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…)
Find oodles of colorful flowers at Bangkok's flower market. Credit: Irene2005.
By Erin Behan
Get to know Bangkok’s markets and you’ll get to know Bangkok, too. The people, the sights, the smells, the twists and turns — all are an integral part of the Bangkok markets. Of all the markets, Pak Khlong Talat should be considered the most breathtaking. The wholesale flower market, near Chinatown, showcases nearly a mile of flowers: roses, orchids, lilies (you name it, they have it). (more…)
Must-see cruise ship port & pearl of the Adriatic: Dubrovnik, Croatia.
By Rich Mahoney
With so many activities and attractions available on cruises, it’s easy to lose sight of the other half: the destinations. Cruises travel all over the world and give passengers the opportunity to experience several unique places on one trip. From mountainous rainforest islands in the Caribbean to villages hidden in the Fjords of the North Atlantic, head to these five incredible port destinations. (more…)
Banyan Tree Bangkok's Latitude blows other rooftop bars away with panoramic views of the cityscape.
By Erin Behan
There’s nothing more relaxing, or romantic, than reposing at a beautiful Bangkok bar, tropical drink in hand. What’s extra nice is when that bar is in your hotel — if you’ve ever been in a hotel without one, you know the pain of having to leave your hotel for a drink. Regardless of whether you’re staying at one of these Bangkok hotels, only a fool would skip these three hotel bars while on vacation. (more…)
Now boarding: Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner.
By Mark Chesnut
In September, All Nippon Airways became the first airline to receive the brand-new, much-delayed Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet. Passengers on the new plane will be among the first to experience the latest features of aircraft interior design, but new features are turning up on other planes as well. Here are a few things you might notice in the cabin on your future flights.
Airbus A380
This massive, double-decker airliner features a host of luxurious amenities, including first class “shower spas” (on Emirates) and first class cabins designed by Poltrona Frau for Singapore Airlines. This year, Korean Air is debuting an actual, physical duty-free shop on its planes. (more…)
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
By Elina Fuhrman
I was stressed out, fed up and on the edge. I needed to get away, but not merely to unwind. I craved somewhere deserted, someplace where I could think deep “inside,” and that meant without any distractions. When I landed in Bora Bora, on a spontaneous trip across the Pacific, I knew at last I had found a place so special and so secluded not even a New Age guru could give me.
The fact the Le Meridien Bora Bora Resort was accessible only by boat, and surrounded by a stunning lagoon and the beautiful black lava boulders of Mount Otemanu, only added pizzazz to my quest for paradise. (more…)
By Vince Font
Rooftop pools. Moody, club-like lighting. Courtyards with private villas. Definitely not the level of amenities to expect at a budget American hotel, but such luxury is standard at some Bangkok hotels for a modest $100 per night. Here are three beautiful, high-quality Bangkok hotels with wow features that you’ll never get used to paying so little for.
For under $100 a night, the posh Dream Hotel Bangkok is no dream.
Dream Hotel Bangkok
Imagine trying to land a five-star boutique hotel a mere stroll away from the nightlife district in any American city for under $100 a night. Not only would you have a tough time, you’d come back empty handed. But believe it or not, this isn’t anything that’s too far out of the ordinary in Bangkok. You’ll even find places that have a dash of eccentricity thrown in, like the Dream Hotel. Its exterior neon façade is just a hint of what you’ll find inside. I’ve heard some people describe this place as “oddly decorated” but if you ask me, there’s nothing odd about eternally retro, inimitably funky design. Think a cool room with plasma TV and free Wi-Fi is all you get for around $60 per night? Think again. This place even has a rooftop pool. If that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, you can try the on-site spa or restaurant. If you’re into saving money, this is one place that’s appropriately named. (more…)
Play Orbitz 50 Faves on Facebook for the chance to win one of 50 luxury vacations worth up to $15,000.
By Valerie Moloney
It’s time to play for a stay.
Today through Sept. 18, play Orbitz 50 Faves on Facebook for a chance to win one of 50 drool-worthy vacations to luxury resorts around the world worth up to $15,000. Like Orbitz on Facebook to enter the game, and invite your friends to play. The more friends you invite, the sweeter your chances. (more…)
From New York to the Canary Islands, we showcase honeymoon spots where gay marriage is legal. Credit: Stagedoorjohnny.
By Matthew Link
In June 2011, gays and lesbians and straights jammed the streets of Manhattan for an impromptu street celebration as New York became the sixth U.S. state (in addition to Washington, D.C.) to fully legalize same-sex marriage. It now stands alongside Massachusetts (passed in 2004), Connecticut (in 2008), Iowa (in 2009), Vermont (in 2009), New Hampshire (in 2010), and Washington D.C. (in 2010) as the natural spots for gays and lesbians to plan their weddings and/or honeymoons.
With so much changing month to month in the gay marriage world, we spotlight which states and countries actually have full gay marriage (as opposed to the 50-plus places that just civil unions or domestic partnerships), and what the gay scene is like in each place for travelers. (more…)
Grand entrance: The new facade at Le Meridien Barcelona
By Mark Chesnut
Business travelers as well as anyone planning a Europe vacation can get a peek at an artistic new lobby concept unveiled by Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts, when they check into the Le Meridien Barcelona.
The new lobby concept, called Le Meridien Hub, debuted in Barcelona in June and is to be introduced in the coming months at all of the brand’s hotels; the next property slated for the conversion is the Le Meridien Istanbul, in November. (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.