LUXGetaway » United States

New York’s First Gay Hotel Opens in 2012

Michael — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:53:53 +0000

The boutique hotel is rising to new heights in New York City, as Parkview Developers plans to open the Big Apple’s first gay hotel. The OUT NYC, scheduled to open in phases throughout 2012, will be located on 42nd St. in the heart of Manhattan. Developers hope it becomes the premier resort and entertainment venue for both tourists and locals from the gay community.

The project’s first phase is the XL NIGHTCLUB, an 11,000 sq ft lounge, cabaret, and dance club set to feature noted gay entertainers John Blair and Beto Sutter. When the doors open it will be the first gay nightclub to open in the city in over a decade. Visitors can expect to see typical dance club features including several dance floors, modern LED light shows, and a state-of-the-art stage for live acts.

As for the hotel itself, current plans include a property with 105 rooms. The rooms will be designed in a chic, modern décor that speaks to the LGBT community in a way that is up-scale, classy, and sophisticated. According to officials the OUT NYC is “an idea whose time has come.” If all goes according to plans the hotel will not only be simply a place for gay tourists to stay while they’re in New York, it will become the focal point of New York City nightlife for the entire LGBT community.

To that end the hotel will also include a café and restaurant managed by the same group responsible for the success of the Eatery Restaurant in the Hell’s Kitchen district. The restaurant will include banquet space and private rooms to accommodate everything from large parties to intimate gatherings. Hotel officials also plan to provide both weddings and honeymoon packages for gay couples.

Nightly rates start at $250.

The Out
http://www.theoutnyc.com/
510 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

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PUBLIC Hotels Bring Modern Classic Style to Chicago

Michael — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:07:01 +0000

The former Ambassador East Hotel has been a Chicago landmark since its opening in 1926. Now, thanks to iconic hotel designer and developer Ian Schrager, the legend of days gone by has been transformed to rise to new heights of sophistication and elegance for the discriminating traveller. Schrager, widely known for his revolutionary boutique hotel concept birthed in the 1980s is once again changing the luxury hotel paradigm with a new brand known simply as PUBLIC. The brand is Schrager’s attempt to redefine luxury travel without the unnecessary excess which has long made it unaffordable to the masses. His PUBLIC brand changes the way we think of luxury hotels, thus allowing access to anyone who wants it.

At the heart of PUBLIC Chicago is a design theme that harkens back to the days of the American and European coffee houses in the 1950s. The hotel’s public spaces are designed to encourage both socialization and business interaction by including relaxing sofas and chairs intermingled with workspace tables. Soft colours and sleek lines combined with refined and low-key décor, present a sophisticated space that is instantly classic without being ostentatious. When you’re in the hotel’s lobby you will know you’re somewhere special — though you might not know exactly why.

Moving on to the accommodations, PUBLIC Chicago’s 285 rooms strike a perfect balance between comfort and functionality. Immediately upon entry your eyes will be captivated by Schrager’s “no color” color palette, which makes great use of soft neutrals for a peaceful and relaxing ambience. The hand-picked furniture is specifically selected for each room to provide what the hotel chain defines as “superb integrity.” Perfectly complementing the furnishings are custom-designed lighting systems, draperies, and artwork.

Guests will enjoy a range of amenities including 300 count linens by Frette, oversized desks, complementary high-speed wireless Internet, concierge service, daily housekeeping, stocked minibar, and spectacular views of the city of Chicago.

PUBLIC has redefined the luxury travel model to make your stay more about the experience, and less about price or class; a new paradigm perfectly encapsulated in the hotel’s public and private spaces.

Nightly rates start at under $200.

PUBLIC Chicago
http://www.publichotels.com/chicago/home/
1301 North State Parkway
Chicago IL 60610

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Golden Eagle Luxury Tree House at Primland

Michael — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:38:38 +0000

In Southern Virginia’s Patrick County, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lies the sleepy bedroom community of Meadows of Dan. This quaint and unincorporated community doesn’t seem like much to travellers passing through, but that’s only because most of them don’t know what’s there. For hidden away is a unique resort that combines the ultimate in luxury with an unparalleled respect for the great outdoors: Primland.

