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Culinary travel: Hotels for food lovers

Posted by Melanie Nayer January 6, 2013 10:19 AM

Food has always been a focus at fine hotels. From farm-to-table plates to foraging tours and wine cave dinners, food lovers can count on luxury hotels for mouth-watering menus.

Food & Wine recently named their top hotels for food lovers, which range in concept from celebrity chefs to fancy vending machines. I've added a few of my favorite hotels for food to their list. Whether you're into private picnics, extraordinary room service or feasts fit for a king, these hotels are sure to fit any palette.

My favorite hotels for food:

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, CA: Brunch is a work of art at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay in California. Every Sunday, the hotel's main restaurant Navio turns itself into what can only be described as food heaven. Sunday brunch at Navio's was named Best in the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine and the Best in Silicon Valley by the editors of San Jose Mercury News. It's not for the faint of heart. The $88 meal includes multiple trips to the various stations and a cocktail or glass of champagne. From oyster and sushi stations to various roasted meats, vegetarian sections, dim sum and of course, a dessert alcove, Resort Executive Chef, Xavier Salomon spares no expense when it comes to the best-loved meal of any Sunday. Mouth-watering food photos from Sunday brunch at Navio are below:

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New York Palace Hotel's Cinderella package includes Prince Charming

Posted by Melanie Nayer January 4, 2013 05:21 AM

NYPPrinceCharming1.jpgFairy Godmothers, glass slippers, and of course, Prince Charming. At The New York Palace, princess dreams become reality, thanks to a new partnership with the Broadway musical, Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA.

If your little one dreams in fairy tales, then The New York Palace Hotel is the place to be this month. As the show’s official hotel sponsor, The New York Palace offers Cinderella-inspired offerings, from overnight packages to a themed brunch, complete with Prince Charming and glass slippers.

The New York Palace will serve this Cinderella Brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 12noon-2:30pm, through January 2013. Special dishes include a ‘Build Your Own Castle’ Yogurt Parfait; Prince Charming Burger; and Royal Wedding ‘Something Blue’ Cupcakes. For the hotel’s older, but still young-at-heart guests, try the Fairy Godmother Frittata; “Back By Midnight” Belgian Waffles; and Pumpkin Coach Cheesecake. A special brunch cocktail will also be offered – the Princess Bellini Martini, featuring Ketel One Vodka, peach puree and a splash of champagne.

While the food is fit for a king, the ambiance is set for a princess-in-waiting. As part of The Palace’s enchanted Cinderella Brunch, Prince Charming makes special guest appearances each Saturday and Sunday, and brings a glass slipper for younger guests to try on.

Make a weekend out of it and spend the night at The New York Palace so you can enjoy the hotel's royal hotel treatment and catch the Broadway production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. This package includes:

  • Two nights hotel accommodations
  • Access to dedicated concierge and discount show tickets (tickets not included in package cost)
  • Two Glass Slipper Martinis (cocktails or mocktails)
  • Special glass slipper in-room amenity
  • Cinderella Merchandise Item

The cost for the two nights: $499.00 plus tax per night + tax (exclusive of tickets)

To book this package, visit The New York Palace website.

Photo credit: Howard Levy / HSL Photography

Hotels help guests set, keep New Year's resolutions

Posted by Melanie Nayer January 2, 2013 08:15 AM

FSDenver-Fitness.jpgOne of the most popular New Year's resolutions is the vow to hit the gym more. To help resolution setters keep their goals in site, hotels are getting in on the action.

From in-room workout videos to sneaker rentals and gym memberships, hotels are getting creative with their fitness offerings.

In early 2012, InterContinental Hotels Group launched their health-concious hotel brand, EVEN. The new IHG brand will focus on exercise, eat, work and rest, and the first one of its kind is set to open in New York City in 2014.

But with all the celebrity chef offerings, new restaurant concepts and trendy wine bars popping up in luxury hotels, how can guests be mindful of their waistline while traveling? Simple, says experts. Leave it to the hotels.

