Nov
21
Opening of Dubai’s ATLANTIS Hotel
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Global financial crisis??? WHAT CRISIS!! Atlantis The Palms in Duabi opens with a $20 million dollar opening party! Read more, or watch the video below of the fireworks.
Nov
7
As Hotel Demand Drops, Will Rates Remain Steady or Decrease?
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Sure doesn’t sound right does it.. Seems to go against the basic rules of supply and demand that we all learned back in high school. But appears to be the case. Even as hotel occupancy could drop to its lowest point in the past 20 years, hotel operators are planning to keep nightly rates as high as they can in 2009.
Based on their past experience hotel operators say they have learned that dropping rates can result in severe long-term pricing impacts. Taking years for rates to increase when the recovery arrives. Since most hotel owners are in pretty good financial shape, (except maybe for Hilton), it appears they are going to try and ride out this economic turn down.
Industry sources also expect few if any new rooms to be added/built during 2009 and into 2010.
I suspect that some of these estimates were made before the strengthening of the US Dollar. The strong dollar, and weakening foreign economies, will most likely result in fewer visitors arriving in the US.
Oct
14
Five Small Hotels in New York City
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If your looking for a large soulless hotel room in New York City stop reading….
These five hotels are smaller more intimate hotels that offer a bit of an escape from the big city.
Blue Moon Hotel- A cozy hotel that has been recently restored to provide a luxurious yet “throw back” atmosphere of what historic New York once was in the good old days of Groucho Marx, and Frank Sinatra. The hotels exterior, woodwork and historical artifacts, along with it’s “famous” guest rooms and suites add a lot of character to this restored tenement.
Hotel 373 - Found in vibrant Midtown Manhattan, Hotel 373 Fifth Avenue is a great starting point from which to experience a wide range of things to do in New York City. Great restaurants as well as world-class shopping along 5th Avenue are just steps away. The hotels cool and modern ambiance, coupled with current amenities, attempts to exceed the expectations of sophisticated travelers who appreciate the warmth and character of a boutique hotel.
Hotel Le Blue - Hey am I in Miami Beach or New York City? It is actually in Brooklyn at 370 4th Ave. The 48 room hotel is considered Brooklyn’s only boutique hotel. Spacious rooms with cool colors and stark furnishings give it that South Beach kinda feeling. Inside that is, the neighborhood isn’t that posh, but it’s situated near Prospect Park, M, R, F, 9th Street & 4th Ave subway lines.
Duane Street Hotel- The Duane Street Hotel offers modern luxury in classic Manhattan style. Under this roof at 1330 Duane St Manhattan is a six-seat bar, a 40-seat restaurant, and of course a 45-room hotel. Yes it sounds small and it is small, or maybe compact is a better word. Rooms have 11-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and loft windows. It is found in the heart of Tribeca at Duane and Church streets.
6 Columbus - Across the street from the Time Warner Center close to Columbus Circle, 88 rooms make this another small hotel. A blast from the past, 1960’s to be exact, starts at the front desk. The Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill offers 24-hour room service and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Offering a bit more cool than comfort, especially for the price, what was once a troubled 1920’s lodging has been transformed into a upscale hotel with twice daily housekeeping service and fine bed linens.
Oct
9
Southern Colorado’s Zapata Ranch
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The Zapata Ranch is an authentic working cattle and bison guest ranch sandwiched between the 14,000 foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
The 103,000 acre ranch in Mosca Colorado is operated by the non-profit Nature Conservancy how’s goal is to preserve and protect the diverse area. Home not only to the ranches cattle and bison, but thousands of elk and countless deer, coyotes, birds and other species. Located 50 miles southwest of Pueblo Colorado.
Work side-by-side with the ranches cowboys at the ranch or explore the spectacular region on horseback or 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
They offer programs that are designed for people who want to learn about and experience nature, whether it be conservation, hiking or riding to view the unique geology and spectacular vistas. But they also realize that some guests might want to just relax in the historic lodge and soak in 14,000 foot Mt. Blanca towering nearby, or hike up to Zapata Falls, five minutes away. Photography or wildlife viewing trips are part of the daily events, or they can be customized to meet your special interest.
This comfortable lodging serves meals family style with warm western hospitality. From the Inns website: “Just outside the Inn there is a log cabin bunkhouse. The bunkhouse has 5 private rooms, each with a full bath; one room is a suite with a separate living room and a fireplace. Rooms are in top order, beautifully decorated, large and with firm comfortable beds. Windows open wide to let in the fresh mountain air and the views of the natural gardens surrounding the inn set you in a world all your own.”
Photos provided by the Zapata Ranch website: www.ZRanch.org
Oct
8
New Fairmont in Boston
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Fairmont PR has just sent me these artist renderings of the new Fairmont Battery Wharf Boston that is scheduled to open in December 2008.
The new contemporary hotel is located on Boston’s waterfront, adjacent to the city’s historic North End. With the Fairmont Copley Plaza this makes the two hotels in Boston now managed by Fairmont.
