Kids Rock at the Sunset Marquis

The Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas is a private, Mediterranean-style, all-suite luxury hotel located in West Hollywood. It provides guests with luxurious accommodations and an opportunity to escape the craziness of LA and enjoy its five acres of lush gardens, ponds, waterfalls, brick paths, and tropical foliage. Accommodations range from 100 junior and 1 bedroom suites to 52 detached, private villas with private patios. Along with its bar, restaurant, spa, 2 pool areas, and private cabanas, the Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas also goes above and beyond for its young travelers. Upon arrival, kids receive a black or pink backpack with a nametag attached. Inside it there’s a ‘Kids Rock’ pink or black t-shirt, crayons, a Sunset Marquis passport for coloring, a Hollywood themed mad lib, and a scavenger hunt on the property. Whether you’re a rock star looking for an escape or a family looking for an adventurous vacation, the Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas certainly has something to offer you!

James Royal Palm To Open Fall 2012

When the James Royal Palm introduces itself at cocktail parties, I imagine it sidles up coolly, shaken martini in hand. "Palm, James Palm," it says, and then promptly films a movie set in its own hotel. The James Royal Palm could very well be the set for the most British of secret agents, though he will have to wait until the fall of this year to park his Aston Martin when the hotel opens to much fanfare. Miami beach is the perfect setting for the kind of adventure in high society that Bond inevitably finds himself in although, despite having Royal in the name, there's no casino at the James Royal Palm. You will find everything else there, from two swimming pools with a poolside bar to a full-service spa and gym. The James Royal Palm reimagines the original Royal Palm Hotel, paying tribute by preserving some of the original architecture, including the lobby compass rose and green glass front desk. Lil' James, who is releasing his debut rap album this year (not really), provides great children's amenities for the younger folks in your party. Reservations are currently available starting in the fall at the James' own website, and keep an eye for them on Five Star Alliance soon.

Photo via WSJ/Rottet Studio

Impawsibly Luxurious: The Resort at Paws Up

If there was ever a hotel name that invited a pun, it's the Resort at Paws Up, and I'd like to pay proper tribute to that. Maybe your life has gotten a little hectic recently; things are moving a little too quickly, and it feels like everything is getting away from you. What you need is to take a step back and abandon the rat race; take a pause from your normal life. Or maybe you have a bunch of friends, and you're looking for a getaway to the Montana wilderness. Well, the Resort at Paws Up has room for your whole paws-e. Really, the pawsibilities are endless. Whew. That was exhausting. And I've even avoided making any pet jokes...

Now that we've gotten that out of our systems, we can move on to the business of describing exactly what makes the Resort at Paws Up unique besides the name. A lot of resort promise a wilderness experience, but you're really just two miles out of town and their wild forest is a five acre manicured lawn. Well, Montana is literally derived from the Spanish word for mountainous country, and the state animal is the grizzly bear. The wilderness in Montana doesn't mess around, and neither does Paws Up. The property has a number of different cabins avaiable from the meadow to the mountainside, and there's even an outdoor tent city if you want to really rough it. All this makes it sound like I'm describing something very different from the classic luxury resort, but don't let me fool you. The Resort at Paws Up constantly has luxury in mind; it just recognizes that even those who enjoy their five star dining and top-notch spa facility have come for the outdoors as much as the high thread count. In fact, I would argue that there's nothing lost on the luxury experience, but the surroundings are more real, highlighting the local freshness of cuisine homemade from local flora and fauna, like their unbelievable huckleberry toast. If you want your luxury to come with wilderness, or your wilderness to come with luxury, look no further than the Resort at Paws Up, where you'll get the best of both worlds.  

Hotels with a History: The Betsy Hotel

Certain hotels have a story behind them, a culture that seeps through the walls and a personality that emanates from every room. Every city has an appreciated and valued history worth exploring, and certain hotels have become a part of that rich and interesting past. For this reason, we’d like to introduce you to our blog series, Hotels with a History where we’ll be featuring unique hotels that have a little more to them than a comfortable bed and superb amenities.

