Indiana Jones Style theme.

This club is decorated to look like a subterranean, 5,000 square-foot tomb with details like skulls and torches ornamenting the walls.

Furthermore, Cobra Nightclub also features racy artwork by celebrity photographer and resident artist Paul Alexander.

It all pulls together nicely for a fun night out.

References: thecobra, Christina Butty - Trendhunter

The King Invites the Rich to Royal Mansour, Marrakech

2009-06-12T01:38:00.000-07:00

If the king owns the hotel, it's probably going to be somewhere close to a royal standard, right? That's why we've got a good feeling about Le Royal Mansour in Marrakech, Morocco, with its 53 luxury riads and exotic location built into the ancient wall of the city.

We've already started getting enthused about Le Royal Mansour and now we've got a few more concrete details on the opening schedule. For a start, there'll be a kind of soft opening in September but it's only by invitation and so far, sadly, we haven't found ourselves on the invite list.

The grand — dare we say royal? — opening will take place in November 2009, and you'd better start saving your pennies if you want to book a riad. The cheapest one will go from €1,500 ($2,100); if you want the fanciest "fit for a king" riad then you're looking at €20,000 ($27,900) a night.

King Mohamed VI is planning to get 10 million visitors to Morocco during 2010, and that's one of the reason he's gotten behind projects like the Royal Mansour hotel. But we have to wonder just how many visitors can afford €1,500 plus a night, no matter how cool the hotel looks. We've still got our fingers crossed for a September invitation. by amandak - HotelChatter

The Next Jet-Set Destination is…Nicaragua?

2009-06-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

It might not be an A-list destination yet, but Nicaragua is getting more and more attention from the travel press, and that’s only increase now that its first boutique hotel, the Hotel Contempo, has opened outside Managua.

The hotel has only 18 rooms in three categories. Standard rooms all have plasma TV’s, high-speed internet included, safe boxes, and Travertine marble bathrooms with wood accents and “relaxation system” showers. We don’t know what that means exactly, but it sounds soothing. The Contempo rooms also have DVD players and a whirlpool Jacuzzi, and the Junior Suites have all that plus canopy beds, “gourmet bathroom products,” a private telephone line, WiFi, and individual A/C units.

Set on a 1.2-acre jungle property 11 kilometers from Managua, the Contempo also has events and meeting spaces, a business center, a lobby piano lounge and bar, and a restaurant that serves up both Nicaraguan and international specialties, as well as tapas and wine.

The drawbacks? According the map on its website, Contempo is a bit of a hike from Managua, so the it might take you some time to get to some of the capital’s sights, and the hotel web site is, so far, only en español.

That doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the hotel’s special opening deal, though: Until July 30, Hotel Contempo will offer rooms for $110-170 a night, including breakfast and internet access. Shuttle service to and from the international airport is only $5 for the 20-minute ride.
And here you thought it was all about getting to St. Tropez this summer. by EricRosen - HotelChatter

The Palazzo Is For Rebounds, Just Ask Audrina

2009-06-10T00:11:00.000-07:00

Thankfully, Chris Pine took our advice and finally dumped Audrina Patridge. Apparently, the "Star Trek" star’s people felt the same way we did, and convinced him that a guest spot on an MTV reality series would not be the best move for his career:

“Chris Pine was forced to dump Audrina because his camp wants him to take the right strategic steps to become a big movie star. Dating a reality show star would tarnish his image.”

Nonetheless, it doesn't seem that "The Hills" starlet is too broken up over the whole ordeal. She was spotted making out with her ex, BMX biker Corey Boham, at the Lavo nightclub in The Palazzo just last night.

We’re not surprised Audrina was caught hooking up outside of Lavo because, at The Palazzo Las Vegas, decadence is the name of the game. Most suites are more than 650 square feet, and even the drapes come with a remote control. But perhaps the coolest amenities at the hotel are the lengths they have taken to go green, like sacrificing whirlpool tubs to save energy.

It is the first hotel on the Strip to earn the coveted Silver Green LEED certification, meaning it also is the largest building with this certification in the world. Somehow we doubt that this is why Audrina picked it for her rebound. by cmb - Jaunted

[Photo: TMZ]

Jet Set Personal Travel Concierge Services Coming Soon!

