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.
Seeking time in the sun or family fun? Explore the Sunshine State. In this edition of Featured Journeys we are visiting luxury hotels in Orlando, Miami, and Key West. Whether you want couple time, family time, or a getaway with friends, these destinations offer warm weather, tropical breezes, and palm trees.
Situated in central florida, Orlando is the destination for family fun at some of the world's best theme parks. From riding roller coasters to picture with characters, families, couples, and friends can all find ways to create memorable moments. Ready for time away from theme parks? The area's resorts provide plenty of pools, spas, and golf courses ideal for rejuvenating.
Surrounded by nature, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is a luxury resort amidst 500 acres of land with an array of on-site activities including Eco Tours, kayaking, fishing, and three pools. Convenient to Orlando attractions, the property offers a relaxing setting with Ritz Kids supervised programs and scheduled transportation to nearby theme parks.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERKS: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include breakfast buffet for two daily, WiFi, and a $100 resort credit per room/per stay.
Set on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Florida, Miami is a multicultural destination by the beach. The iconic South Beach is home to Art Deco buildings transformed into luxury hotels, boutiques, and restaurants. While downtown offers plenty to explore.
Offering a desirable location on the oceanside of South Beach, The Setai blends personalized service with Asian hospitality and the latest in-room comforts and technologies. Weaving the aesthetics of the Far East with Art Deco architecture, the hotel has three temperature-controlled pools, beachfront services, exceptional dining options, and The Spa by THÉMAÉ.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERKS: All reservations booked under the “5 Star Signature Package” rate will also receive a daily buffet breakfast for two in Jaya (up to four guests in a two Bedroom Suite), WiFi, and a $100 spa credit per room/per stay.
Offering plentiful sunshine year-round, Key West is the destination for partying and escaping the grind of daily life. In a place where everyone is always on vacation, visitors can relax by the pool, go on active pursuits such as diving or deap-sea fishing, or dine on the freshest seafood.
Opened in 1920, Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is a luxury resort listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Merging Old Key West ambiance with contemporary luxuries, the property offers laidback styling with Mediterranean-style ocean view rooms. The private beach spans more than 1,100 feet, there are two heated swimming pools with attentive service, and guests can partake in an array of activities including paddle boarding, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving. Ready to relax? The beachside Spa al Maré has a variety of offerings including an Ocean Breeze Massage, Aromatherapy Salt Glow, and Seaweed Body Mask.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" will also include buffet breakfast for two daily, a welcome amenity on the night of arrival, WiFi, and a $100 food and beverage credit per room/per stay.
Providing a mix of recreation and relaxation, Florida is an ideal destination for families, couples, adventure-seekers, theme park-lovers, and beach goers. In this edition of Featured Journeys, we explore a multi-destination itinerary through the Sunshine State. Beginning in Orlando, home of the "Happiest Place on Earth". Next up, Palm Beach known for luxury boutiques, beaches, and glittering estates. Finally, our journey ends in Miami, in the South Beach area recognized for Art Deco architecture, nightlife, and some of the world's best beaches.
Situated in central Florida, Orlando is known for its theme parks including Disney, Sea World, and Universal Studios. A haven for families, this region also offers resorts with full-service spas and championship golf courses. Popular at all times of the year, visitors may want to plan their visit based on special events at the theme parks like Halloween or Christmas festivities.
Surrounded by Disney, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is an ideal gateway destination for Orlando's theme parks. Close to it all, the property offers a relaxing retreat with two resort pools and private cabanas, top-rated 18-hole Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, spa, and the WA Kids Club with organized activities for young travelers. Plus, an array of dining options inspired by the Waldorf Astoria New York with signature restaurants like Bull & Bear and La Luce.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive continental breakfast for two daily, a $100 resort credit which may be applied towards spa or golf or recreation per room/once per stay, and a guaranteed late check-out at 4 pm.
Located on the southeastern coast of Florida, Palm Beach is about 65 miles north of Miami. Along the Atlantic Ocean, this area has been a popular traditional winter home for American aristocrats for generations. There's upscale resorts, the world-class Norton Museum of Art, bird watching, and a variety of dining and nightlife options.
