In cities across the country, secret neighborhoods are popping up filled with unique bars, restaurants, music, and shops that go off the beaten path and create a new urban experience. Authenticity reigns where locals take risks and travelers are rewarded with booming new enclaves worth a visit.
Travel+Leisure researched some of these hidden urban gems just off the cuff from some major U.S. destinations. Do you have a favorite secret neighborhood? Share it with your fellow luxury travelers looking for something new…
Tenderloin, in San Francisco, CA – The Tenderloin may be be the epicenter of homelessness and drugs in San Francisco, but it’s also developing into a secret enclave of hot spots situated in between two main areas of the city. Swanky bars, a speakeasy, new hole-in-the-wall dining spots, and some amazing Church music are adding welcome change to the area.
Pilsen, in Chicago, IL – A lively neighborhood now known as much for its art galleries and taco trucks as it was previously known for its gangs.
Prospect Heights, in Brooklyn, NY – A neighborhood once without much is new a hub of arts and culture with dance parties, breweries, film screenings and more, all with authentic local flare.
Wynwood Arts District, in Miami, FL – Once an abandoned warehouse district, now shedding its gloom with upcoming galleries, fashion designers, and a beautiful shore side setting.
Downtown, in Kansas City, MO – There used to be very little here, but with the investment of the Sprint sports and entertainment center and a district of restaurants and clubs, this area is booming with life.
Roosevelt Row, in Phoenix, AZ – Boarded up houses have been reclaimed by artists creating an art-filled historic town with new life and activities.
East End, in Austin, TX – What was once a drug-infested barrio is now another cool scene for eating, drinking, and cowboy chic in one of Texas’ most fun cities.
Jamaica Plain, in Boston, MA – A multicultural neighborhood that has cleaned up as money and more people move in. Plenty of green space, a local brewery and a club-meets-bowling lounge make this a popular new local haunt.
Belmont, in Charlottesville, VA – This historic town from the 1890’s has been restored and improved with great new eateries and local music venues.
Cabbagetown, in Atlanta, GA – Affordable housing meets new condo developments in this upcoming area that boasts local flavors in food and music.
Collinwood, in Cleveland, OH - An immigrant neighborhood turned boho chic with independent stores and specialty food shops all mixed together.
Tags: Boston, Chicago, hotspots, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, Miami, New towns, New York, San Francisco, Urban
Foto Light on Flickr
With the buzz of the winter holidays before us, let’s take a deep breath and a moment to relax and reminisce about travels past. What recent getaway or long ago vacation makes you nostalgic?
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 November photo challenge, we want to be moved by your timeless memories of perfect escapes past. Steep us in sepia toned images of bygone trips to far away places. Show us beautiful black-and-white photographs that will give us peace and pause … Wherever your journeys have taken you, we want to see your best sepia and black-and-white shots.
Find luxury hotels around the world at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: Challenge, contest, Flickr, Luxury, luxury hotel deals, Luxury Hotels, Old photos, Perfect Escapes, Photo, Photo challenge, photog, Travel, Travel photogrpahy
Photo Credit: Hotel Chatter
When we travel, currency is often a universal language. A small tip here and there can get us better service, seats and information. We tip the valet, bellman, tour guide, taxi driver, but what about the housekeeper?
There has long been debate as to whether housekeeping services should be given tips, and if so, how much. The first part of that question has largely been answered, with the majority of people saying housekeeping staff should receive a tip for their work. However people rushing out of their hotel rooms for meetings or sightseeing don’t often remember to leave some currency behind every day.
In addition, very few people can agree to a standard on how much tip should be left for housekeepers. Perhaps a few dollars, a certain percentage, maybe a sliding scale depending on service and length of stay? Tips are at the discretion of the tip giver, so perhaps there shouldn’t even be a set rule, as every traveler has a varying degree of needs and messiness.
An L.A. Times article states that $1-$3 is sufficient per day, at any level of hotel establishment. However, if you ask those who clean at 5-star hotels, they said guests should leave $5-$10 a day. The article also discussed where a tip should be left in the room and how- with a note of thanks.
Here at The Suite Life, we want to know – what are your practices when it comes to tipping housekeeping staff? How much, how often, and why? Let us know what you think and we’ll share with our luxury travelers so everyone can be prepared the next time they check-in.
Find luxury hotel deals around the world at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: 5-star hotels, Business Travel, Housekeeping, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Perfect Escapes, Suite Life Blog, tips, top hotels, travel industry
Each culture has a unique history and practices to cure the body from ailments. Keeping one’s body in balance emotionally, physically, and spiritually can create a healthier you. These eight destinations have special treatments, methods, and luxury surroundings to help you achieve the utmost relaxation on your vacation.
