Updates are Underway at the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta

The Mansion on Peachtree is now the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta, and this luxurious new Mandarin property has a number of updates and improvements up its sleeve. The spa at Mandarin Oriental has updated its treatment menu and it now includes an Oriental Essence massage, a Peaches and Cream treatment, and a Red Clay Scalp massage. The hotel also plans to infuse an Asian touch by offering a foot ritual treatment as well as offering its spa guests various nibbles of Asian-style foods. The rooms and suites offer guests the most spacious luxury accommodations in the city, and the higher floors have incredible views over Atlanta’s tree-lined streets. Enjoy the perfect mix of Southern hospitality and oriental charm by making your reservations at this new Mandarin Oriental property in Atlanta!

Your Questions Answered: Best Room Type at Barton Creek Resort and Spa for Family of 4

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 traveling to Austin, Texas and hoping to stay at the Barton Creek Resort and Spa. We’re traveling with 2 kids ages 12 and 14; what would be a good room option for the 4 of us?

Answer: The Barton Creek Resort and Spa has a ‘Stunning hill country or golf course view room with a king size bed and a pull out bed.’ The pull out bed is slightly smaller than a queen size bed so it would be recommended to get an additional rollaway bed added to the room for a $35 one-time fee. To view full nightly breakdowns and to make your reservations, simply click on the hotel name link, enter your dates of travel, and select a specific room type. Please be sure to fill in the special request field stating that you'll be traveling with two kids ages 12 and 14 and that you’d like to have a rollaway bed added to the room.

Please be advised that the rates and availability are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

New Luxury Hotels Opening: A Thompson Hotel in Chicago

We at Five Star Alliance are all about the best and most luxurious hotels. We certainly keep up with the happenings in the luxury travel world and take pride in bringing our clients the latest luxury travel news. Keep up with our blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels opening to stay on top of the trends and make your reservations at the newest hotspots.

Chicago is quickly becoming a thriving hotspot for new hotels to pop up, and it seems like the trend will continue for the foreseeable future. The Chicago Athletic Association will be converted into a 240-room hotel in 2014, and it’s certainly the perfect building for a boutique luxury hotel. The historic building used to serve as a hangout spot for affluent Chicago bachelors in the 1990s. According to the Chicago Tribune, it was a spot where “one could exercise, enjoy a fine meal in a beautiful setting, and then retire to a comfortable room for the evening, all under one roof." Sounds to us like it already has a few of the key qualities of a luxury hotel, and we can’t wait to see how this repurposing develops! Hoping to visit Chicago a bit earlier? Check out the other luxury hotels in the area here!

The Hazelton Hotel Goes Above and Beyond for its Guests

The Hazelton Hotel Toronto sets a new standard in style, detail, and service. The stunningly dramatic interiors designed by YabuPushelberg make the Hazelton Hotel a cultural destination in the lively city of Toronto. With its original mix of beautiful rooms, an incredible art collection, and a private screening room, this luxury hotel certainly offers its guests more than just a place to crash. Its extensive art collection, as with all art, raises a few questions amongst the guests, so the Hazelton Hotel, keeping true to its exceptional service, hired an Art Concierge to answer any questions regarding the art exhibits in the hotel as well as offer insight into the art dealers and galleries located in the area. Curious about the art displayed in your room? The Art Concierge can certainly answer those questions for you as well. What a wonderful way to allow guests to connect with their hotel! Be sure to check out the Hazelton Hotel Toronto and leave feeling very well rested and a little bit more art savvy!

Top Summertime Hotels for a Family Vacation

With school out for the summer, now is the perfect time to take that much-needed family vacation to reconnect with your kids and have some fun all together. While certain luxury hotels are not kid-friendly, it’s a misconception that traveling with kids means you have to give up luxury. Check out our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring a few of our favorite kid friendly luxury hotels perfect for a family getaway!

Today’s feature is the Four Seasons Chicago. Conveniently located on the Magnificent Mile near the shopping and dining areas, the Four Seasons Chicago is like a residential palace with eagle-eye views of the Windy City. According to familyvacationcritic.com, the Four Seasons Chicago goes above and beyond to make families feel welcome. Upon arrival, kids will find a stuffed animal, cow-shaped cookies, chocolate milk, a bucket of popcorn, books, and games in their room. The bathroom has a footstool to help kids reach the sink along with bubble bath soap, toys, and even plush kid-sized terry robes. These little touches and extra amenities will certainly make your kids feel welcome and right at home. The Four Seasons Chicago also has its very own ice cream man who can come to your room between 4 and 6pm with a cart of delicious ice cream with fun toppings. Looking for a few activities outside the hotel perfect for the whole family? The Four Seasons Chicago offers the following complimentary off site activities:

Cultural Center with mini-concerts

Grant Park

Lincoln Park Zoo

Museums (on selected free days)

Navy Pier

Oak Street Beach

Millennium Park

In-Depth Review: Four Seasons Chicago with Kids bit.ly/MhcUk2#FSFamily @FSChicago @FourSeasons

— Robert Dwyer (@RobertDwyer) July 11, 2012

Keep Your Windows Closed in Chicago to Steer Clear of Spiders!