2009-06-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

SocialiteTravel.com will be providing Personal Travel Concierge Services very soon. Clients will be able to choose their very own PTC from a selection of existing Jet Setters via SocialiteTravel.com

With an all beautiful female Jet Set staff, the Personal Travel Concierge Staff will be @Your Service!

Services Include:
Travel Research, Hotels, Airfare, Vacations, Car Rentals, Nightlife Services

How it works:
1) Pick your own PTC
2) Send your request
3) Let us book it for you
4) Jet Set the World!

Two Options:
1) Book online via SocialiteTravel.com for FREE
2) Book via your own Personal Travel Concierge. (nominal service fee applies)

FYI
SocialiteTravel.com donates travel proceeds to Global Charities!
Please check our website and blogs for updates on our upcoming services.

Stellar Fantasy Suites

2009-06-09T04:51:00.000-07:00

Sin City's The Palms Hotel Houses Sizzling Themed Rooms

Make all your fantasies come true with the many fantasy suites The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada has to offer. This outstanding hotel makes it easy to understand why Vegas is often referred to as Sin City. The Palms fantasy suites include the Celebrity Suite, Hardwood Suite, Crib Suite, Kingpin Suite, Erotic Suite, G Suite, and the Hefner Sky Villa.

Also, the most recently added room for booking at The Palms Hotel is the Barbie Suite. This room has everything pink and girly as well as a ton of Barbie paraphernalia.

Via: HotHotelReviews

Provided by: SocialiteTravel.com

Three Pool Parties You Shouldn't Miss in Vegas

2009-06-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

With summer pool season at full tilt frenzy, a lot of folks don’t want to hassle with the crowds at the pool parties on Friday and Saturday. Instead, book a late Saturday night flight into Sin City and plan to pool-hop on Sunday, when the experience (with the exception of Hard Rock’s Rehab Sundays, according to our insider) is just as good. Sunday pool parties are usually filled with more local industry folk (read: notorious late risers), so if your bikini clad bod arrives before noon or 1 p.m. you should be golden and get right in.

But most of us Vegas visitors can only take off to Sin City for the weekends. Don't worry, we've still got you covered. If you can't decide amongst which pool party is best for you, we consulted a Vegas insider for three pool parties you just can't miss.

Three Pool Parties You Shouldn't Miss:

1. Our Insider says: Wet Republic at MGM Grand easily takes the top spot (above.) This pool has it all, great setup, killer crowd, amazing music and a heap of celebrities. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy day life and you can treat it like being at a nightclub during the day. The cocktails are also fabulous and the cocktail servers are gorgeous.The scoop: Expect high-octane cocktails (try the watermelon mojito), Ed Hardy swimwear, 6-pack abs and a saltwater pool at this tucked-away haven at MGM Grand.

2. Our Insider says: Ditch Fridays at Palms Pool & Bungalows. There is always a good scene at the Palms pool and Ditch Fridays is the prime place to be. Tons of cabanas, three pools and lots of eye candy, the party tends to lead straight into a fun Friday night out at one of the four clubs housed at the Palms.The scoop: Expect plasma TVs in the 27 VIP cabanas, a celebrity host, and free lounge chairs on a first-come, first-serve basis (during Ditch Fridays).

3. Our Insider says: Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is a great place to relax and spend the day. From the beach (with 2,700 tons of real sand) and the lazy river (rent an inner tube) to the three story beachside casino, this pool has it all.The scoop: Expect acts like Joss Stone and Ziggy Marley during the summer Beach Concert Series, 100 rentable cabanas, beachside casino, and $10 half-pound Kobe cheeseburgers at the snack bar. by globetrotting gourmet - VegasChatter

[Photo: Rinux]

Provided by: SocialiteTravel.com - VIP Nightlife & Travel Portal, News, Weblog, Events!

35 New Bars & Clubs to Party In All Night

2009-06-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Just when you all needed a drink, nightlife just got serious. This year, absinthe made a comeback, hotel bars got their glam on, trustafarians opened passion projects. And our incognito correspondents were there, gallantly swilling nasty pisco sours and enduring ear-cracking drums and bass in order to pinpoint the true princes from Beijing to Bogota-the hippest hangouts in which to get your groove on. Cheers!

Australia

Siglo - Melbourne

Kit & Kaboodle - Sydney

Brazil

Hotel Santa Teresa - Rio de Janeiro

Canada

Koko Restaurant & Bar - Montreal

China

Domus - Beijing

Kee Club - Shanghai

Colombia

Armando Records - Bogota

Denmark

1105 - Copenhagen

England

Callooh Callay - London

Coburg Bar at the Connaught - London

France

Chacha Club - Paris

Germany

Dice Club - Berlin

Greece

Belafonte Music Bar - Athens

India

Shiro - Bangalore

Ireland

Bar with No Name - Dublin

Japan

These Library Lounge - Tokyo

Morocco

Le Blokk - Marrakech

Peru

Ayahuasca - Lima

Spain

Bombay Lounge - Ibiza

Thailand

Nomad - Bangkok

Nine - Phuket

U.A.E

Pearls & Caviar - Abu Dhabi

Zuma - Dubai

United States

Bardot Hollywood - Los Angles

Infusion Lounge - San Francisco

The Press Club - San Francisco

Liquid Sky - Snowmass, CO

Louis - Miami Beach

Sunset Lounge - Miami Beach

Vertigo Sky Lounge - Chicago

Frankie's Tiki Room - Las Vegas

XS - Las Vegas

Apotheke - New York

Rose Club - New York

PM at the Joule - Dallas

Article Source: cntraveler - May 2009

[Photo: Louis Miami]

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The Palms Has Created The Ultimate Bachelorette Pad With Its New Barbie Suite

2009-06-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

While celebrities are frequent weekend guests in Sin City, it seems as if some of them are settling down in Vegas, even if for just a short while. We've got Bette Midler, Mel B., the now broken-up couple of Criss Angel and Holly Madison and even, Barbie. Yes, Barbie!

The Palms has just unveiled their Barbie Suite (aka the Hot Pink Suite) which has been completely redone by designer Jonathan Adler, whose known for his so-called "Happy Chic" style. (We're already big fans of his playful pottery.) Thus The Palms has created The Ultimate Bachelorette Pad:

Featuring custom details that celebrate Barbie's pink panache, such as skirted, corseted, lace-up "dress" chairs, a sunburst mirror made from 65 Barbie® dolls and custom wall coverings in Barbie’s signature patterns, this suite lets guests live it up in true Barbie style!

In addition the custom Barbie décor, guests can also enjoy relaxing in an extra-large Jacuzzi tub, get cozy in front of a two-way fire place and take in amazing views of the Las Vegas strip.

The suite has a 50-person capacity so in-room parties are a must. Perhaps you could charge a door fee to recoup the suite price which starts at around $3,000 a night. You must love your bride-to-be friend very much if you want to split the steep room cost with her other bridesmaids.

Of course, this room is not only perfect bachelorette parties but also for Barbie enthusiasts and general girlfriend getaways (Dirty 30 birthday parties anyone?) And surprisingly, it's also a very kid-friendly suite as well. Although, we're not sure we can say that for the rest of the hotel....

by juliana - VegasChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Las Vegas, The Palms Casino Resort, Vegas VIP Services

Provided by: SocialiteTravel.com

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Jet Set to Moon Bar - Bangkok, Thailand

2009-05-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

The place:

Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

The people:

International jet set and trendy locals with a good head for heights

Sex appeal:

Anyone who's ever been to Thailand knows its "Land of a Thousand Smiles" sobriquet is well deserved. And you'll be grinning, too, once you walk out onto this bar, 61 stories north of Bangkok's frenetic streets, with spectacular 360-degree views over the Grand Palace, Chao Phraya River, and Emerald Buddha. This converted helipad atop the Banyan Tree Hotel is arguably the sexiest bar in southeast Asia. Sitting at one end of the aptly named Vertigo restaurant, the Moon Bar has low glass walls and tilted stemware to enhance the dizzying experience. In competition with the bird's-eye view is the up-for-it crowd of successful expats, expense-account abusers, and Louis Vuitton–lovin' locals. The constant breeze ruffles the clothing of the sultry clientele, which is just as well—it keeps the collective body heat down, too.

