sarah on February 4th, 2010

bacara

Still not sure what to do this Valentine’s Day? Nothing creates a more romantic and memorable experience than whisking away to a special hotel for the night. Whether 5 or 500 miles away from home, a night in a luxury hotel can feel a world away.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite romantic hotels, each making for the perfect escape, even if just for one night…

Inn of the Anasazi, Santa Fe, New Mexico – Let the magical atmosphere of the authentic Anasazi décor and luxurious setting take you over. Plus, this property also offers Perfect Escapes special perks such as: daily breakfast, welcome amenity, upgrade, etc.

Viceroy Palm Springs, California – Take refuge at this modern boutique hotel and spa surrounded by palm trees and beautiful desert. Poolside cabanas at 3 pools, manicured gardens and intimate villas make for plenty of private spaces to explore on your romantic getaway.

Check out the Breathe Easy deal at Viceroy Palm Springs where Perfect Escapes guests get 25% off accommodations, spa services, meals, and resort fee from just $128/night.

Snake River Lodge & Spa, Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Get the best of both at this luxury lodge and spa situated in Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. View the winter scenery from your seat by the fireplace, in a hot tub, or while getting a massage. Also, guests who book through Perfect Escapes receive these special added perks: daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out on availability, bottle of wine upon arrival, and upgrade on availability.

The Pand Hotel, Bruge, Belgium – Step back in time to this 18th Century mansion set in the heart of the city. Enjoy an elegant, private atmosphere that leaves you wanting for nothing more than a few more days of bliss.

Hotel de Banville, Paris, France – A hotel that feels more like a home, the intimate Hotel de Banville is just steps from some of the best sites in Paris yet acts as a calming respite after a day of exploring the world’s most romantic city.

Bacara Resort, Santa Barbara, CA – This glamorous California resort lets you completely relax in luxury with stunning ocean views, elegant grounds, a private patio or balcony in every room, and casual activities to enjoy under the warm sun.

Find more luxury hotel deals at Perfect Escapes.

viceroy-palm-springs1

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sarah on February 3rd, 2010

InterContinental Hotel Group is making a bold move, attempting to lure disgruntled Hilton Hotels guests.

Hilton recently announced that is would raise the number of rewards points needed for a free night’s stay at one of their properties, which resulted in almost a 20% devaluation of points for Hilton Honors members.

Taking advantage of unhappy guests, InterContinental is wooing them by giving away rewards points to members of their “Priority Club” who lost the most HHonors program points. Over 400 million points will be given away in all, along with 2 million points going directly to the “Luckiest Loser”, a promotion that will reward the customer who can verify the highest number of Hilton points. Two Million IHG points could result is as many as 80 free stays at InterContinental hotels.

Travelers at all levels feel strong ownership of their hotel reward points, using them for everything from hotel stays to flights to special activities during their travels. By stuffing the pockets of loyal guests, IHG is gaining what could be a lifetime of travel from those who do it most.

Looking for extra perks when you travel? Check out The Perfect10 for weekly hotel deals that include special perks such as dining credits, upgrades, valet parking and more…

Read the full article at Reuters.

Find a luxury InterContinental Hotel or Resort in your destination at Perfect Escapes.

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sarah on February 2nd, 2010

otolithe image

Photo Credit: otolithe on Flickr

Though it’s far from over, winter is just beginning to melt into an early spring for some of us. And where the weather isn’t warm, a romantic escape in that most romantic of months — February — is sure to thaw the coldest of spirits.

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 Suite Life Blog Flickr photo pool post!

For our February photo challenge, we want you to melt our hearts with images of classically romantic destinations. Paris in the springtime. Heavenly Hawaii. Maybe a trip to the Seychelles, or Bali? Wherever your heart takes you, we want to see your best shots. Show us some love!

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sarah on January 29th, 2010

four-seasons-golden-triangle

Conde Nast and MSNBC have published an article listing the Top 5 places to stay in the world. Now that’s a big claim, those must be some pretty amazing hotels and resorts to make it in the top 5. Take a look at the winners and tell us what you think. Are these the best of the best? Do you have a favorite that should have made the list?

1. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand – Incredible luxury set in the jungle among the canopies and wildlife of northern Thailand.