Yes, you read that correctly. The high rise flying spiders’ annual migration takes place in the spring and summer, so Hilton Chicago is requesting that guests do not open their windows during the next few months. According to a memo sent out by Hilton, baby spiders release silk to create balloon-like contraptions which are then used to hitch rides on uplifting air current from the lake. In natural environments, these spiders live on rocks overhanging water, but in the city, these spiders have found their new home in tall buildings and high-rises. The last thing we want is tiny spiders crawling through our window, so be sure to keep those windows closed and that AC blasting to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay! Traveling to Chicago? With 36 luxury hotels, we certainly have you covered!

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: The James Royal Palm

We at Five Star Alliance are all about the best and most luxurious hotels. We certainly keep up with the happenings in the luxury travel world and take pride in bringing our clients the latest luxury travel news. Keep up with our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels opening in 2012 to stay on top of the trends and make your reservations at the newest hotspots.

The James Royal Palm is opening in the fall of 2012 and it is currently accepting reservations. Featured as one of Forbes Magazine’s “top 10 most anticipated openings of 2012,” this luxury hotel is an oceanfront beach retreat topping everyone’s must-visit lists. Located in the heart of South Beach, the James Royal Palm is perfectly situated in a vibrant and energetic setting. The hotel will feature two swimming pools and cabanas, a full service spa with salt-infused treatments, two dining options, a poolside bar, and Lil James offerings for kids. Just a few steps from Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, you will certainly have ample opportunities to wine, dine, shop, and unwind at this new luxury kid on the block, the James Royal Palm!

It's Business Time: The Conrad Best Business Hotel Chicago

There's a very interesting split in the travel industry between business and leisure travelers. And if you're one of the business types, you know well that you're on the road constantly and the things that matter to you, travel convenience, efficiency, and connectivity, are almost the opposite of what a leisure traveler might want. If the word 'secluded' ever appeared in a hotel description, you'd cross it off the list immediately. So I'm here to use some adjectives you might appreciate hearing in describing some of the world's best business hotels. Today? Chicago.

There's a clear desination for business travelers to Chicago, and that's the Magnificent Mile. Right in the heart of the prestigious McGraw-Hill building, the Conrad Chicago gives you easy access to the city's financial district and just about anywhere else you might have a meeting.  A 2,000 sq ft fitness center keeps you in shape while you're on the go, and its business center is naturally open 24 hours with full executive services.  12,000 sq ft of executive meeting space means no matter how many people you're hosting for that important meeting, you'll be sure to have the perfect arrangement, looking as sharp and professional as you would in your own office.  The rooms are high-tech and connected, so you'll never feel out of touch if you don't want to be.  And when you're done for the day you can relax with a soak and massage at their health club and spa or with a drink at the Rendez-Vous Bar and Lounge.  The Conrad Chicago is definitely on our list of best business hotels.

Inn at Harbour Town is a Hotspot for Eco-Tours

Ecotourism has been growing in popularity with more and more luxury travelers searching for hotels that support conservation efforts and encourage socially responsible travel. Taking advantage of natural activities is a positive way to relax, unwind, and recharge your batteries while remaining active. Prepare for an exciting adventure and get ready for countless beautiful photo opportunities and a few fun facts learned along the way!

The Inn at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, South Carolina is a charming and intimate European style hotel that has 605 acres of forest preserve for exploration. Hop on a hard-bottom inflatable boat for a guided tour through Calibogue Sound. Get ready to see shore birds, sea turtles, and bottom nose dolphins, and be sure to hop off at an island beach to find beautiful shells. If you’re hoping for something a little slower paced, check out the Alligator Wine and Cheese tour. Sail away on a sunset cruise on the freshwater lakes and discover native plants and animals while sipping on complimentary wine and nibbling on complimentary cheese. Whether you’re looking for exploration, relaxation, or a little bit of both, the Inn at Harbour Town has abundant ecotourism opportunities for a range of interests.

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: SLS Hotel South Beach

We at Five Star Alliance are all about the best and most luxurious hotels. We certainly keep up with the happenings in the luxury travel world and take pride in bringing our clients the latest luxury travel news. Keep up with our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels opening in 2012 to stay on top of the trends and make your reservations at the newest hotspots.

The SLS Hotel South Beach opened on June 14th, 2012, and this new and swanky luxury hotel is located on the beach in the heart of South Beach, Florida. A few key highlights worth exploring are the hotel’s day club and nightclub, Hyde Lounge, located on Hyde Beach as well as The Bazaar, a world-renowned restaurant by James Beard and award winning chef Jose Andres. Hyde Lounge features 8,000 square feet of pool, beach, and a mix of indoor and outdoor space. Along with its incredible lounge and restaurant, the SLS South Beach has a Philippe Stark designed Salon offering the finest pampering options for the body and soul. Be sure to check out this new hip and trendy luxury hotel for your next visit to South Beach!