Hotel Happenings: Dirty Rooms and the Dreaded Wake Up Call

Disgustingly gross hotel rooms have been a hot topic in the Travel Blog and I recently hit pay dirt when I came across a list of the nation’s filthiest properties. According to TripAdvisor’s annual list of dirty hotel rooms, Manhattan’s Hotel Carter is as vile as they come. The 700-room hotel, located on West 43rd Street near Times Square once again earned the No. 1 spot on TripAdvisor’s filthy list (it has held the dubious honor for the past two years). Now, for the third year in a row the Hotel Carter reigns supreme over its other groddy counterparts with … Continue reading →

A New Twist on Hotel Chocolates

Gone are the days when you would be left a single piece of simple chocolate on your hotel room pillow… With the rising price of hotel rooms these days you wouldn’t think that properties would be looking to branch out in an effort to make more dough… but you’d be wrong. If you have ever been in a situation where you were left scurrying around at the last minute trying to find gifts to take home from vacation then you will be able to appreciate what one California hotel chain is offering its guests. Shutters on the Beach in Santa … Continue reading →

Unbeatable Hotel Deals in San Francisco

If you have always dreamed of leaving your heart in San Francisco, but didn’t have the means to spend the night there then you are in luck. Several top-rated hotels in the Bay Area are offering phenomenal winter deals that you simply can’t skip. The following properties are all within walking distance of the Union Square area. Also, check out the links at the end of this blog for ideas on where to take in some of the city’s most incredible sights and sounds. Mandarin Oriental This four-star hotel is as elegant and luxurious as they come. The lodging is … Continue reading →

The Search for Silent Space at a Hotel

How many times have you cursed the people in the hotel room next to yours for making too much noise while you were trying to catch some zzz’s? Is it too much to ask for a quiet hotel room these days? According to travel experts, hotel stays ruined by raucous neighbors was one of the top complaints travelers had in 2007. So what does it take to be guaranteed a little quiet time? Apparently, a bit of legwork on your part. Travel experts say if you are that serious about finding silent space you should select a hotel in a … Continue reading →

Ringing in the New Year at a Hotel

Where do you typically celebrate New Year’s Eve? On your couch? A friend’s house? Or, in the middle of Times Square? A new study shows that more and more Americans are trading in their fuzzy slippers and hot chocolate for a New Year’s Eve night out… at a hotel. And the city where the most New Year’s revelers hit hotels is none other than Las Vegas. This year Sin City is hosting a slew of celebrity studded parties where common folks can bid farewell to 2007. If you plan to make the trip you might want to leave now because … Continue reading →

How to Score a Free Hotel Room in Europe

Okay, there’s a catch… actually, a couple of catches. But, the concept behind the free stay is so clever I had to share it. The spirit of the Christmas season hasn’t been lost on a hotel chain in the United Kingdom that’s offering married couples whose names are Joseph and Mary a free room at any of its properties. The UK’s Travelodge chain says if you can prove that your name is Mary or Joseph and you are indeed legally wed you will get a free room at the inn. Technically, you will be given a free night at one … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: New York’s Public Toilets, BBQ U and Holidays at the Hilton

New York City seemingly has it all—–bright lights, world-class attractions, and luxury accommodations. But if you have ever strolled around the Big Apple for an extended amount of time you might have noticed something major was missing—public toilets. A Spanish advertising company is coming to the rescue of every tourist and resident of the booming metropolis who has undoubtedly noticed this missing convenience and has had to adjust accordingly. The landmarks toilets—–20 to be exact—will be installed throughout the city over a five-year period. The first of the self-washing, wheelchair-accessible toilets is expected to open sometime this month in Madison … Continue reading →

Historic Arkansas Hotel Reopens for Business

If you are looking for luxury in Little Rock, Arkansas, I have good news for you. After two years and more than $24 million worth of renovations the historic Capital Hotel is open for business. The downtown property is welcoming back guests in high style. If you are a loyal Capital patron don’t fret about the hotel losing its Victorian charm. That’s still intact. It just added a few extra amenities to go along with it. The historic hotel has added modern touches, such as wireless Internet and flat-screen TVs and it’s also sporting 236 new windows. In addition, its … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Incentives for Early Hotel Check Out and Denver’s Newest Ritz

Let’s face it; there aren’t many hotels that willingly embrace guests who ask for a late check out—-free of charge. In fact, an increasing amount of lodgings are now imposing steep fees for guests who want to extend their stays by a few hours. Which is why I was not the least bit surprised when I heard a Florida hotel was offering incentives for guests who leave the property early. The historic Don CeSar Beach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida just introduced a new incentive program for guests. If you check out by 10 a.m. you’ll be entered to win … Continue reading →

Affordable Hotels

Affordable… but small. In a previous blog I told you about the new option tired travelers have at some of the world’s busiest airports—-Pod Hotels. This week a brand of pod hotels called Yotels opened in Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport. The company, which launched its first property in London’s Gatwick Airport this summer, charges about $50 for four hours in a standard single “cabin” and $115 for an overnight stay. Yotel also offers a double cabin for families, which costs about $80 for four hours and $170 for a night. If you are looking for budget accommodations these … Continue reading →