The Suite Life

A recent W Magazine article examined a new class of concierge that has emerged in top luxury hotels. These are the “can do” concierges, who will do almost anything at anytime for their guests, and not just the VIP ones.

Increases in luxury hotel competitiveness and in hotel room prices seem to explain why hotels feel the need to both stand out from the crowd and to increase customer loyalty. Just as they are upping the design and amenity standards, so too are luxury hotels making guests feel more special with personal, constant service.

The article explains that 20 years ago, people didn’t use concierges for much more than restaurant recommendations, and assumed their services were reserved for VIP’s. But when the standard room now goes for over $500 per night, every guest has come to expect VIP-level service.

To some degree, that’s exactly what the hotels want. If they can fulfill inventive and sometimes outrageous requests, than they made the guest’s experience memorable and hopefully gained their loyalty. Luxury travel is all about unique, brag-worthy experiences these days, and concierges want to see it happen, especially since user reviews and word of mouth have become paramount to traveler’s hotel decisions. St. Regis’ legendary personal butler service, InterContinental’s pillow bar, and Peninsula’s Concierge Choice newsletter are just a few examples of the efforts made by top luxury hotel chains to make guests’ stays the best possible.

On the other hand, more and more extreme cases have arisen in which guests become downright demanding and difficult with their last-minute and unusual requests (house broken pets, double-decker buses and more). While concierges refuse to do anything “illegal or immoral”, they stick to their “can do” attitude as much as possible, and ask that you take advantage of their services on your next trip. Whether you need a rooftop private dinner for two or a new computer battery, they really are happy to help (most of the time).

Find luxury hotels in top destinations around the world at Perfect Escapes:

New York City

Chicago

Los Angeles

Miami

San Francisco

Las Vegas

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes

Thursday, February 28, 2008 was officially declared InterContinental San Francisco Day as the red ribbon was cut at the grand opening this morning.

Still smelling of fresh paint, last minute touches were still being finished, yet as a whole the hotel glistened, especially as the sun penetrated the numerous floor to ceiling windows, a main feature of the property.

Dressed in a California meets Italy feel, the property is modern and crisp yet also warm and inviting. The large windows on either side of each hallway are met by warm red carpet and soft lighting, making the traditional hotel hallways a bit more friendly. Modern bathrooms in light, muted colors exist next to rooms designed to meet all your needs (extra outlets, ipod docking station, more counter space, flat screen TV’s and WiFi). And of course, there are the amazing views in each room that float you above the colorful SoMa district 33 floors below.

Yet, what stood out most in the internationally renowned luxury hotel chain’s latest property is that it did not feel like a massive chain hotel. The design gives guests room to lounge (rooms are well-sized and plenty of main floor seating) yet is not overrun by large unwelcoming spaces. The center white staircase invites movement not isolation and the ballroom is flanked by colorful abstract artwork. Each floor has only 23 rooms and upon exiting the elevators guests can only turn right or left creating one long hallway and eliminating the maze of corridors that often exist in large hotels.

There are other special touches as well including the indoor lap pool with skylights, the bamboo-encased spa terrace and the club lounge that hosts chef demonstrations, your local newspaper, and tastings of international cuisine throughout the day (see below for a special Perfect Escapes offer with Club IC).

Luxury on a New Level at InterContinental SF - Experience the best that InterContinental San Francisco has to offer with this exclusive Perfect Escapes deal. When you book this package you’ll gain access to the Club InterContinental Lounge to indulge in wine and chef tastings, breakfast, afternoon tea and more.

You’ll also receive guaranteed late check out, complimentary WiFi, a special bath amenity and more. See full details at Perfect Escapes.

With the first guests already arriving, the hotel is eager to set into motion what has been in the works for almost 10 years. It is evident that a lot of heart went into the creation of the InterContinental San Francisco with stories of selecting flawless décor at any cost, refurnishing until rooms were perfect and of the meticulously composed menu for Luce, the hotel’s restaurant with uniquely blended dishes as well as a special “Luce” wine made with both Californian and Italian grapes.

This blend of cultures, modern style and comforts certainly seems to make for a success story. Having already secured their first sold out day (this coming Monday, March 3) the hotel is quickly settling in to its home, and its opening has made multiple headlines from The Chronicle and Daily Candy to right here on the Suite Life Blog.

See photos of opening day and our hotel tour on the Perfect Escapes Flicker Photo Pool.

Find luxury hotels in San Francisco on Perfect Escapes.

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes

The Hotel & Resort Insider just released its list of the most happening London hotels. It is only natural that in a city where at every block old meets new, urban meets green gardens, and people of all nationalities and ethnicities are intertwined, that its hotels would also carry distinctive contradictions that make them both intriguing and a pleasure to stay at.

Of course, this level of sophistication and style comes with a hefty price tag, but a trip to London would not be complete with out either and it certainly pays to have excellent cuisine and posh lounges just down the elevator. Here’s some of the happening London hotels, from the HRI list and a few of our favorites as well…

Threadneedles: Attracting both business and leisure travelers alike, this hotel presents itself with a highly luxurious experience for both work and play, with detailed personal service and attention.

Haymarket Hotel: Décor to die for, this hip yet inviting hotel has specially designed guest areas including a library, conservatory and indoor pool. In London’s Theatre District, it’s close to many vibrant London areas.

