Experience Capella: Breidenbacher Hof is the Place to Stay in Dusseldorf
May 13, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Long a city icon, the Breidenbacher Hof was the crown jewel of Düsseldorf for nearly two hundred years, playing host to royalty like Russian Czar Alexander II and Prince August of Prussia. Now Capella Hotels has breathed new life into this historic property, opening its doors in May 2008 as part of a new breed of luxury hotels, where check-in/check-out times are nonexistent, Internet access is free, facilities are downright luxurious, the Capella Living Room offers complimentary beverages and snacks, and Personal Assistant service is guaranteed for every guest. It's little wonder Capella is making waves as the luxury hotel model for the future. With a focus on the highest standards of service, the opulent 95-room hotel offers bespoke guest experiences, so it's possible to arrange for a personal shopper to hit the fashionable shops along Düsseldorf's grand boulevard, where shops will remain open after-hours for your amusement. During your stay, don't miss a La Mer Luxury Body Treatment at the Schnitzler Beauty Lounge at Breidenbacher Hof.
Discover London for Less at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel
May 5, 2009
By: Alison Victor
Situated in the exclusive village of Belgravia in Knightsbridge, one of London's most prestigious shopping districts, is the ultra luxurious Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel. Known for its elegant surroundings and personalized service, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is perfect for anyone visiting this bustling city: families and business travelers alike. Book now through July, and you can stay in their luxuriously appointed deluxe room, with complimentary Internet and continental breakfast daily for around 250 GBP.
Special offer from Five Star Alliance: Guests who make their reservations through Five Star Alliance for Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel will receive a Welcome Card from the General Manager, a Temple Spa Gift worth 35 British pounds and possible room upgrade on check-in if available.
By: Alison Victor
A Little Piece of Italian Dolce Vita in London at the Baglioni Hotel
April 16, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Cross the charms of an English residence with all the style of an Italian masterpiece and what do you get? The Baglioni Hotel in London would be a good bet: a 67-room luxury hotel directly across from Kensington Gardens in the heart of poshest London. Rooms ooze Italian style, and guests enjoy the use of a Maserati Quattroporte courtesy car, but the service-- personal butlers devoted to each floor of the hotel-- is utterly British. Another nice perk? Personal shopping service to make the most of nearby Harrods and Harvey Nicols as well as the famous shopping havens of Chelsea, Portobello Road Market, High Street Kensington, Oxford Street and Bond Street. Facilities include a spa, fitness center, and the Brunello Lounge & Restaurant, overlooking Kensington Gardens, where a multi-course tasting menu is highly recommended.
Celebrate April at the Westin Paris
April 14, 2009
By: K. Clare Johnson
There's still a few weeks left for celebrating April in Paris. One of the newest luxury hotel additions to the City of Lights is The Westin Paris. The hotel's stunning location overlooks the magnificent Tuileries Gardens and the Eiffel Tower-- just a few steps away from the Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, the renowned Place Vendome and the elegant shopping of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. You can even relax in a signature Heavenly Bed. The Westin Paris also offers Westin's Best Rate Guarantee, so you can be sure you are getting the best rate on your room. Bon Voyage!
By: K. Clare Johnson
Stay 4 Nights for the Price of 3 at Regent Bal Harbour
March 31, 2009
By: Alison Victor
Exclusive, stylish, and luxurious are three words that come to mind when you think of Bal Harbour, Florida. Just a short distance from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Bal Harbour is the fashion capital of South Florida. This mecca of upscale boutiques includes everything from Valentino to Armani. There is no better place to stay while there than The Regent Bal Harbour. After a long day of upscale shopping and people watching on palm tree-lined streets, you can easily walk to The Regent Bal Harbour or have the hotel pick you up in their private luxury car. Book now and you can enjoy four nights for the price of three, which will give you even more reason to shop til you drop.
By: Alison Victor
Your Chance to Go Green: The Westin Dublin
February 27, 2009
By: Alison Victor
March marks the annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day, and what better way to capture the spirit of the Irish then to plan a trip to Ireland? You won't find a more luxurious place to stay then The Westin Dublin, located in the heart of the city. The Westin Dublin, formerly the Allied Irish Bank, was recently renovated into a luxurious five star hotel. It sits across from the beautiful Trinity College, and is within walking distance to the Temple Bar District and Grafton Street. Each room and suite of The Westin Dublin comes equipped with a Heavenly Bed, which the hotel refers to as "10 layers of heaven." The bed has a custom-designed pillow mattress, plush down comforter, and 5 king and queen sized pillows. While staying at The Westin Dublin, don't forget to take advantage of the wonderful 24 hour concierge service. Use it to book an in-room spa treatment, or to plan a tour of the Guinness Factory, where you can enjoy a pint and breathtaking view of the city.
By: Alison Victor
Destination Istanbul: Conquer the Grand Bazaar with the Ceylan InterContinental’s Private Guide
February 26, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Straddling two continents, where the East meets West, Istanbul is one of the world's most exciting and cosmopolitan cities. When you book a stay at the Ceylan InterContinental, you'll enjoy not only top-notch facilities (health and fitness center, spa with Turkish hammam), but also insider experiences crafted by the knowledgeable concierge staff. Accommodations are downright lavish-- with stunning views over the Bosphorous-- and are appropriate for both business and leisure travelers.
The hotel's concierge can arrange a "Sights of Istanbul" tour, taking in the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, one of the city's most incredible landmarks. Lined with over 20,000 handmade ceramic blue tiles, Istanbul's Blue Mosque boasts 200 stained glass windows. You can also "Conquer the Grand Bazaar"-- the world's oldest and largest covered shopping area-- with a personal guide at your side to lead you through the maze of shops. A private driver will take you there in comfort.
Explore Insider’s Tuscany with the Exclusive Villa La Massa in Florence
February 25, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Leave it to the Villa La Massa-- the darling of celebrities, and sister property to the celebrated Villa d'Este on Lake Como-- to provide guests with exclusive access to the cultural riches of Tuscany, the living expression of the Italian Renaissance. Florence is one of the world's most coveted destinations (for good eats, the best shopping, and Michelangelo's David, need we say more?), and Villa La Masa arguably has the town's best accommodations. Just a stone's throw from Florence, nestled in the Tuscan countryside along the famed Arno River, Villa La Massa dates from the 16th century: a marvel of ancient frescoes, gorgeous art, and the most luxurious furnishings. It's a given that the Villa La Massa can hook you up with guided tours of the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia di Belle Arti, or shopping excursions to pick up the best handicrafts and fashion. But what's more: Villa La Massa can arrange private tours of the countryside so that guests can discover Tuscany's secrets, delighting in authentic cuisine and gaining access to Florentine Palaces. Tip: The hotel opens for the season on March 26, 2009.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Fashion Offerings
February 23, 2009
By: Mackenzie Allison
Although NYC's fashion week has come to a close, Four Seasons Hotel New York, in partnership with Four Seasons magazine, is launching Couture & Cocktails-- six post-fashion week showcase events featuring three top-designer labels. Every Thursday from February 19 to March 26, fashionistas can view collections by Michael Kors, Anne Fontaine or MaxMara in the Hotel's TY Lounge. Foodies take Note: Delectable items and cocktails reflective of each designer's homeland will be on the menu (think Jet Setter cocktail, Truffle Mac 'n Cheese, Champagne, canapés, Bellinis and tiramisu). Upon departure, guests will receive a special promotional offer at the designer's retail locations.
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The Plaza’s Shop-’til-u-Drop Package
February 17, 2009
By: Dave Eisen
The Plaza Hotel in New York was the fictional setting for Kay Thompson's Eloise character; now the hotel is reaching back into fiction with its "Shopaholic Weekend in New York" package, based on Sophie Kinsella's book, "Confessions of a Shopaholic," which has now been released as a film starring Isla Fisher.
Here's the low-down: With the package, guests receive one night in a Plaza room or suite; a private consultation at the jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane's boutique; complimentary skincare consultation and brow shaping at Plaza Beauty; dinner for two at the Oak Room; and drinks for two at the Rose Club. Luckily, the package will last longer than the film is in theatres, through the end of 2009. Rates begin at $795 per night.
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By: Dave Eisen



