Last weekend I jetted down to Los Angeles for a wedding, where a large group of us stayed at the newly opened JW Marriott at L.A. Live. Not knowing what to expect, I was very pleased with my short one night stay.
We checked in a half an hour before scheduled time to all of our rooms (5 rooms at least) with no problem. The front desk was immediately in view as we walked through the massive glass façade into the very large, bright, and open lobby. We were surprised to find out that a Pac-10 basketball tournament was happening that weekend as well, yet beyond some special check-in desks set up, a lot of banners, and the occasional parade of college basketball players, cheerleaders, and marching bands, the hotel was certainly large enough for all of us. Maybe the players were busy at their games, but having a large tournament didn’t affect the service or experience at all.
Behind the check-in desk was a lobby lounge/bar area as well as a more intimate bar area farther down. Rather than get an $8 draft beer, however, we stepped outside the hotel and were immediately surrounded by L.A. Live and all the restaurants, bars, and venues it has to offer. It was convenient and easy to find a place fast, even with a large group.
On the 17th floor, the room was bright, comfortable, and had a view that reached to the mountains and Hollywood sign on a less smoggy day (which it was, lucky for us). The room was comfortable including a large flat-screen, two vintage-looking chairs, and bamboo-style head boards and furniture. However the two beds were doubles and not queen beds, which wasn’t ideal. The bathroom was spacious, many girls easily stored all of their toiletries, and the rain showerhead was great as well. When we quickly ran out of towels (which were large and soft) we called downstairs and they had them up within a half hour.
We did check out the 4th floor rooftop pool as well, but didn’t stay long as it was closing for a private event. It isn’t a large area, the space mostly taken up by cabanas and giant individual loungers, but on a nice day nothing beats a rooftop pool with a view. There didn’t seem to be a bar right in the area, but on the other side of a glass wall there was a lounge area presumably for eating and drinking.
While at times the largeness of the hotel dulled the character and specialness of the property, overall it was an easy, faultless, stay at a new and polished hotel.
Find luxury hotels in Los Angeles at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: 5-star hotels, Los Angeles, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, luxury travel news, Perfect Escapes, top hotels
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day the Three+Three is going “green.” This week we are bringing you three deals in three destinations at hotels renowned for their commitment to being environmentally conscious while providing excellent levels of luxury for discerning travelers. So whether you are Irish or not, you can certainly appreciate this type of green. Pick your deal and your destination and make your escape!
Orchard Garden Hotel, San Francisco, CA – From $126 per night
Newly built in the heart of San Francisco, the Orchard Garden Hotel is California’s first generation of truly “green” hotels-the only hotel built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), in order to earn a coveted LEED certification.
Among the luxury amenities, Orchard Garden Hotel’s “green” amenities include: key card energy control system, in-room recycling, chemical-free cleaning products, 100% tobacco-free environment, organic Aveda bath products, and more.
Book your “green” stay at Orchard Garden with Perfect Escapes and you’ll receive: a chocolates welcome amenity, bottle of wine in-room, guaranteed 2pm check-out and early check-in and room upgrade on availability.
The Benjamin, New York, NY – From $237 per night
The Benjamin brings a unique level of comfort to travelers in a sophisticated boutique-style setting. A classically-restored building, The Benjamin provides luxury, modern technology, and a keen eye towards the environment.
The Benjamin is one of only four Five-Globe Ecotel-certified properties in the world. Every aspect of the hotel’s operation and service is matched with environmental responsibility.
Book a stay at The Benjamin with Perfect Escapes and you’ll receive: Champagne, wine, or sparkling cider, room upgrade (on avail.), and early check-in and late check-out (on avail.).
Hotel Monaco Seattle, Washington – From $165 per night
Creatively Mediterranean, the beautiful Hotel Monaco appeals to hip travelers staying for business or leisure. Along with special services such as evening wine reception and pet program, Hotel Monaco Seattle is also renowned for its commitment to Eco-Friendly operations.
Part of Kimpton’s EarthCare Works, the hotel engages in numerous “green” practices such as: recycling, recycled paper and soy ink, environmentally friendly cleaning products, water conservation, energy conservation, organic snacks and fair trade coffee, donation programs, and more.
When you book the Bed and Breakfast Deal at the “green” Hotel Monaco Seattle with Perfect Escapes you’ll receive: Breakfast for two each morning, room upgrade (on avail.), and early check-in and late check-out (on avail.).