A report by Hawkins International, a New York-based public relations company specializing in luxury travel and lifestyle trends, says hotel exercise routines are get more innovative and interesting, enticing guests to get fit while on the road.

The hotel rooms at London's 45 Park Lane are the latest arrival to the fitness-friendly travel craze. All rooms offer an in-room fitness TV channel with professionally led workouts designed and narrated by fitness expert Matt Roberts. Guest rooms also include complimentary yoga mats and guests can reserve bespoke [tailor-made] Brompton bicycles. The programs will vary based on the time of year, events and speciality (for example, in April when London is getting ready to run the marathon, the hotel will offer a special 'Booster Slider' which includes spicy lobster and raw vegetables at its Bar 45).

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Ringing in the New Year in Bermuda

Posted by Melanie Nayer December 30, 2012 08:32 AM

Bermuda_plane.jpgThe view of Bermuda on arrival to Hamilton International Airport.

It's the dreaded question that creeps up every year after Thanksgiving: "What do you want to do for New Year's Eve?" This year I planned ahead. I was prepared for the question and I had an answer, along with airline tickets and a hotel room. Within a week, I had two friends in tow. We were going to Bermuda to ring in the New Year.

And why not? It's a quick 2 hour and 15 minute flight (non-stop from Boston, thanks to Delta), the US dollar is 1:1 against the Bermudian dollar, the beaches are pink, the water is turquoise, and even in the winter it's still warm enough to swim in the ocean that surrounds this 22-mile long island. It's home to some famous faces (Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, David Bowie and Iman, Ross Perot, to name a few), it's calm waters make it a great spot for water sports, and the hotels offer everything from golf lessons to spa services to breakfast on the beach.

For less than $350, I grabbed a round-trip ticket from Boston to Bermuda, booked a hotel room at The Mandarin Oriental, Elbow Beach, and was on the beach by lunchtime.

I'll continue to post about the happenings from this luxury boutique island over the course of the next few days but in the meantime, here are a few photos to get you thinking about booking a Bermuda vacation in 2013:

Bermuda_bedroom.jpgThe bedroom at Elbow Beach. All the 98 guest rooms are situated in "cottages" with ocean views, and range in price based on their location to the ocean.

Bermuda_beach.jpgThe on-the-beach view from one of the guest rooms at Elbow Beach.

Bermuda_kite.jpgBermuda has great waves for kite surfing. You can organize water sports activities with any hotel or resort on the island.

Bermuda_Marvin.jpgMeet Marvin, one of the bartenders at the Sea Breeze Terrace at Elbow Beach. He's famous for remembering the preferred drink choices of guests.

Bermuda-deck.jpgOcean view dining at Sea Breeze Terrace. Add a dark and stormy for the ultimate Bermuda experience!

Reset, rejuvenate at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco

Posted by Melanie Nayer December 27, 2012 10:21 AM

san-francisco-spa-relaxation-tea-lounge.jpgThe holidays can wreak havoc on us all, so what better way to bounce back from the chaos than with a getaway meant solely for pampering. After all, the new year is about setting new goals and aspirations, and why shouldn't one of those be to treat yourself?

San Francisco was listed on our list of the top places to travel in 2013, so why not stay a few extra days and pamper yourself while you're here.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is offering a Reset Spa package that allows guests to retreat and let the stress melt away at the city’s newest luxury spa.

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Boston Harbor Hotel kicks off the 2013 Boston Wine Festival

Posted by Melanie Nayer December 25, 2012 06:50 PM

Wine-bottles.jpgThe Boston Wine Festival rings in the new year with the launch of the event on Friday, Jan. 11 at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The 12-week series is filled with winemaker-hosted dinners, themed brunches and receptions.

The Boston Wine Festival will feature more than 90,000 bottles of wine, boutique and internationally-recognized wineries, and renowned chefs from around the world to cater to every palette. To help sweeten the deal, the Boston Harbor Hotel is offering a special Wine Festival rate for those who want to stay in the city and continue the tastings. The Boston Harbor Hotel's Chef Daniel Bruce celebrates the event by bringing top winemakers from Italy, France, Portugal, Chile, Oregon, Washington, Sonoma and Napa Valley, to wine tasters and buyers in Boston.

To sweeten the deal, Wine Festival ticket holders will enjoy an exclusive accommodations offer at the Boston Harbor Hotel, including a special Wine Festival rate of $220 per night. Additionally, the Spa at Rowes Wharf is offering some vino-therapy, pairing elements of wine and spa in treatments like the Chardonnay Body Wrap and a Chardonnay Body Butter Massage.

The 2013 Boston Wine Festival lineup includes some of the best wineries and top personalities from the world of wine. Sip and savor all winter long with Chef Bruce and notable winemakers. For additional information about events and to purchase tickets, please visit www.bostonwinefestival.net.

Top places to travel in 2013

Posted by Melanie Nayer December 12, 2012 01:32 PM

san juan-1931.jpgAs the year comes to an end, it’s time to think ahead and start planning trips to all the places you put off in 2012. But where to go? The world is your oyster.

If you need some help narrowing down your options, I’ve pulled together some of the top destinations to visit in 2013, based on my own research and travel, and with the help of some of my expert travel friends.

Whether you choose to stay stateside or explore far away villages in foreign countries, make 2013 the year you discover (or rediscover) a new favorite destination.

PHOTOS: Top destinations for 2013

International tourism record: 1 billion travelers in 2012

Posted by Melanie Nayer December 10, 2012 08:42 AM

greatwall.jpgThe Great Wall of China. Photo copyright: MelanieNayer.com

Did you travel this year? If so, you were part of the record 1 billion people who traveled (or will travel before the year is up) across an international border as a tourist in 2012, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

The London-based council calculates that the 1 billionth traveler will cross an international border by Dec. 13. What border? Where will they be? Who will they be? We'll know in three days. In the meantime, the council is predicting that China will continue to be a top traveled country, and that the U.S. and France remain the two largest destinations for world travel.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization cited Paris, London, New York, Turkey, and Singapore as top five destinations in the world.

So what's behind this boost in travel? Travel experts say it's a combination of things, including the perceived perception of a more peaceful world, and the prosperity of people in Asia, who have lifted their incomes above middle-class levels in the past year.

Readers: What was your favorite place to visit in 2012? Where are you planning to travel to in 2013?

Source: The HuffingtonPost

New York Hotel Week in second year with $100, $200, and $250 room rates

Posted by Melanie Nayer December 5, 2012 12:06 PM

hotelroom-view.jpgThe Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC, one of the hotels participating in Hotel Week NYC
The second annual Hotel Week NYC™ takes place Jan. 4 - 20, 2013. The blow-out event is one of the best ways to stay in some of the city's most coveted hotel rooms at a fraction of the price.

Hotel room rates of $100, $200 and $250 are available at a variety of hotels––some of which typically charge upwards of $500 a night. The Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC, The Jade Hotel. The GEM Hotel Chelsea, and the Cosmopolitan Hotel – Tribeca, are just a few of the hotels joining this year's Hotel Week NYC lineup.

The premise is pretty simple: 24 hotels (in conduction with Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations) offer a set amount of rooms on sale for 17 days. The rates are priced at $100, $200 and $250, per room on a hotel-tiered basis. Taxes and additional fees aren't part of this rate, but in some cases, hotels are throwing in extras like a free continental breakfast.

The full list of hotels and their prices can be found here. My advice: book now! These rooms sell out fast.

Virgin Atlantic counts down to Christmas with daily Twitter giveaways

Posted by Melanie Nayer December 2, 2012 07:18 PM

virgin-atlantic-inside.jpgThe entire month of December is worthy of gifts, according to Virgin Atlantic. The airline will celebrate the holidays by gifting one of their Twitter followers something special everyday.

From Friday, Nov. 30, the airline will announce each day’s giveaway on their US-based Twitter fan handle, VAAintheUSA. Followers will be asked to Tweet the airline, along with the hashtag #VAAGiftaway with the reason they deserve the treat of the day. Gifts from the Virgin Atlantic present pile include everything from branded merchandise and gift baskets to frequent flyer miles, Clubhouse access and upgrades to spa treatments, and round-trip flights to London.

Whether you're planning a trip in the near future or not, you're going to want to get in on some of this. The airline recently opened brand-new Clubhouses at both JFK and Newark, both of which have spa sections and boutiques. Virgin Atlantic's fashion magazine, RUNWAY, offers some of the best beauty and style tips in the industry for travelers (some recommended products and merchandise might just be part of the giveaway).

To see what’s on the countdown calendar, check the Virgin Atlantic site daily from Friday, November 30. And to be eligible to win one of Virgin Atlantic’s 31 holiday gifts, follow VAAintheUSA and tweet why you should win the daily present with the hashtag #VAAGiftaway.

Hazelton Hotel premiers $200,000 holiday package

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 30, 2012 09:20 AM

the_hazelton_hotel_image_hotel_building_02_small.jpgCan't find the perfect gift to give the person who has it all? Luxury hotels might be the best solution.

For the holiday season, many luxury hotels are offering exclusive shopping packages that include everything from private car transfers to personal shopping and designer treats. The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto is taking things one step further with a $200,000 holiday package catered to the most refined tastes.

“We wanted to create something that was really lasting and memorable for the guests,” Lindsay Tessis, public relations representative for The Hazelton Hotel, Toronto, told LuxuryDaily.

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The Colonnade Hotel welcomes back Frosty Fridays

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 28, 2012 02:52 PM

Colonnade.jpgRumors around the meteorologist mill say this winter's temperatures are going to quite drastic from last year's warm winter weather, so to prepare for the chilly season The Colonnade Hotel is bringing back its popular "Frosty Fridays" package.

The two-night package offers guests a first-night rate according to the temperature at 5:00 p.m. on Friday as measured by the National Weather Service. For example, if the temperature reads 20 degrees, guests will pay $20 for their Friday night stay and a special rate of $309 for Saturday night.

Bonus: if temperatures fall below zero, the first night is on the house.

Extra bonus: if temperatures drop into the negatives, guests will receive a voucher to the hotel's French restaurant, Brasserie JO to match the amount of the temps (ex. -10° F equals a $10 voucher).

The package also includes:

  • A Deluxe double occupancy guestroom
  • The choice of two tickets to either the Old Town Trolley Tour or admission and skating rentals at The Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink
  • Hot Chocolate for two at Brasserie JO
  • Overnight parking

Fine print: Package is based on a two-night stay and from Dec. 21-March 31, 2013, and is subject to applicable taxes and availability. For reservations, call 1-800-962-3030.

New England escapes: Holiday hotel packages

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 27, 2012 05:21 AM

white-barn-inn.jpg
Still looking for that perfect holiday escape? Stay close to home and take part in some of these hotel packages perfect for the holiday season.

The annual Christmas Prelude takes place in Kennebunkport, ME, this year from Nov. 29-Dec. 9. Complete with a lobster trap tree lighting, Firehouse lobster bake and Santa's arrival on a lobster boat, Kennebunkport takes a twist on the traditional Christmas parade and offers residents and a guests a new way to usher in the spirited holiday.

To help commemorate the start of the holiday season, The White Barn Inn is offering a special package for both weekends during the Prelude that includes accommodations in a Superior Queen room, breakfast and afternoon tea, 4 course dinner at the White Barn Inn restaurant, cocktail reception on the Friday night of your arrival and a welcome gift from the hotel. Rates start at $690 a night.

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Top 5 luxury travel gifts to give this holiday season

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 23, 2012 03:58 AM

image.jpgBlack Friday deals abound this holiday season, but if you're looking for something more than big-screen TVs, the latest toys and fancy electronics, consider surprising your favorite traveler with one of these luxury travel gifts:

Travel the Mayan Calendar: According to the Mayan calendar, the world will come on to end on Dec. 21, 2012. If you are the bettting kind, consider a trip with Kensington Tours to travel the Mayan calendar. ‘The Mayan Calendar in Luxury’ tour will bring you to Merida, the capital city of the Yucatan Peninsula where a private guide will take you to various cultural sites around the city including the famous Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza. The city, once revered by priests and nobles for its prestigious cultural and religious significance, exists today as a testament to the success of the Mayan civilization. You'll sleep along the beach in Cancun and enjoy some of the best entertainment in Mexico. Total cost: $2,089.00 per person for 7 days.