Primland has always been a great property indeed, but now it’s being improved with the addition of the new Golden Eagle Tree House. This new creation is one of four new suites being added to the resort.

The Golden Eagle Tree House is designed specifically to provide a romantic and ultra-private getaway for couples or honeymooners. It’s located near the fourth green of Primland’s magnificent Highland Golf Course – which itself is fairly impressive – ranked as 13th best in the country by Golf Digest Magazine. As for the accommodations, the single bedroom suite consists of 384 square feet of space including separate kitchen, living room, and bathroom. There’s also a 340 square foot deck overlooking the awe-inspiring Dan River Gorge. Guests are given access to the Tree House with covered golf carts and a very impressive wooden bridge walkway.

Even more impressive is the fact that the Golden Eagle Tree House is made almost entirely of cedar. The building was designed and fabricated in France, then shipped to the United States where it was assembled, finished, and decorated. The decor is just what you’d expect from a wilderness tree house with plenty of wood, natural accents, and nature-inspired furniture. Once you experience the Golden Eagle Tree House, you may not want to come out until your stay comes to an end. If you do, you’ll be free to enjoy a variety of activities including golf, hunting, hiking, and so much more.

While you’re at Primland be sure to visit their exquisite spa. You’ll experience incredible treatments designed for the utmost in relaxation and beauty, all in a natural environment that will take your breath away.

Nightly rates for the Gold Eagle Tree House range from $425 – $539/ night throughout the year.

2000 Busted Rock Road
Meadows of Dan, VA 24120
Phone: 866-960-7746

http://primland.com/accommodations/golden-eagle-treehouse/

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Aulani Disney Resort – The Luxury Hawaiian Getaway

Carmen — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:53:40 +0000

Always known for its first-class accommodations and entertainment venues, Disney opened its latest resort hotel on the island of Oahu, Hawaii to much fanfare and customer anticipation. The first guests arrived the last week of August to enjoy a combination of Disney quality and the gorgeous island atmosphere of Hawaii; an atmosphere that provides an unforgettable holiday getaway for people of all ages.

The Aulani Disney Resort sits on 21 gorgeous acres of waterfront space just 30 minutes from Waikiki. Guests can spend their days soaking up the sun, relaxing in a Disney spa, touring the island with official Disney excursions, and having fun in the resort’s swimming pools. Yet the hotel’s most unique feature is its storytelling theme, which plays off the ancient Hawaiian tradition of carrying on indigenous history through storytelling. And as an added bonus, just like Disney has scattered “hidden Mickey’s” all over its resorts in Orlando, they’ve also hidden an unknown number of Menehune statues for guests to try and find.

Accommodations

The resort is still under construction, but will include 359 hotel rooms and more than 475 two-bedroom villas when complete. All the rooms and villas will be built within two resort towers and will offer stunning views of the ocean, the lush greenery, and the glorious Hawaiian mountains. Each of the spacious rooms is exceptionally decorated in Disney’s signature, over-the-top, imaginative style, with special attention being given to highlighting traditional Hawaiian architecture and culture. And with each room guests are treated to the legendary Disney quality and top-notch service.

Amenities

The Aulani is truly a family-friendly paradise with something for both adults and children. The adults will especially enjoy the Laniwai, an 18,000 sq ft spa and fitness centre with 15 treatment rooms. Traditional Hawaiian healing techniques are the centre of the spa, designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation and well-being. For those who love traditional Hawaiian Art, the Aulani features wonderful works throughout including a stunning lobby mural painted by artist Martin Charlot. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the multiple layers, patterns, and scenes that all combine to tell the Hawaiian story.

