It’s Cherry Blossom Time in Washington, DC

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is approaching full bloom here in Washington, DC, and we simply cannot wait for all of the events and activities in store. In 1912, 3,000 cherry blossom trees were given as gifts to Washington, DC from Tokyo, Japan. A century later, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is gearing up for its upcoming festivities, celebrating international companionship and the beauty of nature. This is the 100th anniversary of the cherry blossoms, and the District of Columbia is certainly going all out with its events. Be sure to make your luxury hotel reservations and take part in all of the excitement in our nation’s capital!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival goes from March 20th – April 27th, 2012. A few must-check-out events include the Blossom Kite Festival on March 31st, the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival on April 7th, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 14th, and Jazz at the Jefferson on April 19th. For more information on these events, visit the official National Cherry Blossom Festival Events page.

For accommodations, we encourage you to explore the 37 luxury hotels we have in the Washington, DC area. If you’re hoping to be located on or near the National Mall and in the heart of all the action, be sure to take advantage of and explore the list of options available to you here!

Photo courtesy of the NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org

Take a Break and Head to the Breakers in Palm Beach

There are two things I love: One is a beautiful Renaissance-style Mediterranean hotel.  The other is the spaciousness of Florida beaches. Actually, I'm pretty sure there's more than that, but these two seemed the most appropriate for the moment because I'm about to tell you about The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL.  One thing about American hotels is that they have a style all of their own, and it's rare to see European sensibilities packed up and smuggled over international waters to find a home in good ole US of A.  However, the breakers is a lovely exception to that rule.  I'm not sure how they snuck it through customs, but The Breakers brings the Italian Renaissance to Palm Beach, and its 140 acres give that style the room to breathe that it has a little more trouble finding in its native Italy.

On the property, you can find 36 holes of championship golf, 10 tennis courts, a beach club, and an extensive children's club. All this has been registered as a National Historic Place, thanks to its 100+ year history in the hotel business.  Fine dining, four oceanfront pools, and a full-service spa are all just an arm's reach away.  Not only that, for the family-minded, the hotel can connect up to five rooms together, so you can be perfectly flexible finding the arrangement that works best for your party.  As if that weren't enough, take to the seas and the skies with organized water sports, hot-air ballooning, or an air boat tour.  It's almost too much take in in just one trip.  So maybe you'll have to stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach twice.

Mad Men Party to be Held at Hotel Monteleone

For all of you Mad Men lovers crossing off days until the fifth season premiere (10 days and counting), we certainly have an exciting opportunity to transport you back to the swinging sixties. Hotel Monteleone, a luxurious hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans is hosting a Mad Men party at its Carousel Bar and Lounge. The event will feature a fashion show with clothes from Banana Republic, Haute Dames, and Retro Active Vintage. Complimentary 60s cocktails will be served and provided by Republic, and as an incredibly special treat, Bryan Batt, a former Mad Men star will serve as host and costume contest judge.

Interested? Read on for party details as well as a bit more information about the Hotel Monteleone. The party will take place March 20th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Carousel Bar and Lounge. It is free and open to the public, and prizes will be awarded for the best 60s era attire.

The Hotel Monteleone has recently undergone a $70,000 restoration, transforming it back to its original stature as New Orleans Grand Hotel. Its 600 luxurious guestrooms are modernly equipped without losing the traditional and welcoming feel. Its award winning restaurant, Carousel Bar and Lounge has recently celebrated a renovation as well, and it now features expansive windows along Royal Street, updated furniture, and a second crescent-shaped bar.

So whip out your 1960s dresses, polish your dancing shoes, and make your reservations for the Hotel Monteleone today to take part in all the fun!

Mandarin Oriental coming to Atlanta, Georgia

The Mansion on Peachtree a Rosewood Hotel is soon to be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental. This luxury hotel is centrally located at the intersection of Peachtree and Stratford Road in Buckhead, towering high in the Atlanta skyline. The location provides easy access to phenomenal restaurants, shopping, and city attractions. The hotel and residences will be in the slender 42-story property crafted from classically inspired limestone and cast stone for dramatic effect, and the spa facility will feature 14 treatment rooms that will offer Mandarin Oriental’s signature products and therapies. The development plan includes 25 luxury homes that will occupy floors 25 – 42. Make your reservations at the Mansion on Peachtree a Rosewood Hotel soon, and then be sure to explore the new Mandarin Oriental property once it’s up and running!

Change in Management: Trump Takes Over the Marriott Doral Golf Resort

The big boss and his bold hair are coming to Doral Miami. The deal on the Marriott Doral Golf Resort and Spa has been signed, sealed, and delivered, and that means that Mr. Trump will be overseeing an extensive summertime renovation to herald the change in management.  The property's facelift will ensure that it equals and then surpasses the luxury of the currently 4-star resort, and we can't wait to see what he'll do with the place.  Large-scale investment is just what a property like the Doral Golf Resort needs, and that means we'll be following closely as the restoration begins in June.  The hotel will remain open during its low season, but the updated property should be fully ready as things start to pick up in the fall.