Japan – Zen gardens aren’t just pretty to look at, the famous Japanese meditation gardens are complimented by nature walks, purifying waters and traditional meditation, which will truly pamper and relax you into a better state of well-being. Stay at: The Windsor Toya Resort and Spa, Hokkaido.
Hawaii – Sweet smells, rolling ocean waves and island music are enough to make almost anyone enjoy a peaceful escape. But for those looking for something more there’s the ancient practice of Lomilomi. Thought to improve circulation, balance and healing, this Hawaiian practice is a pampering way to feel good again. Stay at: The Fairmont Orchid, Big Island.
Mexico – Ancient Mayan culture had a variety of medicinal treatments to balance a body’s “life force”. When you’re feeling out of sorts, re-center with hot-stone massages, sweat baths, and more at Mexico’s luxury resorts and healing centers. Stay at: Habita Hotel, Mexico City.
Jordan – The Dead Sea has long been a source of healing for its salt waters and mineral-rich mud. Both Jordan and Israel have plenty of luxury resorts that will pamper you with Dead Sea excursions and treatments as well as with comfortable accommodations and delicious, fresh, and healthy meals. Stay at: In Jordan, the Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, in Israel at Le Meridien Dead Sea.
France – So many of the best things come from France: Fashion, wine, cheese, and baguettes, just to name a few. Realizing the benefits of the sea, there are amazing spas along the Normandy coast that infuse sea water, seaweed and other elements into healing treatments for all ailments. Stay at: Chateau La Cheneviere, Normandy.
California – The brilliant sunshine alone is enough to cure any blues, but go the extra step and enjoy the variety of natural healing elements California has to offer. From Napa’s Calistoga mineral springs, to Big Sur’s geothermal springs, nature walks, art and mediation workshops and more, California has plenty to soothe and revive a tired soul. Stay at: Ventana Inn and Spa, Big Sur.
India – Traditional Ayurveda medicine in India treats ailments of the body with a variety of natural and plant based treatments. Increase your immunity and your center with this classic system or take yourself to an Ashram to learn the disciplined meditation and yoga practices coveted by people all over the world. Stay at: The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala.
Turkey – Turkish bath houses can cleanse, restore and invigorate the weariest traveler. Spend some time soaking in the baths, steaming, scrubbing or being massaged- arranged through luxury spas such as the one at the Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
See the full article at MSNBC travel.
Tags: 5-star hotels, Beach, Big Sur, Hawaii, India, Japan, Jordan, Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Mexico, Retreat, Spa, Suite Life Blog
Welcome to the latest edition of the Three+Three on the Suite Life Blog. This week we are bringing you three great deals from three top destinations across the country, each with unique perks. Whether you want Bed &Breakfast in Miami, Perfect Savings in Los Angeles, or extra perks to Get More on Madison in New York, pick your deal and your destination, and make your escape.
Bed & Breakfast – National Hotel, Miami from $209 per night
The National Hotel epitomizes the mood and décor of the 1940s, redefined with a modern panache. Enter a world of pure grace, elegance, and style at this landmark hotel in Miami’s South Beach.
Book the Bed & Breakfast deal and you’ll receive complimentary American breakfast for two each day. Plus book any stay at the National Hotel with Perfect Escapes and you’ll receive a welcome amenity, early check-in and late check-out (on availability), and room upgrade (on availability).
Perfect Savings – Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, from $159 per night
A newly revamped Thompson Hotel, the legendary Hollywood Roosevelt is a playground for Hollywood’s brightest stars. When you book the Perfect Savings offer you’ll receive: 20% off the best-rate for any length of stay.
Plus book any stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt with Perfect Escapes and receive: Guaranteed late check-out, early check-in and room upgrade (based on availability), and welcome amenity upon arrival.
Get More on Madison – Hotel Roger Williams, from $270 per night
Quietly confident and cosmopolitan yet colorful and fun, the newly redesigned Hotel Roger Williams is a Midtown hotel that dares to be different. A well-kept secret among savvy travelers, Hotel Roger Williams features gracious hospitality in an exclusive setting.
Book the Get More on Madison offer, or any stay at Roger Williams at Perfect Escapes and you’ll receive: Complimentary room upgrade (on availability), a waiver of the $15 nightly service fee which includes complimentary wireless internet, a bottle of champagne in your room, and early check-in and late check-out (on availability).
