Our favorite politician this election season isn’t a Democrat or Republican—it’s Walt Arnett, the candidate of the Orbitz Vacation Party! The competition was steep, but Walt clinched our Facebook election with his hilarious campaign video and staunch pro-vacation stance. So far Walt’s visited Miami, Las Vegas and Chicago on his cross-country tour; for a complete schedule (as well as the chance for you to win a swanky trip to one of his campaign stops), visit the Orbitz Vacation Party headquarters at www.orbitzvacationparty.com.
We caught up with Walt to see how things are going on the campaign trail. (more…)
The ‘L’ station at O’Hare Airport in Chicago offers easy access to downtown. Photo: Chicago Transit Authority
By Mark Chesnut
Hate driving around in unfamiliar cities or getting caught in a pricey taxi during a traffic jam? In spite of our nation’s love affair with the automobile, several cities offer viable mass transit options that whisk visitors from airports to downtown without having to pay a single taxi fare. Here are a few of the best places to hop on board, and hotels close to mass transit. (more…)
Emerald City: The MGM Grand is a recently renovated Las Vegas hotel.
By Mark Chesnut
A perennial favorite for business travelers and conventioneers (not to mention lots of vacationers), Las Vegas is in the midst of a wave of renovation. The result? Even more ways to indulge and be productive in so-called “Sin City.” (more…)
Staying connected is getting easier than ever at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts—with mobile meeting space, Wi-Fi–equipped limousines and even Skype-assisted check-ins among the latest offerings. (more…)
The stunning Dream South Beach won our Best In Stay award for Miami.
We’ve released the 2012 Orbitz Best In Stay Awards today, our tip-of-the-hat to a handful of hotels worldwide that have received the very best reviews from Orbitz guests. Our winners are the cream of the crop hotels in 75 of our most popular destinations around the world. In addition to the 75 market winners, winners were also selected in seven categories: Value, Luxury, Couples, Eco, LGBT, Ski and All-Inclusive. (more…)
With a slew of hotel renovations, upgrades and expansions, business travelers headed to San Francisco—as well as anyone looking for an upscale California vacation—will find an impressive array of accommodations that can suit just about any taste, from funky to fancy. (more…)
Let’s meet: The new Workspring at Marriott concept targets small meetings with high-tech touches.
By Mark Chesnut
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is aiming to attract more tech-loving travelers with a new series of hip events and the debut of new tech-friendly meeting space targeted at younger business travelers.
Through December, the hotel chain is hosting a series of events in conjunction with Wired magazine. Its monthly “Wired + Marriott Culturazzi” series aims to help guests connect more efficiently with technology and also make better use of the company’s increasingly high-tech and social public spaces. (more…)
Room with a view: The Distrito Capital is one of Mexico City’s most stylish hotels.
By Mark Chesnut
As the largest metropolis in North America and one of the biggest cities in the world, Mexico City is an important hub for business travel, while Mexico City vacations are growing in popularity, thanks to the city’s many museums, historic attractions and sophisticated dining and shopping.
During a recent visit to attend FITA, the largest annual international tourism conference in Mexico City, I came up with a few helpful tips for making the most of your next visit. (more…)
The Biltmore Culinary Academy, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, offers tasty team building activities.
By Mark Chesnut
Whether it’s rappelling down a cliff, competing to finish a gourmet recipe or engaging in a lively scavenger hunt, team building activities are increasingly popular for businesses looking to build camaraderie, communication and productivity among staff and even with clients. Here are a few hotels that offer interesting options for having fun while working together. (more…)
Retro chic: La Suite 007 exudes James Bond style, at Seven Hotel Paris.
By Mark Chesnut
If you think about it, James Bond—the world’s most famous secret agent—is nothing more than a very talented business traveler. His business might be a bit different from most frequent flyers, but the places that he’s stayed in many movies aren’t out of reach for more common, real-life globetrotters. And now, as fans celebrate the 50th anniversary of the popular movie franchise and a new film is about to debut this fall, the timing is perfect for making that next trip a bit more like a 007 assignment. Here are some hotels that Bond has booked. (more…)