Opened in South Beach in 1942, the Betsy Rose Hotel stood out from the traditional style of architecture with its Florida Georgian façade in an Art Deco dominated neighborhood. This luxury hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2009 while maintaining its original design and timeless style. This boutique hotel has 63 private, beachside rooms and suites equipped with the latest technology. The Betsy Hotel offers its guests ample opportunities to relax on the white sandy beaches, play a round of golf, partake in water sports, and much more!  The Betsy Hotel has also gone green and is committed to making eco-friendly decisions without sacrificing luxury, ensuring that its guests get the most out of their stay while keeping the environment in mind. Be sure to check out this historic and beautiful luxury hotel for your next trip down to South Beach!

A Boutique Critique: Inn at the Presidio

I have a special place in my heart for tiny boutique hotels. It may be a little smaller than some of the other chambers, and there aren't enough spots for everybody, but that just makes the few who do make their way into my good graces all the more special. I can give each and every one the loving care and attention they deserve. And thus began my new segment on boutique hotels that I just adore.

I have been spotlighting a lot of cutting edge designer hotels lately. There is another side of boutique hotel with a perfectly American flavor that is not represented in this group. The small boutique hotel can also be a down-home experience that mimics the classical elegance of the old-school inn and upscale roadhouse. The Inn at the Presidio is just that, a 22-room house that gives the impression that San Francisco was built around it, though that is not to say that it appears in any way dated. In fact, given that description, you would never expect that the Inn at the Presidio is as freshly minted as they come, opening just in April of this year. 

The interior spaces are slick and well-crafted, bringing the American Inn into the 21st century. The Inn at the Presidio is what a classic inn would be if it were opened in 2012, rather than a preservation of antique furniture. Most importantly, the privileged position afforded the Inn, right by the waterfront, means that third floor rooms boast a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The one-bedroom suites that make up the bulk of the rooms offer a separate sitting area and gas fireplace alongside the standard bedroom. While the Inn at the Presidio certainly couldn't accommodate gold rush numbers, that only enhances its charm, and you would do well to give it a gander next time you're heading westward.

Your Luxury Summer Travel Guide: Incredible Hotel Pools All Over the World

Swimming, fishing, hiking, sun bathing, and kayaking are just a few of the various activities to partake in during the incoming summer months. We’ve combine luxury hotels with exciting activities to give you the ultimate summer luxury travel guide perfect for folks looking for an adventure, a weekend away, or just an opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful weather! Check in with us often for a few ideas on where the summer should take you!

Memorial Day Weekend starts tomorrow, and with that comes the opening and beginning of pool season! Certain luxury hotels have absolutely stunning pools perfect for catching some rays and relaxation, and a few of our favorites include the Setai in Miami Beach, the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and the Marina Bay Sands Singapore. The Setai is an intimate oceanfront resort in the heart of South Beach, Florida, and it has not 1, not 2, but 3 beautiful pools each set at a different temperature to accommodate the wide range of guests’ needs. The Bellagio in Las Vegas has 5 beautiful pools with massages available along the poolside, a pool bar, and beautiful statues and flowers surrounding the area. The Marina Bay Sands Singapore infinity pool is located in the Sands SkyPark, and it offers simply stunning views of the city that’s absolutely unparalleled. Be sure to check out these incredible pool options for a phenomenal and relaxing holiday!

Need more? Check out our top luxury hotel pool album on Facebook and board on Pinterest for even more ideas on where to make a splash next!

Image of the Setai

Deals and Steals at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa

We at Five Star Alliance know that our travelers are in search of luxurious accommodations at the best prices available, so we go above and beyond to find the best promotional packages and specials to ensure you get the most from your hotel experience. We’re thrilled to introduce our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels that offer you more than just room-only rates. Whether you’re traveling on business or pleasure, we certainly have something for you. Be sure to check in with us often to get the inside scoop on the best deals and packages available at luxury hotels all over the world!

If you're looking for a getaway near Palm Springs at a wonderful luxury resort, look no further than the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa. Not only is the 240-acre resort a great retreat for families and couples alike, everything you need is within an arm's length. Simply stretch out, and you'll find a drink or a pool towel, whatever you'd like, at your fingertips. To celebrate the summer season, Rancho Las Palmas has a number of great deals and packages available.