Tags: 5-star hotels, Los Angeles, Luxury Deals, luxury hotel deals, luxury hotel offers, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Miami, New York City, Perfect Escapes, Suite Life Blog
The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver are only a few short months away, and now is the time to book your mid-winter trip to experience the impressive sights and sports of the Olympics.
Forbes Traveler offered some tips on getting the most of an Olympic trip to Vancouver. Starting with your arrival, don’t be afraid to take the Canada Line of the Skytrain which can get you from the airport to downtown Vancouver in 30 minutes.
The Games run from February 12 to March 1st, and you can bet the mass exodus of athletes and visitors on the last day will create some real congestion on the roadways and in the airports. So why not stay an extra day or two and explore the sites you may have missed while watching the games. Vancouver and Victoria Islands are beautiful quick getaways with plenty to explore. Or extend your trip further and make your way to Blackcomb, for some of the finest skiing available.
During the Olympic portion of your visit, don’t miss the Live Site, 2 big sites set up for all things Olympics from sponsorship areas, huge big screen TV’s and more. Remember to book dinner reservations way in advance as the best tables are likely to book up early, and Vancouver has wonderful dining to indulge in.
While you’re out exploring Vancouver’s dining scene in between Games, check out some of the many various art exhibitions coinciding with the Olympics. Arts of all kinds are getting in the Olympic spirit with concerts, dance, films, and more.
If you are passionate for one specific winter sport, plan accordingly. The Olympic arenas for each sport vary widely, so plan early and stake out your spot so you don’t miss you favorites. Whistler will be the spot for skiing, ice hockey will be downtown and snowboarding in North Shore, to name a few…
Most important, find a luxury hotel that is nice and cozy to come back to after an active day of snow and sport. Some of the area’s top hotels are:
The Fairmont Empress
Opus Hotel
Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver – Breakfast of Champions deal from C$195/night
The Oswego Hotel - Victoria
Pan Pacific Mountainside Whistler
Four Seasons Whistler – Stay Longer deal from C$395/night
Find more luxury hotels in Vancouver at Perfect Escapes.
Tags: 2010 Olympics, Fairmont, Four Seasons, hotels, Pan Pacific, Perfect Escapes Offers, tips, Travel, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winter Olympics
Everyone grows up knowing which houses on the block are better for trick-or-treating than others. The house that hands out full-sized candy bars is much more memorable than the one that leaves a stack of apples or tomato juice at the door.
The same can be said for where you celebrate Halloween. A regular neighborhood jaunt is always fun, but some cities stand out when it comes to ghosts, goblins, and ghoulish fun. A travels.com article listed some of the top cities around the world to celebrate Halloween and we added a few of our own on the end, all sure to make your spooky celebration is a night to remember…
Salem, Mass – A haunted history of witch trials has turned into the perfect scene for Halloween. The entire month of October is filled with events, tours, and on Oct. 31 grand costume balls.
New Orleans – Known to have a richly haunted past, voodoo and haunted tours, cemetery tours, and ancient architecture set the perfect scene for Halloween. Then spend your night dancing away at a masquerade party on Bourbon Street, the ultimate party destination.
London – This city has the perfect mix of happenings for Halloween. From Jack the Ripper tours and historic attractions dressed in Halloween fright to top notch clubs and DJ’s hosting special parties for those who want to dress up and then get down.
San Francisco- Costumes and haunted houses are serious business here, where there’s a massive parade, entire neighborhood streets closed down for frolicking and hauntings, bar crawls galore, and more. Add in a trip to Alcatraz or walk along the bay in the eerie fog and you’ll be in the spooky spirit in no time.
Transylvania, Romania – The birthplace of Dracula still celebrates Halloween in a big way with castle tours, dinner events and costume contests celebrating their most famous resident.
Las Vegas – Whatever the holiday, Las Vegas goes big. The array of impressive clubs makes this night extra special with themed parties, costumes galore, and music that will surely put a spell on you.
Los Angeles – Head to warmer weather to spend Halloween in L.A. where many major theme parks join in the fun, offering up screams not just on roller coasters. Celebrate near the ocean or in the clubs where waiting in line won’t matter when it’s still 70 degrees outside.
Have a favorite Halloween destination? Let us know!
Tags: Dracula, Halloween, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, October, Parties, Perfect Escapes, Salem, Suite Life Blog, Travel
Are you one of Perfect Escapes’ over 1,500 followers on Twitter? If so, we want to say thank you for your follow!
