Connectivity: an in-airport sample of the Lobby Zone at the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago O'Hare.
By Mark Chesnut
Travel isn’t what it used to be, and neither are hotel lobbies. Among the latest examples of the evolution of lobby design is Courtyard by Marriott, which has introduced a new concept for its public spaces, in what the company says is a reflection of changes in how people want to experience hotels. (more…)
Name change: the newly redubbed United Club in Hong Kong.
By Mark Chesnut
United and Continental Airlines passengers looking for a quiet respite from the airport hubbub are ducking into a lounge with a new name. The Continental Airlines Presidents Club and United Airlines Red Carpet Club have been renamed United Club, as the latest step in the merger process between the two airlines. The newly dubbed lounges feature the same amenities as before, including free drinks and light snacks, free Wi-Fi, workstations and conference room access. (more…)
Pleasing palate: a PUBLIC Chicago hotel guest room
By Mark Chesnut
The Windy City will get a fresh injection of hotel style on Oct. 11, when PUBLIC Chicago opens its doors. Ian Schrager, the hotelier known for his luxurious boutique properties, is recasting the former Ambassador East Hotel and its Pump Room restaurant into what developers hope will become a trend-setting icon among Chicago hotels.
With his new Chicago hotel, Schrager — who opened his first boutique hotel some 25 years ago — is taking aim at the uniformity that he says has afflicted the boutique hotel concept since it became one of the hospitality industry’s fastest-growing segments. PUBLIC Chicago will feature social areas including the Living Room and Library, which will have a coffee and dessert bar, and the Backroom, which doubles as a screening room for private meetings and events. (more…)
By Mark Chesnut
Few people would choose to vacation at an airport hotel, but when it comes to convenience, these strategically placed properties are among the best options for anyone looking to catch a flight or make a quick business trip. But not all tarmac-adjacent guest rooms are created equal. Here are a few of the best choices around the nation.
Aloft Denver International Airport
Starwood’s relatively new aloft brand, which aims to combine style elements from W Hotels with value prices, offers a fresh-faced option for travelers stopping in Denver. The property features the brand’s trademark cheery colors and contemporary, loft-style decor, as well as 1,500 square feet of meeting space. (more…)
That's the spirit: Florida-based Spirit Airlines is in growth mode.
By Mark Chesnut
Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines is introducing new service on a number of popular business travel routes — which may also be of interest to anyone shopping for a Las Vegas vacation or a Chicago vacation.
Among the airline’s fastest-growing destinations is Chicago; in August, the company launched new nonstop flights linking O’Hare airport to Boston, Dallas and New York LaGuardia, and also increased service to Detroit. On Nov. 10, new nonstop flights will begin between Chicago O’Hare and Orlando. (more…)
Hop in: A Mercedes at Four Seasons Resort Vail
By Mark Chesnut
More upscale hotels are tapping into the public’s fascination with shiny new luxury cars by offering free loaner programs. It’s a first-come, first-serve type of amenity that is certainly more interesting than free coffee or Wi-Fi.
Some of the loaner programs are for a limited time. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, is offering guests the chance to drive the latest BMW models — including a sedan, several convertibles, an SUV and an eco-friendly BMW — for free between Sept. 18 and Oct. 24, as part of the Ritz-Carlton BMW Driving Tour. (more…)
Runners conquer Mile 12 of the Chicago Marathon on Franklin Street. Credit: jordanfischer.
By Nina Kokotas Hahn
On Oct. 9, I’ll be running the 2011 Chicago Marathon — that’s just four weeks away, but whose counting? I’ve trained, woke up bleary-eyed to run in the dark, iced ‘till my skin was numb and stretched, even while reading to my kids. I’m a native Chicagoan who has run and volunteered for this race before, so I know the 29-neighborhood course like the back of my hand. I am ready. Heck, I’ve even done the one thing I seem to forget year after year: made a hotel reservation. (more…)
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
By Orbitz Staff
Between flights, hotels, transportation and dining expenses, the costs for a getaway can quickly rack up. Wouldn’t be nice if you had a little extra spending money to help foot the bill? Ten travelers got a sweet surprise when they booked on Orbitz: an automatic Price Assurance refund because another traveler who booked the same prepaid flight or hotel got the deal for less. We issued them a refund for the difference.
To date, we’ve paid out $10 million in Price Assurance payouts. Check out the gallery of this giddy group of 10, and more importantly — how they spent their extra dough. (more…)
Blues traveler: JetBlue is adding new flights and amenities. Credit: Michael Gray.
By Mark Chesnut
JetBlue Airways may be known for its in-flight entertainment, clever ads and low fares for Florida vacations and Caribbean vacations, but the New York-based airline is also building a case for why business travelers should come aboard as well.
In June, the airline introduced the first of its “Even More” group of products and services: “Even More Space” and “Even More Speed.” An extension of the company’s existing “Even More Legroom” product, the “Even More Space” feature includes early boarding and early access to overhead bin space, in addition to extra legroom. The price of “Even More Space” starts at $10 for short-haul flights and is available in 15 JetBlue markets. Initially, “Even More Speed” — which provides early boarding and early access to overhead bin space — will be included when passengers pay for Even More Space; later this year, it will be sold separately. (more…)
If you want to run into a rock star during Lolla weekend, book a room at the Hard Rock.
By Valerie Moloney
Whether you’re a Lollapalooza virgin or fifth-timer, you’ll want a cushy place to rest your head after sets by the Arctic Monkeys, The Kills, Eminem and a jillion other indie and mainstream artists. Between the hipster hangs and celebrity haunts, Chicago has established itself as the country’s premier music festival for the weekend of Aug. 5-7. Here’s where to stay and possibly stumble upon a rock star while you’re in the Windy City. (more…)
We love to travel, and we love to talk about it. The Orbitz Blog is another way we can share our expertise, advice and the occasional random thought.
Check back often for fresh insight from Orbitz staff and contributors about cool places to visit, fun things to do and smart ways to save.