“I’m delighted to learn that the Fairmont brand will have an extended presence in our city with the operation of a new hotel at Battery Wharf,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino said.
Fairmont states that “Guestrooms will be spacious with a large work area, marble baths and all of the technology features consistent with five-diamond standards. The décor will be residential in style and inspired by the property’s harbor side location.”
The new hotel will offer 6,000 square feet of meeting space, will feature a restaurant designed with guidance from three-star Michelin Chef Guy Martin, and a lounge with harbor views. A water taxi service to Boston Logan International Airport will also be available.
Sep
30
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Opens
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It’s been years since my last visit to Tahiti and the surrounding islands. But the opening of a new Four Seasons on Bora Bora has put the area back on my radar. While visiting the area on the MS Paul Gaugin, (watch YouTube video - view My Photos) , I felt that Bora Bora was definitely an island I would want to visit again.
Earlier this month the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora opened and initial online comments have been “living in a postcard”, “Incredible Resort!!”, “literally heaven on earth”. I can’t substantiate these comments, but they seem authentic based on my personal experiences at other Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts properties.
For more details visit their Official Website
Photos from Four Seasons; Top Photo by: John Sinal / Lower by: Peter Vitale
Sep
22
Waikiki Beach Marriott - Part 2
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This is my second posting about the Waikiki Beach Marriott, don’t miss part 1. This posting is mostly photographs of the resort, and beach.
View from “Partial Oceanview” room on the 23rd floor of the Kealohailani Tower.
View of Diamond Head from room 2314 Kealohailani Tower.
Marriott’s pool is small but offers a large sundeck. A second small pool is also available toward the back of the resort.
Pool looks larger here than it is….
Two great restaurants in the Marriott are “Sansei” and “D.K. Steak House”. (NOTE: for breakfast head down the street to “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. Skip the buffet at the Marriott.)
Small gym offers machines and free weights but can become quickly crowded.
Hotel as seen from the water.
Beach just in front / across the street from the Marriott. The protection of a seawall makes it great for a relaxing dip. Also great for kids. Beaches with direct ocean exposure are just steps away.
On my last day I told the Marriott that I was writing about the property and asked to see a Oceanfront room. This is the room.
This oceanfromt room has windows looking south toward the beach, and a side balcony with a great view.
Bathroom is larger than the standard rooms, offering separate bath & shower. But our smaller room had a seperate toilet/tub room which I like.
Eva (west) facing oceanview balcony in the Kealohailani Tower. This is a oceanfront room but I suspect most of the rooms on this side of the Kealohailani Tower, above the 10th floor would have excellent views. Also note that Waikiki is a busy city, the higher you get the less street noise you will hear.
View out southern / oceanfront side of the Marriott
Great View! You can see that the Waikiki Beach Marriott isn’t right on the beach…you need to cross a busy 4 lane street at the crosswalks.
This is my second posting about the Waikiki Beach Marriott, don’t miss part 1.
Sep
11
Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach Marriott
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My faith has been restored in major chain hotels! Last months crappy room at the Vegas Hilton, makes today’s room at the Waikiki Beach Marriott seem like paradise. Well maybe it’s because I’m in Paradise / Hawaii.
(NOTE: This is posting #1 - Don’t miss part 2)
Check-in was smooth at the Marriott. The reservation was made by my travel agent, via Pleasant Holiday’s. It included a welcome lei at the airport, 5 nights in a partial ocean view room, $25 per day resort credit, and a car for 5 days. Cost me $1200 including tax, and the taxes here in Hawaii are steep. Not a great price, but a good one.
Why the Marriott? My Wife and I lived here on Oahu for almost 4 years and we have been all over the Islands. And two of our favorite restaurants are right here in the Marriott, DK Steakhouse and Sansei.
The front desk said our room was “recently upgraded”, last time I heard that line I was very disappointed, but today it was true. Our room is very comfortable and well appointed with a view of Diamond Head and the slice of the Pacific and Waikiki Beach.
(NOTE: This is posting #1 - Don’t miss part 2)
Sep
10
Winter in Yosemite @ The Ahwahnee Hotel
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In my early years, I visited Yosemite as a camper and while hiking and experiencing all that Yosemite Valley has to offer from a nature perspective, I would often pass The Ahwahnee Hotel. I thought, “some day I will be a guest at that magnificent hotel”, but how?
Maybe I’ll win the lottery becoming an instant millionaire or invent something cool. I’d heard it take years to get a reservation at the property and who plans years in advance these days. So earlier this year, I decided to take the plunge and investigate a visit to the Ahwahnee. And to my surprise, I got reservations for Valentines day booking only a few weeks in advance.
So why have I waited so long to write about my February trip to the Ahwahnee Hotel? Well the seasons of the Yosemite Valley will have a dramatic effect on your visit, and I figured you should read this story now, as summer is coming to an end, so that you can plan a spectacular/romantic winter trip of your own.
