Lodging

Suite at the Warwick Denver (#1018)

The Warwick Denver finished up a $25 million renovation this summer, so if you’ve stayed at the property in the past (or frequented the site in the 1970’s when it was the home of the local Playboy Club!) you might not recognize the hotel after an impressive face lift. My early September overnight at the Warwick Denver was my first, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I certainly appreciated my room’s elegant brand-new furniture, imported Italian window treatments, two flat-screen TVs and out-of-this-world 300-count satin-striped sheets on the ultra-comfortable king bed. Indeed, all of the 219 rooms received complete overhauls in the renovation.

The building originally served as luxury condominiums, and a warm and welcoming residential feel is surely intact. The rooms are oversized — my one-bedroom accommodations (#1018) featured a separate large living area with separate bedroom behind French doors, plus a large closet and two bathrooms — one with a full bathtub/shower and one with a shower. I suppose that’s a bit of overkill unless you’re traveling with kids and everyone wants to get clean at the same time, but I did appreciate all the space — even though I was on my own. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed for plenty of light in my room, which also featured a private, walk-out balcony.

Rooftop pool at the Warwick Denver

One nifty amenity is the hotel’s rooftop pool, which offers views of neighboring skyscrapers and plenty of lounging space. It’s an oasis, if you will, in the middle of “uptown” Denver. I suppose since the property is east of Broadway, just a few blocks north of the State Capitol, it’s not technically in “downtown,” but it’s literally just five blocks from the 16th Street Mall, and the free trolley that runs up and down the mile-long pedestrian promenade. I think the location is excellent — a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown or LoDo, but close enough to all the action (shops, bars and restaurants) if you want it.

Speaking of dining, Randolph’s full-service restaurant and bar is on site, with a classy but comfortable, open-air ambiance. It does have a kids’ menu, if children are in tow. Note that Randolph’s has been named among Denver’s best happy hours, so grown-ups would be perfectly happy (pun!) here on their own, too.

The Warwick Denver offers advance-booking deals for best rates, as well as a number of specials and packages that include admission to many of Denver’s top attractions.

Photos by Kara Williams.

Bear Creek runs alongside the Highland Haven property in Evergreen, Colorado

Sitting alongside a long stretch of Bear Creek and surrounded by forest in Evergreen, Colorado, is Highland Haven, a treasure in the mountains that’s just a 30 minute drive from bustling downtown Denver. A simultaneously sophisticated and rustic spot for rest and relaxation, Highland Haven welcomes guests who appreciate excellent customer service and simply want to “get away from it all” without having to travel too far from civilization.

I love staying in properties that have interesting stories behind them, and Highland Haven sure fits that bill. The main building, the Dailey Cabin, was named for its first owner John Dailey Sr., who co-founded the (now sadly defunct) Rocky Mountain News. This 19th-century cabin — fully updated with 21st-century comforts — is where guests check in to Highland Haven and enjoy a sumptuous (included) breakfast spread.

Breakfast recipes come from owner Gail Riley, an accomplished chef (and cookbook author), whose other role as interior designer is to decorate the rooms with perfectly chosen antiques and her “Colorado chic” style. Her husband Tom is the craftsman behind the marvelous woodwork, cabinetry and tile design. Together they’ve owned and updated the property since 1979 (note the impressive 30-year anniversary this year). Their daughter and son-in-law are managers of the B&B. The fact that this property is family owned and operated by multiple generations simply adds to its charm.

Warm accents in Highland Haven's rooms

The inn has been the recipient of dozens of awards and accolades over the  years, including “Most Romantic Hideaway,” “Best Small Inn” and “Top Place to Pop the Question” by hospitality experts and local and regional magazines. That’s no surprise it’s noted for its romance — couples can relax with a glass of wine in comfortable chairs by Bear Creek, which runs alongside the property; sit at a table for two at breakfast; or get cozy in any of the property’s rooms, suites or cottages.

Accommodations range from standard guest rooms with queen or king-size beds that start at $150 a night. I loved my Creekside Cottage accommodations, with a gas fireplace, four-poster pine bed, and unpretentious decor with log-beam accents. Families can stay in the Evergreen Suite or the Hillside Cottages with two bedrooms each. The most commonly booked is the Gardener’s Cottage, with a pretty king canopy bed and Jacuzzi tub. Each room type has its own private entrance and, again, is decorated in a non-fussy style: no lace and no delicate antiques, just comfortable furniture and warm accents that blend in perfectly with the log-cabin exteriors.

Creekside Cottage One at Highland Haven

Breakfast is included in the room rate at Highland Haven. When I stayed there, the morning spread consisted of veggie strata, raspberry ricotta blintzes, potatoes, bagels, granola, fruit and plenty of hot coffee and tea. Everything I tasted was excellent, and I enjoyed mingling with the other guests in the Dailey Cabin as soft jazz played in the background.