2. Peninsula House, Dominican Republic – Immerse yourself in a museum-like setting with beautiful views and stately service on top of a private hillside.

3. Blanket Bay, New Zealand – Indulge in a classic lodge setting made even better by abundant touches of luxury such as hot tubs and stone fireplaces, as well as creative local fare.

4. King Pacific Lodge, British Columbia – Situated on the water at the edge of the Great Ber rainforest, this eco-lodge seamlessly blends nature with a nurturing and pampering environment.

5. La Scalinatella, Capri, Italy – The best of the Mediterranean awaits at the top of a cliff where guests are treated to perfect hospitality and traditional Mediterranean décor and dining.

Find luxury hotel and resort deals around the world at Perfect Escapes.

See this week’s The Perfect10 for the best current offers in luxury travel.

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sarah on January 27th, 2010

Welcome to the latest edition of the Three+Three where The Suite Life brings you three great deals in three top destinations around the world. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and with that in mind this week’s offers have special touches to wow your special someone. Whether you want a desert spa retreat in Scottsdale, city romance in Boston, or a Pacific Coast resort in Big Sur, pick your deal and your destination and make your romantic escape.

the-boulders

Romance Package – Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, Scottsdale, from $359 per night

Discover a magical retreat from conventional Scottsdale resorts at The Boulder Resort & Golden Door Spa. The resort offers award-winning accommodations, a world-renowned spa, and stunning natural beauty.

Book the Romance Package with Perfect Escapes and you’ll receive: luxury accommodations, a bottle of sparkling wine, and full American breakfast for two daily.

four-seasons-boston

Romantic Getaway – Four Seasons Boston, from $435 per night

Fall in love with Boston and enjoy a romantic getaway in the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Boston, centrally located in the heart of the city. Book this special Romantic Getaway with Perfect Escapes and you’ll receive: Luxury accommodations, daily breakfast for two from in-room dining, Champagne and treats upon arrival, valet parking for one vehicle, and all applicable taxes and gratuities.

ventanainn

Big Sur Style – Ventana Inn and Spa, Carmel/Monterey California Coast, from $297 per night

The Ventana Inn is known for its serene setting, rustic yet luxurious sophistication, and romantic allure. Some rooms are equipped with personal outdoor on-deck spas and wood-burning fireplaces, and the famous Japanese hot baths are open to moonlight and stars.

Book the Big Sur Style package with Perfect Escapes and you’ll receive: A $50 resort credit per night to spend as you wish, welcome amenity in room upon arrival, complimentary upgrade on availability, and early check-in and late check-out upon availability. All guests also receive, High-speed internet access, complimentary breakfast each morning, daily guided walks and yoga class.

Find more romantic packages in your destination at Perfect Escapes.

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sarah on January 25th, 2010

Anantara Phuket
It would be easy to happily spend a relaxing week on the beaches of Phuket with nothing more than a book and fresh fruit smoothie to keep you company. However, there are many more ways to enjoy this paradise that luxury travelers won’t want to miss.

A recent City Spur article found the Top 5 Must-know Tips for Luxury Travel in Phuket, which will make you want to book a mid-winter escape before you can even say “land of smiles.”

1. Phuket may feel like an isolated and exotic destination, but it also is easy to access. Daily local and international flights fly straight to Phuket, so adding this destination to your trip is easy and worth a few extra days of vacation.

2. Don’t ignore the amazing shopping opportunities that reside just a few minutes from the resorts and beaches. Many people get caught up in the cheap souvenirs and overwhelming atmosphere of Patong Beach, but for better shopping try the Surin plaza mini-mall where the gifts are more original and the craft work is of higher quality.

3. Enjoy all the spas have to offer. The popularity of Thai massage extends from the incredible spa experiences to be had in Thailand. When you are tired of your beach chair, wander into the amazing resort spas that offer a variety of traditional and more creative treatments both indoors and in private outdoor settings.

4. Take advantage of private tours. There are plenty of sites worth seeing around Phuket, from temples to elephant treks to diving around neighboring islands. These attractions are even better when you go exclusively with your own party. Whether you want a private cooking class with a top chef or charter a yacht for just you and your friends to enjoy Phuket from the sea, exclusive tours in Phuket are highly worth it.