Since opening in 1896, The Breakers has been an iconic destination for generations. Providing seaside glamour with Italian styling, the property continuously modernizes and revolves to meet the needs of contemporary guests with an indoor-outdoor fitness facility, newly unveiled spa, four pools, private beach, and nine restaurants. As the only oceanfront resort in the heart of Palm Beach Island, the hotel provides guests with an array of recreational and relaxation opportunities.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also received full American breakfast buffet for two daily at The Circle or The Beach Club Restaurant and a $100 resort credit per room/per stay (not applicable to room rate, taxes and gift cards).
Infused with Cuban culture, Miami is a diverse destination with a vibrant downtown, one-of-a-kind nightlife, array of shopping, and top-notch museums. The diversity of the city provides visitors and locals alike with a never-ending variety of dining options ranging from the trendiest foodie destinations in South Beach to down-home Cuban bodegas. For an urban setting, stay in downtown Miami, or if you're looking for a beach experience, choose a property along South Beach, which is filled with Art Deco buildings, stunning beaches, and an ideal people-watching scene.
Offering direct beach access, the Royal Palm South Beach is a luxury hotel featuring Art Deco architecture with contemporary interiors. Just off Collins Avenue, the hotel is a short stroll from the boutiques and restaurants along Lincoln Road. Within the hotel, guests can relax at two pools, enjoy beach service, get a treatment at the full-service spa, or dine at Byblos serving Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" will also receive continental breakfast for two daily in Florida Cookery and a $100 food and beverage credit per room/per stay.
Orlando isn't just a place for the kids. Next to Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, Florida, and contiguous to Walt Disney World®, is The Villas of Grand Cypress. Featuring elegant Villas with one to four bedrooms for even the largest group, the resort is an ideal destination for bachelor and bachelorette getaways. Features include:
- 45 holes of award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golf, top-notch instruction at Grand Cypress Academy of Golf
- Twelve private tennis courts with eight Har-Tru and four Deco-Turf II courts, five lighted courts and and two racquet ball courts
- Extensive, state-of-the-art fitness center
- 9-Hole Pitch 'n' Putt golf
- In-Room/Villa Spa Services
- Two Pools, both with waterfalls and one with two waterslides
- Game Room
- Fishing Pools and Tackle, 24' Rock Climbing Wall, Jogging, Biking (including a Bicycle Fleet), and Fitness Trails
The Villas of Grand Cypress has newly Club Suites. Decor by Orlando-based interior designer Lori Rapport is a tranquil balance of contemporary and classic styles through thoughtful details and custom-made furnishings. Surrounded by calming natural elements like rich Zebrano wood and stacked stone, the roomy master bedroom comes with a choice of either one king bed or two double beds and separate sitting area. Enjoy views of the undulating green hills of the larger Grand Cypress resort and the peaceful property lakes from a private balcony or patio. The 650 square foot Club Suite offers a bathing experience beginning with a glass-surrounded shower including a European shower tower complete with body jets, hand held shower, and rain shower head. The bathroom also features a sculptural, deep-walled bathing vessel and custom quartz counters with double sinks, polished chrome Kohler faucets, and an illuminated mirror integrated with a 19" television.
Special Five Star Alliance Rate Includes:
-Club Suite
-$100 Resort Credit valid for food and beverage
Two-night minimum stay available, rates subject to availability.
With its appealing atmosphere of seclusion and easy proximity to entertainment attractions across central Florida, The Villas of Grand Cypress is the go-to destination for business and leisure travellers in Orlando.
The Explorers Family Pool at Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a 7,590-square-foot pool that overlooks the lake and offers a very gradually sloping "beach entry" that is perfect for young swimmers. Guests can also listen to their favorite tunes on the underwater audio system.
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our new blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.
QUESTION: What Orlando family-friendly luxury resort would you recommend for a family of four, children ages 8 and 11?