Coming in the second half of 2010 is an 850-square-foot “luxury cottage in the trees,” the Tree House, built with the environment in mind. The owners are taking care to use sustainable materials for these accommodations nestled between two 60-foot blue spruce. The three-story interior will feature a magnificent chandelier over a king-size bed, custom iron and stone fireplace, a two-person steam shower and a third-floor hot-tub spa cupola.

For more details about the new Tree House, or to reserve your romantic Colorado getaway, call 800-459-2406. The inn is open year-round, with holidays (especially Valentine’s Day) booking quickly.

Photos: Interior courtesy Highland Haven; others by Kara Williams.

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

If you need an economic model of suppy and demand, look to the cost of a hotel room. When I walked into San Francisco’s Marriott Marquis on a recent Sunday afternoon, the jukebox was hopping. Locals call it the jukebox due to the unusual shape of the building. Located next to San Francisco’s convention center, just south of Market Street, the Marriott Marquis had a full house this afternoon, thanks to an international pharmaceutical convention taking place across the street.

Supply and Demand

If I’d wanted a room for tonight, a deluxe king would set me back $369. If I’d wait until closer to the holiday season, think Christmas shopping in Union Square, I might be able to snag the same room for $129. It’s all about supply and demand. Of course, savvy travelers know to check the Marriott’s website for the best on-line rates.

Built in 1989, the 1,500 room Marriott is the third hotel in the Marriott chain to earn the Marquis title, behind New York and Atlanta. When I asked the staff what it meant to carry the “Marquis” designation, no one knew how to respond to my question.  Perhaps I should ask Bill Marriott on his Marriott on the Move blog.

Marriott King Room

The 39-story, four star hotel offers the signature “Heavenly Bed” and is located in downtown San Francisco next to the Moscone Center. The property is steps from Yerba Buena Gardens and several blocks from Union Square, home to up-scale shopping heaven. The hotel appeals to business travelers, couples looking for a romantic escape or girl-friend getaways.

On site parking is a hefty $55.86 daily and only valet parking is available. I’d park across the street at the Fifth and Mission garage if it was my dime. The smoke-free Marriott Marquis is wired for WiFi and charges $12.95 daily for high speed internet and local and long distance calls within the country.

Marriott Marquis photo courtesy of Marriott Hotels. Photo of Deluxe King Room by Nancy D. Brown.

San Francisco Marriott Marquis (415) 896-1600

55 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94013-3199

With over twenty resorts and villas on property, just booking your stay at Walt Disney World can be daunting. Here are some basic tips to help you enjoy your vacation stay at an on-property resort:

Take Advantage of Extra Magic Hours –

As a bonus for guests of Walt Disney World resorts, each of the four major parks alternates opening early or staying open later just for those booked into WDW lodging. Granted, that’s still quite a few people who will be in the parks. However, it’s a lot easier getting on the popular rides when you’re only dealing with a few thousand people, rather than 20,000 or more when anyone with a ticket can get in.

Walt Disney World Refillable Mug

Buy a Refillable Drink Mug -

At almost $13 it may seem expensive, but it’s well worth the money to have one on a multi-day stay. First, you get unlimited fountain drinks (soda, etc), plus coffee, hot chocolate and more at the resort. If you stay a week and buy just two 20oz bottles a day, you’ve just spent $35 on soda. That’s a difference of $22 a person. Beyond the savings, you can pack small breakables inside for the trip home and you have a usable souvenir once you do get home.

Utilize Disney Transportation –

As a resort guest, you have access to the entire WDW transportation system, from the buses to boats to the monorail. Yes, so does everyone else, but it means you can park the rental car for free at the resort and not have to pay the daily $12 fee to use the park’s parking lot. In fact, you may not even need a rental car at all, which can offer additional savings.

Take a Mid-Day Break –

I see a lot of families who start at park open and go all the way to park close. Yes, you get a chance to see and do everything this way, but you also risk complete exhaustion. By staying at an on-property resort, you are just a short trip away from your air-conditioned room or pool. Use it to unwind and relax, even if for an hour or so – especially if you have kids. It’ll make staying up for those evening fireworks a lot more pleasant for the whole family.

Use the Package Delivery Service –

Why schlep around a bunch of bags? If you are staying at an on-property Walt Disney Resort, you can have your on property purchases sent directly to your room from the store. It may take up to 24 hours for delivery, so don’t do this if you’re checking out the next day. But if you’re staying on property, this service is so much better than having to worry about all those bags when you’re going on the rides.