5. Stay at the best. Luxury resorts in Phuket know that guests are looking for incredible experiences to match the amazing scenery and views. Pool Villas are some of the most private and luxurious accommodations available to travelers looking to have it all. Enjoy a dip in your private pool whenever you wish, your chaise lounges will never be taken and when you want to cool off you can simply step in side and relax in your own villa.

Some of our favorite Phuket Resorts:

Banyan Tree Phuket
Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa
The Chedi Phuket
Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa

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sarah on January 22nd, 2010

Trip Advisor has completed its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards (check out the article for all the winners) where travelers just like you rate their favorite hotels around the world in a variety of categories. For our discerning travelers, we wanted to share the winners of the Luxury Hotels category to help you find a new favorite luxury hotel in destinations all over the world.

Top Luxury Hotels in the World:
1. Golden Well (U Zlate Studne) – Prague, Czech Republic
2. Britania Hotel – Lisbon, Portugal
3. Alchymist Residence Nosticova – Prague, Czech Republic

Top Luxury Hotels in the U.S.:
1. French Quarter Inn – Charleston, North Carolina
2. Harbourview Inn – Charleston, North Carolina
3. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – Wailea, Hawaii

Top Luxury Hotels in Europe: Same as Top Luxury Hotels in the World.

Top Luxury Hotels in Asia:
1. Layana Resort and Spa – Koh Lanta, Thailand
2. Angsana Resort & Spa – Ihuru, Maldives
3. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo – Chuo, Japan

Top Luxury Hotels in South Pacific:
1. Quay Grand Suites Sydney – Sydney, Australia
2. Pacific Resort Aitutaki – Aitutaki, Cook Islands
3. Queenstown Park Hotel – Queenstown, New Zealand

Top Luxury Hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico:
1. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso – Playa Paraiso, Mexico
2. Villa Renaissance – Providenciales
3. The Caves – Negril, Jamaica

Top Luxury Hotels in Central and South America:
1. Los Altos De Eros – Tamarindo, Costa Rica
2. Edenia Punta Soberana Hotel – El Calafate, Argentina
3. Cavas Wine Lodge – Mendoza, Argentina

Top Luxury Hotels in Africa:
1. Cape Royale – Cape Town, South Africa
2. Cape Heritage Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa
3. Four Rosmead – Cape Town, South Africa

Top Luxury Hotels in Canada:
1. Loden – Vancouver, Canada
2. Auberge Saint-Antoine – Quebec City, Canada
3. Farimont Vancouver Airport – Richmond, Canada

Top Luxury Hotels in India:
1. Taj Rambagh Palace – Jaipur, India
2. The Oberoi Grand – Kolkata, India
3. Taj Lake Palace Udaipur – Udaipur, India

Find luxury hotel deals in your destination at Perfect Escapes.

Follow us on Facebook for our best exclusive offers daily.

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sarah on January 19th, 2010

p10pic
Want to get away but not sure where? Check out the latest Perfect10 filled with the very best of Perfect Escapes’ latest hotel deals.

From resort packages to romantic rendez-vous to city escapades, each week the Perfect10 offers a list of deals sure to make your dream getaway an easy reality. And of course, each deal comes with special perks unique to Perfect Escapes, ensuring your getaway is as luxurious as it was easy to get.

This week’s Perfect10 deals include:

Spotlight Offer for Key West’s Best- Stay 3 nights save 15%, plus Champagne, and late check-out.
Southernmost on the Beach: Nautical Luxury from $220/night.
La Mer & Dewey House: Historic Elegance from $254/night.

W San Diego – Perfect Pampering: From $179/night with $50 spa credit and more.

The Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando – Bed and Breakfast: From $167/night with breakfast and upgrades.

Affinia Chicago – Beyond Breakfast: From $129/night with full breakfast, free WiFi, and upgrade.

Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali – Tropical Bliss: From $158/night with $50 spa credit, cocktails, breakfast, and more.

Hotel Renew, Waikiki Beach – Stay Longer, Save More: From $124/night with discounts and perks.