TUMI luggage: You can't travel the world without some luggage. Pick up some of the very best at TUMI. This year, enjoy up to 40% off of select products across Tumi's collections - including and accessories for travel, business and lifestyle - on Black Friday. The offer is good in-store and online. On Cyber Monday, the luxury retailed will offer web exclusives of its Tegra-Lite™ Collection and exclusive colors in iPad cases. Check online this Black Friday and Cyber Monday to buy.

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Best hotels for watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 21, 2012 06:53 AM

Mandarin Oriental, New York.jpgView of Central Park and skyline from the Mandarin Oriental, New York

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a time-honored tradition that draws millions of visitors a year to New York, each one ready to officially welcome Santa Claus and kick off the holiday season. If you're planning on descending to New York City for Thanksgiving this year but don't want to brave the crowds, LuxeInACity.com named some of the best luxury hotels with a view (and I offer a few extras) so you can watch the Thanksgiving Day parade:

Mandarin Oriental: The Mandarin Oriental New York offers rooms with a bird’s eye view of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a package to go along with it. The “I Love a Parade” package includes access to the Mandarin Ballroom on the day of the parade and a seasonal welcome amenity. (If you need suggestions on ways to capture the holiday spirit while you're here, check out my favorite New York city holiday things to do.)

6 Columbus: Located conveniently in Midtown, this luxury hotel's sleek rooms and upscale ambience make it an ideal way to watch the parade in style. If your room for the night doesn’t have a view you can always watch the parade from the rooftop deck.

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Black Friday, Cyber Monday hotel deals

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 19, 2012 06:13 AM

It's time to start planning your year-end and 2013 vacations! Thankfully, Cyber Monday makes it easy. Again this year, hotels around the nation are discounting room rates and offering special promotions for guests who book on Black Friday or Cyber Monday for future stays.

Below is a round-up of all the sales I've collected, organized by region (Boston/New England, New York/surrounding area, Florida/Caribbean, West Coast, Midwest). A few things to keep in mind: all these deals are "based on availability" and typical black out dates do apply.

As I receive more deals this week I'll be sure to update this post. Get your mouse ready to take advantage of some serious travel savings at top hotels later this week...Happy travels!

Boston/New England:

Boston Harbor Hotel: Available Black Friday through midnight on Cyber Monday, book a room for two nights or more between Nov. 23-Feb. 28, 2-2013 and get 25% off of the Best Available Rate. Click here on 11/23 – 11/26 and use the code 48HR.

The Charles Hotel: Book a guestroom on Cyber Monday and receive a 20% discount off of the best available rate. Bonus Flash Sale: Book a guestroom from 11:30am – 12:30pm on Cyber Monday for a 50% discount. Travel for both promotions must take place between Dec. 1-March 31, 2013. Book online by selecting the CYBER12 or CYBERFLASH12 rate to make your reservation.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel: Starting at midnight on Nov. 22 through midnight on Cyber Monday, Nov. 26, Sea Crest Beach Hotel on Cape Cod is offering up to 30% off room rates for travel Nov. 30, 2012-June 19, 2013, as well as select dates in July. Guests booking one or two nights will receive 20 percent off their stay, while stays of three nights or more will receive a significant savings of 30 percent off. Reservations must be made online.

Harbor View Hotel: For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Harbor View Hotel on Martha's Vineyard offers up to 30% off for reservations between Nov. 30- June 27, 2013. Guests who book a 1- or 2-night stay will receive 20% off of their total room rate; book 3 nights and receive 30% off. Book online.

