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Filed under: Europe, Italy, Hotels and Accommodations

Want to become Romeo? Ladies, want to turn your husband or boyfriend into the most romantic character who never lived (and didn’t even do that long)? Check out the latest deal from the Romeo Hotel in Naples, Italy; it’s designed to turn even a guy like me into a real romantic. For a rate starting at 625 euro, you’ll be able to spend two nights in a Deluxe Harbor View Room, enjoy champagne and roses upon arrival and wander the city with a personalized Romeo Hotel City Guide to help you uncover the hidden secrets in the cradle of western civilization. The guide was put together by the hotel staff, so you’ll get the insider’s view, not what you’d normally find in a guidebook.

The package also includes a gourmet dinner at the hotel’s fine dining establishment, Il Commandante, including wine, but you’ll have to choose from a collection with more than 1,000 labels. Top your trip off with a complimentary trip to Romeo Wellness, the hotel’s spa.

Rock like Romeo for Valentine’s Day originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: North America, South America, Costa Rica, United States, Argentina

The weekend is almost here! Are you headed anywhere fun? I’m off to sunny Puerto Rico to escape Chicago’s latest cold snap. Here are a few bonus travel stories to keep you dreaming of warmer days.

• Winter in the northern hemisphere means summer in Buenos Aires. If you’re headed down south, here are a few places to gorge yourself silly, courtesy of Matador writer Tom Gates. [via Matador Nights]

• Nothing says summer like the sight of tan surfers catching some waves. How does a pro surfer globe-trot? Find out with BootsnAll’s How I Travel profile of surfer Holly Beck. [via BootsnAll]

• Sometimes warm is just a state of mind. Check out this list of great winter escapes to places so cool, you may forget how cold it is outside. [via Outside]

• Even hotel chains are thinking about warmer climes right now. Andaz, “Hyatt’s hip little sister” has announced plans to move into Costa Rica. [via Hotel Chatter]

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Thursday, 1.28.2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, China, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States

This year promises to be exciting for fans of the Fairmont. New properties are set to open in London, China and many other cities, each with a distinct style. There’s no question that the Fairmont has the art and science of hospitality mastered, so these new properties are going to be exciting to watch.

1. The Savoy
With a design nodding toward Edwardian and Art Deco, the hotel reopens after a restoration program costing more than GBP100 million. The property has 268 guestrooms and a new luxurious Royal Suite. The Savoy Grill is going to come back … under the management of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. Look for the doors to swing open in the second or third quarter of this year.

2. Fairmont Peace Hotel
This Shanghai landmark will reopen in the second quarter of this year, with 269 guestrooms over 12 floors. The hotel faces the Pudong area over the Hangpu River, making it a great spot.

3. Makkah Clock Royal Tower
The Makkah will open in Saudia Arabia in the third quarter, where it will be the focal point of the Abraj Al Bait Complex. With 858 rooms, there will be plenty of space near Masjid al Haram, the Islamic holy site. The hotel stretches 76 stories high and will be the world’s tallest upon completion. The Makkah opens in the third quarter.

Continue reading Seven new hotels around the world from Fairmont in 2010

Seven new hotels around the world from Fairmont in 2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations

Kimpton’s offering you two ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Manhattan this year: one if you’re inclined to recognize the holiday, the other if you’re flying solo. Let’s face it; Valentine’s day isn’t designed to appeal to everyone, and the single folks shouldn’t get screwed just because the only way they could get a “date” that night involves several appearances by Benjamin Franklin.

If you’re interested in a more traditional Valentine’s Day getaway, take a look at the “Sweet Savings” deal at Kimpton’s 70 park avenue hotel. For rates starting at a mere $179, you’ll get not only a great room in Manhattan, you’ll pick up a complimentary dessert for you and your guest at silver leaf tavern.

Now, this doesn’t do much for you if you’re alone, unless you really like two desserts. Fortunately, there’s the “Cupid Is Stupid” deal at Kimpton’s The Muse New York. For a rate of $239, you’ll get two free cocktails at NIOS restaurant and a complimentary in-room movie.

So, how do you make this work? Use one of those cocktails to chat up a lonely hottie — she’s hanging out in a hotel bar, it shouldn’t take much more than this. Then, invite her up to your room to enjoy the free movie with you. Choose your movie wisely.

Both deals are open for the entire month of February. The booking code for “Cupid Is Stupid” is PCPL, and the code for “Sweet Savings” is PSSP.

Alone or not, Kimpton brings deals to NYC for Valentine’s Day originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: North America, Mexico, Hotels and Accommodations

Last year was a busy one for the tourism business in Los Cabos, Mexico. Despite the unmistakable impact of the H1N1 swine flu virus on the region’s action in the spring and summer, there were plenty of exciting developments, including the opening of five new hotels. You now have plenty of choices when you head out to Los Cabos, which just happens to be a great place to unwind.

1. Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe
The Barcelo’s doors opened in December 2009, and San Jose del Cabo will never be the same. The resort has 626 luxurious suites, ranging in size from 1,125 square feet to 2,168 square feet … but this just doesn’t compare to the 34 swim-up suites. There are three pools on the property, covering more than 50,000 square feet, and a water park specifically for children. The spa has 16 private treatment cabins and a hydrotherapy room. So, the all-inclusive, all-suite resort is designed to impress.

2. Zoëtry Casa del Mar
There are only 32 suites at the hacienda-style beachfront boutique … and the hotel is designed to make sure the spectacular Pacific sunset is in full view from across the resort. The resort has been open since the first day of December, and it’s main draw might have something to do with the exceptionally large suites with Jacuzzis, Rivolta bedding and private balconies. Access to the Cabo Real Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., probably doesn’t hurt.