Cavallo Point, The Lodge at Golden Gate – Bed & Breakfast: From $238/night with breakfast, upgrades, and more.

Encantado Resort, Santa Fe – One More Night: From $251/night with third night free, breakfast, valet parking, and more.

Hotel Mela, NYC – Manhattan Luxe
: From $143/night with 15% savings, room upgrade, and more.

Hotel Monaco San Francisco – Bed & Breakfast: From $143/night with breakfast and room upgrade.

For more deals and updates, be our fan on Facebook.

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sarah on January 18th, 2010

whiteface-lodge

We spend a lot of time complaining about winter. The cold, the hassle, the layers of clothing that are continuously coming on and off…But the truth is that winter is also a beautiful time of year filled with opportunities to indulge in nature’s best outdoor activities and cozy indoor fun as well.

Travel + Leisure has put together a list of the Best Winter Lodges Across the U.S. and Canada (from MSNBC Travel) to show you just how much luxury and adventure await you in the heart of winter wonderland.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta, Canada

The Balsams Grand Resort, Dixville Notch, NH

Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, Quebec

Canoe Bay, WI

The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, NY

The Resort at Paws Up, MT

The Lodge at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash, CO

Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, MT

Snake River Lodge & Spa, Teton Village, WY

Emerald Lake Lodge, Field, British Columbia

Lake Placid Lodge, NY

Find luxury hotel deals around the world at Perfect Escapes.

snake-river

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sarah on January 14th, 2010

carryon

As United Airlines announced it is following the trend of Continental and Delta by charging $25 for the first checked bag, carry-on bags everywhere became even more stuffed.

What used to be small luggage accessories are now packed for up to weeks at a time by travelers trying to avoid the rapidly rising fees. While some people are lucky enough to slide past boarding gate officials, many others have faced the frustration of being told their carry-on bag is too big to be carried on. Others encounter looks of disgust and disdain from fellow passengers as they try to stuff duffles and garment bags posing as carry-ons into the often limited overhead space.

As more and more people become carry-on only travelers, some common courtesies (Read the CNN Article) have been outlined to help make sure a little bulging bag doesn’t become a brawl.

1. Obey government and airline rules on the size and number of items. This one is easy, follow the rules, because an official will likely enforce them as you go through security or board at the gate causing trouble for both you and your baggage.

2. Don’t attempt to bring prohibited items such as sharp objects or bottles of liquids. The 3oz. rule has long been in effect and luckily most of our favorite products are sold in travel-sized bottles now, or there’s always the mini toiletries from the hotel. Either way, have your items properly sized and stowed so your carry-on experience is swift and effective.

3. Stow your bag overhead with the wheels in first. This makes it easy to roll your bag in and out of storage, speeding up the process for everyone boarding and deplaning, especially when most people now have a larger bag as well.

4. Don’t put your bags overhead lengthwise. There’s an obvious increase in need for overhead space on planes, and putting your bag in lengthwise is just asking for unhappy travelers complaining and carelessly moving your bag to fit theirs.

5. Smaller items at your feet. And, try to pull out what you need from overhead before you take off, so you and your seat mate don’t spend most of the flight playing musical chairs.

6. Use the bin directly over your head, or as close to it as possible. We’ve all encountered those travelers who greedily nab an open overhead space way ahead of their own seat. Any courteous traveler would not steal another seat’s space for themselves.

7. Don’t commandeer another passenger’s under-seat space. Admittedly, there isn’t a lot of space at your feet for anything besides your shoes, but don’t let your belongings spill into another passengers’ area, as they have just as little space to deal with.

8. Make sure your bag is light enough to lift over your head yourself. Granted this isn’t always possible, sometimes we just have a lot of heavy stuff. While one can always hope for friendly fellow passengers to help lift your bag, be prepared to take care of your items on your own.

9. Wait until everyone’s bags are stowed, then lay your coat on top. It may be harder to get out of your seat and lay your coat on top at the end of boarding, but it does a great deal toward allowing more luggage in the overhead space and stops your coat from potential wheel and bag damage.

Have other carry-on traveler pet peeves? Share them in comments below.

Find luxury hotel deals in your destination at Perfect Escapes.

Mexico
New York City
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
London

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