Pickup line:

"I don't know what's hotter, you or this 96 percent humidity."

The hook-up:

Moon Bar

Tel: 66 2 679 1200

Via: James Heidenry - Concierge.com

Related Links:

Thailand 411, Hotel Deals in Bangkok, Banyan Tree Hotel, Vacation Packages

Provided by: SocialiteTravel.com - VIP Nightlife & Travel Portal, News, Weblog, Events!

Gansevoort NYC's Rooftop Brunch Parties Begin Tomorrow

2009-05-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for mimosas, fruity frozen concoctions and light brunch fare — 'tis also the season for rooftops, bikini-clad hotties and swanky poolside bars. And where else can you get the most talked-about versions of all these things in one place this summer? Hotel Gansevoort, you trendster, you. Duh.

Tomorrow is the very first of the hotel's Get Up Get Down brunch and roof deck parties, which kick off this weekend. The parties are goin' down up at Hotel Gansevoort's Plunge bar all day long on Saturdays from 12 pm – 8 pm (rain or shine, they say — there is both indoor and outdoor seating so you're alright). The Saturday party has guest DJs, house music, and signature cocktails, "like the Mango Lime Ricky and Champagne Mojito." On Sundays, the parties get started a bit later (9 pm).

On both Saturdays and Sundays (starting at 12), you'll be able to nosh on a three-course $36 menu of brunch-y fare: think "Spanish-style gazpacho with Maine lobster, grilled black angus burgers, steak frites and eggs, and cupcakes." Cupcakes.

Cupcakes! And mojitos! And rooftops! Win!

by Jenna - HotelChatter

Related Links: Hotel Deals in NYC, Gansevoort NYC, Vacation Packages

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Book a Room, Get a Bottle at Planet Hollywood

2009-05-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

Here’s something we’ve not seen done quite so brazenly before: when you book any room online at Planet Hollywood, you get a free bottle of wine, champagne, whiskey, rum, gin, vodka or tequila off PH’s special "Drinks Are on Us" menu.

Oh – and that’s one complimentary bottle per night, not per stay.

There are some conditions to receiving your free hooch, naturally. You must be 21, you must consume the contents of all bottles while in the confines of your hotel room and you must not furnish said contents to minors. Fair enough.

Here’s the sort of funny part, though. You’re essentially encouraged to tie one on, each and every night of your stay, especially if you’re a hard-liquor person. How do we figure, you ask? Well, you must redeem your free bottle daily, or else forfeit it.

Not sure you and your roommate/sweetie can make it through a whole bottle of tequila each day? Why, just pace yourself! Tequila sunrises in the morning, shots before and after lunch, rocks margaritas (we’re pretty sure there are no blenders for hire at PH) before dinner, more shots before hitting Privé and then, come morning, one final swig to chase away the demons from the night before. Presto! You’re ready for your second, well-lubed day in Vegas.
Cheers!

Rates at Planet Hollywood for this deal start at $209 on the weekends in June and $109 during the week. by Erika Pope - VegasChatter

[Photo: Ivan PC]

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Hotel Casino, Vegas Packages

W Hotels - Experience the Warmth of Cool

2009-05-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

[Photo: W Hong Kong]

W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 29 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around fashion, music, entertainment, design, architecture, pop culture, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to a holistic lifestyle experience with cutting-edge design, contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan, Paris and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Marrakech, Amman, and Dubai. W has plans to open W Retreats in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. - A STORYBOOK OF STYLE

For more information and future W Hotel openings, visit http://www.whotels.com/.

Source: Whotels.com

Jet Set the World - Make the Difference!

Check out the W Hotel locations below, links provided by SocialiteTravel.com

North America

Arizona

Scottsdale

California

Los Angeles - Westwood

Silicon Valley

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Chicago - City Center

Chicago - Lakeshore

Louisiana

New Orleans

New Orleans - French Quarter

Minnesota

Minneapolis - The Foshay

New Jersey

Hoboken

New York

New York

New York - The Court

New York - The Tuscany

New York - Times Square

New York - Union Square

Texas

Dallas - Victory

Washshington

Seattle

Other Locations: Montreal, Mexico City, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Qatar, Maldives, Seoul

Future W Hotel Openings, please visit Whotels.com

Which Nightclub on The Strip Is On Its Way Out?

2009-05-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

You can always count on Robin Leach to get the good goss' on what's happening in Sin City. Today he reports a few blind items involving Strip hotels that have us as giddy as the blue-haired biddies in a suburban hair salon. But while the items about a hotel filing for pre-planned bankruptcy and a hotel owner trying to get into a strip club got our attention, this one really roped us in:

There’s a major shock coming in the nightclub world when a Strip hotel owner announces that the lease is up for a headline name owner. The goodbye letter was sent to the club over the weekend. I’ve been told the full story, but won’t name names yet because there’s a second property within the hotel that might be affected, too.

At first, we thought this could be Tao and its sister property Tao Beach but Tao makes way too much money for the Venetian bosses to ever consider giving it up. Or would they? Another possibility to consider would be the Light Group's clubs and restaurants or Pure Management's roster of nightlife venues in town.

Or it could be one of the venues at The Palms or even The Hard Rock. Shoot, it could really be any of the nightclubs on the Strip. If you think you know, then let us know in comments below.

Got some hot gossip of your own that you want to share with VegasChatter? Well, don't be stingy! Send it along. by juliana - VegasChatter

[Nightclub photo: LFL16]

Related Links: Hotel Deals in Las Vegas, The Venetian, Palms Casino Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Casino, Vegas Packages, VIP Vegas Nightlife Services

Mariah Carey Lends Her Diva-ness to Turkey's New Mardan Palace

2009-05-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

When you're opening up a ridiculously expensive, lavish, opulent hotel — whether the place is in Dubai or Dallas — you want to bring out the biggest of the big guns when you're selecting your celeb starpower for the opening. Someone who is well-known to have the most discerning tastes; someone whose reputation for accepting nothing less than the best and finest goes unquestioned. That is: you may want to bring in a Diva. Yes, with a capital D.

And who screams Diva more than anyone? Um, Mariah Carey. Duh.

Page Six tipped us off to the news that Miss Mariah spent her Memorial Day-ish weekend with her husbie Nick Cannon in Turkey, where she was paid a hot $1.5 million to sing at the opening of the Mardan Palace Hotel in Antalya last week (where the other half of the entertainment was covered by Tom Jones). The Mardan Palace is supposedly touted as Turkey's first luxe destination resort, boasting an amphitheater, a botanical garden, a fleet of luxury cars, insane water features, and a massive spa.

Rates at the Mardan Palace start at 260 Euros, and — bonus — some beds at the hotel have already been slept on by Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, and Heidi Klum, who were flown in for the massive opening gala as well. Via: Jenna - HotelChatter

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Get Inked at Huntington Ink Inside The Palms

2009-05-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

Waking up after a long whiskey-fueled night only to discover that at some point during your rampage you decided to get inked is about as cliched as waking up with a hangover only to discover you got hitched in Vegas. But at Huntington Ink at The Palms you can do both. Well, the tattoo part can be done here. You'll still have to hit up a nearby wedding chapel for the marriage thing.

Huntington Ink just opened at the start of the month on the first floor of the casino in the original Palms tower. Actually, this tattoo shop was always there, just under a different name--Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company. That shop, co-owned by Pink's ex-husband/new boyfriend Carey Hart, has now set up shop at the Hard Rock Hotel (And yes, there seems to be bad blood between the two tattoo houses.)

But John Huntington, the shop's owner as well as the co-producer and star of the A&E show, "Ink'd" has given Huntington Ink a new Asian-inspired look and getting a tattoo here is only half of the experience.

The newly designed lounge will feature a palette of gold and orange and dramatic lighting, along with water features and ornate staircases. Guests can view the tattoo artists’ flash and previous work on an interactive wall of touch screen units. Huntington will also incorporate a tattoo stage and state-of-the-art sound system for guest DJs and the nightclub guru’s friends.

