Did You Know? Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs is now an perfectly restored ghost town turned luxury retreat. The history of the property stretches back to 1885, when the town of Dunton was established. Dunto was a mining camp, with mines located about 1/2 mile from the log structures that comprised the town. After a mining boom and bust, the town was nearly deserted by 1918. The property spent the next 80 or so years as a cattle ranch and then a dude ranch for tourists. It closed down in the mid-1990s, and was bought in 1994 and subsequently renovated.

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The Caledonian and Edinburgh Castle

The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, known locally as the "Caley", is one of Edinburgh's most significant landmarks. The historic hotel is located at the west end of Prince street, and it is perfect spot to explore nearby Edinburgh Castle.

Erected in the first century AD on an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle was Scotland’s principal royal house in the Middle Ages. Built around the castle, Edinburgh’s Old Town is a maze of medieval buildings, while splendid Georgian terraces grace the city’s New Town. 

Some notable facts about Edinburgh Castle:

-The castle has sheltered many Scottish monarchs. They include Queen Margaret (later St Margaret), who died there in 1093, and Mary Queen of Scots, who gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566.

-Scotland's oldest poetry tells of a war band feasting here for a year before riding to their deaths in battle.

-The castle is Scotland's leading tourist attraction, and a key element of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

-The Great Hall’s hammerbeam roof ws where  Scotland’s great and good were expected to honour their king.
It was completed in 1511 for James IV, but he had little time to enjoy it, as he was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, fighting the forces of King Henry VIII of England.

-The Stone of Destiny, was shere Kings of Scotland were enthroned for centuries. But in 1296, the English King Edward I took the Stone from Scone near Perth and had it built into his throne. In 1996, the Stone was returned to Scotland. 

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Luxury Hotel History: The Savoy London

The Savoy London was originally built in 1889 by Richard D’Oyly Carte on land adjacent to his Savoy Theatre. The hotel was built to accommodate the many tourists who came to London to see the Savoy Operas by Gilbert & Sullivan.  In 2007 the legendary hotel closed for the first time in order to undertake a 3-year, £220 million restoration project.

Want more Savoy London History?>>

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Discover The Quin Hotel

It is universally acknowledged that New York City is one of the most unique cities in the world. This city encapsulates the epicenter of culture and art stateside, with many historic and famous landmarks and design elements that make New York City quintessentially, New York City.  So where does one stay to experience the elegant NYC fabu-luxe life?

Enter The Quin Hotel, which opens its doors in September 2013. The 198-room boutique style hotel is located in one of NYC’s prime time real estate spots at 101 West 57th Street, making it easy to access the famed NYC landmarks that make this city so legendary. The aesthetic and sophisticated-cultural specific design elements to NYC are reflected in the hotel’s architecture, which can be seen within the walls of its original beaux-arts architecture that it shares with Carnegie Hall.

The hotel also brings New York fashion trend of bespoke to its furnishings and amenities. With views of the New York skyline, equipped with DUX beds, FRESH spa products, personal Nespresso machines and much more, The Quin Hotel is an oasis of luxury.

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New to Five Star Alliance: San Montano Resort and Spa

Meet our newest addition, San Montano Resort and Spa. Located on the island of Ischia, on Italy's Amalfi Coast, the hardest decision you'll have to make during your stay is which one of the many gorgeous beaches you want to sun yourself on.

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Polo Lessons at Coworth Park

Summer means polo season! Our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, has the inside scoop on all the polo perks at Coworth Park. 

Writer Jena Tesse Fox reports that:

Players and fans alike can head up to the Berkshire property to learn and train with Hine and play with members of the world's most famous polo club.

This season, Coworth Park is offering a range of polo lessons and polo days from beginners to more advanced players. An hour-long private lesson can be booked from $203, with a course of five lessons from $952, while group lessons (three people or more) cost from $190. Upon request, the property can arrange for bespoke polo experiences for individual clients and instructional chukkas (polo games) are available for the more serious player. For younger players, Coworth Park offers smaller mallets for children, allowing everyone of all ages to enjoy this noble sport. Preferential rates are offered for guests of Coworth Park and Guards Polo Club members. Guests must be over ten years of age.

Family Features at Tower Club at lebua

The Tower Club at lebua is a five-star hotel that epitomizes luxury accommodation in Bangkok. The Tower Club at lebua is also a terrific choice for a family vacation. The all-suite luxury hotel has several suites that are suited for families. Suites are located on the top floors, from 51st to 59th, and suite guests have access to the Tower Club Lounge on the 52nd floor. The lounge offers free drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), light lunch, afternoon high tea and canapés from 6am to 6pm.