With the renovation and refurbishment, the property should see rates rising as high as the increased expectations.  Expect to seem increase to be commensurate with rates you'll see at other Trump properties.  Be sure to keep on the lookout for updated rates and availability for the Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

The Golf Coast: Kiawah Island's Golf Courses Are as Nice as Their Resorts

Springtime is on the offensive on the East Coast, and that means one thing: Time to break out the clubs.  Golfing weather is looking like it's here to stay in South Carolina, and that means the closely cropped greens and devilish sand traps are calling your ball in equal measure, like the angel and devil of so many cartoons.  It's time to break out your woods and irons for the spring season and put your other sets away.  Maybe you were playing Settlers of Catan? I don't know. This whole analogy thing is harder than a brick wall. No, no, a diamond. Wait, maybe the Ko'olau Golf Club in Oahu.  There we go; now it's topical.  Anyway, I can't think of a better place to enjoy the newly found weather than on five championship courses of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Home of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 1997 and 2003 World Cups of Golf, you're getting a top class playing experience in one of the most breathtaking regions on the eastern seaboard.  And between games, you can relax along ten miles of romantic beaches or head out in search of the other sorts of eagles, who have nested in the region for centuries.  This Conde Nast Award winner even has three pool complexes and a child program available to keep the tiny tots out from underfoot while you're swinging a large metal rod around.  The Kiawah Island Golf Resort and accompanying Sanctuary at Kiawah Island are natural, beautiful, and definitely in season, so it might be worth planning a trip this spring.

Sagamore Works Out: They're Sexy, And They Know It

In celebration of Miami being crowned the country's Vainest City, the Sagamore is offering a special We're Sexy and We Know It package, so you to can join in on some well-deserved self-aggrandizement.  The Living Social poll, which used highly rigorous scientific methods and also math, reports that Miami citizens consider themselves to be the most attractive people.  Now it could be that in strange confluence of events, all the hot people in the US have decided to get together and hang out and have incredibly good-looking parties and super sexy bake sales, but it's more likely, and Living Social agrees, that Miami is just a land of high opinions.

Since we could all use a little self-esteem boost now and then, the Sagamore's offer is the perfect way to get in on the action.  Why else would we go to one of the best 5-star beachfront properties if not to feel like we're a star? And with this kind of deal, you can't go wrong.  With this package, you'll get

 - Hair-styling and a scalp massage for two at the Muse Beauty Suite

 - Two "Sexy on the Beach" cocktails

 - 10% discount on your accommodations

 - 1:00pm late checkout for an extra chance to relax

Book at the Sagamore today to show the world just how sexy you are.

Hotels with Availability for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is on February 21st this year, which is only a few short weeks away! From an incredible parade to mounds of beads and excitement, Mardi Gras is definitely an event worth attending at least once in your life. Check out the following luxury 5 star hotels that currently have availability during Mardi Gras to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun!

Windsor Court Hotel

This hotel is located in the heart of New Orleans, on the edge of the French Quarter near the banks of Mississippi. It recently underwent a $22 million restoration, redefining 5 star luxury, and now offers 316 newly designed guestrooms and suites.

W New Orleans French Quarter

This hotel is next to Jackson square and boutique shops, and it’s a short walk from the Riverwalk and Harrah’s casino. It was remodeled in 2000 and has 98 rooms and 2 suites.

Loews New Orleans Hotel

Located just 3 blocks from the French Quarter, across from Harrah’s casino, the Arts district, and Riverwalk, this luxury hotel has 285 rooms and 12 suites.

W New Orleans

This hotel is located in the heart of the French Quarter surrounded by the bustling Bourbon Street, boutique shops, and live entertainment. It was remodeled in 2000 and has 98 rooms and 2 suites.

JW Marriott Hotel New Orleans

This luxury hotel is located on Canal Street and it has 487 rooms and 7 suites.

Ritz Carlton New Orleans

Located on Canal Street a short walk from the French Quarter, this hotel allows guest to experience the most uniquely European city in the United States.

The Roosevelt New Orleans

This hotel is located in the central business district one block from the French Quarter. It was remodeled in 2009 and it offers 504 rooms and 135 suites.

Newly Redesigned Four Seasons Miami

The Four Seasons Miami underwent a bit of a makeover this past fall, and its updated room designs, new restaurant, and pool terrace have proven to be quite a hit with the Miami visitors. The new rooms feature one of two new color schemes; red and slate, and gray and blue, and aside from vibrant colors, the hotel boasts new furnishings and fabrics, giving this hotel a phenomenal upgrade.

The new restaurant, Edge Steak & Bar replaces a more traditional steakhouse and embraces the concept of lighter, healthier fare. Menu options include ‘steak lite,’ a variety of seafood, sandwiches, and salads. This restaurant also offers a unique dessert concept, ‘Dessert Tapas,’ which are smaller portions for $4 that satisfy your craving and keep you from regret. Edge Steak & Bar will also be serving an incredible Sunday brunch from 11:30am – 3:00pm, and it will feature various serving stations as well as hand-spun cotton candy!

Still need a little convincing? Consider this: The Four Seasons Miami has 3 beautiful outdoor pools with plush daybeds and a poolside butler, so start packing your bags and get ready for the ultimate relaxation in Miami!

White Up My Alley: Bianca Opens at the Delano in Miami Beach

The notoriously blinding Delano Hotel in Miami Beach is opening the doors to its new restaurant, Bianca, this Friday.  Continuing the theme of its all-white guest rooms, Bianca promises to add to an already exclusive and delightful property.  Embracing the Slow Food movement, Bianca provides a gastronomical experience that supports local farming and organic produce, so you know that not only is what you're getting a top-notch holistic food experience, it also does its part to respect its origins. You'd better come prepared with your Visa Platinum, however.  Not only will its silvery sheen go well with the drapes, you'll need it to put back such highlights as All Natural Sirloin Bistecca at $46. 

If you can wait for a little while, then come February, the Ume Sushi and Sake Bar will be opening alongside its Italian counterpart for an experience in the best of Eastern cuisine.  Definitely worth a trip to the Delano, now for both the unique decor and the food.