Your Questions Answered: What are the best rooms for families at the Omni San Francisco

Your Questions Answered: What Are the Best Rooms for Families at the Omni San Francisco.

Tour Around St. Regis Grand Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, and is also home the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Romans are known to be a sophisticated bunch, complete with one of the world’s largest and impressive collection of art and the breeding ground of great philosophers of our time. If art, culture and sophistication are your main drivers in choosing destinations and hotels, The St. Regis Grand Rome should be your first stop! The Romans claim to fame in the art world was back in the 16th century when they gave birth to one of the most well-known styles/themes of art to date. The Baroque and Rococo artistic styling and architecture was a period of exuberant elegance and grandeur opulence, a form of art that defined the Renaissance.

The St. Regis Grand Rome is the epitome and holds the essence of all things Renaissance from the architecture, the art work, the furniture to etiquette of the service they provide, and is a landmark in its own right. The very first 5-star hotel in Rome, The St Regis Grand Rome’s hotel design theory of mixing traditional with splashes of lux modernity can be seen through all the things they provide in their hotel. Guests can view the hotel’s private collection of curated art and antiques or indulge in private concierge service in their Bottega Veneta designed suite. The Renaissance heritage runs deep at The St. Regis Grand Rome, as they are known for their amazing butler service and prompt response times. This makes it no surprise to know that the hotel has naturally become the unofficial meeting grounds of the Italian and international political, diplomatic, economic and socialite elite. As the saying goes, “When in Rome..”, do as the Romans do and experience all the amazing things they have to offer by staying at The St. Regis Grand Rome.

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Inside Paradisus Cancun

Five Star Alliance's sister publication, Travel Agent, recently wrote an article about the recently re-vamped Pardisus Cancun. 

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Your Questions Answered: Family-Friendly Resorts in Crete

We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here.  Be sure to explore our new blog series ‘Your Questions Answered’ to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more. 

QUESTION:  What are some family friendly resorts in Crete, Greece for a family of 4, children ages 8 and 11 

ANSWER: There are a number of resorts that fit the bill. Here are the top 3 that we recommend:

Blue Palace Resort and Spa – Elounda Crete, Greece. 

The Blue Palace Resort and Spa offers a variety of suites where a maximum of 4 occupants can comfortably stay and they are child-friendly. 

The Deluxe Suites with Sea View and Private Pool  are luxurious bedrooms with elegant décor. In addition they offer a separate living room which leads to an oversized veranda with a corner infinity pool of 44 square meters (473 square feet). These suites can accommodate up to four guests and are 68 square meters(732 square feet).  A Corner suite has a slightly smaller private pool, impressive sea views, a veranda with sun beds and umbrella, and a separate living room. 

Island Luxury Suites with a Sea View and Private Heated Pool have amazing sea views, enlarged private heated pool of 30 square meters (322 square feet) and an outdoor patio with privacy. Two to four guests can be accommodated and they are 72 square meters (775 square feet). These suites include a spacious patio with sun beds, umbrella, separate living room, four poster bed, egg-shaped bathtub or Jacuzzi. 

At Blue Palace Resort and Spa,  guests 12 and under are considered children and sleep for free in the existing bedding of a room shared with a paying adult. (Rollaways, child rollaways and cribs may incur extra charges.)

Kids Only: The Blue Palace Resort and Spa is pleased to provide extensive children facilities and amenities. In addition to an indoor and outdoor playground and two children's swimming pools, they offer a wide range of engaging activities including theater, fishing, painting, and Greek dancing, creating fun-filled times during their stay with great memories to take home.  Baby-sitting can be arranged for the day or night upon request at a charge. The Kids Club is available only to children aged 3 to 12-years-old. 

View photos, read descriptions and check availability at Blue Palace Resort and Spa >>

Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites – Crete, Greece

Stylishly designed Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites have an area of approximately 100-120 sqaure meteres and can accommodate up to 5 guests. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites feature two master bedrooms, spacious bathrooms and a cozy living room equipped with tea and coffee facilities. Beautiful large windows offer views to the azure sea. Tromp l' oeil hand-painted ceilings adorn the spacious marble bathrooms featuring makeup mirror, hairdryer, pool towels, soft bathrobes and slippers and luxury toiletries for a truly comfortable stay. Families can enjoy a refreshing swim at the main stunning pool of the hotel and specially designed children’s pool located only a few steps away from the suites. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites are ideal for groups of friends and relaxing family vacations.

View photos, read descriptions and check availability at Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites >>

St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas – Aghios Nikolas, Greece

St. Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas offers interconnecting rooms and family suites, club suites and villas with private pool for families up to 6 persons, The St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel has a fully serviced private beach that has been distinguished with an EU Blue Flag rating. The protected sandy cove is ideal for kids and their parents alike. Children can enjoy a seawater paddling pool next to our large outdoor swimming pool just few steps from the sea

Penelopi  Suite: a two bedroom suite with a private pool, offers great privacy and superb seaviews from privileged location with large private swimming pool heated in colder months. The bedrooms have ensuite marbled lined bathroom with Jacuzzi, an elegant living room and spacious terrace.  

Ritz-Carlton Naples Renovates

Twenty-seven might be a little young for human facelifts, but it's just about right for a luxury hotel to undergo some refurbishments. The Ritz-Carlton Naples just announced that that it will close for two months, starting July 24, 2013. while it undergoes renovations.  Refurbishments are planned for all of the 450 guest rooms and suites, the three dining options, the "Princess ballroom," as well as other structural and mechanical renovations.  The guest rooms renovations will be overseen by Interior designers Wimberly Interiors, which plans to have the rooms resemble a luxurious, residential beach home. The three restaurants will be re-done by the New York-based design agency Blue Plate. The Sushi Bar will be renamed The Bar and will be extending its balcony and reconfiguring to allow for more cozy areas. The Terrace will reopen as Terrazza, an Italian eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Grill steakhouse will continue as a classic dining establishment with a terrific selection of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and collection of international wines. Brides will want to take note taht the popular Artisans "princess ballroom" will be redesigned to resemble an elegant jewel box.  The 20,000 square feet of meeting space will also undergo some refreshing. 

During the renovation, nearby sister property The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples will be open for business and will provide guests with a shuttle to the beach. 

The transformation will be unveiled on October 1, 2013.  

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Sponsored Article: Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Contemplating a villa getaway to Greece? May we suggest a stay at Porto Zante Villas and Spa? 

Porto Zante Villas and Spa, located on a beautiful sandy beach on the island of Zakynthos, combines the privacy & space of world class luxury villas with the amenities and services of a leading five star hotel. This intimate boutique hotel is comprised of award-winning villas right on the beach, all with private heated pools. Each of the luxury villas offers privacy and splendid views of the nearby island of Kefalonia, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the endless crystal blue Ionian Sea.

Here are a few villa options:

-The One-bedroom Deluxe Spa (85 m²), located on the beachfront, has a private heated swimming pool. It is comprised of a large master bedroom with a king size bed and an open plan living area with a Kitchenette. There's also a separate additional living room with a sofa bed, and a desk with a personal computer. The large en-suite bathroom is lined with Dionysian antique marble and features a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices.

-Taking the family with you? Try the The Presidential Spa Villa, also located on the beachfront. This 2-Bedroom luxury villa (170 m²)  has panoramic glass doors that lead out to a private deck which has direct access to a private swimming pool and a beautifully landscaped garden with sun beds, teak garden furniture, and dining area. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, two master bedrooms with king size beds, two en-suite marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices, walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area, a desk with a PC, and a small kitchen.

-Taking all your friends with you? Consider the Imperial Spa Villa, which sleeps 8-12 people.  It's perfect for those who want to rent a private estate with its own private area on the beach and large tropical gardens. The Imperial Spa Villa, offers a private area on the beach with personal sun beds & umbrella. It is a 4-Bedroom luxury villa (420 m²) with a private heated swimming pool and an outdoor Spa pool. The villa’s private estate entrance & gated back yard  makes for the ultimate in privacy & security. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, four master bedrooms with king size beds, four en-suite antique Dionysian marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabins with hydro-jet devices, large walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area with a fireplace, a desk with a PC, and a large fully equipped kitchen.

Guests at Porto Zante Villas experience an exceptional level of personal service, away from the stress of large impersonal hotels.  If the private pools and beaches aren't enough, guests can choose from a number of activities during their stay, from scuba diving & snorkeling to a spa treatment and private in-villa dining. 

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Valen-Find Sweepstakes Winners Announced

Congratulations go out to Valen-Find Sweepstakes winners of $100 Visa Gift Cards!

The winners were:

Patty H of Breckenridge, MN
Iain M of Woodbridge, VA
Linda F of Middletown, CT
Austin B of Macomb MI 
Sharon H of Medina, OH
Lucy M of Pierrefonds, QB
Anne D of St Fenton MI
Janet P of Oshawa, ON
Natasha S of Webbwood, ON
Sharyn B of Coral Springs, FL
Pierre G of Rouyn-Noranda, QB

Winners, check your mailboxes, as your Visa gift cards will be arriving soon!

Thanks to all who entered and keep checking in with our Facebook page for the next contest!

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Claridge's Says So Long to Gordon Ramsay

Come June, London luxury hotel Claridge's will say so long to Gordon Ramsay's iconic restaurant after a long-term relationship. According to the Financial News, the hotel has said "the time has come...for a new dining direction for Claridge's." The restaurant was part of the first wave of celebrity chef-helmed restaurants,  and was a big hit when it opened in 2001.  Recent days have seen a decline, with the restaurant losing its Michelin Star in 2010. 

But don't worry about Gordon. The explosive host of Hell's Kitchen still has 26 restaurants world-wide.

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Spa Nautica at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey

Five Star Alliance's sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, recently wrote an article about Ritz-Carlton's Marina Del Ray's new Spa Nautica:

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The Summer Houses of Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah

Dar Al Masyaf is one of the three properties of Madinat Jumeirah Resort. Literally translated, Dar Al Masyaf means summer houses and the property features 29 summer houses comprising 283 rooms and suites with private balconies or terrace areas.

Beautifully appointed, all 283 rooms and suites portray an Arabian theme in keeping with the overall style of the resort. An integrated design means that guests can take either one room or even an entire summer house. Designed for the guest who seeks added privacy within intimate enclaves yet with easy access to all Madinat Jumeirah resort facilities,  the summer houses of Dar Al Masyaf are an ideal refuge. Offering two house types (Gulf and Arabian), each with luxurious guest rooms and suites, the Gulf summer houses offer superb access to the beach and all houses benefit from privileged locations within the resort.

View more photos, read more, or check rates and availability at Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah >>