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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER

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The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

| By: Rachael Weir

Featured Journeys: All-American Patriotic Road Trip

This edition of Featured Journeys: All-American Patriotic Road Trip takes us on a journey along the East Coast of the U.S.A. The journey begins in Boston to explore historic sites and iconic attractions, then it's on to New York City for the Statue of Liberty, Broadway Shows, and famous pizza. Next up, Philadelphia, home of the new Museum of the American Revolution and the Liberty Bell. The road trip wraps up in the capital city of Washington, D.C. Whether you choose to travel via car, rail, or air, this journey offers an itinerary filled with history and must-see attractions, along with top luxury hotel choices to start and end each day in pure comfort. 

Boston
New York City
Philadelphia
Washington, D.C.

Boston

One of the country's oldest cities, Boston is a walkable city known for history and seafood. Begin your trip with a walk along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, where you'll visit 16 iconic landmarks while walking along a red-lined trail. Explore museums, churches, meeting houses, and burying grounds with historical significance, including King's Chapel, Faneuil Hall, Old State House, Paul Revere House, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Bunker Hill Monument. While you're here, be sure to try some local seafood, perhaps at the city's oldest restaurant, Ye Old Union Oyster House, a National Historic Landmark. You'll also want to try a cup of clam chowder, and maybe some Boston Cream Pie. If it's summer, head to Fenway Park for a one-of-a-kind baseball viewing experience at the national's oldest Major League Baseball Stadium or visit Boston Common and go for a swan boat ride. Those who love to shop will want to visit the boutiques along Newbury Street. 

Here are a few of our top Boston Luxury Hotels:

Liberty Hotel

Lobby of the Liberty Hotel

Spend the night in a former jail at the Liberty Hotel. Formerly the Charles Street Jail, the property is considered one of the best examples of "Boston Granite Style" from the mid-19th century. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 2007, The Liberty has 298 guest rooms and suites featuring playful nods to the building's past, the Clink restaurant serving seafood and New England fare, Alibi serving cocktails and late night snacks, and the Liberty Bar. Editor's note: this is an extremely pet-friendly hotel with "yappy hours" and special amenities for four-legged friends. 

Check rates at the Liberty Hotel

Fifteen Beacon

Fifteen Beacon

Reigning over the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, Fifteen Beacon is luxury boutique hotel set within a turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts Building. Focused on discreet service and bespoke amenities, the property mixes modern with an original caged-glass elevator, grand marble staircase, and mahogany paneling. The property's Mooo...restaurant offers a modern take on a steakhouse menu with regional influences, warm lighting, and sleek furnishings. 

Learn more about Fifteen Beacon

Fairmont Copley Plaza

Signature Interior Courtyard King

Since opening in 1912, the Fairmont Copley Plaza has been an iconic Boston landmark. Situated in Boston's historic Back Bay, the property is located along the Freedom Trail, steps from the Boston Public Library, Newbury Street boutiques, and Copley Place Mall. Carley Copley--the resident canine welcomes guests, and the hotel's 383 lavish guest rooms and suites are furnished in classic style infused with Boston influences. There's a rooftop health club overlooking the city, and the OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is an American brasserie serving locally-sourced cuisine. 

Check rates at Fairmont Copley Plaza

Explore All Boston Luxury Hotels

 

New York City

After exploring the historic city of Boston, it's time to head south to New York City. From Times Square and the Broadway Theaters, to Fifth Avenue's shopping, NYC is an iconic destination in itself. Central Park offers a retreat from the hussle and bustle, the Empire State Building features one-of-a-kind views of the metropolis, and a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island provides visitors with a look at what life was like for the immigrants arriving in the 1800s. While you're here, be sure to a slice (or two) of New York Pizza, see a Broadway Show, and perhaps check out a baseball game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field. 

Here are a few of our top New York City Luxury Hotels:

The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park

The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park

For a room with a view of the Statue of Liberty, The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park provides an ideal setting. In the heart of the city's financial district in Lower Manhtattan, the hotel offers luxury accommodations with a waterfront setting. There's a full-service spa and fitness center, along with Ritz Kids programming and amenities, and the 2West modern American bistro. Steps from Battery Park and the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the hotel is perfect for business and leisure travelers. 

Learn more about The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park

The Plaza Hotel

Dining at The Plaza New York

An iconic NYC landmark, The Plaza Hotel recently completed a major restoration transforming the property into a historic luxury hotel infused with a contemporary spirit for the modern traveler. Guest rooms and suites feature in-room iPads for visitors to control their entire experience, and suite guests receive 24 hour butler service. The Palm Court serves a legendary Afternoon Tea, and new offerings include the Champagne Bar, stylish Rose Club, The Todd English Food Hall, and The Plaza Food Hall.

Check rates at The Plaza Hotel

The NoMad Hotel

Guest room at The NoMad Hotel

Close to the Flatiron District and Gramercy Park, The NoMad Hotel is nestled within a turn of the century Beaux Arts building. Featuring a boutique style setting by renowned French Designer Jacques Garcia, the chic guest rooms have custom-designed furnishings and original artwork. Public spaces are designed as gathering spaces, and the hotel's restaurant serves casually-elegant food and beverages by acclaimed Chef Daniel Humm and Restauranteur Will Guidara, founders of the critically acclaimed Michelin three-star rated Eleven Madison Park.  

Learn more about The NoMad Hotel

Explore All New York City Luxury Hotels

 

Philadelphia

Next stop, the City of Brotherly Love. On the Five Star Alliance's List of "17 Places to go in 2017", and founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The Independence National Historic Park is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where visitors can stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Two blocks away, the newly opened Museum of the American Revolution, provides guests with an in-depth look at how the country gained its freedom with interactive exhibits and historic artifacts like George Washington's tent.

Here are a few of our top Philadelphia Luxury Hotels:

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Situated within an Art Deco-style building, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia provides a city center location in the popular Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The eco-friendly property features a variety of art infused with political and historical figures, including three brightly-colored Ben Franklin effigies, the Square 1682 restaurant with chef-prepared new American cuisine, and daily hosted wine hours. 

Check rates at Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Rittenhouse Hotel

The Rittenhouse Hotel

Almost as iconic as the city itself, the Rittenhouse Hotel towers nine stories above Philadelphia. Guest rooms and suites are spacious, and the hotel offers family travel amenities such as welcome gifts, children's bathrobes, baby bathtubs, in-room movies and popcorn, and a copy of the book, "Goodnight Philadelphia". There's also Afternoon Tea, brunch, and fine dining at LaCroix, and the Rittenhouse Spa and Club with Hair by Paul Labrecque. 

Learn more about the Rittenhouse Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

Steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia is set beneath the marble dome of a former bank building. Originally built as a reconstruction of the Pantheon in 1908 by the Girard Trust Company, the hotel recently completed a $25 million redesign. The refreshed property offers reimagined modern guest rooms and suites, Club Lounge,  and a revitalized lobby with Aqimero--a new restaurant, bar, and lounge. 

Check rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

Explore All Philadelphia Luxury Hotels

 

Washington, D.C.

The final stop of this Featured Journey takes us to the nation's capital city. From the White House to the National Mall, the city offers iconic landmarks and sites to see. The Smithsonian Museums provide free admission, giving visitors the opportunity to explore as many of the museums as time allows. During the summer months, take in a Nationals Game or go kayaking along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. To learn more about the country's government, visit the Capital's Senate and House Chambers, then be sure to stop and enjoy the views of the memorials along the National Mall. For shopping, head to Georgetown with an array of international and local boutiques, and check out one of the city's rooftop bars for a nightcap with one-of-a-kind vistas. 

Here are a few of our top Washington, D.C. Luxury Hotels:

The Hay-Adams Hotel

White House View Room at The Hay-Adams Hotel

Overlooking the White House, The Hay-Adams Hotel offers accommodations with iconic views, including the White House View Room (shown above). Built in 1928, the iconic hotel housed in an Italian Renaissance-style mansion features original details like high ceilings, ornate plaster moldings, and a walnut-paneled lobby. Close to the city's top attractions, the hotel's Lafayette Restaurant has fine dining with views of Lafayette Park, the Off the Record Bar is popular with politicos and visitors, and children receive nightly turn-down service with milk and cookies.

Learn more about The Hay-Adams Hotel

The Watergate Hotel

One Bedroom Suite at The Watergate Hotel

Fresh off a $200 million renovation, The Watergate Hotel provides an urban retreat in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. The infamous hotel features the Top of the Gate--a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic Potomac views, Kingbird restaurant, and The Next Whisky Bar. Plus, the Argentta Spa with the hotel's original indoor pool, along with a fitness center and barre studio. Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests booking through Five Star Alliance receive a $50 hotel credit to use during their stay.

Check rates at The Watergate Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

LEVEL NINE Suite at The Dupont Circle Hotel

Perched above one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods, The Dupont Circle Hotel offers spacious and contemporary accommodations. Rooms on the hotel's LEVEL NINE provide elevated luxuries, private glass-walled balconies, and memorable city views. Cafe Dupont serves an American menu wtih French influences, and Bar Dupont has a happy hour popular with the cosmopolitan after-work crowd. 

Learn more about The Dupont Circle Hotel

Explore All Washington, D.C. Luxury Hotels

 

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| By: Rachael Weir
In honor of Election Day 2016 in the U.S.A, we're celebrating three All-American destinations where visitors can visit historic sites that played key roles in the country's history and freedoms. From Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., here are three great places to discover.

1. Philadelphia
Founded by William Penn in 1682, this city played a key role in the founding of the country. During the American Revolution, Philadelphia was a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States. Within Independence Hall, the country's founders debated and ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787). Today, the Independence National Historic Park provides a hands-on history lesson, where visitors can see the Liberty Bell, as well as tour Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Read more below.
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
Tip: Spend the night across the street from the National Historic Park at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. Set within the Lafayette Building built in 1906, the boutique hotel offers iconic views, rooftop lounge overlooking Independence Mall, and a chef-driven restaurant. 

Check rates and availability at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

2. Boston
"One if by land, two if by sea..." 
One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston was the site of key events during the American Revolution, including the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. From the east side balcony of the Old State House, the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed to cheering crowds by Colonel Thomas Crafts on July 18, 1776. Continue reading below the photo.
Corner Suite at the Ames Boston Hotel
Tip: Wake up to views of the Old State House at the Ames Boston Hotel. This boutique hotel combines a historic building with Romanesque arched windows and fireplaces, with modern design. Along the Freedom Trail, guest rooms have white marble rainshowers, hardwood floors, and large windows with historic views. 

Check rates and availability at the Ames Boston Hotel

3. Washington, D.C. 
The nation's capital city, there's a political point of interest on nearly every corner (or so it seems). From the White House lawn to the majestic National Monument, there are captivating points of interest. Spend the day exploring the Smithsonian Museums, take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, or discover the iconic Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and veterans memorials. Continue below. 
The Hay-Adams Hotel
Tip: The Hay-Adams Hotel offers views of the White House and St. John's Church. Built in the 1920s as a residential hotel, the boutique property offers the feel of a private residence, directly on Lafayette Square. In the evenings, retire for a cocktail at the Off the Record Bar, a popular place to be seen (but not heard) by politicos and visitors alike. 

Check rates and availability at the Hay-Adams Hotel

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| By: Five Star Alliance

Ritz Carlton PhiladelphiaThe stairs leading to what today is The Grand Ballroom at Ritz Carlton Philadelphia (formerly the vault of Girard Bank) are warped on one side. The stairs were built for the ladies to make their “grand entrance” into the vault to retrieve their jewels on Friday for their weekend social event, and their subsequent return on Monday. The warping on that one side is from the traffic up and down—the skirts were long at the time, and there is a banister only on that side. The stairs were left as is.

 

Book a stay at Ritz Carlton Philadelphia >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

The Rittenhouse
Book the Suite Lacroix package at Philadelphia's The Rittenhouse, and you will dine and sleep in style. The Rittenhouse is known for its world-class amenities and services, along with a Center City location. 

Lacroix Suite Package includes:

- Overnight accommodations in a Park Suite
- Four course dinner for two at the AAA Four Diamond Award Lacroix Restaurant
- Wine pairing for two
- Two glasses of champagne
- American breakfast for two in the morning

The Lacroix Restaurant is known for its locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, extensive wine selection, Progressive International Cuisine, and a backdrop of Rittenhouse Square.

Each of the Park Suites include marble bathrooms, four-poster beds, and carefully chosen hand-crafted furniture designed specifically for The Rittenhouse. Located on the third floor of the hotel, each of the Rittenhouse Hotel suites are designed to take full advantage of these unique treetop views of Rittenhouse Square. The suites range in size from approximately 950 to 1,300 square feet. 

Park Suite Amenities Include:

Rittenhouse Hotel

- Separate seating area with queen-sized sofa sleeper
- Twice daily housekeeping including evening turndown service
- Plush bed with pillow-top mattress, duvets and king-size down pillows 
- State-of-the-art technology featuring flat-screen televisions and iPod docking station 
- Entertainment on demand
- Wireless and wired high-speed Internet access
- Individual climate control
- In-room safe large enough to store a laptop computer
- Private bar stocked with a selection of cold beverages and snacks
- Luxurious marble bathroom featuring Acqua Di Parma bath amenities
- Oversized bathtub and glass enclosed shower with massage showerhead
- Separate vanity and dressing area with illuminated makeup mirror
- Plush bathrobe and slippers
- 24-hour in-room dining
- Overnight shoe shining service

Book your visit to The Rittenhouse >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

Art lovers will want to plan a trip to Philadelphia. There are numerous renowned museums and historic landmarks withing walking distance of the AAA Five Diamond hotel, and now the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is taking advantage of its location with a special insider tour of the Barnes Museum. 

The Barnes has a world-class collection of Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings. Featured artists include Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, and Amedeo Modigliani. It also displays examples of African sculpture and Native American ceramics, jewelry and textiles, American paintings, and decorative arts and antiquities from the Mediterranean and Asia. 

Four Seasons Philadelphia

Now you can get your Degas on without battling all the crowds. The hotel has paired up with the museum to offer a few special guests a private after-hours tour of the Barnes. Through an exclusive partnership with Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, guests will get unprecedented access to view the masterpieces, accompanied by an expert Barnes Foundation conservationist who will offer insights, explain Dr. Barnes' distinctive and meticulous display style, and deepen your knowledge of art. After your private two-hour tour, spend the evening relaxing in a luxury room overlooking the Parkway Museums District.

All offers are subject to availability at the time of reservation. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract and do not apply to groups. Rates are per room, per night, vary by arrival date and/or length of stay, and do not include applicable taxes, service charges, levies, resort fees, gratuities or surcharges, unless otherwise noted. Early departure fees may apply. Rates are subject to change.

View rates, details, and more images of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia >>


| By: Five Star Alliance

Rittenhouse Hotel Teddy Bear Tea


Gather up your kids for a special kid-friendly tea-time at Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Hotel.

From November 29th through December 31st 2013, children can enjoy a real-life tea party with their teddy bear friends at The Rittenhouse daily. With a child friendly menu and a complimentary Rittenhouse Teddy Bear, you will be sure to leave with a smile and a memory. Children's seating is at 11:30 am with Story time at 12:30 pm. Teddy Bear Tea is being offered at $60 for adults and $30 for kids. Advance reservations are required. 

