The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. The World’s Hottest New Hotels: Travel + Leisure’s New “It List 2010″
May 11, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
It's our favorite time of year. Travel + Leisure has released their "It List 2010" of the 45 best new hotels in the world. The mag's esteemed editors have hand-picked the year's most exciting hotel debuts, to be revealed in the June issue which hits newsstands this month. What's especially cool to see: ten of the properties have room rates of less than $300 per night. Can't wait til May 21st to see the list? We've got the skinny:
UNITED STATES
+ Bardessono, Yountville, California
+ St. Regis Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii
+ Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana
+ Andaz Wall Street, New York, New York*
+ Crosby Street Hotel, New York, New York
+ Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
+ Waldorf Astoria, Park City, Utah
THE CARIBBEAN , MEXICO, AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
+ Viceroy Anguilla, Barnes Bay, Anguilla
+ Gansevoort, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
+ W Santiago, Santiago, Chile*
+ Tcherassi Hotel & Spa, Cartagena, Colombia
+ Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco, Mexico
+ Hotel Boca Chica, Acapulco, Mexico*
+ Las Alcobas, Mexico City, Mexico
EUROPE
+ Lime Wood, Hampshire, England*
+ Dean Street Townhouse, London, England*
+ InterContinental Paris Avenue Marceau, Paris, France
+ La Réserve Ramatuelle, Ramatuelle, France
+ Heidelberg Suites, Heidelberg, Germany
+ Il Salviatino, Fiesole, Italy
+ Maison Moschino, Milan, Italy
+ Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sciacca, Italy
+ Palazzina Grassi, Venice, Italy
+ Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain
+ Hotel Consolaciόn, Teruel, Spain*
+ Argos in Cappadocia, Uchisar, Turkey*
ASIA
+ Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China
+ Upper House, Hong Kong, China
+ Peninsula Shanghai, Shanghai, China*
+ PuLi Hotel & Spa, Shanghai, China
+ Serai Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer, India
+ Raas, Jodhpur, India*
+ Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
+ Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, Boracay, Philippines
+ Capella Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore
+ Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand*
+ Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi, Thailand
AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, AUSTRALIA
+ Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
+ Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, Ma’in, Jordan
+ Le Gray, Beirut, Lebanon
+ Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles
+ One&Only Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
+ Taj Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
+ Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
+ Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Lithgow, Australia
*Property has starting room rates of $300/night, double, or less.
We List the World’s Best Restaurants
May 10, 2010
By: Ruthanne Terrero
The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 is the result of an extensive poll of the world’s most celebrated chefs, renowned food critics, leading restaurateurs and well-traveled gourmands – collectively known as The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy...
1. Noma, Denmark
+45 3296 3297
2. El Bulli, Spain
+ 34 972 150 457
3. The Fat Duck, UK
+44 (0) 1628 580 333
4. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain
+34 972 22 21 57
5. Mugaritz, Spain
+34 943 522 455
6. Osteria Francescana, Italy
+39 (0)59 210 118
http://www.osteriafrancescana.it
7. Alinea, USA
+1 312-867-0110
http://www.alinea-restaurant.com
8. Daniel, USA
+1 212 288 0033
9. Arzak, Spain
+34 943 78456
10. Per Se, United States
+1212 823 9335
11. Le Chateaubriand, France
+33 (0)1 43574595
12. La Colombe, South Africa
+ 27 (0) 21 794 2390
http://www.constantia-uitsig.com
13. Pierre Gagnaire, France
+ 33 01 58 36 12 50
http://www.pierre-gagnaire.com
14. Hotel de Ville Switzerland
+41 21 634 0505
15. Le Bernardin, USA
+1 212 554 1515
16. L’Astrance, France
+33 1 40 50 84 40
http://www.lastrance.abemadi.com
17. Hof van Cleve, Belgium
+32 (0) 9 383 5848
18. D.O.M., Brazil
+55 11 3088 0761
19. Oud Sluis, Holland
+31 (0) 117-461269
20. Le Calandre, Italy
+39 049 630303
21. Steirereck, Austria
+43 (1) 713 31 68
http://www.steirereck.at/wien restaurant
22. Vendome, Germany
+49 (0) 22 04 42 1941
http://www.schlossbensberg.com
23. Chez Dominique, Finland
+ 358 9 612 7393
24. Les Créations de Narisawa, Japan
+81 (3) 5785 0799
http://www.narisawa-yoshihiro.com
25. Mathias Dahlgren, Sweden
+46 (0) 8 679 35 84
http://www.mathiasdahlgren.com
26. Momofuku Ssam Bar, USA
+1 212 254-3500
27. Quay, Australia
+ 61 (2) 9251 5600
28. Iggy’s, Singapore
+65 6732 2234
29. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, France
+33 1 42 225656