Disney's Pop Century Resort

Know Your Tolerance for Disney Themes –

Every resort on property is going to have some sort of Disney theme embedded into the overall design of the hotel. But there’s a big difference between having a three-story tall diorama of Toy Story outside your room (like the Disney Value Resorts have) and subtle Alice In Wonderland designs on the bedspread (as Disney’s Grand Floridian has). Generally, the more expensive the resort, the more subtle the Disney theme is in the overall design. The Disney Vacation Club resorts (such as the Boardwalk Villas or Saratoga Springs) tend to be uniform in design with almost no Disney theming.

Got a Large Group? Consider a DVC Villa –

Most WDW rooms only hold a maximum of four people. If you have more people than that, instead of booking several rooms, consider booking one of the Disney Vacation Club villas. In addition to having everyone in one suite-type room (with 1 to 3 bedrooms), they come with a kitchen area, enabling large groups and families to save on dining costs.

Do you have some favorite tips for staying at a WDW resort? Let us know in comments.

[photos by Michelle Snow]

When one thinks of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, the term “gaming mecca” doesn’t exactly come first to mind. But thanks to a new partnership between MGM Mirage Hospitality and Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd., (also known as ACDL)  that may soon change.

Artist Rendering of MGM Grand Resort and Casino Ho Tram

It was announced last week that Viet Nam’s first “Las Vegas-style” resort will be the MGM Grand Resort and Casino Ho Tram. It will be the first component of the $4.2 billion multi-property Ho Tram Strip being developed by ACDL along the beaches of the South China Sea, about 130km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City.

The first phase of the resort is scheduled to open in 2012 with 550 luxury guest rooms, a conference center and a gaming area consisting of a mixture of live table games and electronic games. The second phase is scheduled for completion the following year, with a new tower of guest rooms, 14 private villas and more electronic games, along with a 200-acre championship golf course designed by PGA legend Greg Norman.

In addition to this Viet Nam resort, MGM Mirage is also set to operate international resorts in China, Dubai, and Egypt, along with the currently open MGM Grand Macau. The company’s portfolio includes several North American resort/casinos including the MGM Grand Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Detroit.

[Artist rendering courtesy of ACDL]

Since many people around the world associate the state of New York as just New York City, the rest of of the state often gets overlooked. However, Upstate New York has a lot to offer, especially for history and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re a traveler who often finds yourself drawn to places of history from around the world, then you’ll want to add Upstate New York’s Delamater Inn to your list. The inn is owned and operated alongside the Beekman Arms, which was established in 1766 and carries the distinguished title of America’s Oldest Operating Inn.

Rhinebeck's Delamater Inn

Although it’s often overlooked because of the Beekman Arms, this Upstate New York inn offers another lodging option for visitors to Upstate New York who want to experience the history and small town charm of Rhinebeck. This small village town in the Hudson Valley region offers a convenient location near some of the most beautiful estates in the U.S., including the former homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Samuel Morse.

The Delamater Inn itself is a unique, yet beautiful inn, as it features American Carpenter Gothic Architecture that you find at few places in the U.S. This Rhinebeck inn offers seven luxuriously decorated guest homes that surround the courtyard, many with their own fireplaces. The rooms include privates baths and refrigerators, as well as a phone and TV, which you don’t find in rooms at most inns. The larger and more spacious suites include the same amenities as the standard guest rooms, in addition to a sitting room adjoining the bedroom. There is one suite that includes a gallery kitchen. 

The Courtyard Rood at the Delamater Inn

Rates for the Delamater Inn in Rhinebeck start at $125.00 and go up to $300.00 for the large suite. The rate includes a two-night minimum stay on all seasonal weekends (May-October) and all holiday weekends. There are also two handicapped rooms available. The inn currently offers a 10% discount on selected rooms during the weekday.

Delamater Inn
Route 9
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 876-7077

Photos courtesy of the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn.

At first glance, Amelia Island seems like many of Florida’s beach towns: a two-lane quiet road running parallel to the swath of white sand separating sea from the homes all eager to maximize the views. Palm trees dot the yards, but there’s not nearly a canopy of trees to speak of; just sun and sand, sea and sky.

But head to town and it becomes clear why Amelia Island is so popular. It’s far enough north that accents bring that lingering drawl to the locals’ speech. And the downtown, well, we wouldn’t call it booming but the ice cream and fudge shops stay open until 10, live music plays at the Mexican joint, the glow of twinkle lights on side streets beckons passersby to try the outdoor dining (Cafe Karibo is a favorite for its cheap, healthy and inventive fare.)

And The Addison, a charming bed and breakfast, takes advantage of all the charm of the downtown area.

The Addison

Room three is popular among honeymooners and elopers not only for the big bed, but the private porch outside.

Room Three

Breakfast is served downstairs. Should you choose, dine outside and enjoy the patio. The Addison also offers a nightly wine and cheese hour for guests.