Continue reading Five new Los Cabos hotels: some open, some coming soon

Five new Los Cabos hotels: some open, some coming soon originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet Tools

Having to pay for internet access in hotels is nothing more than moronic. If the revenue is such a big deal, hotels should just slap the $9.99 — or whatever it is — onto the room rate and tell us they’re giving it away for nothing. But, nothing’s worse than spending $250 a night and having to pay another fee to connect to the web, which you’re going to have to do even if you’re on vacation, let alone traveling for business.

The slump in the travel business is giving business travelers more negotiating leverage, which they are using to score free access to the web. The need to put heads in beds, and business travelers still command the big budgets. Back in my corporate travel days, I’d spend $1,000 or more simply on the room … every week. Most leisure travelers don’t come near that on an annual basis — and my spend was modest compared to executives with the approval to satisfy more discriminating tastes.

So, you’d think hotels would want to keep business travelers happy, right? And since internet access is what’s most important to this group of hotel buyers

Continue reading Business travelers on the brink of scoring free internet access

Business travelers on the brink of scoring free internet access originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations

The term “adventure travel” has many definitions, and each one varies based on the traveler. I’m not adverse to adventure – I’ve hit the rapids in what seemed to be nothing more than a floatie device I’d find in my parents pool; I’ve jumped from a tall building with only a cord and a little spring keeping me from face-planting into concrete; I’m about to take on one big bridge in Sydney next month. But there’s one difference between me and the other adventure travelers out there: I wouldn’t do it again.

OK, never say never. Truth is, I’ll be the first one to safari walk with lions and tigers, and as soon as I collect $200,000 I’m buying a seat on the first Virgin Galactic flight to space. But in the meantime, I’ll get my kicks by staying at some of the most adventuresome hotels in the world. No, not the kind of adventure that includes bed bugs and dirty bathrooms, and violates every health code in the system. These hotels add a little excitement to your stay, which can be the perfect dose of adventure for the not-so-adventurous traveler.

1. One by the Five, Paris: The floating beds add excitement to this hotel. Too much champagne at dinner and you’ll fall right off in the middle of the night, but the design technique that keeps the bed ‘floating’ is pretty spectacular. (The ‘floating bed’ concept could add a little spice your late-night, too…) If Paris is too much love-not enough adventure, Berlin’s Propeller Island City features similar rooms with ‘magic mirrors’ that create various illusions, including one room with a flying bed.

2. Loisaba, Kenya: Talk about unleashing your animal instincts… If sleeping with the animals sounds exciting, but a little too dangerous for your blood, the “Star Bed” in this Kenya resort might be the perfect compromise. The beds are on raised platforms (complete with mosquito nets) so you can watch the stars, or gaze at the animals roaming in their natural habitat. Reviews note that most people don’t get a good night’s sleep the first time they take on these beds, thanks to the unfamiliar sounds from wild kingdom just meters away from where you sleep.

Continue reading Hotels for the not-so-adventurous adventure traveler

Hotels for the not-so-adventurous adventure traveler originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations

Nothing beats Valentine’s Day in Manhattan. You have an endless supply of amazing restaurants at your fingertips, Broadway is never far and at night, the city takes on new vibrancy. To anchor your Valentine’s Day experience, the hotel must be nothing short of perfect. So, kick around a stay at The Pierre this time around. Located on the southeast corner of Central Park, this year’s package for the most romantic day of the year includes two nights in a suite, dinner for two at Le Caprice, a surprise confection from the pastry chef to be enjoyed in your room, a bottle of champagne and breakfast in bed. And, you can enjoy it for only $1,100 a night with a two-night minimum.

So, start planning your stay now. Maybe get a ride through the park on one of the horse-drawn carriages that line up along Central Park South, or catch a show only a short cab drive away.

Valentine’s Day at The Pierre originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel

Ski season is in full swing at resorts throughout the US, and now through April 10, you can “ski for free” at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. The resort sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, which reaches nearly 5,000 feet. It offers luxury accommodations on 120 acres, 40 minutes from Burlington Airport. .

This season, included in accommodations rates, you’ll also receive two adult lifts tickets to Stowe Mountain delivered by the resort’s “Ski Concierge”, shuttle service to and from the mountain, and overnight ski storage. Rentals are available from the resort’s Nordic Barn. In addition to skiing, the resort offers tennis, a spa, and horseback trail rides.

Rates start at $250 (plus tax) for weekdays and $350 for weekends. Blackout dates include January 28-30, February 7-20, February 25-27, and March 21-23. Rate outside of the promotion start at $300 per night, and lift tickets at Stowe can cost $84 per day per person, so this deal would save you around $200 per day for two skiers….which means more money for apres ski fun and hot toddies by the fire.

Ski for free at Stowe when you stay at Topnotch Resort originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations

If you build it, will they come? Hotels from Hyatt to Starwood – and all the boutiques in between – are prepared to put that question to the test this year. While some hotels continue to drop prices in an effort to fill rooms, other popular brands prepare to introduce travelers to new hotels in 2010.

The New York Times is reporting a slew of new hotels launching state side in 2010, with 46 of those properties residing in New York. Houston will open doors to approximately 30 new hotels and Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington are also getting into the game.

On deck: Marriott will launch their boutique brand, The Autograph Collection; Hyatt opens its new Andaz properties; InterContinental will open four hotels, including a 592-room hotel in Times Square; Starwood will open six new hotels and others like Holiday Inn and Sheraton are planning new properties.

One of the more anticipated openings of the year happens next months in Los Angeles when the 878-room J.W. Marriott opens it doors at L.A. Live. It’s Ritz-Carlton neighbor is scheduled to start taking reservations for a March opening.

Nearly 100 new hotels to open across the U.S. in 2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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