 

 

 

Tower Club Signature Suite
These two-bedroom suites offer views of the river and the city and offer 176m2 of space with modern and tasteful décor.

 

 

 

Tower Club Luxury Suites
These two-bedroom suites start in size from 186 square meters and are comprised of two bedrooms and a living room. Luxury Suites are freshly designed and feature modern décor and views of the Chao Phraya River.

 

 

Tower Club Lebua Suite
This three bedroom suite spans 266m2 of plush interiors with 3 separate bedrooms and a living room. The suites have 4 balconies that offer terrific views of Chao Phraya River and the city of Bangkok. There’s an LCD TV in each bedroom and in the living room, all offering video on demand.

 

 

 

 

 

Tower Club at lebua Suite amenities and services include toiletries from Acca Kappa, kitchenette, iron, personal safe, Nespresso Coffee Machine, 24-hour room service,concierge and limousine service, housekeeping service, an on-call doctor, complimentary shuttle but to Sky Train, and valet parking.
Select suites even offer a washer/dryer and non-smoking floors are available. Guests can also partake of private meals cooked in-suite by a personal chef.
Lebua even offers a kid’s guide to Bangkok, which highlights activities for children while they are in town.

 

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Fan of Portlandia? Here's Where to Stay in Hipster Central

Portland, Oregon used to be known for being a sleepy little Pacific Northwest hamlet. About ten years ago, it quietly transformed into a yuppie/hipster nirvana, complete with coffee houses, organic restaurants, a quirky sensibility, and a stable of cool celebrities such as filmmaker Gus van Sant, Simpsons' creator Matt Groening, and indie rocker Carrie Brownstein.  Then, the Independent Film Channel (IFC) showed up with Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen and Brownstein in tow. Thus was Portlandia launched. The sketch comedy show turned out to be a big hit for the cable channel, and tourism climbed. The city obliged with such ventures as walking and bike tours of notable spots featured in the show. 

So, if the siren call of the hipster-doofus show has you booking plane tickets on your smart phone as you twirl your handlebar mustache whilst sipping a craft cocktail, here's some suggestions as to where to stay:

the Nines
Don't even think about capitalizing the first word in the hotel's name. Just don't. So uncool. This boutique LEED Silver-certified hotel perches in the heart of the city center at the top of one of Portland most beloved landmarks, the stately Meier & Frank Building. Fine dining on site promises gourmet cuisine entwined with indigenous flavors," and toiletries are from the eco and animal friendly Bee-Kind line. Nightly rates for a mid-June stay currently start at around $253.

Luxury Hotels from the Past: The Ponce de León Hotel

Recently Shorpy showcased the Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustin Florida - "Vacation Spots: 1890s".

Completed in 1888, the exclusive luxury hotel in St. Augustine, Florida was built by millionaire developer and Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler. Designed in the Spanish Renaissance style it was constructed entirely of poured concrete. From the very beginning, the hotel also was wired for electricity with power being supplied by D.C. generators supplied by Flagler's friend, Thomas Edison and was one of the first buildings in the nation to have electricity.

During World War II the Hotel was used as a Coast Guard Training Center and in 1963 the Hotel was one of several St. Augustine sites involved in the civil rights movement. In the late 1960's the hotel and grounds became the focal point of the newly-established Flagler College.

From Shorpy: "St. Augustine, Florida, circa 1890s. 'The Ponce de Leon, rear view.' Henry Flagler's grand hotel, with the street traffic none too artfully stippled out. 8x10 inch glass negative by William Henry Jackson."

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Summer in New Orleans

Always wanted to visit New Orleans? Why not plan a trip for this summer. Our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, has a round-up of the best places to stay in the Big Easy.

Let’s start in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, on Royal Street, where the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar has received a major refresh. This would be that bar you’ve passed by every time you’re in the French Quarter, where the people inside look like they’re having a lot more fun than everyone out on the street. It’s the place you go to for a pre-dinner drink and that you return to for a nightcap. Well now, the Carousel Bar, which really does move around in a circular motion, has more space, high ceilings and even additional bar space. It has a new sibling restaurant, Criollo, which serves “Louisiana Fusion” cuisine. We recommend the chilled gulf shrimp, blue crab & avocado appetizer. Want the best seat in the house? Grab one of the over-sized chairs looking out onto Iberville Street. If you want to reserve ahead of time and need some TLC, contact Richard Vitale (rvitale@hotelmonteleone.com; 504-681-4112), director of the restaurant and bar.

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