Find more Eco-friendly luxury hotels around the world at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: Eco, Eco-friendly, Green, hotel deals, Irish, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, New York, nyc, Perfect Escapes, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Patrick's Day
Travel writers travel, a lot. Constantly reviewing and experiencing almost every type of hotel possible, they share valuable insider information that will make our trips even unforgettable. With 18 years of experience under his belt, Christopher Reynolds, a travel writer with the LA Times, compiled a list of his top 14 hotels, many of which he has stayed in more than once and all are not your typical big-city hotels. Read below for the whole list and keep it handy for the next time you want to experience luxury off the beaten path …
Bugaboo Lodge, Alberta, Canada – Exclusive mountain lodge with both winter and summer activities that truly puts guests in the middle of nature in the best way possible.
Canopy Tower, Panama – A former radar tower situated in the forest canopy of Soberania National Park. Incredible views abound from this small hotel set 50 feet above the ground.
Eatons’ Ranch, Wolf, Wyoming – A family-run traditional dude ranch that lets you ride, herd, and enjoy life the rancher’s way.
Explora Patagonia, Chile – A modern lodge in the incredible setting of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. Enjoy luxury accommodations with the benefits of endless adventure opportunities from hikes, boating, and biking to horseback, all with an incredible natural backdrop.
Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast, Oregon – Take your chance to stay in a real lighthouse-keeper’s residence where the lighthouse is still in operation, and views abound all around.
Hotel Bora-Bora, French Polynesia – This luxury resort is exactly what one dreams of for a tropical getaway. It’s a quiet, remote retreat with endless opportunities for snorkeling and exploring virtually untouched beaches and lush landscape.
Hotel Hana-Maui, Hawaii – A luxury resort at (what feels like) the end of the world, on the edge of incredible Maui.
Lake Country House, Wales – A classic estate in the Welsh countryside dating back to the 19th century. The property includes hunting and fishing expeditions, a golf course, croquet, and an indoor pool.
The Lightning Field, New Mexico – This unique lodge is a secret among travelers looking for an incredibly unique hotel experience. Only six guests are permitted at a time, driven discretely from town to the property where no photography is allowed. When a storm hits, the secret is revealed on the giant lightning rods that sit next to a log cabin.
Londolozi, Mpumalanga province, South Africa – Near Kruger National Park, this lodge stands out as one of the best safari lodges for viewing wildlife, including the big 5 and especially leopards.
Mauna Kea Hotel, Hawaii – This hotel has the benefit of being on one of the best beaches in Hawaii and on the Big Island, and is infused with a fun combination of Asian art and 1960’s vibe.
Posada del Tepozteco, Tepotzlan, Morelos, Mexico – Definitely off the beaten path, this is a hilltop retreat that looks down upon the town of Cuernavaca.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sure, California – This inn-style resort occupies 100 acres on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. Bold design and contemporary luxury are woven into a natural environment and sustainable ethos. A well-know restaurant, spa and special touches complete the experience.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Baja California, Mexico – A true resort with large rooms, posh pool and spa areas, and incredible service make this resort the ultimate luxury retreat.
Find luxury hotel deals in your destination at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: 5-star hotels, adventure travel, Bora Bora, Chile, Hawaii, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, luxury travel news, Mexico, New Mexico, Patagonia, Perfect Escapes, resort, Retreat, Suite Life Blog, top hotels, Travel
While Spring Break is often synonymous with college partying, students aren’t the only ones looking for a sun-filled mid-winter break. Celebrities and luxury travelers are taking advantage of warm weather and luxury deals in some of the most popular Spring Break destinations. So where are they heading and what deals are out there? Here’s a taste of which destinations have claimed spring break as their own in 2010.
Students: Whether the idea of a college spring break makes you want to join the party or run in the other direction, students are once again flocking to classic Spring Break destinations. Top spots include: Cancun, Mexico, Jamaica, Miami, FL, Daytona Beach, FL, Acapulco, Mexico.
Celebrities: According to Jaunted, there are 3 hot destinations popular with celebrities that are also perfect for Spring Break. They are: Cote d’Azur, French Riviera, Miami, Florida, and Acapulco, Mexico. Naturally some of these destinations overlap with students’ choices, but you can bet the celebs are perched high above the frat house debauchery in private casitas, villas, and suites around town. The Fontainebleau in Miami is a celeb hotspot as is the InterContinental Carlton Cannes in the French Riviera, if the celebs choose to leave their yachts, of course.
Luxury Travelers: For those who like to live a life of luxury away from swarming paparazzi and partying twenty-somethings, there are some remarkable Spring Break destinations that offer the best of privacy and luxury. Head away from Miami to Key West where hotels like Southernmost on the Beach have a 3-night escape from $249 per night. Or head West to Palm Springs where funky and luxurious hotels like Hotel Zoso and Viceroy Palm Springs are heating up with great deals. For a twist on classic Spring Break, find alternative destinations in Mexico such as Riviera Maya. Indulge at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba or the Fairmont Mayakoba deal from $349 a night.
Are you taking a Spring Break vacation this year? Where is the sun calling you to?
