Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for hotels
A Beautiful World
By Linda Tancs
Derived from the French “belle” (beautiful) and “monde” (world), Belmond is the new brand name for a collection of hotels and travel experiences around the world originating from the Orient-Express banner. The storied Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will retain its identity, however. To celebrate the launch of the new brand, guests booking for travel by 30 June 2014 can enjoy 15% off standard rates (space permitting) across Belmond’s beautiful world.
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The Tallest Hotel in New York
By Linda Tancs
Marriott boasts that its Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park is the tallest hotel in North America. Although it may not exactly rival Dubai’s goliath hotel, it matches a skyscraper’s view of sights like Times Square, the Manhattan skyline, Central Park or the Hudson River. Your home away from home, studio suites at this extended stay property offer a kitchenette, large desk, free Wi-Fi and grocery shopping services.
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An Elevated Experience in Aspen
By Linda Tancs
There’s a crown jewel in Aspen, Colorado–and no, I’m not talking about the pistes. It’s the historic Hotel Jerome on Main Street. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the ski town’s grand dame was constructed in 1889 by Macy’s co-owner Jerome B. Wheeler. The luxe property has emerged from a colossal renovation and is, as Norma Desmond would say, ready for its close-up.
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Mexican Resort Offers Tahitian-Style Bungalows
By Linda Tancs
If the allure of a South Pacific bungalow has you longing for a Tahitian holiday (but not the flying time), then consider its North American equivalent in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Rosewood Mayakoba is a 1600-acre luxury resort enveloped by silky Caribbean sand and a verdant jungle. Imagine yourself being welcomed to a deluxe overwater lagoon suite with an outdoor terrace and a heated plunge pool. Have your private butler hail a boat from your private boat dock, sail around the nine classes of gorgeous accommodations and meet your neighbors. You’ve found your Bali Hai.
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Paradores and Pousadas
By Linda Tancs
If the usual tourist class hotel accommodations are getting a bit old, why not consider something more exclusive and off the beaten track? Spanish Paradores and Portuguese Pousadas are intimate settings often located in historic buildings such as monasteries, castles, and fortresses. Consider Santa Marinha Pousada, a monastery perched on a hill overlooking Guimarães, known as the “cradle of Portugal” as it’s the birthplace of the nation’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Or sleep like royalty in Pontevedra, Spain in a palace that was formerly the residence of the Counts of Maceda. Best of all, you don’t need a rock star’s wallet to afford these gems; find a property to match your budget and desires.
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The Del Celebrates 125 Years
By Linda Tancs
Not far from San Diego, California in nearby Coronado, the Hotel Del Coronado (the “Del”) is an iconic red-turreted Victorian hotel built in 1888. Part of Historic Hotels of America, this National Historic Landmark’s Hollywood connections (helped by its proximity to Los Angeles) draw many a curious visitor. If only the walls could talk. Notable guests have included Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Clark Gable, along with a variety of political figures and royalty. The Del is celebrating 125 years with a series of special packages this summer, like a fourth night free or an upgrade to a cottage or villa at Beach Village. Look for the festive gold bow atop the turret, and say ‘happy birthday’ to the grand dame of beachfront luxury.
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World’s Largest Hotel Comparison Site
By Linda Tancs
Trivago bills itself as the world’s largest hotel comparison site. With more than 18 million monthly users, the site allows you to compare prices at dozens of booking engines for over 600,000 hotels worldwide. Add to that millions of hotel reviews and photos and you have a comprehensive search engine to find the perfect respite.
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Tingo is Bingo
By Linda Tancs
Worried about spending too much on that hotel room? Are you biding your time watching the rates like a hawk, hoping to hit the jackpot? Tingo takes the worry and hassle out of hotel bookings. You’ll get a refund if the rate goes down after you book a “Money Back” room and an automatic re-booking at the lower rate. Your booking is protected as well if the rate goes up. Tingo has already saved consumers over $58,000. Will you be next?
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Hemingway Lives On in Hotel Chain
By Linda Tancs
Writer Ernest Hemingway made his mark around the world–and not just for his writing. He wintered in Key West, safaried in Africa and yachted in Cuba, to name just a few places. No wonder the much-anticipated Hemingway Hotels and Resorts is looking at these and other destinations where the great raconteur left an indelible imprint for luxurious getaways. You might not write like Hemingway, but you’ll be able to live like you do–at least on holiday.
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Liquid History
By Linda Tancs
At the Lanesborough, a five-star luxury hotel in London’s Knightsbridge district overlooking Hyde Park Corner, a little libation awaits in the Library Bar. Well, maybe not so little. The Dom Pérignon Vintage 2003 (a trifling £240 per bottle) is served with a complimentary 10g blinis canapés of Baerii caviar from Aquitaine, France. Maybe you’d like their signature Bloody Mary instead. In any event, you’ll want to sink into one of those deep leather wing chairs and take in the Regency era ambience of this room, bedecked with leather bound books, vintage cognacs (their “liquid history”), display cabinets and subdued lighting to complement a roaring fireplace. Withdraw in style.
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