And hey! I need to mention that it didn’t break the bank, our room rate was $325 per night. A reasonable rate knowing that chain hotels sometimes charge as much during peak seasons in a resort town. And although it was cold and snowy, the weather only made the experience at The Ahwahnee Hotel better!
Not only did my dream of being a guest in The Ahwahnee Hotel came to fruition, I was not let down. The historical aspect was interesting, the property itself was amazing and the park had many winter or indoor activities to compliment our stay.
The Ahwahnee was opened in 1927 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark on June 2, 1987. The property evolved from dream of Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service. Yosemite became Mather’s favorite national park and his love inspired him to create a first class hotel that would be open year round to attract people of influence and money.
Mather ordered the new parks concessionaire, Yosemite Park and Curry Company to initiate the coordination of the project. In July of 1925, Gilbert Stanley Underwood would be chosen as the chief architect. His credentials were impressive, a graduate of Harvard and he had just designed lodges at Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park. A contractor was chosen to build the project and the first stone was laid on August 1, 1926. The primitive roads, weather and difficult access to the park were obstacles in getting the building materials. Trucks were hauling 1,000 tons of steel, 5,000 tons of stone, timber and equipment. The project was remarkable considering the times and challenges to over come.
After set backs and overcoming hurdles, the grand opening commenced on July 16, 1927. Ten days before the opening, workers noticed strong fumes coming from delivery truck near the main entrance. As a result, the main entrance was moved to another location and the old, undesirable entrance is now the Ahwahnee Bar. Stephen T. Mather must have been impressed with the speed of the construction, the beauty of the resort and success of attracting the wealthy to vacation in his favorite National Park.
In 1943, the Navy converted the resort into a relaxation hospital for Navy personnel. This must have been amazing for the World War II men in uniform. I’m sure the stays at the resort were superior to Zoloft for post-traumatic stress disorder!
On our recent trip, so many items stood out as spectacular. As you turn from the lobby, one enters the Great Room with fire places towering over your head. Plenty of seating areas with exterior vistas of the towering granite edifices—and I enjoyed scouting out small sitting rooms and libraries; each one with impressive antiquities and views of the outside. I loved the high tea service served each afternoon in the Great Room.
The resort has an amazing grand dinning room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make reservations early as dinner seems to book up fast. The menu has a variety of selections and each towering window showcases the magic of Yosemite. Food was very good, but not great.
The hotel has 123 guest rooms and 4 parlor rooms. As we entered our sleeping room, we found the Native American design to be attractive and the bed and sofa to be very comfortable. We had a sitting area and we could look out our window at the cascading Yosemite Falls. There are a variety of rooms to select from, in the main resort and or the bungalows a short walk away. The resort offers room service and turn down service. If you need your morning cardio machine fix, take a walk outside instead. There is no spa or workout facility; but there is a swimming pool.
No spa but some lovely shopping opportunities. The hotel has a unique gift shop for sundries and a retail store for clothing, pottery and jewelry. During the evening, activities include slides presentations and one can take a free historic tour of the public areas every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon.
While we loved just lounging in the great hotel public spaces and enjoying our sleeping room, we did manage to get out and enjoy some winter actives. We ice skated one evening at the Curry Village ice rink, we enjoyed a hike to Mirror Lake in the snow. We experienced a relaxing bus tour, attended lectures in the visitor center during the evenings and visited the Ansel Adams Gallery one morning.
If you always wanted to stay at The Ahwahnee Hotel, do it. I just checked for the same time we visited. For February 9 – 13, 2009, there are rooms availabe at $380 per night.
See Additional Photos of mine CLICK HERE
Links: Yosemite National Park / Ahwahnee Hotel
Sep
3
Tranquil and Stylish - Sunset Key, Florida
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Located just a short 500 yard boat ride from the busy streets of Key West Florida is Sunset Key. A luxury Island resort made up of 37 Resort Cottages and an upscale Residential Community.
Each of the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Sunset Key Guest Cottages is equipped with a kitchen, a living and dinning area decorated in traditional key west style. Cottages also include CD and DVD players, and beverage and pantry bar. In room mini-bars are provided, so is 24hr room service, but after hours you may find room service a problem, they also can’t serve alcohol.
A complimentary breakfast basket and newspaper is delivered to your cottages porch each morning. It includes muffins and other bakery items is in addition to orange juice that is left in your cottage refrigerator the night before during turndown service. Arrangements can also be made to have your refrigerator stocked and ready for you on your arrival.
Luxury Island Estate Property
The resort offers a free form garden pool, two tennis courts, a sandy beach with beach side dining at Latitudes Beach Cafe. Flippers Pool Bar offers tropical drinks and food items from Latitudes for those enjoying the pool. This is a great family getaway, being island bound means kids are less likely to get into trouble. Services are a bit limited on the island, but the wacky town of Key West is just a short 10 minute boat ride away.
The Cottages are affiliated with the Westin Key West Resort & Marina. Visit the Sunset Key Cottages website CLICK HERE
