Friday, August 30, 2013

Outdoor Hotel Suites

When most people picture sleeping outside they think of tents and uncomfortable sleeping bags. However, we have found hotel suites that elevate sleeping outside to a new level. They have comfy beds and luxury amenities – just outside.

Amangiri Resort is located in a remote desert in Utah with beautiful, natural landscape. Amangiri offers suites that have Sky Terraces - these rooms are surrounded by three open walls with a pool below you and the vast night sky in full view above you.


Las Ventanas Al Paraíso in Los Cabos, Mexico is located at the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula allowing any guest of this suite a great view of the Sea of Cortes as it is only about 150 feet away. This hotel also provides telescopes in every room so guests can enjoy the view of the sky at night and sea in the day.


L’Albereta is a small hotel hidden among gardens and vineyards in Italy. While only offering five rooms, one of L’Albereta’s elegantly decorated suites has a retractable roof directly above the bed. By simply pressing a button guests can gaze at the stars while still being inside a hotel room.



These are just a few hotels that combine the experience of staying in a luxury hotel with the beauty of being out in nature, for more information please visit http://www.cntraveler.com/features/2010/08/hotel-accomodations-lodges-outdoor-suites-views?mbid=nl_daily_traveler

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Uniquely Designed Hotels

Hotels often try to differentiate themselves by offering unique services and amenities, and some hotels are attracting guests in a distinct way. Here are three hotels that are going above and beyond normal expectations by trying out new, interesting designs in architecture. 

The Hotel Unbalance in Lima, Peru looks like a building falling off the edge of a cliff. It is designed to be partially built into the cliff in effort to give it an unbalanced appearance and to maximize the views of the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains. The Hotel Unbalance will have 125 guest rooms, rooftop restaurants, conference rooms, and exhibition spaces. The property is still in its development stage so it is not known when it will open. 


The Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, opening in October 2013, is in the shape of a doughnut – while not visible, the bottom ends are connected by underground floors. The exterior of this hotel also stands out with an LED light system that displays animated textures and patterns. The resort offers 321 guest rooms each with private balconies. 


The InterContinental Shimao Shanghai Wonderland is a 19 story hotel and attraction being constructed in an old quarry and set to open in late 2014 or early 2015. Sixteen floors of the hotel will be located underground and built onto the side of the quarry while the other three are above ground. Underground, guests can enjoy luxury rooms, a spa, restaurants (including one underwater), and an aquarium. Above ground, the resort will feature adventurous activities, such as rock climbing and bungee jumping utilizing the hotel’s cliffs. 


Add these to our list of “hotels to visit”! 

For more information please go to http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/08/19/unbalanced-hotel-will-look-like-off-set-picture-frame/

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Winning Big: Top Casino Hotels

Casinos and hotels seem to be a perfect pair - Casinos are often associated with money and glitz so it only makes sense that these adult playgrounds be located in some of the best hotels.
 
Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Home to 6 casinos, 2 golf courses, and 38 restaurants, the property offers guests so much variety that they may not have enough time to experience everything during their stay! Foxwoods also offers comedy clubs, a bowling alley, nightclubs, and shopping. Being the largest casino resort in North America there is sure to be something for everyone!
 
 
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore resembles an art gallery with a museum showcasing art from 18th century France. The highest and largest infinity pool in the world sits on the top of this hotel providing great views of the city, so if you want to step away from the tables and take a dip with unprecedented views this property is your best bet!
 
 
The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in China offers guests the largest gaming space in the world at 374,000 square feet with 2,000 slot machines and 500 gaming tables. Its 3,000 luxury suites are also spacious with smallest rooms still measuring 750 square feet. In addition to its luxury suites and casino The Venetian has a high-end shopping mall, fitness center, and international fine dining.
 
 
The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas offers everything a gambler could want, featuring a high limit poker salon with butler service, race and sports book, and a 112,000 square foot poker room.  Located on the popular strip in Las Vegas, the property boasts extravagant guest suites with European inspired décor.
 
 
Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania is the only full amenity gaming resort in the Philadelphia region. The property is home to two hotels, The Casino Tower and Radisson Hotel. The casino also offers 600 slot machines and 50 game tables that are sure to provide a great playing experience!
 
 
The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa is largest hotel in New Jersey and the top-grossing casino in Atlantic City. The casino floor offers daily poker tournaments, 4,000 slot machines, and 200 table games. There is also an event center that hosts large concerts and events, a spa, nightclubs, and specialty stores.
 
 
The chance to win it big seems to be something many people (including us) dream of and something that keeps casino hotels popular travel destinations. The question now is which casino hotels will stay on top and which will be replaced by something new and better?
 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Touch Screens Anywhere

Imagine being able to turn any surface into a touch screen almost instantly, new technology can allow you to do just that. Picture Tom Cruise in Minority Report pulling up information with a swipe of his finger - that could be you.

