Behold the (Kinda) New Sunset Towers Hotel in West Hollywood

Heading to your favorite Argyle on Sunset? Don’t be dismayed at its apparent disappearing act. The hotel has morphed into the Sunset Tower Hotel, a name-change that I believe goes back to the hotel’s roots 76 years ago. Anyone know for sure?

Sunset Tower Hotel, Official Site

Sunset Tower Hotel, Five Star Alliance

Shopping for all Seasons at the Four Seasons Toronto

The Four Seasons Toronto has designed a fabulous new package, to pamper its fashion-focused guests afflicted with holiday shopping fever. Starting at CAD $315 a night, guests are treated to luxurious accommodations, late check-out, and an exclusive shopping passport with savings at over 40 shops in the chic Bloor-Yorkville district. On top of that, guests receive a Four Seasons Toronto shopping bag, containing bottled water, power bar, bath salts, Toronto shopping map, and a Goods and Services Tax rebate form. Starting November 21, 2005.

Four Seasons Toronto, Official Site

Four Seasons Toronto, Five Star Alliance

Royal Gazette Fancies Five Star Alliance World’s Best Lists

A recent article in the Royal Gazette highlights the top honor bestowed on Cambridge Beaches—chosen by Five Star Alliance as one of the world’s most luxurious beach resorts. Situated on its own private 25 acre peninsula, the cottages at Cambridge Beaches are each unique-- individually decorated and designed. This is the oldest resort of its kind. Apparently one of the buildings (almost 300 years old) was built by a privateer!

Cambridge Beaches, Official Site

Cambridge Beaches, Five Star Alliance

The Windsor Court Hotel Reopens in New Orleans

The legendary New Orleans establishment has opened again with a full range of services. The Windsor Court is well-known as one of the world’s finest hotels, with overly-spacious suites, superb service and cuisine, and the finest collection of European art in the South. In its 20 year history, the Windsor Court has remained a fixture at the top of all the World’s Best lists (Conde Nast, Travel and Leisure, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway, you name it…) Post-Katrina, the hotel is not only housing clients associated with the city’s rebuilding, but is also offering a “Returning Home” rate for locals who need a place to stay while overseeing home repairs. The rate of $235 a night includes suite accommodation, breakfast for two in the New Orleans Grill, and parking. Additionally, the hotel can stock your refrigerator with groceries and configure the in-room phone line to accept forwarded calls from your home or business.

The Windsor Court Hotel, Official Site

The Windsor Court Hotel, Five Star Alliance

Jumeirah Wins Big at World Travel Awards

At last week’s World Travel Awards, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality group was recognized as the “Middle East’s Leading Hotel Brand.” In addition, Jumeirah’s hotels in Dubai—the Burj al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort, and Jumeirah Emirates Towers—received a bounty of accolades. The Burj Al Arab, Jumeriah’s flagship, was honored as the “World’s Leading Hotel,” not surprising for the hotel most often recognized as the world’s most luxurious. Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort, received four awards including Middle East’s Leading Resort and World’s Leading Conference Resort. Additionally, the Emirates Towers won two prestigious awards: World’s Leading Business Hotel and Dubai’s Leading Hotel. (Notably, last February Jumeirah’s business hotel launched the Chopard floor, an entire floor devoted to female business travelers.) Since its establishment in 1997, Jumeirah has won over 130 international travel and tourism awards. Starting in early 2006, Jumeirah will take over management of the Essex House in New York.

Burj al Arab, Official Site

Burj al Arab, Five Star Alliance

Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort, Official Site

Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort, Five Star Alliance

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Official Site

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Five Star Alliance

Trans-Siberian Railroad Gets a Makeover

Thrilling news: the Sunday Herald reports that the Trans-Siberian railroad is about to go lux. The adventure across eight time zones of Europe and Asia used to be about stamina and endurance, rather than Orient-Express style opulence. (Seven days and 5,772 miles across the vast, empty landscape of the world’s largest country.) Manchester-based GW travel is spending $23 million on 12 new carriages, each new compartment to be equipped with en-suite shower, double or twin beds, a sound and video system, individual air conditioning and a safe. And of course there’s the bar car, enhanced by live musical entertainment each evening. Starting in 2007, a two-week journey in the Gold Class compartments will cost $11,000-- while accommodations in the silver class will set you back $9,000.

Finding a Room in Torino for the Winter Olympic Games

Check out this fabulous, very informative article on Torino. Though hotel rooms for the Winter Olympic Games may be slim pickin’ at this point, the Chicago Sun-Times directs us to the swanky boutique Hotel Boston. Another good option? Le Meridien’s Turin Art + Tech—designed by a renowned architect to embody cutting edge technology and contemporary design.

Intercontinental Hotels Group to Open Hotel Indigo in Knoxville

Opening in Spring 2006, the centrally-located Knoxville hotel will be Intercontinental’s fifth Hotel Indigo. (Other locations include Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville and Dallas.) The 126-room, seven-storey property will be a conversion from an independent hotel, featuring artwork and furniture that change seasonally. What is the brand Hotel Indigo? It is billed as a brand developed for conversions, to rejuvenate properties that “aren’t reaching their full potential, but are poised for success post conversion.” Hmmm, sounds a little sketchy. But Intercontinental further explains that this “lifestyle boutique hotel defined a new category of hotels targeting the needs of consumers who are ‘trading up’ to affordable luxury and service, but still seek value and style.” The Knoxville Hotel Indigo will feature plush bedding, whitewashed wood furniture, spa-style showers, hardwood floors, wireless internet, personalized service, and fitness studio. Sounds swell. But has anyone actually stayed in a Hotel Indigo—who can provide some insight?

Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas at Sea Island Resorts, Georgia

Sea Island Resorts is absolutely brimming with good cheer and merriment this holiday season. They’ve put together a bunch of events sure to delight the whole family. Activities include: ballroom dancing, nightly elf tuck-in for the kiddies, crafts workshops, holiday bingo, and a Stables Christmas Party-- complete with horses parading in their holiday best, games, and a bonfire for roasting s’mores. The best part of the deal is the guaranteed White Christmas, with a special delivery of blown snow at the Beach Club. Take advantage of the 12 Days of Christmas Package, which includes room, breakfast for the family, welcome gift, Reindog parade, Family Holiday Show, elf tuck-ins, and lots more events. Rates: Ocean House Nature View and Deluxe Ocean View - $350. Ocean House Ocean View - $425. Lodge - $525. Two night minimum required, available December 18 through December 30 (excludes NYE).

Cloister at Sea Island, Official Site

Cloister at Sea Island, Five Star Alliance

The Lodge at Sea Island, Official Site

The Lodge at Sea Island, Five Star Alliance

Explore Germany’s Christmas Markets with Discounts at Sofitel Hotels

In December, the country is hopping with some 2,500 traditional Christmas markets held every year. Dating back to Medieval times, the markets showcase local cuisine (sausages and mulled wine, anyone?) and booths of artisan’s gifts. Sofitel is offering fantastic rates at Dorint Sofitel Gendarmenmarkt Berlin, Dorint Sofitel Bayerpost Munich and at Dorint Sofitel Quellenhof Aachen with offers up to 40% off rack rates, seven days a week, until December 31st 2005.