There's also lots of merchandise for sale if you're squeamish about getting inked. The tattoo shop is open from 9am to midnight during the week and from 9am to 4am from Thursday through Saturday.

Not staying at the Palms? There are other tattoo shops near the Strip such as Hart and Huntington at the Hard Rock, Starlight Tattoo at House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay and Vince Neil Ink adjacent to O'Sheas casino. For those seeking something less permanent, there is a Henna Tattoos shop in Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile. Via: juliana - VegasChatter

[Photo: Huntington Ink]

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The Maldives - the Jewel of the Indian Ocean

2009-05-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Via: Dan James

The Republic of Maldives has been described as the ultimate haven for divers all over the world who are drawn to over one thousand sandy beaches and coral reefs. There are hundreds of islands that are not touched by humans but serve as places for wildlife and beautiful reefs. Between the tropical waters and all of the marine life that is present in the Maldives, anyone who has a love for diving will surely find what they are looking for half way around the world.

The Maldives were formed when there was a geological breaking of land masses between the countries of India and Africa. When the land masses broke apart, it causes India to move upward and become aligned with Asia. The reaction to these land masses colliding produced a formation of a range of volcanoes that rose out of the Indian Ocean. When the volcanoes collapsed it resulted in a line of small islands that now are the Maldives.

The Maldives became a resting spot from travelers and explorers that were traveling between the trade routes from China and Rome. The Maldives became famous for the money shells that were abundant and used for trade. The fishing in the Maldives led to the discovery of the Maldive fish, which is still a delicacy in India.

The people of the Maldives come from mixed ethnic backgrounds but are primarily Sunni Muslims. The language that is most commonly spoken in the Maldives is Dhivehi and English is also widely used. One of the many jewels of the Maldives is the climate. Because of its location to the equator, the temperatures generally remain between eighty to eighty-five degrees which makes is very comfortable and tropical.

The Maldives lay claim to nearly 187 different forms of coral and almost 1100 different species of wildlife. This draws divers from all around the world to see the beautiful and amazing marine life. There are resorts that are a haven for divers who want to stay and enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the many wonders of the Maldives. The corals that adorn the reefs are colorful and are home to many forms of life such as moray eels, lobsters and shrimp.

To navigate through the Maldives generally requires a boat called the dhoni. These unique and specially crafted boats come in a range of sizes including large boats that are used to transport fish and smaller boats for little voyages in and around the Islands. Water taxis are also available to carry divers from one location to another. Since the majority of the inhabitants of the Maldives are fisherman, the boats serve the best way to move around from place to place.

With all of the beautiful wildlife and scenery, it is no wonder that the Maldives are truly a paradise lost. Anyone who is an avid diver is sure to find many jewels and treasures of wonder in the colorful reefs, corals and marine fish. The unique and distinct culture of the Maldives makes it a wonderful place to visit and experience the true essence of the Islands.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-maldives-the-jewel-of-the-indian-ocean-931893.html

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[Video: VisitMaldives.com]

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The Montage Beverly Hills Has Pucci Sunglasses On Loan at the Pool

2009-05-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

While the WSJ's Finicky Traveler had a so-so time during her stay at The Montage Beverly Hills, perhaps she would have been uplifted by the hotel's posh pool scene.

Laurie Pike over at LA Magazine happened upon a totally "Only in Beverly Hills" moment when visiting the hotel last week. She writes:

I was eating a salmon salad lunch at the Conservatory Grill on the roof of the Montage in Beverly Hills last week when I saw a woman passing out white bags marked PUCCI to the staff. What I thought was a fancy addition to server uniforms turned out to be something even better: a shades-loan service for guests of the hotel.

Anyone swimming or sunning around the pool, which is opposite the restaurant, can borrow a pair of men’s or women’s Pucci shades while under the rays.

The clever idea is just one of many poolside amenities the hotel has cooked up. Others: free sunglass cleaning service, free foot massages, and free smoothies, doled out on the hour. Do guests ever find time to swim?

It's true, guests probably lounge poolside for the services rather than for a refreshing dip. However, should they decide to dive in, they will be serenaded by the classical music playing underwater. Now, let's just hope the hotel is using SPF lotion for those free massages.

Via: juliana - HotelChatter

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