The Ritz Carlton Georgetown Tops Our List of Charming DC Hotels

The problem we run into with luxury hotels in Washington DC is that they’re usually on a busy street with a lot of traffic and chaos. We set out on a mission to find a luxury hotel in a downtown location that featured a quieter, more intimate feel, and we came back successful.

The Ritz Carlton Georgetown is located a block from M Street and the heart of the nightlife and shopping of Georgetown district. This beautiful hotel features 86 oversized guestrooms and suites as well as a Boutique Spa with a variety of massages, body treatments, and facials available. The hotel staff is attentive and engaged, and the spa staff is professional and all-around wonderful. For the disbelievers, I strongly recommend the hot stone massage at the Boutique Spa; you’ll leave feeling completely refreshed, renewed, and ready for anything that lies ahead.

The Ritz Carlton Georgetown is a family and pet friendly hotel. There are 9 rooms with 2 double beds, and the suites can accommodate rollaway beds very easily for an additional $40 per night. The Ritz puts on a weekly Lifestyle Series on Fridays, and December’s feature Kelly Jenkins from Capital Décor and Events coming to speak to guests and locals about transforming a space and decorating with style.

For folks looking for an intimate luxury hotel in the heart of Washington DC, we certainly give the Ritz Carlton Georgetown a big thumbs up!

Explore photos, availability, and rates here!

Share this article:

2 Bedroom Apartment Option in Dubai

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 are a family of 5 persons, 2 adults and three children, ages 3, 6, and 8. We would love to make a reservation at the Dar Al Masyaf in Dubai. We are traveling December 22nd – January 5th, 2013. Is it possible to book a 2 bedroom superior apartment?

Answer: Dar Al Masyaf does not have availability for your dates of travel, but Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence does have 2 bedroom Duplex Club Apartment which includes Breakfast. The advance purchase rate for this option is 2805 AED per night, which is approximately $764 USD plus tax. Please be advised that this is a non-cancellable, non-changeable rate, and any changes or a cancellation would result in a 100% penalty of the full stay.

This hotel also has this same room option available for 3300 AED per night, which is approximately $899 USD plus tax. This rate has a cancellation policy which states you can cancel up until 2 days prior to arrival and be charged a 1 night penalty. If you cancel within 2 days of arrival, you would be charged 100% of the full stay as penalty. To clarify, cancelling this reservation would always result in at least a 1 night penalty fee.

To make a reservation for this room type, simply visit this website, enter your dates of travel, select the room type, and fill in the booking form. Please fill in the Special Request field stating that you'll be traveling with kids and provide their ages so the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival.

Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as the extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

Share this article:

Missoni Hotel Edinburgh Perfect for Business Travel

The Missoni Hotel Edinburgh in the UK has a few extra amenities thrown in that make travel for business a breeze. Rates at the Missoni include the following:

Complimentary healthy minibar

Two items of laundry

Premium movies

Newspaper

Local calls

Free high-speed internet access

iPod connection

In-room coffee machines

These little additions certainly go a long way, so next time you need to be in Edinburgh, consider staying at the Missoni where your coffee will be brewing, internet is at hand, and your suit is clean and pressed for the busy day ahead.

Please read the rate details carefully since added amenities change frequently.

Fun Fact Friday! Break a Sweat at the Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai

Let’s face it; working out while traveling in hotel gyms that are outdated and cramped is pretty unappealing. Finding the energy to work out at all is a feat, and to get through a workout in a hotel gym is truly an accomplishment I have yet to cross off my list. Luckily, a few luxury hotels sympathize with our struggles and have created a work out environment that some may find hard to leave!

The Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai has extensive facilities covering 6,000 square meters over 3 floors, making it the largest gym in China. The gym features more than 80 weight machines and cardio equipment as well as an ‘Iron Man’ zone with training tools for triathletes. The best part of this stunning facility is that it sports panoramic views of Century Park, allowing gym goers to enjoy a beautiful view while breaking a sweat!

Check out photos, availability, and rates here!

Share this article:

Sponsored Article: Canyons Resort

Canyons Resort in Park City is Utah’s largest and most dynamic four-season resort.  Boasting 4,000 acres of skiable terrain with 182 trails, Canyons has the diversity of terrain for everyone. Only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, the newly transformed Canyons offers guests unparalleled luxury with North America’s only heated chair lift, the Orange Bubble Express, exceptional cuisine from award-winning restaurants, world-class spas and thrilling adventures and entertainment for the entire family. Stay at one of nine hotels including the Waldorf Astoria Park City. Come see for yourself why readers of SKI Magazine recently designated Canyons Resort one of the Top 10 ski resorts in North America.

Visit Canyons Resort

Your Questions Answered: Rates and Availability in French Polynesia

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: My wife and I will travel to Tahiti and Bora Bora at the end of the year. If possible please send me prices and availability for the schedule below: 1 night at Papeete, 6 nights in Bora Bora. We’re interested in the Four Seasons and Intercontinental Thalasso Spa.

Answer: We have 15 hotels in French Polynesia of which 2 are located in Tahiti. (Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti). For December 31st - January 1st, 2013, the Intercontinental Resort Tahiti in Papeete has availability and rates starting from $653 USD per night. (Full prepay, non-refundable, non-changeable Garden View room with 1 king bed). To view all of the room types and rates available, simply visit this website and enter your dates of travel. (This hotel does have breakfast inclusive rates, but it does not have breakfast and dinner inclusive rates). Rates will display in XPF, so click on the little calculator to the right of the rate to convert it to US dollars.

For January 1st - 7th, 2013 in Bora Bora, the Four Seasons only has one room type available and that is a Bed And Breakfast - Beach View Overwater Bungalow King Bed With Queen Sofabed starting from $1,238.92 USD per night.

For January 1st - 7th, 2013 in Bora Bora, the InterContinental Thalasso Spa Bora Bora does not have availability.

To view availability and rates at other luxury hotels in Bora Bora, visit this website. Transfers are not included in the rates and would be an additional cost. Please be advised that rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

Take the Kids to Barcelona this Holiday Season!

Traveling with kids can be difficult with many hotels enforcing maximum occupancy policies, so we love when hotels are able to provide room options and rates ideal for family travel! The Hotel Palace Barcelona has family specials running from November 1st 2012 – March 31st 2013. This luxury hotel has various options available since families come in different shapes and sizes. No cookie-cutter short cuts here; pick the room type that’s right for you and start planning your holiday in Spain! (Counting Crows, anyone?)

Accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children (age 11 and under):

- Junior Suite with a sofabed for the 2 children to share. No extra person charges.

- 2 Rooms for Families option which has 2 interconnecting Classic Deluxe rooms.

- 2 Bedroom Suite option.

Accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children (one under 11 and one as adult):

- Junior Suite with a sofabed for the 2 children to share. Extra person charge of 80 Euros per night for the third adult.

- 2 Bedroom Suite option. Extra person charge of 80 Euros per night for the third adult.

Accommodation for 2 adults and 3 children:

- 2 Rooms for Families option which has 2 interconnecting Classic Deluxe rooms. If any of the children are older than 11, an additional 80 Euros will be applied to the rate per night, per adult.

- 2 Bedroom Suite option. Extra person charge of 80 Euros per night for any additional adult over the age of 11.

To view rates and availability, simply visit this website and enter your dates of travel!

Your Questions Answered: Two Bedroom Suite in Rome

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 would like to book a two bedroom suite in Rome with a balcony. Can you let us know what is available?

Answer: Hotel Splendide Royal Rome has a 2 bedroom suite located on the top floor with a large terrace overlooking Rome available starting from 1950 Euros per night. I was not able to find any two bedroom options with a balcony. To make a reservation for this room type, simply visit this website, enter your dates of travel, select the room type, and fill in the booking form. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Banyan Tree Seychelles

We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

The Banyan Tree Seychelles is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for leisure facilities. This luxury hotel is nestled in the Intendance Bay, a 30 minute drive from the Mahe International Airport. This 60-villa resort provides visitors the option to choose where they stay since about half of the villas are on the beach while the other half are on the palm-forested slopes overlooking the sea. All of the villas feature private plunge pools, indoor baths, and verandahs. The Banyan Tree Seychelles is recognized for its extensive list of leisure facilities which include opportunities to play tennis, swim in the infinity pool, fine dine at 4 restaurants on site, go fishing, diving, island hopping, and more!

Explore photos, availability, and rates here >>

Sneak Away to Santa Barbara

Considering a trip out West, but not sure that Los Angeles is for you? Consider Santa Barbara.

Located just 90 miles from Los Angeles, it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Tinseltown. Dubbed “The American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It was the focus of an eponymously named 80s soap opera, and is renowned for its Spanish revival architecture, dozens of nearby wineries, terrific shopping, and annual cultural events. While there’s a plethora of luxury hotels to choose from in this quaint seaside town, here’s a few we really like:

San Ysidro Ranch is located just south of Santa Barbara in the exclusive enclave of Montecito on over 500 rolling acres ofunspoiled coastal landscape in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. It is considered to be one of the most romantic hideaways in the world. Forty individually decorated private cottages, suites and ranch rooms wind along San Ysidro's hillside creek- and tree-lined paths.

If being downtown is more your style, consider Canary Hotel. Located in the city center, Canary Hotel is the only luxury boutique hotel located in historic downtown. It is within walking distance for shopping at the luxury retailers, hip boutiques and offers easy access to some of the finest wineries in Santa Barbara. The Canary Hotel offers visitors the beauty of the American Riviera with a little bit of urban flair.

Inn of the Spanish Garden offers a sophisticated Spanish-Mediterranean inspired design, quality amenities and close attention to personal service. Located among the City's historic sites in its oldest neighborhood, it is just steps from fine shops, museums, theaters, corporate offices and downtown dining. This Travel + Leisure Award-winner has 23 spacious, non-smoking guestrooms and suites.

Simpson House Inn has the proud distinction of being ranked as the only five diamond bed and breakfast in North America. Nestled on an acre of English gardens and features 15 guest rooms, suites and cottages housed in an historic Victorian estate. Minutes away from the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the historic sites of Santa Barbara, Simpson House Inn is set off the tree-lined road and is surrounded by our famed garden.
 

Check out the rest of best luxury properties in Santa Barbara!