30. Schloss Schauenstein, Switzerland
+41 81 632 10 80
31. Le Quartier Francais, South Africa
+27 21 876 2151
32. The French Laundry, USA
+1 707 944 2380
33. Martin Berasategui, Spain
+34 943 366 471
http://www.martinberasategui.com
34. Aqua, Germany
+49 5361 606056
http://www.restaurant-aqua.com
35. Combal Zero, Italy
+39 011 9565225
36. Dal Pescatore, Italy
+39 (0)37 672 3001
37. De Librije, Netherlands
+31 (0)38 4212083
38. Tetsuya’s, Australia
+61 (2)9267 2900
39. Jaan par Andre, Singapore
+65 6338 8585
http://www.swissotel.com/singapore-stamford
40. Il Canto, Italy
+39 (0)577 28 81 80
http://www.certosadimaggiano.com
41. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee, France
+33 1 53 67 66 65
http://www.plaza-athenee-paris.com
42. Oaxen Krog, Sweden
+46 8 8 551 531 05
43. St John, UK
+44 020 7251 0848
http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com
44. La Maison Troisgros, France
+33 4 77 71 66 97
45. wd~50, USA
+1 212 477 2900
46. Biko, Mexico
+52 55 5282 0722
47. Die Schwarzwaldstube, Germany
+49 7442 4926
48. Nihonryori RyuGin, Japan
+81 3 3423 8006
http://www.nihonryori-ryugin.com
49. Hibiscus, UK
+44 020 7629 2999
http://www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk
50. Eleven Madison Park, USA
+1 212 889 090
http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com
By: Ruthanne Terrero
Hotel Options for the World Expo 2010: 3rd Night Free at The PuLi in Shanghai
May 6, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Continuing on our quest to bring you tips on accommodations for the World Expo 2010, we've spotted another hot deal in Shanghai. With 70 million visitors expected, this riverfront extravaganza promises to draw the largest number of visitors in the history of world's fairs. The PuLi Hotel and Spa-- the sleek urban resort that opened last year-- is offering a third night free when you book a stay before the end of September- with breakfast included. In a 2009 review, we sang the praises of the stylish new hotel, featured on the Conde Nast Traveller (UK) Hot List 2010. There's an infinity pool overlooking Jing'An Park, a swank Anantara Spa, and a very cool 32-meter bar called (what else?) the Long Bar. The 209 guest rooms are tricked out with all the latest technology: a 32-inch LCD TV, a Bose wave music system with iPod docking station, high-speed wireless internet access, a Nespresso coffee machine and a rain shower.
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Starwood Opens 1000th Hotel: Celebrate with Specials at Hotels like W Hong Kong
May 5, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Recently Starwood Hotels & Resorts opened its 1,000th hotel, the Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort located on the shores of China's famous Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou. And Starwood is celebrating in a big way. We've just spied a package at the W Hotel Hong Kong, for example, where you get an exclusive HK$1,000 hotel credit when you book a suite for two nights or more. (Valid until June 30, 2010 only so it's best to book now to take advantage of this celebratory offer!) The W Hong Kong is the height of cool in West Kowloon. Since it opened at the end of 2008, the hotel has been turning heads. It's not just because of the sizzling nightlife (that you'd expect to find at a W Hotel); the rooftop pool and Asia's first Bliss Spa get lots of attention, too. The slick spa is located on the 72nd floor of the hotel and thus has awesome views of Victoria Harbour. The 393 guest rooms also have sweet views (request a harbour-facing room), and come with lots of fun technology: blackout curtains, iPod docking stations, LCD TVs, multicolored mood lighting... And of course this hot spot wouldn't be a W without Whatever/Whenever service to handle your every request at any time of day or night.
The World Expo 2010 in Shanghai: Special Offer at The Peninsula Hotel
May 3, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
It's here! The World Expo 2010 has opened in Shanghai, and the press has gone wild. With some 70 million visitors expected to attend the event during its six-month run, the Expo may be a tourism boon for China. Themed "Better City-Better Life," the Expo aims to present examples of sustainable, harmonious urban living through its exhibits and events. Some 192 countries and 50 organizations will be taking part in the extravaganza along the Huangpu River. Notably, San Francisco will be the only U.S. city officially represented; Bay Area green technology will thus be on prominent display on this global stage. Inspired to head to China and walk Shanghai's historic Bund? The Peninsula Hotel has organized a special package offer so that guests can experience the World Expo while staying in style at this fabulous new hotel on the riverfront. The Peninsula EXPO-rience includes daily American breakfast for two, daily entry tickets for two to the Expo, and shuttle bus transportation to the site. Priced from RMB 2,500 for a Superior Room.