As usual, Disney has not forgotten the children either. They have access to their own kids club with plenty of age-appropriate activities that are both entertaining and educational. The resort boasts its own water park with pools, fountains, and a handful of water slides that combine for a full day of waterfront. And for the adventurous, Disney offers the Makai Preserve conservation pool where kids can interact with exotic marine wildlife.

Dining

The Aulani offers dining options through two restaurants contained on-site. Both feature an extensive menu utilizing traditional Hawaiian ingredients provided by local fishermen and farmers. For breakfast, the Makahiki features the opportunity to dine with Disney characters. As morning turns into afternoon, and then eventually evening, the Makahiki ambience changes with programmed lighting. And last but not least, three bars treat guest to an extensive list of exotic drinks, as well as individual themes.

The Aulani Disney Resort is not just for kids, adults will enjoy their time as well.

Nightly rates start at just under $400 per night.

Aulani Disney Resort
92-1185 Aliʻinui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707

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First Virgin America Hotel Announced in Chicago

Carmen — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:39:38 +0000

In Europe the Virgin brand name is one of the most well-known and respected among all industries. Now the company aims to strengthen its position in North America by venturing into the hotel business. To that end, Virgin Group has announced the completion of a deal that will bring the first Virgin-branded hotel to America. The site of the property is a historic office building in downtown Chicago that the Group purchased from Wabash Lake Partners LLC, Chicago.

Assisting Virgin Group in the deal was Chicago-based John Buck Company. The two will jointly work together on a redevelopment plan to transform the property into a 250-room, four-star hotel. No details have yet been released on the direction designers will be taking, or the total cost of the renovation, but Virgin’s hotel division has been allotted as much as USD $500 million to acquire and develop properties in America’s most dynamic cities. In addition to Chicago, Virgin has targeted New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

The Chicago property is a 27-story building on the city’s West side, between the shores of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The Art Deco building is significant to Chicago’s heritage, making it a perfect venue for the Virgin brand name. Virgin has not yet scheduled a date for the property’s grand opening and is open the possibility of another US-based hotel debuting before the October 2013 Chicago deadline.

Four Seasons Baltimore Opens November

Carmen — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:50:54 +0000

If you’ve ever visited Baltimore you know that it is a thriving hub of medical research, business, professional sports, shopping, dining, and culture. If you’ve never visited, you need to do so. In fact, there’s no better time to go than this November, when the new For Seasons Hotel Baltimore opens its doors.

This 18 story hotel rises majestically above the city’s bustling east harbor with an edgy, modern look. It’s just minutes from the Baltimore convention Center, the world-famous Johns Hopkins Medical Center, and the city centre. The hotel offers 256 rooms all complemented by Baltimore’s most extensive hotel-based art collection and interior design from Brayton & Hughes Design Studio.

Accommodations
Guest rooms feature American-style contemporary decoration well-suited to families, business travelers, and both short and long-term guests. Some of the rooms have private terraces while nearly all offer spectacular views of the harbor through windows stretching from floor-to-ceiling. The signature Four Seasons bed offers a great night’s sleep while twice-daily room service and a host of amenities provide a very comfortable stay.

Dining and Drinking Options
When you’re away from home you prefer a good selection of dining and drinking options. That’s why Four Seasons Baltimore offers several restaurants and bars including the featured restaurant, Wit & Wisdom by Michael Mina. This dockside restaurant is part steakhouse, part tavern, in part seafood joint. According to the executive chef you should prepare for the best Maryland crab cake you’ve ever eaten.

Spa and Fitness Centre
For the ultimate in relaxation you’ll want to visit the spa – 10,000-square feet of total relaxation including nearly a dozen treatment rooms, several private suites with soaking tubs, and steam and sauna rooms. You’ll be treated to the finest treatments in an environment that is contemporary and chic.

Nightly rates start at just under $400.

Four Seasons Baltimore
http://www.fourseasons.com/baltimore/
200 International Drive
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. 21202

St. Regis New York – The Dior Suite

Carmen — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:47:38 +0000

The St. Regis New York hotel is proud to announce the availability of their new Dior Suite in collaboration with the famed Parisian fashion house. This is the hotel chain’s a second joint effort with Dior, this time in a 1700-square feet space of decadent luxury. And just like the Tiffany Suite, the Dior was designed to the highest standards the St. Regis brand is known for.

The Dior is normally a one bedroom suite with views of 5th Avenue, Central Park, and 55th St. However; it can easily be converted to a two-bedroom suite. It’s been painted almost entirely in the St. Regis signature colour known as “whispering gray”, with the finest luxury appointments included.

Guests will enjoy a full living room, dining room, one bedroom, and one-and-a-half baths. Conversion to a two-bedroom suite is accomplished by opening an adjoining room with an additional bedroom, living room, and bath. At just $8500 per night this suite may become a destination unto itself.

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LEGOLAND Hotel to Open in Carlsbad, CA – Luxury for Kids

Carmen — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:00:23 +0000

This past summer the ownership of LEGOLAND California Resort made a major announcement regarding the first ever North America based LEGOLAND Hotel to open on resort property in summer 2013. The property will occupy space now being used by the resort for bus parking. Construction begins this month on the 250-room hotel which will feature a LEGO theme with bright colours, LEGO designer décor, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Initial approval for the project was first given by the city of Carlsbad back in 2009. Since then the company has been working diligently to secure the proper permits and other approvals required.

LEGOLAND California resort first opened in 1999 with just a single theme park area. It has enjoyed astronomical growth in the 12 years since, expanding to four total areas welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. As for the new hotel, it will be designed specifically to cater to families with children with accommodations being themed after the four main LEGOLAND areas. Guests can expect LEGO characters, LEGO themed furniture, and plenty of colour throughout the rooms and public spaces. Once the hotel is complete it will join two other on-site hotels, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and the Grande Pacific Palisades, in providing accommodations for LEGOLAND California’s guests.

LEGOLAND California Resort features more than 60 theme park rides, attractions, and shows and includes a water park, an aquarium, and plenty of interactive exhibits to engage the hearts and minds of children. It is owned by Merlin Entertainment, an international company operating hotels and attractions in 17 countries on four continents. Merlin has operated a LEGOLAND Hotel in Billund, Denmark since 1991 and is currently in process of building a new hotel in Windsor, UK. That hotel is scheduled to open sometime next year.

Bora Bora: Traveling to the French Polynesian Islands on Air Tahiti Nui

Michael — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:26:35 +0000

If you plan to visit the French Polynesian Islands, and Bora Bora in particular, your options to travel from the United States are fairly limited. Within the continental United States the only flights available are on Air Tahiti Nui, and they depart from Los Angeles. The flights depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and arrive in Papeete, Tahiti, Faa’a’s International airport (PPT).

The opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world doesn’t necessarily come cheap. A round-trip ticket starts at $965 during low travels seasons and $1,161 during peak seasons.

The flight to Tahiti is just over 8 hours, and onboard you will find that Air Tahiti Nui is not your run-of-the-mill airline. Air Tahiti Nui is a real treat. The first thing you’ll notice when you board is the well maintained, clean interiors. Pillows and blankets are provided on your seat as your arrive. Also provided is a package of goods to ensure you have a comfortable flight, including an eye mask, socks, stickers to indicate if you do or don’t want to be distributed while you’re sleeping, if they are serving food, ear plugs, and more. When boarding the plane they even play traditional Tahitian music to set the mood.