The four-diamond Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is located within 10 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, and just 20 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld. Surrounded by 36 holes of Greg Norman designed golf, the resort is also home to the David Leadbetter Golf Academy World Headquarters. Five unique dining options on-site include PanAsian, Italian and American cuisine. In addition to superb golf, guests enjoy 15 acres of recreation and relaxation. Guests may grab a tube and ride the long and winding lazy river, splash in the zero entry family pool with pool slide and nearby water playground, or relax by the quiet formal pool in their own private cabana. Fitness options include tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball courts, a lighted, nine-hole par three golf course, walking and jogging trails, and a state-of-the-art fitness center that is available for guests to access 24 hours a day. A full service European-style Spa rounds out the amenities with the highest level of personalized attention.
All 720 guest rooms are beautifully furnished and feature luxury linens, bathrobes, executive work chair and desk, wired and wireless internet access, dual line telephones with voicemail (one cordless), flat screen TV with on-demand movies, coffeemakers, safes (accommodates laptop), hairdryer, lighted makeup mirror, iron, and ironing board. Spacious two and three bedroom villas feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, marble clad baths with Roman tubs and spectacular golf and pool views. Master bedrooms feature king size beds, and master baths. Each villa offers a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room for six, spacious living room, and den with sleeper sofa.
For Your Family's Needs, We Recommend: 2 Bedroom Villa - 1 King Bed And 2 Double Beds. Two-bedroom villas will accommodate up to eight guests comfortably. These spacious accommodations feature a master bedroom and bath with a king bed and a second bedroom with one or two beds. Each villa includes a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining room with a wet bar, a separate den, and a private terrace or balcony. Maximum Occupancy 10. 1,543-1,620 square feet.
All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our new blog series Your Questions Answered to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.
QUESTION: What is the pet policy at the Hyatt Regency Cypress Orlando?
Discover a secluded luxury hotel set in the heart of Orlando theme park country near Lake Buena Vista. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is surrounded by 21 acres of shimmering lakes and lush landscaping, offering an ideal destination for leisure or business travelers looking to unwind. Just one mile from Walt Disney World Resort and five miles from Sea World, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress also offers such an impressive collection of on-site activities. Want to learn to scuba dive or improve your tennis game? Guests can take a lesson from the on-site professionals. The whole family will love to waterslide in an 800,000 gallon lagoon-style pool, or teeing up on a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Or, just have a relaxing spa treatment while the kids enjoy their day at Camp Hyatt.
Pet Policy Dogs are allowed. There is a maximum 50 poounds for 1 dog, 2 dogs of no more than 75 pounds combined weight. There is a one-time $150 fee for the first 6 nights. There are specific rooms set aside for pets. Guests bringing pets need a shot record and 3 day pre-stay notice for reservation with a pet.
All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family without the stress and hassle of spending hours in the kitchen. Check into the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving brunch from 11am – 3pm. Specialties include roasted pork loin, chicken provencal, wild salmon, a variety of traditional and modern side dishes, and of course, dessert. The cost is $39 for adults and $14.95 for children. Space is limited, so make your reservations today!
We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our new blog series ‘Your Questions Answered’ to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.
Question: What hotels have rooms that can accommodate 1 adult and 3 kids ages 8, 10, and 12 in Orlando?
Answer: The following are a few hotel options that would be a good fit for your family of 4. The Peabody Orlando has a Deluxe Room with 2 queen beds that can have an additional rollaway bed added to the room at no extra charge for a child. The Ritz Carlton Grand Lakes has an Executive Suite with 2 double beds, 1.5 baths, 960 square feet and a separate living area that could have a rollaway bed added for an additional $15 per night. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress does not have a room that can accommodate a family of 4, but its Buena Vista room with a king bed can interconnect to the Buena Vista room with 2 double beds, so that may be another good option for your family. To make a reservation at any of these hotels, simply visit their page by clicking on the hotel name link, enter your dates of travel, click on the 'Available' box for the specific hotel, select the room type, and fill in the booking form. Be sure to fill in the special request field stating that you'll be traveling with 3 kids ages 8, 10, and 12 and will require a rollaway bed.
Please be advised that the rates and availability are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.