The New Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Set to Open in 2014.

I go to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida quite often. As a seasoned traveler and travel writer, many people ask me why I would even bother visiting a place that many feel is... less challenging. It's a good question, I always say, and it is true that trekking across East Africa while trying to remember how to negotiate a bus fare in Swahili makes for a good adventure and an even better story. Nonetheless, sometimes I don't want to work when I travel, rather I prefer the ease of a place that takes that burdenaway, and just let's me relax and enjoy. That place, often as not, is Walt Disney World.

Yet while Disney offers a fine selection of on-site hotels to choose from, the latest announcement got me all in a tizzy. Amazingly, a world-renowned luxury hotel brand was given permission to open up its own property among the Mouse House's best, and just steps away from the theme parks. Ladies and gentelmen, I present to you: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World!!!

No, that is not a mistake! The one and only Four Seasons brand is bringing their unique luxury to Walt Disney World, allowing my perfect, relaxing stays to get that much better. Not only will I have the wonder of Disney Magic, but also the luxuriousness of the Four Seasons. Opening in 2014, the new property will be spacious at 444 rooms, with all the amenities like golfing, spas, and fine dining that they're known for. Plus, being on-site at Disney World allows easy access to all four theme parks and Downtown Disney with the comfort and speed of Disney's transportation network. Oh yeah, and if that isn't enough, you get to stay late in Disney parks as part of the on-site Extra Magic Hours privileges! Of course, with the plush Four Seasons rooms to come home to, coming back for a nap just got a little more inviting.

So look for the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World as it opens in 2014. Be sure to book ahead, as the place will certainly fill up fast. And look for me when you get there. I'll probably be relaxing by the pool, daydreaming about that bumpy ride on potholed roads in Tanzania, and darn glad that I'm somewhere a little less challenging.

The New Four Seasons Resort Disney World will include:

• Several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with Magic Kingdom views
• 14,000 square foot (1,300 square metre) spa with 18 treatment rooms and fitness center
• Three pools and a “lazy river”
• Sports facilities including tennis courts, basketball court and climbing wall
• Two recreational centres for children, teens and families
• Approximately 37,750 square feet (3,500 square metres) of meeting and event space plus a business centre.

From the Four Seasons press release: "The development will encompass the existing Tom Fazio-designed Osprey Ridge 18-hole championship golf course, which will be renovated and subsequently managed by Four Seasons. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is an enclave located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney."

New Hotel Openings in 2012: Kimpton Hotels

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants plans to open 3 new luxury boutique hotels during 2012. Located in distinctly different markets, they include a new Hotel Palomar, Hotel Monaco and a renovated Hotel La Jolla. 

The Hotel Palomar Phoenix, AZ was originally planned to open in 2010, but with building delays the newest timeline shows a 2012 opening in the downtown Phoenix area's new mixed-use development CityScape. The 250-room luxury boutique hotel will anchor one end of CityScape in a 34-story tower including office space and a retail plaza.

Construction on The Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, PA began in spring 2011 to convert the 11-story Lafayette Building across from the Liberty Bell into the 271-room, four-star hotel. Built in 1906, the Lafayette office building is located directly across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and projected to open in Q3 2012. According to the press release, Hotel Monaco Philadelphia will feature a "chef-driven, 120-seat restaurant and bar and approximately 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 3,200 square foot ballroom located on the ground floor with windows facing Independence Square. In addition, it will feature Philadelphia's largest rooftop bar. The hotel's 271 guestrooms will include 23 suites and 25 King Spa rooms." (Lafayette Building photo to the right courtesy of author MrFox at NakedPhilly.com.)

The Hotel La Jolla in La Jolla, California just outside San Diego is a recently renovated 110-room property boasting the only view of its kind in the area. Reopening in Spring/Summer 2012 as a Kimpton property, Hotel La Jolla offers panoramic ocean views and is within a short stroll of the beautiful beaches of La Jolla Shores. According to Kimpton the "11-story property will feature a newly created lobby and reimagined top floor restaurant by Gulla Jonsdottir of Los Angeles based G+ Design. The top floor will also include dynamic, convertible event space that can accommodate up to 100 for parties of any style. The garden level will be transformed into an outdoor lounge area featuring an inviting, family friendly pool scene by day and enticing lounge space by night complete with fire pits and outdoor bar. This retreat just off the beaten path of the shopping district of La Jolla Village is a place where even being at work can feel like a vacation." (Pictured at right is a current photo of Hotel La Jolla.)

We'll update you with more information as construction progresses.

