New Religious Offerings in Hotel Rooms

I first heard about this latest travel tidbit from the ladies on ABC’s chatfest “The View” a few weeks ago. But as usual their squawking made it nearly impossible to decipher what the real issue behind hotels offering more than just the Gideon Bible for guests to choose from was all about so I decided to do some research on my own. For those of you just getting up to speed on this “Hot Topic,” the Provenance Hotel chain (they run boutique properties in Oregon, Washington, and Tennessee) recently started offering a “spiritual menu” to its guests that goes beyond … Continue reading

Rock ‘n’ Roll Summer

Thrill seekers have one more reason to celebrate this summer. If the invitation to explore the inner workings of the human body wasn’t enough to excite you, perhaps getting the chance to fly down a 155-foot-high Led Zeppelin inspired roller coaster will. The new thrill ride will be the star attraction at Hard Rock Park, which is slated to open later this month in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 140-acre rock ‘n’ roll theme park will feature 40 attractions, including rides, restaurants, stores and live shows. To get the festivities off to a slammin’ start park officials are auctioning off … Continue reading

Sleek and Sexy Hotels—-Any Takers?

Travelers used to Marriott Courtyard’s overstuffed leather chairs, matronly drapes, and gigantic granite fronts desks are in for a real shock. The hotel chain, which caters to business travelers, is about to undergo a major makeover in an effort to lure younger, hipper guests. Say goodbye to the heavy draped dark lobbies and hello to open and airy spaces dotted with sleek, contemporary furniture, including furniture upholstered in soft fabrics featuring vibrant colors; marble-topped tables; real hardwood flooring; colored Italian glass pendant lamps; and a Starbucks-like counter that doubles as a lively cocktail bar, according to hotel executives. The massive … Continue reading

Exotic Budget Hotels

How much is too much to spend on a hotel room? If you dropped a bundle to jet off to an exotic vacation destination then you may be looking for ways to save some dough on your hotel room. The following lodgings are offering rooms for $100 or less. And the best part: you won’t have to sacrifice comfort or cleanliness if you plan to take advantage of these cost saving accommodations. BRAZIL Rooms at Pousada do Caju are located just 500 feet from the ocean. When you aren’t swimming in the sea you can take a dive in the … Continue reading

The Most Popular Hotel Room in Washington, D.C.

It is now… and for all the wrong reasons. If the walls in Room 871 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. could talk I’m sure former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s high-priced call girl wouldn’t have been offered nearly as many lucrative book deals. Since the Spitzer sex scandal broke hotel managers say they have had dozens of people calling to book a night in the now infamous room. But, according to hotel big wigs, guests can ask for Room 871, but they might not get it. Apparently, standard operating procedure dictates that guests can’t be guaranteed a … Continue reading

Voluntourism Goes High End

I’ve discussed this travel trend in previous blogs, but the buzz surrounding philanthropic vacations is getting even louder now that big spenders are joining in on the fad. An increasing amount of travelers with deep pockets (a.k.a. “luxury consumers”) are embracing the idea of being socially responsible at vacation hot spots the world over, according to a new study. If you happen to be one of the many high-end tripsters looking to give back to a community that you’re visiting you will be delighted to know Ritz-Carlton has your back (as in backbreaking work followed by a full back massage). … Continue reading

Budget Hotels—-Less Buggy More Beautiful

Did I ever tell you about the time I was forced to stay in a motel near the Honolulu International Airport (my flight was delayed and the airline bussed us to the nearest lodging) and ended up sharing my room with a family of cockroaches? Yes, it was a budget motel. But, no, I didn’t expect to be encroaching on the roaches’ space. Budget properties are known for their… well, hmm… how should I put this? Basic accommodations. But, that was then. Now some low-price chains are trying to shake their cheap image and replace it with a chicer one. … Continue reading

Educational Vacations Get Boost from Hotel

I have long touted the value of taking family trips to educational destinations. The trend, which began with learning vacations for adults, is now being embraced by teens, who are looking to do more with their downtime than simply work on a gnarly tan. Loews Hotels recently introduced a program they are calling “Edu-cations.” The travel package is tailored to teens and combines a stay with learning a new skill such as cooking, golfing, surfing or getting an inside look at Nashville’s Music Row or New York’s financial markets. Some of the packages include: “Surfin’ Safari.” This package is offered … Continue reading

More Tips on How to Escape a Hotel Fire

In 1980, a fire at the MGM Grand Hotel (now Ballys) in Las Vegas killed 84 people and injured nearly 700. And just recently a fire charred the top four stories of the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. No one was seriously injured in the blaze, but the fire forced thousands of visitors and employees to evacuate. Do you know how to protect yourself and your family in the event of a hotel fire? It’s not a subject most families talk about prior to leaving on vacation, but fire spreads quickly and it can often become life-threatening if you don’t … Continue reading

Hotel Happenings: The Big Apple, Chocolate and Trump

February is typically a slow period for New York City lodgings, which means Valentine’s Day lovebirds looking for great deals on hotel rooms can score big this month. (After all, nothing says love more than discounted rates if you live on a fixed budget.) During the entire month of February the city’s tourist board, NYC & Company, is running a new promotion that showcases more than a dozen luxury hotels in Manhattan. It’s very simple: you pay for two nights and get the third free at 17 participating hotels. Plus all guests will receive a VIP package at the Saks … Continue reading