Metropolitan: This is apparently the place to see and be seen, if that’s your scene. Home to the well-known Nobu restaurant, the hotel is pure modern luxury and service situated amongst a few of the most well known and high-end areas of London.

The Berkeley: Fancy meets family-friendly in this historic hotel that dates back to the 19th century and offers an array of services to make life traveling with children a luxury breeze.

Sanderson Hotel: This Morgan’s Hotel Group creation radiates hipness with colorful yet modern furniture displays and playful elements such as the giant red lips couch and the gorgeous pool table. 2 bars, a courtyard and more make Sanderson the place to stay and to play, in London.

Find Luxury Hotels in London at Perfect Escapees.

Find other Luxury Hip Hotels at Perfect Escapes.

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes

Just as frequent spa-goers could recite the vast differences between a hot stone massage and a deep tissue, so could they explain that destination spas and resort spas are two wonderful, but very different, spa experiences. Luckily, Perfect Escapes wants to ensure every luxury traveler gets exactly what he or she is looking for, so here is a rundown of the intricacies and delights of each type of spa experience…

Destination spas are destinations designed for guests who seek total immersion in a spa experience. They offer an adult environment where the emphasis is on getting and staying healthy. These spas are intended to be the destination and not simply an added bonus to a vacation. As such, destination spas offer guests a wide range of therapeutically oriented activities to keep them occupied. These activities are intended to help guests find inspiration and become energized among a like-minded community of participants. They equally balance spa treatments with health-building activities such as education and seminars, exercise routines, and meditation to create an overall sense of growth and inner peace.

Most destination spas include lodging, meals, programs and some spa treatments in their base rates. Guests average longer visits to a destination spa with stays commonly being five days to multiple weeks. Destination spas are a great way to address particular health issues or initiate a healthier lifestyle. While much time is spent looking inward, destination spas are also a good way to enjoy the company of a close friend or partner looking to achieve the same relaxation and rejuvenation goals.

Resort spas, on the other hand, are for those guests seeking to enjoy some spa treatments as part of their overall experience. They often offer a family environment and a full range of dining and recreational experiences in addition to the on-site spa, such as golf and tennis. These spas offer a great way to pamper oneself as part of a larger getaway and are for the less formal spa-goer. So if you want to work those muscles playing sports, expand your mind site-seeing or simply relax on the beach, a resort spa often has all those activities close at hand, and you can go back to the resort for a body treatment to heal from all those adventures.

Most resort spas offer spa packages that bundle room nights and spa treatments but most guests book spa treatments separately from their lodging. Either way, be sure to book spa treatments ahead of your stay as they are generally difficult to get last minute due to limited treatment rooms and staff.

Need further help deciding whether a destination spa or a resort spa is for you?
- Go to a destination spa to rid your body of toxins. Go to a resort spa to tie on a couple of intoxications.
- Go to a resort spa to dine on lamb chops dressed in lemongrass. Go to a destination spa to nibble on lettuce dressed in grass with lemon.
- Go to a destination spa OR a resort spa for a perfect escape.

Top Destination Spas
If you are looking for an ultimate spa getaway, then consider a trip to any of these twelve amazing spas whose focus is on personal wellness and growth.

Agua Spa at the Delano Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida
Amandari, Bali, Indonesia
Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany
Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
Canyon Ranch, Lenox, Massachusetts
Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas
Mii Amo at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
Miraval Resort, Tucson, Arizona
Plateau at Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong

Top Resort Spas
If you are looking to enjoy a terrific spa as part of a greater getaway, then consider staying at one of these twelve properties or go to Perfect Escapes for a list of great spas at many luxury hotel properties:

American Club, Kohler Waters Spa, Kohler, Wisconsin
Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara, California
Bathhouse at Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, California
Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, Carefree, Arizona
Esperanza, An Auberge Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Fairmont Banff Springs, Willow Stream Spa, Canada
Hotel Le Sirenuse, Aveda Concept Spa, Positano, Italy
One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, New York City
Spa Halekulani, Honolulu, Hawaii
Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand
Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Palazzo Las Vegas, Nevada

By Eric Jeck, CEO for Perfect Escapes

You may soon be able to actually get some shut-eye on that red-eye flight. United Airlines has paired up with Westin Hotels & Resorts to bring Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed Products onto its evening flights.

Business and First Class travelers will receive Heavenly Bed products including the signature over-sized blanket and pillow. This will mark the first time that hotel-branded bedding will take flight in an effort on all sides to elevate passenger experience.

Both United Airlines and Westin want to ensure jet-set travelers are soothed and well-rested for wherever their busy lives will take them, so they are additionally planning special Red Carpet Club airport lounges to maintain the sense of relaxation beyond the actual flight.

With the growing efforts by airports and hoteliers to improve conditions for travelers on lay-overs, delays, or simply needing somewhere to rest near their flight, it seems only natural that an airline would want to expand on this new luxury cause as well, both in its terminals and on its planes.

If the Heavenly Bed products are as good as they say (which we’re pretty sure they are) no longer will a red-eye flight mean red eyes the entire next day and that is certainly soothing.

Find luxury hotel deals at Perfect Escapes.

See all Westin Hotels & Resorts offered on Perfect Escapes.

By Sarah Ziering for Perfect Escapes