New Hotel Openings in 2012: The Capella Georgetown

Capella Hotels & Resorts recently announced plans to convert a former five-story office building into The Capella Georgetown alongside the historic C&O Canal and cobblestone sidewalks of Georgetown, in the capital city of Washington, D.C.. Soon to begin construction, the property is slated to be opened in December 2012 at 1050 31st Street, NW.

The Capella Georgetown will feature 48 guest rooms and suites, an elegant restaurant and lounge, featuring seasonal dining overlooking the Canal, highlights amenities that include an executive boardroom, a rooftop pool and bar and exclusive spa. The hotel's premier location will offer dramatic views of the city's iconic landmarks.

According to the press release: "The Capella Georgetown interiors are being designed by renowned interiors architect Peter Silling & Associates and will include an intimate signature restaurant & bar with outdoor seating along the historic C&O Canal, a modern and elegant private rooftop lounge, a rooftop indoor-outdoor pool overlooking the Potomac River and several Washington landmarks, a guest only spa and fitness center, the pre-arrival services of personal assistants, luxury car service, 24 hr room service and unique wine cellar for private dining."

We'll update you with more information as construction progresses.

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #2 The Don CeSar Beach Resort

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #2 spot we have the Don Cesar Beach Resort, a beach front resort located on the island of St. Pete Beach, on the Gulf of Mexico.

Quick (or in this case, not so quick) facts about The Don CeSar:

- Known as Florida's Legendary Pink Palace since 1928, the owner named it after Don Caesar DeBazan, the hero of William Vincent Wallace's opera Maritana. 

- The hotel quickly became a favorite romping ground for the rich and famous of the Jazz Age including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Clarence Darrow, Al Capone, Lou Gehrig, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Pink Palace continued to attract the rich and famous throughout the Great Depression, thanks in part to a deal made with New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert to house his team during spring training for three years.

- After the sudden death of Rowe without a will, "The Don" was left to his estranged wife and began to fall into desrepair until the United States entered into World War II and the hotel was bought out by the Army for $450,000. It was converted into a military hospital and reopened in December 1942. In February 1944 the Don Ce-Sar became a U.S. Air Force convalescent center. In June 1945 it was ordered closed and was vacant by September. It was converted into a Veterans Administration Regional Office by the end of 1945.

- In November 1967 the Veterans Administration began moving out of the Don Ce-Sar. By spring 1969, the once grand hotel was vacant. The General Services Administration planned to raze the graffiti-covered hotel, but this was met with fierce opposition from local residents. In March 1972 the Don Ce-Sar was sold to Holiday Inn. The Don CeSar (now spelled without the hyphen) reopened on November 23, 1973. Multiple renovations from 1985 to 2001 have updated and added on to the hotel, including a 4,000-square-foot (370 m2) spa, a signature restaurant, and a second outdoor swimming pool. After the addition of the full-service beach club and spa, the official name of the hotel was changed to The Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa.

- References in popular culture include: The Don Cesar is featured in a full-color two-page spread in a 1982 issue of National Geographic. Parts of the 1984 crime film Once Upon a Time in America are filmed at the Don Cesar. Comedian Ron White talks about his stay at the Don Cesar in the movie Blue Collar Comedy Tour: One for the Road. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers filmed a music video at the Don Cesar in 1985. Robert Altman's film Health was largely filmed in the hotel.

- The second, fifth and sixth floors of the hotel are said to be haunted by the ghost of Thomas Rowe. His apparition has been spotted overseeing the daily operations in the hotel, smiling at incoming guests and then disappearing, and walking along the beach front, dressed in a white suit. You can read more here >>

- Lowes Loves Kids and Loews Loves Teens programs offering unique and extensive services dedicated to the principle: "the family that stays together plays together".

- Lowes Loves Pets program featuring: Gourmet room service menus for cats and dogs, prepared by an award-winning Master Chef. Creature comforts like specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes (and litter), pooper scoopers and more. Tail-wagging amenities such as dog-walking routes, pet placemats, water bowls, treats, doggie poop bags and more. Purr-fect indulgences like rawhide bones, catnip and scratch poles. Pet-walking and pet-sitting services. Dog massages by a professional canine massage therapist, who works closely with you in the comfort of your room to design personalized treatment for your special "family member."

- The Don CeSar was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and became a founding member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America in 1989.

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at The Don CeSar Beach Resort >>

Be sure to keep up with our countdown! In case you missed it, here are our previously featured hotels:

#20 – The St. Regis Resort Aspen  
#19 – The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore  
#18 – The Peninsula Chicago  
#17 - The Tower Club at Lebua  
#16 - Auberge du Soleil  
#15 - The Mount Nelson Hotel  
#14 - The One and Only Maldives at Reethi Rah  
#13 - The Hotel de Crillon  
#12 - Peninsula Hong Kong  
#11 - Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi  
#10 - Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona 
#9 - Jumeirah Essex House
#8 - Atlantis the Palm Dubai
#7 - Hotel Le St. James  
#6 - Half Moon, a Rock Resort
#5 - Charleston Place
#4 - King George Palace
#3 - La Tremoille

Check-in tomorrow to find out which hotel got the coveted #1 spot in our countdown.

The Top 20 Hotels in 2011: #5 Charleston Place

In the final days of 2011, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as decided by our guests.

In the #5 spot we have Charleston Place, located in the heart of Charleston's historic downtown.

Quick facts about Charleston Place:

- Club room occupy the two 2 floors of the hotel and offer private concierge services and enhanced amenities, food and services.

- Located on the 7th and 8th floor, on the private Club Level, the Presidential Suites measure approximately 1,200 square feet and offers a 6 person dining table walk-in closet and dressing area, integrated sound system throughout, butlers pantry and huge bathroom with separate shower and soaking tub.

- Charleston Place originally opened as an Omni Hotel on September 2nd, 1986 before becoming an Orient-Express Hotel in 1995.

- The horizon-edged saltwater mineral swimming pool is heated to allow year-round enjoyment. When the South Carolina weather allows, the glass roof retracts for fresh-air “outdoor” sunbathing in indoor comfort.

- Guests have included Prince Charles, members of Fortune 500 companies, Governors and prime ministers from around the world. Even visiting celebs such as Mel Gibson, Ted Turner, Bruce Willis, Jessica Lange, Barbra Streisand, Melanie Griffith, Richard Gere, Jeff Bridges, Julia Roberts and many more prefer to stay here instead of at one of the more intimate B&Bs you find in Charleston.

- The Spa menu includes treatments for children ruch as the Lollipop Manicure & Pedicure, The Cinderella 25-minute facial, Boys About Face 25-minute facial and the Fit Kids fun program for 3-5 year olds that combines engaging games and exercises designed to help develop motor skills.

View photos, learn more about the hotel, and check availability at Charleston Place >>

Be sure to keep up with our countdown! In case you missed it, here are our previously featured hotels:

#20 – The St. Regis Resort Aspen  
#19 – The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore  
#18 – The Peninsula Chicago  
#17 - The Tower Club at Lebua  
#16 - Auberge du Soleil  
#15 - The Mount Nelson Hotel  
#14 - The One and Only Maldives at Reethi Rah  
#13 - The Hotel de Crillon  
#12 - Peninsula Hong Kong  
#11 - Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi  
#10 - Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona 
#9 - Jumeirah Essex House
#8 - Atlantis the Palm Dubai
#7 - Hotel Le St. James  
#6 - Half Moon, a Rock Resort

Hail Caesars! The New Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Earlier this fall, Caesars Palace began accepting reservations for its newest Las Vegas property, the luxurious Octavius Tower set to open on January 2, 2012. The tower features 668 rooms, 60 suites and 6 luxury villas. The resort's sixth tower will offer a unique luxurious resort experience with a private entrance, separate hotel lobby and direct access to the Garden of the Gods pool oasis and gardens. 

From the press release: Guest rooms start at 550 square-feet, and offer a modern, luxurious decor incorporating earthy shades of browns, grays, taupes and beiges, offset with pops of green and splashes of deep red. Designed by Michael Medeiros of KNA Design, the rooms feature marble floors and stylish patterned carpets that complement dark wood furnishings and brushed chrome fixtures. King-sized beds with sleek headboards, plush pillow top mattresses and luxurious Anichini linens provide ultimate comfort, while living areas create an inviting ambiance with plush velvet sofas, contemporary chairs and chic stone tables. Dark wood desks with granite overlays offer an ample workspace with custom cabinetry containing a premium mini bar. Accommodations include framed 42-inch flat panel, high-definition television screens, convenient media hubs with multiple outlets for easy connectivity, and bedside docking stations with iPod capabilities.

"The Octavius Tower is going to be a unique, luxurious experience," said D'Anna Malbrough, senior manager of partner marketing, Caesars Entertainment. "It has its own private entrance, a separate lobby, and will have the most direct access to the Garden of the Gods pool oasis. The rooms are all 550 square feet with all upgraded amenities. It is our sixth hotel tower, so we’re going to hit just under 4,000 rooms."

This marks the first step in Caesars' efforts to modernize its presence on the Las Vegas Strip. "Compared to the Augustus Tower, Octavius is a more boutique experience," said Malbrough. "You can be in a massive hotel but not feel like it."

High-tech amenities will also appeal to younger, more tech-savvy travelers.  

"With the iPad and iPod Touch, you'll be able to do things like order room service or even check out of your room," said Malbrough. "We're also opening the first Nobu hotel next year, which is a very exciting project that will complement and enhance the Octavius Tower."

Also In Time for the Holidays:

The Venetian Las Vegas and Cantor Gaming have opened the new race and sports book at The Venetian after the completion of a three-month multimillion dollar refurbishment project. It is equipped with the world's largest high-definition 4mm black video screens dedicated to multiple sports games and races.

A New Year's Eve gala will celebrate the grand opening of Hyde Bellagio, a new luxury lounge and nightclub at Bellagio. This spectacular 10,000-square-foot, indoor/outdoor venue is the first nightlife venture in Las Vegas by the award-winning SBE Entertainment Group.

This article was originally written for our sister publication: Travel Agent Central

Champagne and Chocolate: The Madison Washington DC Offers Romantic Getaway

The Madison Washington DC is offering a romantic getaway escape that's perfect for enjoying the capital's sophisticated dining and historic landmarks with that special someone. Whether you want to explore the sights of D.C. or spend an intimate evening rekindling the flame, The Madison is prepared to accommodate your every wish. Clichés exist for a reason, and the Madison realizes that they come together to make the recipe for a perfect evening. What could be more indulgent than beginning your romantic stay with a bottle of champagne and some heavenly strawberries smothered in the finest chocolate? It may be a feature of every romantic dinner scene in the last ten years, but who wouldn’t want the movie-star treatment?

And after a long night, nothing says relaxing like waking up to a fresh and delicious breakfast, right at the foot of your bed.  The Madison is prepared to make your romantic getaway as relaxing or adventurous as you like.  Don’t move an inch except to don your bathrobe and wander down to the 24-hour Spa, or put on your traveling boots and head out to explore the history of a nation.  And regardless of whether you’re stretching your legs for the first time or winding down from an exciting day, there’s no better cap to a wonderful evening than a stroll through a gorgeous twilight cityscape – complimentary, of course. 

The package includes

• Two night stay in a guest room, with complimentary upgrade to a suite based on availability 
• Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on arrival
• Breakfast in bed each morning
• An unforgettable experience in one of the most storied, and historic, cities in America

Easter in Miami at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort

Easter's right around the corner (April 24)... Do you know yet where you're chasing the Easter bunny? Hop over to the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort, a 300-acre haven of tropical fun north of Miami beach, and get in on the festivities. You'll be tickled pink by the (eggs-traordinary) Easter brunch at Cascata Grille, and the kids will get eggs-cited over the Easter egg hunt on the resort's Laguna Lawn, where there will be arts & crafts, goodies, and a chef's hat awaiting. Brunch sounds lavish: an interactive station to make eggs any-style, French toast and pancakes; a carving station; and specialties from the resort’s award-winning culinary team. Brunch seatings are available between noon and 3 p.m., with the egg hunt taking place at 1 p.m. $50 per adult and $25 per child, includes kids’ egg hunt, and reservations are required.

Top 10 Beach Resorts in the World

We admit it. We're suckers for a good Top 10 List. (And who isn't?) So when the Toronto Sun recently published their list of the "World's Top Beachfront Hotels," we ate it up. They single out the following:

• Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California;
• Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
• Anastasis Apartments in Santorini, Greece;
• Baboona Beachfront Living in Pattaya, Thailand;
• Half Moon in Rose Hall, Jamaica;
• Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy;
• The Ritz Carlton in Cancun, Mexico;
• Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, B.C;
• Gansevoort Miami Beach in Florida;
• and Halekulani in Honolulu, Hawaii (pictured at left).

But where's Peter Island? And those swanky resorts in the Maldives? Or the celeb-mobbed hot spots on St. Barths?

Get Ready, Miami: The James Royal Palm Hotel is Coming to Town

Did you hear the news? We can barely contain our excitement: The James Hotels brand is moving to Miami! Word on the street is that the Royal Palm Hotel was bought up last month and will be renovated to a tune of $42 million to become the James Royal Palm. This Miami pad will join the 297-room James hotel in Chicago and the 114-room James that opened last year in NYC. (Pssst. You could win a FREE 3-night stay at The James New York if you enter our Giveaway Contest!) No word yet on the opening date, but to echo what HotelChatter says, "Since we're huge fans of both the James Chicago and the James New York, we're excited to see what they bring to Miami. But we hope their staples of peekaboo bathrooms, carefully cultivated art and of course free WiFi remain."

Image via The Wall Street Journal