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St. Regis teams up with Jason Wu to target fashionable jet-setters

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 16, 2012 08:50 AM

The-Grand-Tourista-Bag-by-Jason-Wu-for-St.-Regis-Hotels-Resorts.jpgIn a world where luxury hotels are starting to mirror fashion designer studios, it's no surprise that more brands are teaming with top designers to create exclusive offers for guests. We've seen with partnerships like Hilton and Vivienne Tam, The Dorchester Collection and Teatum Jones, and the most recent, a Diane von Furstenberg-designed penthouse suite on a private island in Australia. Now another hot fashion mogul is joining the ranks of luxury lifestyles.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ luxury St. Regis brand is teaming up with fashion designer Jason Wu to offer consumers a limited-edition tote bag, designed exclusively for St. Regis. Part of The New Grand Tour world travel program from Starwood, the Grand Tourista Bag makes a serious statement: it retails for $1,995 and will be available for purchase only through St. Regis and Jason Wu.

The designer bag is part of a new brand campaign to help St. Regis reach a new generation of travelers through luxury, fashion and exclusive experiences. The New Grand Tour is a St. Regis-only promotion that offers packages at top destinations. The New Grand World Tour is featuring the brand's new hotels in Aspen, CO; Bal Harbour, FL; Florence; Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi; Mauritius; and Sanya Yalong Bay, Shenzhen and Tianjin (China).

St. Regis’ Grand Tour packages, which originally debuted in Europe only, offer a culinary experience and special gift to showcase each destination. Now, travelers will have the option to take along their new Grand Tourista shoulder tote bag for extra emphasis on luxury jet-setting.

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Virgin America launches frequent flyer status match program

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 16, 2012 06:16 AM

VirginAmericaInFlight1.jpgHave points on American Airlines or United Airlines? Want to fly the high-life with Virgin America? Now you can.

Virgin America just launched a status match program allowing elite level flyers from United Airlines and American Airlines’ frequent flyer programs to receive "matched" status Virgin America’s Elevate Gold and Elevate Silver Status between now and April 30, 2013. Loyalty members who request matched status won't have to give up any points or miles in their current program.

If you want the Virgin America points, you'll need to sign up for the Elevate program (if you're not already a member). According to the airline, approved Elevate members will receive their new status good through April 30, 2013, and will have an opportunity to retain their status through the end of 2013 by earning points on flying Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia.

United’s MileagePlus and American’s AAdvantage flyers will get to enjoy almost all the benefits currently offered to Elevate Gold and Elevate Silver members including priority check-in, security clearance and boarding, free checked bag allowances, private discounts, an expanded advance purchase upgrade window for the airline’s exclusive eight-seat First Class and complimentary space-available upgrades to the Virgin's Main Cabin Select service.

If you've never flown Virgin America and you have loyalty points to match, now is a great time to take advantage of the airline's offer. Last month, Virgin America won top honors as both “Best Premium Class” among domestic airlines in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 Business Travel Poll as well as “Best Domestic Airline” in the magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Westin Grand Cayman gives Bostonians 25% off to celebrate JetBlue route

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 14, 2012 01:09 PM

westin-grand-cayman.jpgJetBlue recently announced Boston flights to Grand Cayman, and to celebrate the new route, the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is welcoming guests with 25% off rates.

Starting this Saturday, Nov. 17, JetBlue will serve Grand Cayman (GCM) with Saturday service from Boston Logan, as well as a few flights a week from New York's JFK airport. To celebrate the new route, the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa thinks you should hop a flight and take advantage of some Caribbean sunshine in the middle of winter. Here are the details:

Book now for stays through Jan. 14, 2013, and enjoy 25% off nightly rates and buy one, get one free Wave Runner Snorkel Safari with Redsail Sports.

To book this package, visit the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa website or call 1-866-716-8108 and be sure to mention rate plan JETSET.

Tea time: Mandarin Oriental, Boston launches The Parlor pop-up

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 13, 2012 07:44 AM

The Parlor at Mandarin Oriental, Boston 2.jpgLobby treats abound at luxury hotels in Boston.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston announced the opening of The Parlor, a new lobby pop-up concept that will offer traditional afternoon tea by the fireplace in the hotel's lobby off Boylston Street.

