Number of Five Star Hotels Set to Double in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Pete's notorious hotel scene is about to do a 180. For years marked by a severe shortage of rooms, with chronic unavailability for travelers seeking to discover Russia's most culturally fascinating city, St. Pete's luxury hotel market will double in size next year. Brands like Raffles International, Intercontinental, and Sofitel have disclosed plans for new hotels in the city.

Small Hotels in London: 41

Enter through the residents-only entrance to discover London's exclusive, intimate retreat. From the marble and wood-paneled lobby on the 5th floor, there are 16 deluxe rooms and 4 split-level suites—including the Conservatory suite with its glass ceiling. All are elegantly decorated with mahogany furniture, black leather details, marble bathrooms, and equipped with the latest technology. A few rooms also offer views overlooking The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, where the horses are exercised daily. Awarded the Silver award for "Best Small Hotel in London" by VisitLondon, 41 prides itself on truly five star service. The hotel's best feature? The Lounge, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or martini by the fire.

Daily Candy Jets to Paris

We're loving today's candy, with lots of recs for the City of Light. Perfectly mahvelous boutique hotels, more palatial pads, and shopping, of course. (What would a trip to Par-ee be without picking up some pretty paper and ass-squeezing designer jeans?)

Mozart 2006 in Austria

2006 marks Wolfgang's 250th birthday, and Austria is celebrating in style with an extensive calendar of events. The musical genius will be honored with new museums, operatic performances, extraordinary concert series, festivals and galas, expos and special exhibitions, all across the country. In Vienna--for example-- Mozart's big day will be marked by an open party for the whole city on January 27-29. He will be celebrated all over the city with music, films and readings on a variety of themes-- arranged in to five different tours (Mozart. Friends and Enemies; Mozart. Viennese and Cosmopolitan; Mozart. Art and Love; Mozart. Life and Death; and Mozart. Yesterday and Today). On each tour, visitors experience four different events and a special children's program. My favorite event? The Vienna Boys' Choir will give a concert in St. Stephen's Cathedral on January 27, featuring Mozart's most beautiful works of sacred music.

Price-fixing Schemes at Parisian Luxury Hotels?

Whoa, check this out. TravelPost.com Blog reports that six luxury hotels (George V, Hotel Meurice, Hotel Bristol, Crillon, Hotel Ritz and Plaza-Athenee) have been fined by the French government after an investigation into their price-fixing strategies.

Special Offers: Suite Sensations at the Conrad Brussels

Check into the Conrad Brussels-- the largest, most sophisticated bedrooms in Brussels!—and get a voucher to return for free for more pampering! With exemplary butler service, heaps of meeting space and amenities for the business traveler, and sumptuous culinary delights at Loui restaurant and Cafe Wiltcher's, what more could you ask for? Until March 31 2006, book yourself a suite (from just EUR 339 per night) and receive a voucher for a complimentary weekend stay. The voucher is valid until 31 December 2006, and is not redeemable for cash.

The Conrad Brussels, Official Site

The Conrad Brussels, Five Star Alliance

Vanish to Versailles: Christmas Specials at the Trianon Palace and Spa

This Christmas, stroll through the winter wonderland of Versailles, without the maddening crowds. From December 17-December 29, enjoy unbelievable specials at the Trianon Palace and Spa, as the rates drop to a very festive EUR 99 a night. Or bring the whole family with the Christmas Family Package—which includes accommodations in a Deluxe Palace room, complimentary room and free breakfast for the kiddies, and Westin Kid's Bag upon check-in, for only EUR 295 a night. Just nine miles from downtown Paris, the Trianon is a luxurious palace set on eight gorgeous acres bordering Louis XIV's Royal Domain. The historical hotel has hosted the world's political and business leaders since 1910. Recently-renovated rooms feature stately decor (as you would expect) and views of the gardens. The 2,800 sq m Spa isn't too shabby either.

Trianon Palace and Spa, Official Site

Trianon Palace and Spa, Five Star Alliance

Remembering Rembrandt: Holland’s 2006 Birthday Bash

After all, the guy turns 400 next year. And the country is going nuts in celebration. Rembrandt 400 is a yearlong party for the artist's 400th birthday. Unique exhibitions and events are scheduled, and travel agents are jumping on the bandwagon with special packages galore. The first of the spectacular exhibitions-- Rembrandt's Mother, Myth and Reality-- opens on December 16 in the Municipal Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden (the artist’s birthplace). In Amsterdam, The Masterpieces opens on January 2, exhibiting 400 exceptional paintings. Why not stake out a room at The Dylan Amsterdam, situated in a 17th century landmark on one of the city's most famous canals? Smack in the city center, but the essence of tranquil.

The Dylan Amsterdam, Official Site

The Dylan Amsterdam, Five Star Alliance

Breaking News: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Acquires Le Meridien

Starwood just announced that it acquired the Le Meridien brand of 130 hotels and resorts for $225 million. For the 24 million Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) customers, this means more choice in markets like Paris, Nice, Dubai and London. Additionally, Starwood will gain properties where it doesn't have them currently, in spots like Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Budapest, the Seychelles and Mauritius.

Spotlight On: Saint James Paris

For something a little bit different in the City of Light… The Saint James Paris is the only chateau-hotel in the city, complete with its own expansive, private garden. A stay here feels like you're a guest in a French family’s residence. Indeed, each room is decorated by the owner, with handpicked Parisian boutique furniture. Formerly an exclusive school, before becoming a gentlemen's club, the chateau retains personality from its previous life: a library-bar lined with thousands of bound books, leather armchairs and dark wood paneled walls. 48 rooms and suites are spacious, quiet and full of light, with views overlooking the fountain or the garden. Each has its own style: whether modern, minimalist suites full of contemporary art, or Superior rooms marked by ancient wood doors and marvelous antiques. Of course all rooms boast the best modern technology, additionally.

Saint James Paris, Official Site

Saint James Paris, Five Star Alliance