See What's New at Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Ritz-Carlton Montreal has recently undergone an extensive $200 million dollar restoration. The result is a hotel that offers its guests the perfect mixture of old and new.  The building’s facade was preserved and restored, public spaces were renovated and redecorated, and rooms were redesigned with the utmost in luxury and comfort in mind.

Here are just a few details of the restoration:

-Part of the historic building was expanded and converted to accommodate a new residential wing, the Ritz-Carlton Residences. If you've always wanted to live at the Ritz, now you can! These 45 exclusive residences provide the opportunity to live at a renowned Montreal address while enjoying the comforts and services of a luxury hotel.
 

-Guests can shop without leaving the building. Renowned and revered jeweler Tiffany & Co. opened a  2000 sq. ft. boutique just below the Ritz-Carlton Residences.

-Corporate clients were a top priority in the restoration. The hotel’s 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space are incredibly flexible, able to  host formal board meetings for 12 people, larger meetings for 35 to 75 or a gala dinner for up to 350. Perhaps the grandest space at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, the Oval Room meeting space was restored by artisans who hand painted the finishes.
 

-The 98 guest rooms and 31 suites include the Royal Suite, which at 4,700 sq. ft is the largest hotel suite in Montreal. The guest rooms feature high-tech amenities, such as intuitively remembering a guest’s temperature preferences upon check-in, and motion sensors that activate lights to guide guests in a darkened room. The marble fireplaces in many suites are original to the 1912 hotel, while the luxurious and modern finishes were added during the recent restoration.

-The rooftop saltwater pool is heated with reclaimed energy from the hotel’s kitchen. Stunning views of the Montreal skyline can be seen from inside or on the terrace and guests can also relax inside the sauna.

-During the restoration of the hotel, enormous energy and resources went into creating the most advanced, HACCP-certified kitchen in the city. The new kitchen, which prepares meals for in-room dining as well as banquets, is able to feed 1,000 diners at a time, and includes the first dedicated fully-kosher kitchen in a large hotel in Montreal.
 
 

-As with all of famed Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurants around the world, Maison Boulud, located inside the Ritz-Carlton Montreal is unique to its setting. Traditional French culinary roots meet high standards of hospitality to reflect the culture, tastes and lifestyle of the city, with a particular focus on local produce and artisanal Quebecois products. An outdoor dining area overlooks the garden in the summer months, and a 46-seat glass greenhouse is open off of the main dining room during the winter. Maison Boulud welcome diners for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Sundays.

-Ritz-Carlton Montreal, just four months after re-opening, has been awarded the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award®, recognizing its status as one of North America's most luxurious hotels. The property joins just three other Five Diamond-rated hotels in Canada, and is the only one in Quebec.
 

Explore rates, details, photos and more at Ritz-Carlton Montreal>>
 

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Your Questions Answered: Options for Family of 5 at Half Moon Jamaica

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: We’re planning a family vacation and would like to stay at the Half Moon Jamaica. We have a family of 5 in total, 2 adults and 3 kids ages 3, 9, and 11. What room types can accommodate all 5 of us?

Answer: The Half Moon Jamaica has 1 bedroom suite options that can accommodate a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, but for a family of 5 you would need to make a reservation for a 2 bedroom suite. There would be no additional charges for children under the age of 12. To view availability, rates, and to make your reservation, simply visit this website and enter your dates of travel. Please be sure to fill in the Special Request field stating ‘traveling with 3 kids age 3, 9, and 11’ so the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival. Please be advised that rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

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Partner Hotel Focus: The James Chicago

The James Chicago is one of Five Star Alliance's partner hotels, so we think it's pretty great! So, what makes it so special?

-Location, location, location. The James Chicago is located just steps from all the Michigan Avenue has to offer, from world-class shopping to restaurants to hot nightspots. Don't forget the many museums  such as the The Museum of Contemporary Art, and cultural attractions such as Millennium Park. They even offer public bikes for adults and Paul Frank child city bikes for those who want to explore the city on wheels.

-Art@TheJames, a program that brings works by local and international artists to the public areas and guest rooms.

-24-hour room service courtesy of David Burke's Primehouse. 24-hour concierge. 24-hour Business Networking Lounge with video conferencing. 24-hour 2,500-square-foot, full-service fitness center. No matter what time you like to work, work-out, or eat, the James is open for business.

-Yoga anyone? In partnership with lululemon athletica, The James offers a weekend R&R package that includes a lululemon yoga mat, complimentary class at the lululemon Rush Street studio, Spa by ASHA massage and bottle of sommelier-select wine.

-Guest rooms that feature a contemporary layout and a palette of warm tones. Choose from Double Deluxe or King rooms, studios, lofts, penthouse lofts,  and 1 bedroom apartments.

-Special programs and amenities for your babies and kids, whether they are the traditional human kind, or of the furbaby variety.

 These are just a few of the reasons to consider The James Chicago the next time you visit the Windy City!

Explore rates, amenities, and special offers at The James Chicago>>

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Insider’s Look into Park Hyatt Chicago’s New Bottega Veneta Suite

Park Hyatt Chicago has been recognized as one of the top 20 ‘World’s Best Hotels’ by Institutional Investor, so it’s no surprise that its 198 rooms meet a high level of luxury, but its Bottega Venta suite certainly exceeds our expectations! This 1400-square foot suite offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and its design is sleek and refreshingly simple. The bedroom, open living room, kitchenette, and two bathrooms are spacious and maximize the light and dramatic views of Chicago’s expansive lakefront. A few elegant touches include leather pillows, hand-carved Venetian glassware, and cashmere throws, and objects from Bottega Veneta’s home collection.

Explore the Bottega Veneta suite and other room options at the beautiful Park Hyatt Chicago here!

Your Questions Answered: Turks and Caicos Family Friendly Hotel

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: We’re planning a family vacation in February to Turks and Caicos. There will be 2 adults and 2 kids age 9 and 12. What hotel has rooms that can accommodate all 4 of us?

Answer: The Regent Grand Turks and Caicos has the following room type available that will accommodate your family of 4: 1520sq 2beds 2baths, Separate Kitchen, Lounge Dining Area, Wi-fi, Breakfast for 1225 USD per night plus 21% tax. At the time of booking, a deposit of 3 nights plus tax will be taken. The cancellation policy states that it must be received 21 days prior to arrival for a deposit refund. To reserve this room type, simply visit this website, enter your dates of travel, select the room type, and fill in the booking form. Please add 'traveling with 2 kids ages 9 and 12' in the Special Requests field so the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival. Please be advised that rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

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12 Days of Hotels: The 1 Best Beach Resort

Instead of 12 Days of Christmas, Five Star Alliance is having its own countdown featuring 12 Days of Hotels! We unfortunately don’t have a song to go along with our countdown, but we will be featuring a variety of categories. Today’s feature is the 1 Best Beach Resorts!

1. Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru

Maldives has some of the best beaches in the entire world, and this luxury hotel is surrounded by dazzling white talc sand and the bluest of waters teeming with an astonishing abundance of soft corals and fish sparkling in brilliant colors.

12 Days of Hotels: The 2 Best Gold Resorts

Instead of 12 Days of Christmas, Five Star Alliance is having its own countdown featuring 12 Days of Hotels! We unfortunately don’t have a song to go along with our countdown, but we will be featuring a variety of categories. Today’s feature is 2 of the World’s Best Golf Resorts!

1. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

Tee off at 2 18-hole champion Tom Fazio designed golf courses.

2. Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Play the Five championship courses including the world-famous Ocean Course.

12 Days of Hotels: The 3 Best Spa Resorts

Instead of 12 Days of Christmas, Five Star Alliance is having its own countdown featuring 12 Days of Hotels! We unfortunately don’t have a song to go along with our countdown, but we will be featuring a variety of categories. Today’s feature is 3 of the World’s Best Spa Resorts!

1. Canyon Ranch Lenox

Relax in the 100,000-square-foot spa complex where you will find everything you need for a vacation that's as active or leisurely as you like.

2. Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Sanctuary Spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments, with a discreet and professional staff - including two outdoor Gazebos for treatments, allowing you the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning part of the world

3. Parrot Cay

The Shambhala Spa provides one of the world's most extensive treatment lists on the pre-eminent private island, wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas.

12 Days of Hotels: The 4 Most Romantic Hotels

Instead of 12 Days of Christmas, Five Star Alliance is having its own countdown featuring 12 Days of Hotels! We unfortunately don’t have a song to go along with our countdown, but we will be featuring a variety of categories. Today’s feature is 4 of the World’s Most Romantic Hotels!

1. La Casa Que Canta

This luxury hotel in Mexico appeared in the film When A Man Loves A Woman. We think the title is very appropriate!

2. Villa d’Este

Lovers are welcomed to a celebrated standard of Old World allure and charm at the Villa d'Este, situated next to scenic Lake Como in Italy.

3. Le Sirenuse

A consistant award winner with breath taking views of Positano, Italy, an unforgettable atmosphere to reconnect together.

4. Amanjena

Take a step back in time at this 16th Century villa, with a delightful combination of Italian pageantry and modern conveniences in Morocco.

Have a Better Time than the President this Inauguration at the Georgetown Four Seasons

Inauguration is only two and a half weeks away which means hotels are filling up fast. For folks looking for an exceptional luxury hotel in the heart of it all, we encourage you to explore the 39 luxury hotels in the Washington DC area! If, however, you’re looking for something above and beyond luxurious and have $20,000 burning a hole in your pocket, then be sure to explore the Royal Suite in the Georgetown Four Seasons.

The Royal Suite has served as a home away from home for celebrities such as Oprah, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and others. It’s going rate for Inauguration night is $20,000, and this gets you a stunning bedroom, dining room, kitchen, small gym, small office, large terrace, bulletproof windows, and an expansive living room featuring ample seating areas and televisions. With a suite like this, we can only imagine the occupants will skip the parade and watch the excitement of the Inauguration with their closest friends and family on one of the many televisions.

Photo courtesy of the Georgetown Four Seasons