Get the Summer Experience for a rate that offers a $50 food and beverage credit and the summer package with more than $500 of different deals available around the resort, from a discount on your restaurant bill or golf rental to a spa happy hour.

Enjoy the Taste of Rancho which includes a $100 dining credit towards a beautiful four-course meal with executive Chef Sean O'Connell (no, not Connery, fortunately)

Play an unlimited day of golf with the Unlimited Golf for Two package that includes one day of unlimited play on the 27-hole, Ted-Robinson-designed course. A great value for the golf enthusiast.

Simply check for rates and availability at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa to see the packages available for your stay!

A Boutique Critique: Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa

I have a special place in my heart for tiny boutique hotels. It may be a little smaller than some of the other chambers, and there aren't enough spots for everybody, but that just makes the few who do make their way into my good graces all the more special. I can give each and every one the loving care and attention they deserve. And thus began my new segment on boutique hotels that I just adore.

If there is such a thing as an icon for boutique hotels, a type that prides itself on diversity and individuality, the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa could be regarded as it. It may tend towards a little bit larger and a little bit more standard in its service and amenities than some of the more outlandish design hotels, but in its solidity lies its strength. Sedona Rouge does everything that a boutique hotel should, and it does it very well. The specialty of the hotel is, of course, its spa, which is a destination in and of itself. Customizable treatment and ample facilities mean you can always find what you're looking for, and a few things that you weren't. Enjoy the outdoor seating at Reds Restaurant in their cozy bamboo garden, and when you're done, you can soak in their heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. Sedona Rouge brings the Mediterranean to the Southwest, transplanting the European hotel spa culture to the breathtaking landscape of Arizona's mountainous desert regions. 

Your Luxury Summer Travel Guide: Wine Tasting at the Auberge Du Soleil

Swimming, fishing, hiking, sun bathing, and kayaking are just a few of the various activities to partake in during the incoming summer months. We’ve combined luxury hotels with exciting activities to give you the ultimate summer luxury travel guide perfect for folks looking for an adventure, a weekend away, or just an opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful weather! Check in with us often for a few ideas on where the summer should take you!

Our featured activity today is wine-tasting, and we can’t think of a better place in the United States to swirl, sip, and spit than Napa Valley, California. The Auberge du Soleil is one of northern California’s most revered dining establishments, and its located on a hillside with fantastic views of Napa Valley. Its 52 luxury rooms feature Mediterranean inspired décor and private outdoor terraces for relaxing and dining. The restaurant at the Auberge du Soleil features delectable dishes perfectly paired with wines in ways that delight and inspire even the greatest of food connoisseurs. And with over 120 wineries open to the public in Napa Valley and a concierge to assist with planning your itinerary, the Auberge du Soleil is the perfect luxury hotel for a food and wine-filled summer weekend!

Curious what other luxury hotels await you? Check out the other phenomenal options in Napa Valley here!

Hotels with an Incredible View! Boston, Massachusetts

We understand that an incredible view is of utmost importance to luxury travelers. After a day of exploring a new city, there’s nothing more enjoyable then returning to your luxurious accommodations and taking in the miraculous view before calling it a day. For others, there simply is no time to enjoy everything a city has to offer, and the only exploration one has time for is to take in the view from the hotel. We’d like to introduce you to our new blog series, which will be featuring incredible hotels with incredible views! Whatever your travel reasons or however much time you have to enjoy your trip, we hope you leave thinking wow what a view!

Our feature is the Boston Harbor Hotel which is situated on one of the nation’s oldest wharfs in Boston, Massachusetts. Its unique combination of history, culture, location, and service has quickly made this hotel a Boston landmark. The Boston Harbor Hotel has been listed as ‘One of the Best Places to Stay’ by the Conde Nast Traveler, and its award winning restaurants, shopping opportunities, spa, and fitness center all contribute to its high level of luxury and comfort. What sets the Boston Harbor Hotel apart is its phenomenal views of the beautiful city and harbor, making it easy to stay in for the entirety of your stay and call it an escape!

Be sure to keep up with our blog series to discover various luxury hotels all over the world with the best views!