Read more about The Peninsula...
The World’s Top Hotel Bars
April 27, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Who doesn't love hotel bars? These days they've become destinations in their own right. And present some of the finest opportunities for savoring the local nightlife-- from Tokyo's New York Bar (showcased in the film Lost in Translation) to London's chic Artesian Bar at The Langham (beautifully designed by David Collins Studio). A recent "Top 10" list in Bon Appetit touches on one of our favorite subjects. The magazine picks just 10 spots "offering memorable combinations of sublime cocktails, lovely views, and storied pasts." On the list? Lobby Bar at Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, Bar Dos Descasados at Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio, M Bar at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Coburg Bar at The Connaught in London, Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris, The Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest, Hassler Bar at Hotel Hassler Roma, New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, O2 Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow and Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar at Cape Grace in Cape Town. For the full article, click here.
Win a Stay in Shanghai at the Luxurious Langham Yangtze Boutique Hotel
April 26, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Here's your chance to win a five-star stay at The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai-- the glamorous new hotel that caused quite a stir when it opened last year. Until April 30, the hotel is running a contest on its website. All you have to do is leave your email address (so you can be contacted if you win the prize) and complete the following sentence: "I want to stay at The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai because..." The best answer wins ONE free night's accommodation for two people in a Shanghai Grand Room, including breakfast and a 60-minute Chuan SPA treatment for each person. Housed in an Art Deco building, the magnificent new Langham evokes the era when Shanghai was the "Paris of the East."
Gypsy Arts and Culinary Delights: Russian Arts Celebration at the St. Regis Singapore
April 23, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Singapore bound in May? Another reason to check into the swank St. Regis (oh, private butler squad, how we love thee)-- the five-star hotel will be throwing a lavish party to celebrate Russia's Gypsy culture and traditional Russian cuisine. And it promises to be a blast. Smack dab in the heart of Singapore's downtown, the St. Regis is home to one of Asia's finest private art collections, so it's only fitting that it should fête a cultural heritage that heralds back more than 400 years. The week-long extravaganza begins on May 17 and the hotel has created a special offer for guests. Valid from May 17-May 23, 2010, the "Revel in Russian Romance" package is priced from SGD1188 (in a Lady Astor Suite) and includes the following:
* One night accommodation in a St. Regis Suite * Return luxury airport transfers from airport or a Singapore local address * Daily breakfast served in the St. Regis Suite or Brasserie Les Saveurs * Russian Gastronomic Dinner for two at Brasseries Les Saveurs * One hour customized Remède Spa massage treatment for two, advanced booking required to ensure availability * Complimentary late check-out at 4pm
From Tragedy to Rebirth: Mumbai’s Oberoi Hotel Reopens After $45 Million Makeover
April 21, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
The Oberoi Mumbai is back. After the tragic terrorist attacks in late 2008, the grand hotel is opening its doors this week after a lavish $45 million makeover. The lobby has been reconstructed with marble from the Greek island of Thassos, flat-screen TVs adorn the guest room bathrooms, and new restaurants welcome guests. The hotel has a new General Manager, to boot. Formerly at The Ballantyne in North Carolina, Steven Kalczynski will oversee the opening. To quote The New York Times, "The rebirth of the Oberoi — along with the expected return to full service of the other hotel attacked, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower — is an important milestone for Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. The brazen strike, in which 163 people died, dealt India and Mumbai a significant psychic and economic blow, and recovery has come slowly."
Shangri-La Hotels Moves to Turkey: A New 7-Star Hotel for Istanbul?
April 16, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
We're hearing reports that Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts is entering the fray in Istanbul. And they're not doing so quietly. Word on the street is that Shangri-La-- the Hong-Kong based group known for its 66 lavish properties in Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East-- will be building a 7-star hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus. Due to open in 2012, the 200-room, $250 million hotel will be located in the Beşiktaş district on the site of an old tobacco factory. If all goes according to plan, this luxury hotel will be joining an elite group of the globe's "seven-star" hotels: the Town House Galleria in Milan, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
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