The Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee north offers space for socializing and working.
By Mark Chesnut
In years past, business trips inevitably meant lonely hours spent working in hotel rooms. But a new generation of hotel concepts—as well as non-hotel rentable work space—has brought fresh options to travelers who want to stay productive without being sequestered. (more…)
The Andaz Wall Street is among the hotels in lower Manhattan that welcome upscale business travelers.
By Mark Chesnut
Hurricane Sandy was a tragedy on many levels, but lower Manhattan—one of the areas of New York City most affected by the storm—is back on track and welcoming guests, with reopened hotels and attractions. (more…)
Heading to New York for New Year’s? Check out the Punch Brothers at Bowery Ballroom.
By Steve Dollar
Every New Year’s Eve since 1907—save for a two-year gap during World War II—a glowing ball has dropped at midnight in Times Square, signaling the beginning of a new year. This December 31 is no exception, as a million celebrants are expected to gather in Manhattan’s neon crossroads. They’ll be entertained for a few hours, by the likes of Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen and K-Pop sensation PSY. And then, the ritual “10-9-8-7-6…” countdown begins.
Not everyone, obviously, wants to squeeze into a screaming crowd, no matter how much cheap champagne they’ve consumed. But there are more intimate crowds to party with—and all kinds of ways to revel before the skies erupt with light and the city echoes with choruses of Auld Lang Syne. Demand is high, so secure your tickets soon. (And if you’re traveling to New York for the festivities, make sure you have somewhere great to stay.) (more…)
Let’s meet: The new Workspring at Marriott concept targets small meetings with high-tech touches.
By Mark Chesnut
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is aiming to attract more tech-loving travelers with a new series of hip events and the debut of new tech-friendly meeting space targeted at younger business travelers.
Through December, the hotel chain is hosting a series of events in conjunction with Wired magazine. Its monthly “Wired + Marriott Culturazzi” series aims to help guests connect more efficiently with technology and also make better use of the company’s increasingly high-tech and social public spaces. (more…)
Classic lines: The Millennium Biltmore is the largest historic luxury hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
By Mark Chesnut
There was a time when everything happened downtown, and all the best hotels sat right in the heart of the biggest cities. As the suburbs grew, the Interstate system expanded and corporate office parks multiplied, good hotels began popping up all over the place. But travelers looking for a central location and some historic ambiance can still do well at classic downtown hotels, many of which have found new life as urban hotspots. (more…)
Original artwork is one of the draws at Eventi, a Kimpton hotel in New York.
By Mark Chesnut
Just because you’re trapped in a hotel room doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of culture. Hotels in a variety of cities are showing their creative sides with exhibits of original artwork. A gallery-quality experience may be just a few steps from your room. (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…)
Sleek and stylish: The Yotel is one of the New York City hotels that combines style with value prices.
By Mark Chesnut
Visiting New York City for business or pleasure doesn’t have to be a wallet-busting experience. These five great New York hotels will allow you to stay in style and comfort, for well under $250. (more…)
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…)
Seeing green: the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C., is one of the nation's most eco-friendly.
By Mark Chesnut
Yes, we all know that we should protect the environment. But that doesn’t mean that you have to suffer when traveling on business. Happily, hotel companies are making it easier than ever to enjoy great luxury and convenience, while also minimizing negative effects on Mother Nature. (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.
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