Once airborne the flight attendants come around and offer each passenger a flower that’s supposed to be worn behind your ear, which is a Tahitian tradition. Make sure to put it behind your correct ear, as it can it can mean a lot more than you might assume:

Worn behind your right ear: it means you are single, available
Worn behind your left ear: you are married, engaged or otherwise taken
Worn behind both ears: you are married but still available
Worn backward behind your ear: you are available immediately

Within 30 minutes of being airborne the first meal is served. A menu is provided at your seat before the food is delivered to provide you with a listing of meal choices for the entire flight. For our flight that left in the evening, we were offered the following:

MENU
HOT MEAL

Appetizer
Fresh seasonal salad with bell peppers, corn and black olives

Choice of Main Course

Chicken Provencal with parsley mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots, cheese & chocolate banana cake
Sautéed Pollack with an Asian-style sauce, fried rice and sugar snap peas, cheese & chocolate banana cake

COLD LIGHT MEAL

Appetizer
Salmon with potato salad

Main course
Chicken with Swiss cheese sandwich & Rice pudding

After dinner it’s a choice of sleeping or entertainment to pass the time. Every seat onboard has an entertainment system, which includes access to movies, games, flight information, and more, on a personal video screen mounted behind the headrest of the seat in front of you.

The service onboard Air Tahiti Nui is top notch. The flight attendants were very polite and treated every guest as if they were honored to have them onboard. The flight attendants’ outfits, some of which changed 3 times over the course of the flight, were an attractive blue and turquoise combination.

The flight experience overall was very pleasant and ended with the staff handing out French soft-chew candies. Flying on Air Tahiti Nui in economy class is a reminder of how flying used to feel – carefree, adventurous, and relaxing. It was the perfect way to embark on our tropical escape to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Flying from Tahiti to Bora Bora

Once you have entered into the French Polynesian islands, by way of Papeete you are less than an hour away by plane to Bora Bora. Air Tahiti, which is a separate national airline, services the majority of the ‘island hopping’ flights to the many French Polynesian islands.

If you have a layover, keep in mind that Papeete’s Faa’a International airport is fairly small, and the few shops it has are only open during limited hours. Be prepared with your own means of entertainment, you’ll need it.

The flight from Faa’a International airport (PPT) to Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is about 45 minutes and departs several times a day. The plane they use for this route is small, so the flights book up at popular timeslots fairly quickly – book early to ensure you get the connecting flight you want.

Seating onboard Air Tahiti is not assigned, so boarding happens rapidly. Make sure to board early so that you can ensure a seat next to whomever you’re traveling with. One of the best things about the flight was the complimentary pineapple juice that is served. The flight is so quick that once you’ve taken off, it’s practically already time for the decent.

The Bora Bora Airport is one of the smallest we’ve seen, but the excitement of its visitors makes up for its size. Boats for every Bora Bora hotel or resort await only a few steps out the door and welcome leis are given to arriving guests. The island hospitality of a trip to French Polynesia starts onboard Air Tahiti Nui in LAX and continues from there the whole trip through!

Discover the whole trip to Bora Bora here: http://luxgetaway.com/tag/lux-destination-bora-bora/

Four Seasons Walt Disney World to Open in 2014

Michael — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:40:11 +0000

It’s no secret that Orlando-based Walt Disney World Resort is among the top five most visited resort destinations in the world. It’s also no secret that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, based in Toronto, Canada, is one of the premier names in luxury holiday accommodations. So imagine what Orlando visitors will be treated to when the new Four Seasons Walt Disney World opens in 2014.

Four Seasons has reached a deal to develop a luxury resort in Orlando on land acquired from Disney in 2008. Four Seasons will retain a 30% interest in the project which will be financed by some US$190 million provided by Grupo Financiero Inbursa of Mexico City. The luxury hotel chain will operate the new resort rather than leaving it to Disney operators.

Four Seasons Walt Disney World has been designed to include 444 total rooms including 90 private residences, 40 club units, a full spa with 18 treatment rooms, three swimming pools, and a rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom. If all of the architectural plans are fully realized it will be the largest Four Seasons resort in the world. It will also include the adjacent Osprey Ridge golf course; an existing course which Four Seasons pledges to fully renovate.

The combination of Disney’s reputation for world-class entertainment, combined with the Four Season’s reputation for world-class luxury should produce one of the finest resorts ever built. Perhaps 2014 can’t come soon enough.