The Parlor will feature daily visits from the Holiday Treat Trolley, adorned with gingerbread man decoration kits for children, tea sandwiches, sweet confections, old-fashioned hot cocoa, warm apple cider and signature hot toddies.

The Parlor is open daily from 2-6pm through the holidays, though Mandarin Oriental, Boston insiders tell me it might be a permanent feature.

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Tiffany & Co. to open Paris flagship store

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 12, 2012 07:33 AM

tiffany-paris.jpgParis is known for its designer shopping, high-fashion and couture culture, and those who travel to Paris know all the elements well. Soon, Paris will be home to one more iconic offering: a flagship Tiffany & Co. store.

Tiffany & Co. announced last week that it plans to open a new European flagship store in Paris on the famed Avenue des Champs Elysées. The 10,000-square-foot, multi-level store will be located is expected open in 2014. Tiffany & Co. already has stores in Paris, but none as big as this planned flagship store.

“This is a significant development and sales opportunity for Tiffany & Co. While we have been successful in operating three smaller stores in Paris, establishing this store on the Champs Elysées will be the ultimate symbol of Tiffany as a truly global luxury brand,” said Frederic Cumenal, executive vice president, Tiffany & Co. “This is a preeminent location that firmly places Tiffany & Co. on an international stage, in the heart of a city where people from all over the world come to visit and shop.”

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How booking travel can help Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 9, 2012 08:15 AM

Hurricane Sandy impacted all of us when she made her landfall on the East Coast last week. Since then, New York, New Jersey and surrounding areas have been working hard to rebuild their communities, and get back what they lost.

The devastation is overwhelming - an estimated nearly 8 million people without power, billions of dollars in damage, and the lives of many changed forever. We can help.

DSCN1492.jpgI've received hundreds of emails from readers asking what they can with airline miles or what hotels are offering give-back promotions. The options are endless. You can donate to the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity or New York Cares. In addition, airlines and hotels have offered ways you can help Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts, simply by traveling.

Here are some easy ways for you to help out:

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The Langham Boston unveils new lobby

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 6, 2012 09:05 AM

langham-lobby.jpgBoston's high-end financial district hotel, The Langham, Boston, just completed a $6 million lobby transformation. The new lobby lounge will serve as a place for cocktails and meals, and offer a new social gathering space for the financial district crowd.

The eight-month renovation culminated with the opening of the lobby lounge, now called The Reserve.

"We continuously look to improve our guests’ experience, which is the primary reason we created a new sense of arrival and Champagne lounge," Rachelle Boudreau, director of sales and marketing at The Langham, Boston, told Luxury Daily. "The transformed lobby and new lounge will contribute to the overall satisfaction of our current guests while adding a new, exciting element to the hotel that will also drive new business."

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Charles Hotel gives thanks with promo to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 2, 2012 10:40 AM

charles-hotel-lobby.jpgIn the spirit of doing good and giving thanks, The Charles Hotel in Cambridge is offering a special Thanksgiving stay discount for guests.

If your house is overbooked for the holidays, check-in to the The Charles Hotel for $199 a night or $219 a night with parking. The best part: The Charles Hotel will donate $5 from every night booked on this promotion to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts.

The Thanksgiving travel promotion is good for any night between Sunday, Nov. 18 - Monday, Nov. 26.

Click here to book using promo code THANKS12 or call 800-882-1818.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai to open as world's tallest hotel next month

Posted by Melanie Nayer November 2, 2012 09:19 AM

dxbjw_phototour25.jpgProving that luxury literally knows no limits, the $490 million JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is scheduled to open next month as the tallest hotel in the world.

The 1,608-room hotel stands at 1,164 feet (just 85 feet shorter than the Empire State Building). The hotel will open in two phases, with the first phase unlocking the doors of 807 rooms and various restaurants and lounges. In addition to being the tallest hotel building in the world, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai boasts other some sky-high offerings.

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About the author

Melanie Nayer is a travel writer who spent many years in the newsroom before jetting off to see the world. Her goal is to bring readers the best insider information More »

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