The outdoor dining area

The property is available for a small wedding should you choose to book all 15 rooms. The Addison is more popular among those who elope and wish for a quiet ceremony and simple, romantic weekend escape.

The Addison also offers use of bikes to its guests to explore the surrounding areas.

Rates start at $165 per night during the week and $205 per weekend night.

614 Ash Street
Amelia Island, FL 32034
800-943-1604

Photos by Brooke Morton.

When you think about South Carolina, you probably think about cottages sitting beside the water on one of South Carolina’s many pristine beaches or a cozy inn in the rolling foothills. You certainly don’t think of a luxurious hotel that rises above Main Street. However, this is exactly what you’ll find at the swanky Westin Poinsett Hotel in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

You can’t beat the Westin’s location in downtown Greenville, less than an hour from the Smokey Mountains, a block from the popular fine arts theater the Peace Center and within walking distance of the Greenville Drive Baseball Stadium and many restaurants and bars. Coming down Main Street in downtown Greenville, the Westin can’t be missed, as it rises above all the other downtown buildings and is the only four-diamond hotel in Greenville.

Front of Greenville's Westin Poinsett Hotel

You quickly recognize the 84 year history of the hotel when you pull up and see the beautiful fountain right outside the downtown Greenville hotel’s doors. Once inside, you’ll find mosaic tile and terrazzo floors, marble stairways, decorative ceilings and crystal chandeliers. It offers a luxurious touch, yet historic charm that you feel at few other places. Amenities the Westin Poinsett offers include a large workout gym, a casual restaurant and lounge, babysitting services, valet service, florist and complimentary airport service.

You can expect the same type of luxury and comfort, yet antiquity in this Greenville hotel’s guest rooms. Guests can enjoy a comfortable night of sleep with the Westin’s popular Heavenly Bedding. Much of the furniture and decor of each room exudes the same feeling of tradition and history you see throughout the hotel. The Greenville Westin Poinsett’s hotel rooms also feature a spacious seating area, high-speed Internet access and a refreshment area. A couple other unique amenities you can request include the Westin Heavenly Dog Bed for your pooch, as well as the Westin Workout Room, which offers your own workout equipment for your personal use.

Westin Poinsett Guest Room

Rates at the Greenville Westin Poinsett Hotel start at $149.00 per night for a standard room and go up to $229.00. This Greenville hotel has a great offer going on through the end of the year where guests get their second night for 50% off when they pay regular price for the first night. For two nights, that comes out to just over $100 per night for a standard room.

The Westin Poinsett Greenville
120 South Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 421-9700

Photos courtesy of ilamya on Flickr.

Personality Hotels is offering a special "Cougar Package" featuring a stay at Hotel Diva.

Cougars. The country is lousy with them. From “cougar parties” in major cities to  a primetime television show featuring Courtney Cox in the lead role (as the resident “cougar”), this country has embraced the idea of women over 40 dating significantly younger men.

OK, so the French broke this taboo decades ago, but, hey, they’re French. As the idea becomes mainstreamed here across the pond, more women are owning their “cougar” status and Personality Hotels would like to celebrate these ladies with a special package designed just for them.

The Cougars with Personality package includes:

• A one-night stay at Hotel Diva
• Two animal print thongs
• Two lemon drop cocktails
• Two $25 gift certificates at Epi Med Spa
• Professional bra fittings for two women at Nordstrom
• A list of San Francisco’s hottest cougar bars

Enter to win the package by telling Personality Hotels, in 150 words or less,  why you belong in their “cougar den.” Send your essay and your best cougar photo to cougar@personalityhotels.com from now through October 9.

Hotel Diva is a hip, stylish boutique hotel near Union Square in San Francisco that has recently undergone a “facelift” with new sumptuous linens, bold furnishings, and (very important for cougars) recessed mood lighting.

We can’t all look like Courtney, but there just might be some young cubs lurking around the city who want to learn a thing or two from a woman who has a bit more life, and, er, other experience.

Photo courtesy of Personality Hotels

The Waldorf Astoria has chosen Orlando, Florida, as the site of its newest luxe property, which opens October 1, 2009. To celebrate, the hotel will offer guests free nights and upgrades. Book four nights for the price of three, for a total of $671. Room rates start at $224, but with this offer, the room rate per night is only $168. Should you choose to stay at least five nights, the hotel will elevate your booking to the next highest category of room.

A room at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando

The property, ideal for business travel and family vacations, boasts The Spa by Guerlain offering treatments indoors and outdoors, a Rees Jones designed golf course, private cabanas poolside and more. Expect the same excellence that made the New York City hotel such a landmark, but in a destination where warm weather is always in season.

To enjoy these special room discounts and upgrades, book accommodations by October 31. This deal is valid for travel October 1 through December 24, 2009.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, Florida, 32821
407-597-5500

Photo courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria.