Orbitz Blog

Articles for December, 2012

Hotel heaven: A peek inside top penthouse suites

Friday, December 28th, 2012

Living it up: The penthouse suite at the InterContinental New York Times Square.

By Mark Chesnut

Even if you’ve never stayed in one, you’ve heard of them: Those dreamy rooms at the very top of the hotel. Whether they’re called a penthouse or the presidential suite, these are the accommodations to indulge in countless amenities and luxurious style. And business travelers take note: Many suites can also be used for business meetings, private cocktail parties and events, making it easier to justify the expense. To get your travel imagination going, here are a few great places to check into the top of the hotel. (more…)

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Tired of flying? Check into these great airport hotels

Wednesday, December 26th, 2012

The Sheraton Malpensa hotel offers day rates and extra amenities for air travelers.

By Mark Chesnut

In many parts of North America, it’s the time of year when travelers may find themselves spending more time in the airport than they’d like, thanks to winter storms, flight delays and cancellations. But relief may be closer than you think, when you check into one of the new generation of airport hotels that help passengers relax, rejuvenate and even conduct business, often without stepping a foot outside the terminal building. (more…)

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Working on the go: Hotels make productivity more social

Thursday, December 20th, 2012

The Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee north offers space for socializing and working.

By Mark Chesnut

In years past, business trips inevitably meant lonely hours spent working in hotel rooms. But a new generation of hotel concepts—as well as non-hotel rentable work space—has brought fresh options to travelers who want to stay productive without being sequestered. (more…)

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After Sandy, lower Manhattan rebounds for travelers

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

The Andaz Wall Street is among the hotels in lower Manhattan that welcome upscale business travelers.

By Mark Chesnut

Hurricane Sandy was a tragedy on many levels, but lower Manhattan—one of the areas of New York City most affected by the storm—is back on track and welcoming guests, with reopened hotels and attractions. (more…)

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New Year’s Eve 2012: New York City’s Top 5 Events

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Heading to New York for New Year’s? Check out the Punch Brothers at Bowery Ballroom.

By Steve Dollar

Every New Year’s Eve since 1907—save for a two-year gap during World War II—a glowing ball has dropped at midnight in Times Square, signaling the beginning of a new year. This December 31 is no exception, as a million celebrants are expected to gather in Manhattan’s neon crossroads. They’ll be entertained for a few hours, by the likes of Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen and K-Pop sensation PSY. And then, the ritual “10-9-8-7-6…” countdown begins.

Not everyone, obviously, wants to squeeze into a screaming crowd, no matter how much cheap champagne they’ve consumed. But there are more intimate crowds to party with—and all kinds of ways to revel before the skies erupt with light and the city echoes with choruses of Auld Lang Syne. Demand is high, so secure your tickets soon. (And if you’re traveling to New York for the festivities, make sure you have somewhere great to stay.) (more…)

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Foto Friday: Inside The Hobbit

Friday, December 14th, 2012

“Hobbiton,” also known as Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand.  Photo source: Rob & Jules.

No, this week’s Foto Friday pick isn’t a country revival painting–you’re looking at a hobbit-hole view of the idyllic New Zealand countryside. The farming town of Matamata played host to the Lord of the Rings series and takes up the task again in the upcoming The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The best part? You can feed your Hobbit fever and visit Matamata and the set of The Hobbit! The set is preserved, and year-round tours serve visitors looking to capture the magic of the Shire.

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Panama welcomes exciting new hotels and attractions

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

The Tryp by Wyndham Panama Centro is one of the newest hotels in Panama City, Panama.

By Mark Chesnut

Panama’s capital, Panama City, is a metropolis on the move. With an expanded international airport, an eye-catching new museum by a world-famous architect and an increasingly restored historic center among its ongoing projects—not to mention the massive plans to widen the Panama Canal—this Latin American hotspot is preparing to welcome more business and leisure travelers than ever. So it’s no surprise that an array of new hotels are rising in the city center, to better serve the needs of a decidedly international clientele. Here’s a quick guide to what you shouldn’t miss. (more…)

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Top 10 holiday travel tips to keep you sane

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012

Cue the “Run, Run Rudolph.” Credit, Flickr: Elvert Barnes.

By Angie Jaime

Celebrating the holidays is great! Fighting off the crowds at the airport—not so much. So how do you get to the Christmas ham and Hanukkah latkes without going postal? Our expert Facebook fans are dropping some knowledge:

(more…)

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Neighborhood Insider: Brooklyn’s historic Ditmas Park

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012
The Farm on Adderley

The Farm on Adderley is just one of Ditmas Park’s many excellent dining options.

Our Neighborhood Insider series takes you on a tour of the coolest up-and-coming areas around the country.

By Steve Dollar

Now home to its own newly consecrated sports arena and seemingly as celebrity-riddled as Soho, Brooklyn isn’t quite the downhome borough it once was. Major attractions such as Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Green-Wood Cemetery, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the hipster boîtes of Williamsburg are as appealing as ever. But more curious travelers may want to look deeper and get away from the weekend crowds. If that’s your goal, then Ditmas Park is a gem. (more…)

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Holiday shopping? These hotel gift shops are great finds

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

Unique holiday shopping: The Ace Hotel New York has interesting gift ideas.

By Mark Chesnut

It’s that time of year. Busy travelers are suddenly realizing that they’ve got tons of shopping left to do, and very little time to do it. But fear not. Road warriors may find an array of unique holiday gift ideas right in the lobby of the next hotel where they check in. Here are some noteworthy examples to help you shorten your holiday list. (more…)

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