Tags: 5-star hotels, Cancun, celebrity, Florida, hotspots, Jamaica, Key West, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Mexico, Miami, Palm Springs, Perfect Escapes, resorts, srping break, Stars, Viceroy
Photo Credit: Tomas Fake
There is almost constant news about hotel prices dropping in cities across America. But don’t be fooled, in many of the best U.S. cities you still get what you pay for, and you will be paying a lot. Forbes Travel has put together a list of the most expensive U.S. cities to visit that despite the recession still cost big bucks, but also give a big experience.
10. Philadelphia – Sporting events have helped drive prices back up at this popular mid-Atlantic destination.
9. San Diego – Foreign travelers looking for sun have kept room rates and occupancy high on the West Coast.
8. San Francisco – Walk around here and you’ll hear tourists speaking a variety of European languages, this city is especially popular among international travelers benefiting from exchange rates.
7. Seattle – A big business city and the launching point for Alaskan cruises, Seattle’s popularity and prices stay high.
6. Chicago – While definitely affected by the recession, Chicago will forever remain a favorite among travelers.
5. Miami – A diverse international destination, Miami draws travelers from all over while still remaining a top getaway for Americans willing to spend big bucks to escape the winter chill.
4. Washington, D.C. – Not only a big business town, this popular destination appeals to all ages and types of travelers, from international to East Coasters looking for a weekend getaway.
3. Boston – This destination is always popular with tourists both near and far for its history, ambiance, and culture, keeping its prices strong and steady at any time of year.
2. Honolulu – Exotic escape in our own backyard, Hawaii will always be popular and expensive, both to reach and to stay.
1. New York City – Though many hotel prices have dipped, this major East Coast destination is still the top in both prices and in the number of sights and activities to be had.
What’s your favorite U.S. City to visit? Share in comments below.
Find luxury hotel deals in your destination at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: Boston, Business Travel, Chicago, expensive travel, Florida, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, luxury travel news, Miami, New York, Perfect Escapes, San Diego, San Francisco, Suite Life Blog, U.S. cities
Starting April 29th, the newly passed 3-hour plane rule will go in effect for all passengers on all airlines. The rule states that passengers must be allowed to disembark a plane that has been grounded after 3 hours as long as there are not any safety or security concerns.
The fines for airlines not following this new rule are steep, up to $27,500 per passenger. While the overall number of planes that are grounded with passengers each year is a small percentage, the new rule aims to keep it that way with strict guidelines to make sure passengers’ rights are not violated.
The indirect result is that thousands of passengers could be affected by airlines delaying and canceling flights to avoid the potential violation of the 3-hour rule. However, a few hours flight delay is nothing compared to being stuck on a plane with no way out for up to hours at a time. Travelers can also look for other changes to come about in the future as the Department of Transportation looks to increase airline accountability with new plans and disclosure with new fees.
Have a flight booked? Find luxury hotels in your destination at Perfect Escapes.
Read the full article at MSNBC Travel.
Tags: air travel, Airlines, flight, travel news, Travel Regulations, travel rules
When it comes to food, no one knows the trends like today’s most popular chefs. The Moveable Feast blog at truth.travel.com asked well known chefs which destinations are heating up in the culinary scene and would make excellent stops for foodie travelers around the world.
Daniel Boulud of Daniel and Bar Boulud says Singapore continues to rise with a local foodie scene devoted to new flavors and excellent cuisine. Other areas in Asia were highlighted as well. Eric Ripert of Le Bernadin in NYC, said that we have just begun to touch the wealth of knowledge and cuisine that exists in Japan.
Moving stateside, Jose Andres from Think Food Group said Portland is no doubt a rising star and has been for some time, capitalizing on fresh local fair and home to a large group of food trucks, which are very of the moment. Chef Graham Eliott Bowles of Graham Eliott in Chicago is looking south towards Kansas City and Charleston where local flavors are made popular by chefs reaching into their roots for inventive flavors. Daniel Patterson of Coi in San Francisco has similar opinions, saying he is interested in the food coming out of New Orleans, where cuisine is so integrally tied in with the culture and locals take great pains to preserve both, producing truly authentic, exciting food.
Finally Alex Atala, of Dalva e Dito and D.O.M. in Sao Paulo is looking to his own Brazil as an up and coming food destination. The cross of abundant local flavors and ingredients with European methods is creating an inventive new showcasing of food.
Have a favorite food destination? Share with other luxury foodie travelers in comments below.
Tags: Brazil, Charleston, Chef, Chicago, Food, Food travel, Foodie, Japan, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, luxury travel news, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Suite Life Blog
The New York Daily News knows that come this Sunday, thousands of people will be clamoring for a view of Hollywood’s A-listers as they stroll down the red carpet of the Academy Awards. While a lucky minority will get coveted bleacher seats, many others will discover the incredible views from the rooftop bars at swanky nearby hotels. Enjoy feeling like your own star with inventive cocktails, music and a hip lounge scene while gazing down as Hollywood struts below at these rooftop pools and bars.
