Special Edition: Marriott's sole Edition property is in Istanbul for now, but growth is in store.
By Mark Chesnut
It’s taken a while, but Marriott International’s Edition brand, the so-called lifestyle hotel chain developed in conjunction with hotelier Ian Schrager, is getting ready to grow. As a result, travelers will soon have new options when choosing New York hotels or planning a Miami vacation. (more…)
Tucked in Nantucket: Hole up with your sweetheart in the classic Americana inn The Wauwinet.
By Erik Torkells
Valentine’s Day is approaching, which means hotels are announcing themed packages. These packages are increasingly about sexiness more than romance, however, with extras like complimentary copies of the Kama Sutra and what used to be called “marital aids.” (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) But you don’t have to be Carrie Bradshaw to know that sex and romance are hardly the same thing, and Valentine’s Day is about romance. We’re not talking about heart-shaped candy boxes and flowers, but the feeling that tends to happen early in a relationship, when it’s as if you’re the only two people in the world. How do you re-create that? (more…)
Reading room: the Taschen Library at the Trump Soho Hotel in New York City.
By Mark Chesnut
Sure, ebooks have made it easier for travelers to bring all the reading material they need when on the road. But a growing number of luxury hotels have introduced their own stylish collection of coffee table books and even business books — so whether you’re planning a Mexico vacation or hopping among New York hotels, you can find a worthy alternative to that well-traveled iPad. (more…)
The famous International Orange color of the Golden Gate Bridge contrasts well against a bright blue sky. Credit: Blane Bachelor.
By Blane Bachelor
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the globe’s most iconic landmarks. With its majestic architecture, bold orange-red color and breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sea, the Golden Gate, as the bridge commonly referred to, is also – not surprisingly — the world’s most-photographed bridge. But with just a little insight and planning, it’s possible for even the most novice shutterbugs to take spectacular, and unique, shots of the bridge for some brag-worthy souvenirs. I’m no Ansel Adams, but here are a few tips I’ve uncovered since moving to San Francisco this July on getting some great Golden Gate bridge pics. (more…)
History in the making: Circa 1886 restaurant, at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston.
By Mark Chesnut
The cities of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia are tourism magnets, thanks to their Southern hospitality and beautifully maintained historic attractions. But they can also be great places to hold a business meeting, as many of their most attractive landmarks are also available for private events. And that includes hotels in both cities, where Southern charm and stunning settings combine to create unique venues for a variety of gatherings. (more…)
Enlist now: a former military residence has been recast as the upscale Inn at the Presidio
By Mark Chesnut
The Presidio — San Francisco’s scenic, 235-year-old former military base — will introduce a new option for travelers in April, when the first hotel ever to operate on site opens its doors. The Inn at the Presidio is expected to attract both business travelers and anyone planning a California vacation in the city by the bay, thanks to its upscale ambiance and proximity to noteworthy attractions. (more…)
Magic fans hope Dwight Howard stays, but the hip downtown scene of this metropolis isn't going anywhere. Credit: Fernando Medina.
By Amy Drew Thompson
With the NBA strike over, a basketball-starved nation is relieved, but fans of the Orlando Magic have a new worry: Superstar center Dwight Howard may be leaving to find fortune elsewhere. Many believe Howard has helped fuel Orlando’s downtown renaissance; devotees have even started a campaign to keep him: StayDwight.com. Will he? The question remains. But for now, guests at Orlando hotels can still catch Howard at the brand-spanking-new Amway Arena while enjoying the sophisticated spoils of that aforementioned revitalization.
Quirky masks are just some of the artwork for sale along Frenchmen Street. Credit: Infrogmation.
By Blane Bachelor
The French Quarter and the Garden District are must-see stops for any New Orleans vacation. But in-the-know travelers are shifting east, specifically to two of the city’s hippest ‘hoods these days: the Bywater and the Faubourg Marigny – or, in local parlance, simply the Marigny (pronounced MARE-uh-nee). These funky, bohemian precincts simmer with the essence of Nola, from galleries featuring local art to cozy Cajun restaurants to bars buzzing with the beats of resident musicians, and within easy reach of many New Orleans hotels. (more…)
Night lights: Fremont Street in Las Vegas will be packed with revelers on New Year's Eve.
By Mark Chesnut
For many people, the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be especially slow at work; indeed, some offices and businesses close entirely. So say goodbye to that pile of work and make the most of the season with family and friends. (more…)
Boom town: New York City is slated to welcome dozens of new hotels. Credit: Javier Gil.
By Mark Chesnut
In the coming two or three years, Big Apple-bound travelers are going to find more options than ever when it comes time to make a hotel reservation. A recent report from hotel consulting firm Lodging Econometrics, first published in Crain’s New York Business, shows that New York hotels are in the midst of a major development boom — in fact, the city that never sleeps has become the fastest-growing in the nation in terms of new development. (more…)
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