New software developed by Microsoft and Ubi Interactive allows users to project their screen onto any surface. The best part is touching the projected image allows you to control whatever is on the screen! Microsoft’s Kinect technology allows this to work on tables, walls, or panes of glass. All you need to do is run the software on any PC and connect it to a projector and Kinect sensor.

This New Software Lets You Turn Any Surface Into a Touch Screen

Having the ability to turn any screen into a touch screen eliminates the need for screen hardware, and allows for businesses to do things such as display interactive product information after hours. Another advantage is you can use this technology with products you already own, such as a PC. Consumers would also need to purchase an Xbox Kinect sensor. The technology itself can cost anywhere from $149 to $1,499 depending on if you want to use it for personal or business use.


This futuristic technology which previously was only seen in movies has become a real life business technology. It seems as if the ability to turn any screen into a touch screen is one many businesses would want so this technology should be here to stay.


For more information please visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227932

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Hotels to Help Complete your Bucket List

Travel is all about new experiences and we’ve found some amazing hotels that may just be life changing. Our “bucket list hotels” may expand the globe, but they all have one thing in common – unique offerings that provide guests with once in a lifetime experiences. While everyone’s “bucket list” might be different we found a few hotels bound to satisfy a wide range of individuals…

The Liberty Hotel in Boston located in a 19th century jail utilizes “incarceration” throughout the property. Thick brick walls, jail cell doors, and original stone floors are used in the design of this hotel, and guests can hang a “solitary” key ring on the door instead letting staff know not to disturb them.

Liberty Hotel, Boston: The cheekily named Liberty Hotel occupies a 19th-century jail where some of Boston's most heinous criminals were once housed. The design incorporates the incarceration theme in fun ways. Alibi bar, for example, is located in the jail's "drunk tank," where those arrested for public intoxication were kept overnight. Thick brick walls with cell doors and windows, original stone floors from the jail, mugshots of celebrities like Sinatra, Morrison, and Nolte hanging on the walls, and jail-themed cocktails are unsubtle reminders of the bar's theme. In the rooms, guests can hang a "solitary" key ring on the door in lieu of a "Do Not Disturb" sign. 

Post Ranch Inn in California offers breathtaking views as the hotel is built into the cliffs of Big Sur. All the guest rooms have ocean or mountain views, private decks, and wood-burning fireplaces. Guests can relax on the hotel’s cliff-top infinity spas.


&Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana is in a remote location, but offers a unique experience. Guests looking for adventure are sure to find it here with guided excursions included in your stay. You can also get up close to exotic wildlife. Traveling to this hotel is an adventure in itself as it requires transportation by a small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat. 



GoldenEye Hotel and Resort in Jamaica is one of the island’s most historic hotels. It is where author Ian Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond novels. The Fleming Villa even features his original desk and its own private pool. 


Everyone has a bucket list - these hotels offer guests a new and exciting place to stay while trying to complete it. For more hotels that offer exciting experiences please visit http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2013/08/14/travel-bucket-list-hotels-lodgings/2647977/

Monday, August 19, 2013

A New Type of Hotel Guest: Super Commuters


Super commuters, people who travel more than 90 miles to get to work twice a week are a fast growing demographic. They are frequent guests at hotels around the country and therefore, hotels will go to great lengths to satisfy their wants and needs.

Affina Hotels in New York and Washington D.C offer a frequent visitor program with many different perks for guests. Guests commit to spending at least 25 nights a year in the hotel and then they receive 10% off room rates, free local calls, and laundry service. They also get a personal account manager.


The Wolcott in New York is particularly appealing to super commuters who drive because they offer 30-5-% off at neighboring parking garages. They also have on site laundry and free breakfast.


AKA located in New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, and Los Angeles is designed for super commuters. Zip cars are available to rent on site and they offer many other benefits as well. They will store belongings for returning guests and dry clean clothes while guests are home. They also have a 24 hour fitness center and a private lounge.


These are just a few hotels that go above and beyond for their guests, for more information please visit http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/08/06/business-travel-super-commuters/2613075/

Friday, August 16, 2013

New in Tech: Thought Controlled Technology

Touch screen devices are becoming the norm these days, but with companies moving on to develop gesture technology what can be expected to be even more high-tech? The answer to that is a project Samsung’s Emerging technology Lab is working on – mobile devices that can be controlled simply by thinking actions.


Samsung’s technology works via electrodes that are attached to the user’s head to monitor brain waves. Users can do anything from opening an app to playing a song all by simply thinking it!

While this may seem like just novelty, this technology could potentially help people communicate. You've probably seen patients who can only blink to communicate like on popular medical shows, such as House or Grey’s Anatomy. This technology could allow people to communicate again.

While this kind of innovation only in the research stages it has potential for a multitude of uses! 