Beverly Hills Hotel – This roof deck is often a spot for celebrities to unwind before the big ceremony, and post-Oscar celebrating at night.
Thompson Beverly Hills - A private rooftop bar and pool lounge that borrows from the 1980’s with plenty of glam. Its sister property, the Hollywood Roosevelt is a popular spot as well.
Montage Beverly Hills – The rooftop pool area has panoramic views, private cabanas, and lots of luxury.
Peninsula Beverly Hills – The Roof Garden restaurant and the pool area are prime areas to see and be seen with stars on any day, and especially during pre-Oscar primping.
Find luxury hotel deals in Los Angeles at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: 5-star hotels, Academy Awards, Celebrities, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Lounge, Luxury, luxury hotel offers, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Oscars, Parties, Perfect Escapes, Rooftop, top hotels
Photo Credit: xsalto on Flickr
From Abu Dhabi to Zagreb, the world is overflowing with captivating capital cities. One could spend a lifetime traveling the globe, visiting capitals near and far. National capitals. State capitals, too. The whole kit and caboodle! Wouldn’t that be an interesting way to see the world?
If you haven’t already, Perfect Escapes is inviting you to take the plunge and join its photo pool on Flickr. Our Flickr photo pool is the place to share your perfect escapes: Posh hotel pictures, idyllic travel images, and tales detailing all of your luxury hotel experiences and adventures. Whether you visit a luxury hotel or just walk by one, post your five-star travel memories here. Each month we look for images matching a particular travel-related topic or theme and announce it right here (and on our Flickr photo pool page, too). From the new submissions we receive, one lucky photog with then have his or her image featured on next month’s The Suite Life Flickr photo pool post!
For our March photo challenge, show us what capital destinations you’ve been to recently. Amman, Jordan? Amsterdam, Netherlands? Ankra, Turkey? Apia, Samoa? How about Athens, Greece? Whether you’ve recently enjoyed a national capital or that of a state, we want to see your best shots.
Tags: blog, contest, Flickr, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, Perfect Escapes, Perfect Escapes News, photography, Photos, Suite Life Blog, Travel, travel photos
USA Today has put together a list of “10 great places to see beyond a bad reputation,” a list that points out that many destinations are worth seeing and judging for yourself. Check out these 10 destinations that deserve a closer look and are filled with worthwhile sights, activities, and culture.
Singapore: It may have a reputation as being “sterile” and tightly wound, but this destination is happy, vibrant and worth a visit.
Mexico City: While many stories of drugs and violence plague this capital city, and one should not be naïve to these incidents, the reality is much more rooted in amazing architecture, delicious food, parks, and interesting sights in a exciting city.
Orange County, California: Though often overlooked for its seemingly unending rows of mansions and “desperate housewives” environment, this gorgeous coastal area boasts incredible beaches as well as strong Vietnamese and Latino communities.
Queens, N.Y.: It’s not Manhattan, but it’s not to be discounted. Queens has some fun, relaxed neighborhoods like Astoria with unique local bars and authentic restaurants worth exploring.
Caracas, Venezuela: Not the shantytown many would imagine, this engaging city has some of the best street food to be found and a gorgeous setting among great architecture and beautiful mountains.
Waikiki, Hawaii: Most people head straight for the more exotic of the Hawaiian destinations such as the beaches of Maui or gorgeous jungles of Kauai, however Waikiki has its own personality rich with Hawaiian flare and great dining and hotels.
Sacramento, California: This state capital is often ignored for more popular nearby destinations, but is picturesque and almost set back in time while also boasting some great dining and bars.
Iran: A more controversial destination, yet beyond the politics, a trip here can be done safely and create an incredible experience. The grand bazaars have fruit and goods beyond imagination and the people are generally friendly and warm to visitors.
Johannesburg: While perhaps not the prettiest city in Africa, this large urban center is home to lots of history as the heart of the anti-apartheid movement, offering plenty of great sites and museums as well. It is also a center of music and boasts plenty of authentic culture and dining. Just travel smart and stay away from the rougher parts of town (as is the case in all travel destinations).
Colombia: In the main areas of town you’ll find the authentic, normal life of South Americans is not what most people imagined. Music, food, lounging and socializing are main activities that make for a wonderful visit.
Find luxury hotels in your destination at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: adventure travel, Beach, Caracas, Colombia, Iran, Johannesburg, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Mexico City, Orange County, Perfect Escapes, Queens, Sacramento, Singapore, South America, Travel, Venezuela, Waikiki
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