From hard bodies to festivals, it's an all-out party in the streets of Manhattan come Pride Week (June 16-24). Credit: See-Ming.
By Markus Boeker
Why do I celebrate Gay Pride?
Because I live it. I’m a gay male in my 40s living in New York City, which just happens to burst with gay pride year-round, and not just during the March on Sunday, June 24. And for the record: Even if I was a 30-something straight man, I would still celebrate gay pride. (more…)
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…)
Let's get physical: The Sheraton Seattle is among the hotels with new fitness offerings.
By Mark Chesnut
Staying in shape while traveling isn’t always easy. But several hotels are offering new options for busy globetrotters to keep the blood flowing. (more…)
Baby, it's cold outside, but it's the perfect time to get cooking in NYC. Credit: Randy Le'Moine Photography.
By Jennifer Olvera
There’s no denying January is a dreary time of year. Given it’ a long stretch far from any significant holiday – sorry, but Valentine’s Day doesn’t count – it’s a wise time to spice things up. Here’s an idea: take a cooking class in early 2012, while settling in to affordable New York hotels. (more…)
A place to rest after your food coma during New York Restaurant Week: Distrikt Hotel New York City.
By Jennifer Olvera
Post-holidays can be a dreary time of year. Fortunately, the winter leg of New York Restaurant Week — slotted for weekdays from Jan. 16-Feb. 10 – offers a good excuse to book stays at New York hotels, since more than 130 restaurants will offer three-course, prix-fixe meals for $24.07 at lunch and $35 during dinner, plus beverages, tax and tip. (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…)
Party with a view: Pelican Hill organizes holiday parties at its poolside cabanas
By Mark Chesnut
With December just around the corner, it’s time to start planning the company holiday party. To keep this annual tradition from resembling some ridiculous scene from “The Office,” consider these ideas from hotels around the nation, where everything from decoration to catering and even transportation is taken care of. After all, party time is more enjoyable when someone else worries about the details. (more…)
We rank top 10 lesbian bars in North America, including SF's Lexington Club. Credit: Hannah Cairns.
By Matthew Link
Any traveling woman knows that finding a decent lesbian bar — or any lesbian bar at all — can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Many major cities have merely a token once-weekly “girl’s night” at a gay men’s bar. So after combing the map of the U.S. and Canada, we came up with the indispensable list below — the best of the best, at least in our subjective opinion! (And don’t worry guys, these party-hearty venues are all boy-friendly.) (more…)
NY towers as a top holiday travel spot, according to the 2011 Holiday Travel Insider Index. Credit: mastermaq.
By Valerie Moloney
In a sign of the times, travelers surveyed by Orbitz revealed that they would cut back on holiday gifts this year if necessary to cover higher travel costs. The Orbitz 2011 Holiday Travel Index, which gauged the holiday travel plans and preferences of nearly 800 respondents, showed that more than 80 percent of the pool planned to spend at least one of the upcoming holidays with their family. About 68 percent said that they were willing to reduce holiday gift expenses – or forgo presents altogether — if higher airfares necessitated the sacrifice. (more…)
The United-Continental merger brings a host of changes, including a renaming of lounges and frequent flyer tweaks.
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…)
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