Orbitz Blog

Articles for May, 2011

Sheraton ups the ante with Club Lounge upgrades

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Sky high: The Leahi Club Lounge at the Sheraton Waikiki.

By Mark Chesnut

Business travelers and vacationers craving a bit more luxury in their travels will likely welcome the news that Sheraton Hotels has poured more than $100 million into upgrades at 120 of its Club Lounges around the world, including hotels in New York City, Honolulu, Denver, Toronto, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires and Edinburgh. The refurbishing is the last phase of Sheraton’s recent $6 billion revitalization effort, which has included some $4 billion worth of new hotels and renovations in North America alone. (more…)

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Posted in Business Travel, Hawaii Vacation, Hotels | No Comments »

America’s top 10 beaches for 2011

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Dr. Beach named Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Fla. as the best beach in 2011. Credit: Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau.

By Derek Brown

Dr. Beach, America’s preeminent beach expert, just named the best beach for 2011:  Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Fla. Locals claim it has the finest and whitest sand in the world. Having grown up there, I would most certainly agree.

In his 21st annual ranking, Dr. Beach, who is also known as Dr. Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University, says, “The powdery sand is nearly pure quartz.”  Wide swaths of open beach and gentle waves make it a paradise for anyone.  There’s plenty of room to throw a blanket down and take in the sun’s rays, walk along the water line or play a game of volleyball. (more…)

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Posted in Beach Vacation, Florida Vacation, Top 10 Lists | No Comments »

Hip and heavenly: 3 boutique chic Honolulu hotels

Friday, May 27th, 2011

The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel captures the heart of Hawaii: water views, blue skies and fab florals.

By Vince Font

Some people don’t like all-inclusive vacations. Others swear by them. But on this we can all agree: We all enjoy a getaway to Hawaii. Here’s an escape to satisfy both sets of travelers: Honolulu hotels that ooze boutique appeal. Check out these three chic stays, each one a prime destination for summer vacations. (more…)

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Posted in Beach Vacation, Hawaii Vacation, Hotels | No Comments »

Loews Lake Las Vegas: Henderson’s desert oasis

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

The tranquil side of Sin City: The blissful, palm-tree lined outdoor pool at Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort in Henderson.

By Vince Font

While you and the rest of the world weren’t looking, Las Vegas came of age. And the evidence isn’t as plainly in view as you might think. While most people would point to the growth of Vegas’ South Strip, or to the presence of the kind of family-oriented hotels like Circus Circus Las Vegas and Treasure Island that even Bugsy Siegel himself could never have imagined, the proof in the pudding actually lies 20 minutes away in Henderson, Nev. Those who thought the only kind of Las Vegas vacations worth having were only on the Strip in the heart of the city are urged to think again, and take a look at the Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort. (more…)

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Posted in Family Travel, Hotels, Las Vegas Vacation | No Comments »

Cozumel hotels: 3 must-stays for snorkeling trips

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

A divers' dream: The coral-rich waters teem with exotic fish and snorkelers near Cozumel hotels. Credit: Omakakii.

By Vince Font

There are few beach activities that are both exciting and relaxing, but if you query the opinions of travelers experienced in beach vacations, you’ll likely reach the consensus that snorkeling is one of them. Great snorkeling needs more than just clear waters – the water should also be calm enough to keep you from drifting and warm enough to be enjoyable. The island of Cozumel in the Caribbean provides both, and the following Cozumel hotels are three of the best to try out for the ultimate snorkeling experience. (more…)

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Posted in Beach Vacation, Hotels, Mexico Vacation | No Comments »

Virgin America lands in Chicago with signature style

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Virgin territory: Chicago is the newest destination for Virgin America, which launches O'Hare service on May 25.

By Mark Chesnut

Starting today, travelers flying between Chicago and the west coast will have a new choice in the air, as Virgin America debuts at O’Hare International Airport with daily nonstop flights to both Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

The new service is a long time coming. Virgin America first announced plans to serve O’Hare in 2008, but had to delay the debut because there were no gates available. Now that the company has the gate space (L3, to be exact), they promise that the experience both on the ground and in the air will reflect the overall style of the airline, which is based in California but carries the well-recognized Virgin brand founded by Sir Richard Branson. So you can expect mood-lit cabins, power outlets near every seat and seatback entertainment systems. (more…)

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Posted in Business Travel, Chicago Vacation, Flights | No Comments »

Luxury squared: St. Regis Hotels’ global growth

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

By Mark Chesnut

Drinking in the view: The bar at the new St. Regis Bangkok hotel.

Whether your travel plans take you to Florida, Africa, Asia, Europe or the Middle East, you’ll find some new hotel options on your itinerary, thanks to a growth spurt at St. Regis Hotels & Resorts that is resulting in new luxury properties in a variety of far-flung destinations.

A total of 10 new hotels and resorts are to open within the next 12 months. The first of the properties, the 227-room St. Regis Bangkok, debuted in April in a commercial corridor along Rajadamri Road. The hotel has an Elemis spa as well as eight meeting rooms and a business center that cater to travelers looking to get some work done while visiting Thailand’s capital. (more…)

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Posted in Business Travel, Hotels, Travel News | No Comments »

Business meets pleasure at all-inclusive resorts

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

By Mark Chesnut

Biz travelers will capitalize upon event facilities, a spa and world-class golf at the new Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal.

All-inclusive resorts may bring to mind a sun-soaked Mexico vacation, but as these beachfront hotels become increasingly upscale and diverse, they’re also offering more for business travelers, whether it’s a small executive getaway or a major convention.

Many luxury all-inclusives have some sort of meeting space, and can also arrange for private group dining and themed events for business groups both large and small. In addition, a growing number have full-fledged convention space with audiovisual equipment and business services. (more…)

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Posted in All Inclusive Resorts, Business Travel, Hotels | No Comments »

New magic aboard the Disney Fantasy ship

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Dining at Animator's Palate aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Credit: Disney.

By Nisha Thakkar

While the Disney Fantasy, the new Disney Cruise Line ship, isn’t set to debut until March 31, 2012, I got a sneak peek and can’t wait to share the details with you. The Disney Fantasy will maintain some of the Disney Dream fan-favorites — like the AquaDuck, the first shipboard water coaster — but also has some really cool features that make it stand out on its own.

(more…)

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Posted in Cruise, Disney Vacation | No Comments »

Hotel spas offer jet lag relief with special treatments

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Hilton's Eforea spas offer jet lag recovery treatments.

By Mark Chesnut

An unfortunate side effect of business travel and long-distance vacation travel is jet lag. But hotel spas can help, with an array of remedies designed to get jet-setting executives back to normal.

Several large hotel companies offer options at their top-line brands. Hilton Hotels & Resorts debuted a Jet Lag Body Remedy in October 2010, available at all of its hotels that have Eforea spa facilities. The 90-minute treatment includes aromatherapy, Swedish massage, a scalp massage and warm foot treatment. (more…)

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Posted in Business Travel, Hotels, Travel Tips | No Comments »

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