If you haven’t already, sign up and follow us on Twitter. You can get first access to new hotel deals, travel news, send us your feedback on recent trips and ask travel-related questions that we can post to the entire community of travel enthusiasts that are on Twitter.
We would love to hear from all our Perfect Escapes guests so sign up and follow us at Twitter.com/perfectescapes and tell us what travels you have been up to lately, whether business or pleasure.
Find luxury hotel deals in your travel destination at Perfect Escapes.
New York
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Chicago
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Mexico
Hong Kong
Paris
Dubai
Tags: Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Perfect Escapes, Perfect Escapes News, Suite Life Blog, top hotels, travel industry, Twitter
Some people like to warm up on chilly fall days with a hot cup of cocoa. For others, there’s nothing better to warm up with than a full glass of rich red wine. For the latter, there are plenty of plush grapes waiting to be sipped at renowned vineyards across the country. Here’s a list of the Top 10 North American Wine Destinations, brought to us by MSNBC Travel.
1. Napa Valley, California – The reigning king of wine in America, Napa boasts a variety of well-known vineyards and an amazing Californian backdrop from which to sip slowly and enjoy.
2. Sonoma, California – Napa’s more casual neighbor, Sonoma offers a small town feel yet still provides top notch wines with plenty of scenery.
3. Willamette Valley, Oregon – Not quiet as expansive as its California counterparts, this area is nonetheless known for outstanding pinot noir.
4. Yakima Valley, Washington – Plentiful wines and fruits are available in this major grape hub of Washington.
5. Roseburg, Oregon – Situated among beautiful scenery that includes waterfalls and wildlife as well as flavorful wines.
6. Okanagan Valley, B.C. – Over 100 wineries operate here, among the crystal clear lakes and fruit orchards.
7. Finger Lakes, NY – The state’s largest wine-producing region, this is the spot to find award-winning sparkling wines.
8. Traverse City, Michigan – A unique climate on the shores of Lake Michigan produces a variety of wines from baco noir to ice wines.
9. North Fork, Long Island, NY – Large expanses of vineyards are complimented by a local, intimate atmosphere that also serves up fresh seafood and produce.
10. Oak Grove, VA – In Virginia, a winery with plenty of history serves wine among beautiful scenery perfect for a fall escape.
Find wine tasting hotel deals on Perfect Escapes.
Tags: Luxury, Luxury Hotels, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, Napa, New York, Perfect Escapes, Sonoma, Suite Life Blog, vineyards, Wine, wine tasting, wineries
Nothing is spookier than creeping your way through an ancient graveyard while fall wind rustles dangling leaves and foggy mist circles around. For the ultimate entry into All Hallows Eve, check out some of these infamous graveyards guaranteed to give you goose bumps…
Boston – The Old Granary Burying Ground: Around since 1660, this graveyard is filled with the tombstones of famous War of Independence heroes and villains.
New York – Head over to Brooklyn where Green-Wood Cemetery, dating back to 1838, is the resting place for civilians and warriors dating back to the Civil War. The cemetery is also known for beautiful architecture and landscaping.
Indianapolis – Crown Hill Cemetery: Prominent persons of U.S. history are buried here from President Harrison to Eli Lilly. This 3rd largest non-governmental cemetery has lots of winding roads to wander and special music events as well.
Cleveland – Lake View Cemetery: Incredible monuments to President Garfield and Rockefeller surround an impressive lake and gardens with views of Cleveland.
New Orleans – St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: New Orleans is renowned for its history and eerie legends, which make visiting this cemetery a truly spooky affair. See the voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s tomb, rows of ancient above ground tombs, or wander through neighboring cemeteries for a truly unique experience.
Los Angeles – Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery: A visit to this cemetery is a trip to Hollywood’s past as many celebrities have been buried here. Nearby the Great Mausoleum at the Forest Lawn cemetery is the site of Michael Jackson’s resting place yet keeps it graves anonymous, while Hollywood Forever cemetery actually hands out maps to guide you to your favorite stars’ graves.
Paris - Pere Lachaise Cemetery: Visitors come from all over to witness the burial site of famous cultural figures from Jim Morrison to Oscar Wilde to Gertrude Stein among others. The surrounding Gothic figures and quiet area make for a truly unique experience.
Find luxury hotel deals in your destination at Perfect Escapes .
Tags: Boston, Cemetery, Graveyard, Halloween, Los Angeles, Luxury, luxury travel, luxury travel blog, New York City, Paris, Perfect Escapes, Suite Life Blog
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