Luxury in the air: The Qantas first class cabin.
By Mark Chesnut
No one looks forward to a long nonstop flight. But sitting in the front of the cabin can make a big difference when it comes to comfort and amenities. Here are a few examples of the advantages of flying first class on long-haul flights. (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…)
Wolfgang Puck restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air hosts mixology classes.
By Mark Chesnut
Having a drink with colleagues and clients shouldn’t be limited to ordering and toasting. Many hotels now offer mixology classes, which can provide a new dimension to business entertaining (and perhaps a fresh education for the next time you’re the bartender at home). (more…)
Early autumn view of Central Park from the Mandarin Oriental, New York. Photo: Marley White, NYC and Co.
By Mark Chesnut
Within a matter of weeks, cooler temperatures will start descending upon North America. So it’s the perfect time to take a look at how to make the most of business travel during the autumn months—including how to find the best travel deals and how to avoid seasonal hassles. If you have a bit of flexibility when planning, keep these ideas in mind to make those trips go smoothly. (more…)
The new duty-free shopping area at Chicago's O'Hare airport is just one name-brand airport retail option.
By Mark Chesnut
Looking for a last-minute gift to take home to your significant other, or perhaps an emergency wardrobe upgrade for an urgent business meeting? Look no further than the airport where you’ve just landed. Well-known upscale brands are more visible than ever on the concourse — making it easier than ever to be prepared for whatever awaits at your destination.
The Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers is among the Sheraton Hotels getting upgrades.
By Mark Chesnut
Starwood Preferred Guest members take note: Sheraton Hotels, one of the upscale hotel brands owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, is unveiling some $350 million worth of upgrades at an array of its properties in the coming months. (more…)
Golden gates: The Fairmont San Francisco is among the hotels with upgrades.
By Mark Chesnut
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which operates upscale hotels that range from the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona to the Fairmont Monte Carlo in — you guessed it — Monte Carlo, is making some major overhauls on a bunch of its properties worldwide, and guests are the beneficiaries. (more…)
German accent: The Residence Inn Munich City East opened in 2011.
By Mark Chesnut
Residence Inn may be a well-recognized brand of hotels throughout the United States, but if parent company Marriott International has its way, the name will be increasingly familiar to international business travelers as well as anyone planning a Europe vacation or international vacations in the Middle East and northern Africa. (more…)
Play for paradise: A stay at Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is one of the 50 prizes we're giving away.
By Valerie Moloney
While winter isn’t melting away anytime soon (no thanks to Punxsutawney Phil), we at Orbitz do our best to keep your travel lust hot and alive.
So we’re giving away another set of 50 free vacations — with airfare included — on Facebook via Orbitz 50 Faves from Feb. 16 to March 25. Just like last round, we’re going big, and plotting hotel stays and fancy upgrades on just about every corner of the earth. (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.