The Tea Room bears the name of renowned painter Mary Cassatt, whose brother once lived in the mansion that is now the Rittenhouse Hotel. Amidst the rush of urban life, Afternoon Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room offers an intimate daily escape and the continuance of an age-old tradition. The tea selection spans the world, from tisanes of local herbs and flowers to grand black and green teas of Asia. As accompaniment, Executive Chef Jon Cichon at Lacroix has crafted a selection of delightfully inspired and perfectly delicate sweets and savories with a view to seasonal ingredients and pairings with the wonderful teas.

 

Nightly rates at Rittenhouse Hotel from November 29th-December 31st start at $349>>

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| By: Five Star Alliance

 

Rittenhouse HotelOne of the great pleasures of life is curling up with a good book and even better drink. Our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, has a full report on Philadelphia's newest literary spot, the Rittenhouse Hotel's library bar. 

The Library Bar, named for its intimate design and carefully curated collection of books and fine art, is just off the lobby and newly built as part of $10 million revitalization at the hotel. The 20-seat bar is open nightly for small bites and cocktail service. The drink menu features choice spirits and seasonal house-made mixers that blend rare ingredients with innovative technique for a refined approach to the classics.With mixologist Pablo “Papi” Hurtado at the helm, the contemporary cocktails offer a sense of intrigue of which highlights include the Perfect Square, a different take on the ‘Manhattan’ where the secret is a house-made Old Fashioned Bitters; and The RH, the Library Bar signature cocktail that revisits the look of the Whiskey Sour with a special preparation of “manna,” Papi’s special addition that establishes a distinctive consistency and light sweetness; dressed up with house-made dried figs. The Library Bar also offers guests an assortment of locally crafted beer, regional wines and fine spirits, including single malt and blended whiskies, rum, tequila, madeira, port, sherry, brandy, grappa and cognac, as well as vodka and gin. A selection of coffee and infused tea is also available for guests.

Learn more about the Library Bar

View rates, details, and more photos of The Rittenhouse Hotel >>

 

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| By: Oksana Balytsky

There’s nothing better than a cold beer after a stressful day at work, and adding travel on top of work can only lead to needing the finest beer and certainly more than one!

The Four Seasons Philadelphia certainly caught our eye as a beer lovers hot spot! It recently teamed up with Dock Street Brewing Co, a local brewery for a limited celebration of all four seasons. Witty, right? The Swann Lounge has a beautiful fire place that’s perfect for setting a relaxing environment where folks can unwind with a few beers. The four seasons beers have not yet been announced, but the line will begin with a spring brew. The Four Seasons Philadelphia will host a special event to launch its summer beer, which will perfectly coincide with the hotel’s 30th anniversary and go during beer week, June 3rd – 7th.

Be sure to explore the Four Seasons Philadelphia here >>

 

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| By: Oksana Balytsky

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 Hotel Monaco Philadelphia had originally set its opening date to be October 15, 2012, but the hotel finished up ahead of time and took in its first guests last week! The first hotel to overlook the Liberty Bell, the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is in the most historic square located in the Old City. Its Stratus Rooftop Bar and Lounge will be open year round, and the location of this hotel is not only historic but central to the restaurants, bars, and nightlife of Philly.

Explore the Hotel Monaco and the 10 other luxury hotels in Philadelphia here >>

Photo of the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia


| By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Four Seasons Philadelphia, Pumpkin CelebrationNot content with just one day of Thanksgiving-style feasting, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is rolling out a 12-Day Pumpkin Celebration this year. Starting on November 18, 2011, pumpkin fanatics will be able to get their hands on all kinds of gourd-flavored treats (like spiced pumpkin cream cheese muffins). It's even possible to start your day with Long Island cheese pumpkin pancakes with bourbon maple syrup for breakfast, and then complete your lunch-- full of fall-themed dishes-- with a pumpkin flan. Come 5 o'clock, a bevy of pumpkin cocktails await you at the bar at Swann Lounge. Teetotalers, never fear. You can get your drink on with the Johnny Pumpkinseed, a non-alcoholic beverage that contains apple cider and sparking cider with pumpkin spiced syrup.

 


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