For more information on this new technology please visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227696

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Seaside Hotels: Waves, Sand & Great Service

Many hotels provide beach access, but which ones in particular stand out? Here’s a look at a few beach hotels on the top of our list…

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel in Mallorca, Spain is situated on a cliffside property with stunning views of the Balearic Sea. In the distance you can also see Port de Soller and the Tramuntana mountains. Guests can take in the views while exploring nearby villages and coastlines. All 120 rooms have balconies with views of the sea. Staying at this hotel is sure to be a relaxing visit!


Kimpton’s Hotel La Jolla, San Diego provides visitors with views of the Pacific Ocean from a majority of guest rooms. With the shoreline right outside the property, adventurous guests can enjoy a day of kayaking, snorkeling, or surfing. Hotel La Jolla is also a good accommodation for business travelers as it provides free Wi-Fi and meeting spaces.


The Birchwood Inn in St. Petersburg, Florida is a small, boutique hotel that reopened this past May. This hotel features a rooftop restaurant where guests can take in great views of Tampa Bay and The Pier. The remodeling of the Birchwood Inn blends new, modern architecture with its original 1924 Spanish mission-style structures.

Hottest New Beach Hotels: Birchwood Inn

Which of these hotels do you think would provide the most breathtaking views and relaxing visit?

For more new beach hotels please visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/hottest-new-beach-hotels/1

Monday, August 12, 2013

Future of Mobile Tech

To accommodate increasing smart phone use, many stores have created mobile apps to engage customers further, but what good is an app if your phone is low on battery? Apps are fun and useful until you realize it has used up a good portion of your phone battery. The next mobile trend companies are looking into is providing wireless charging stations in their stores.


Companies that have already seen the necessity for mobile wireless charging stations include Starbucks, McDonald’s, and airport lounges. Starbucks is the first to place these charging stations in their stores by first testing out its popularity at 17 locations in Boston last year and expanding to 10 stores in Silicon Valley this year.

Currently, the charging stations have to be used with a compatible wireless battery case attached to the phone. However, it is expected that the wireless battery cases will soon no longer be need as AT&T has announced plans to produce phones with wireless charging technology built in.

Wireless charging stations seem to be the future of mobile technology as we greatly rely on our smart phones for daily activities and therefore need them to maintain power throughout the entire day.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Hostels Reinvented: The New Trend of Upscale Hostels

When you think of a hostel, upscale generally isn't the first word that comes to mind. Hostels have been associated with low cost, low amenities, and being geared towards college students and backpackers. However, new hostels are popping up around the globe that are looking to change those generalizations. The hostels of today are still budget priced, but offer much more in the way of amenities.

The Blue Hostel, a recently renovated hostel in Rome, Italy is close to the Coliseum and Termini Station. It is also located inside an 18 century building with parquet floors and beautiful wood ceilings. It offers hotel level features such as Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat screen TVs for only $59 a night. A bonus feature they offer is maps of Rome, which have local dining suggestions.


Equity Point Marrakech Hostel, in Marrakech Morocco is a gorgeously decorated riad (a traditional Moroccan house characterized by an inner courtyard). They offer dorm style rooms with 8 – 10 beds or double and single rooms. There is also internet access and a bar and offer free traditional Moroccan breakfast all for only $13 a night.


The Getaway Hostel, in the beautiful city of Chicago is a short walk from many of Chicago’s beaches and offers both dorm style and individual rooms. It has a large gourmet kitchen and an outdoor patio, and many of the rooms offer private bathrooms. Continental breakfast is served daily and free Wi-Fi and computers, as well as guitars are offered to guests. They also cater to guests who want to see the city, with bar crawls, barbecues, and blues club tours.



The new trend in hostels seems to be blending the amenities of a nice hotel with the budget consciousness of a hostel. Only time will tell if it will be a smart business strategy, but in the meantime it’s a great time to be a traveler!  

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Tweets & Hashtags: First “Twitter Hotel”

To remain a success in today’s fast paced environment, you always have to be one step ahead of the curve. Melia Hotels has done just that by launching the first ever “Twitter experience hotel.” The hotel located on the beach of Mallorca, Spain is known by its Twitter handle @SolWaveHouseHotel.


So what exactly sets this hotel apart? #SocialWave helps this hotel stand out, which is only available on the hotel’s Wi-Fi network. Guests register their Twitter handle when they check in and can then quickly use Twitter to communicate with hotel staff and other guests. There are two Twitter concierges devoted exclusively to answering guests’ requests through Twitter.



In 10 years, every hotel might use Twitter in the same way as the Sol Wave House Hotel, but it all depends on how successful the first “Twitter experience hotel” really is.  

Monday, August 5, 2013

The Future of Personal Security is Here

Want to protect your personal information and feel like James Bond? Fingerprint scanners, which are a staple of spy and sci-fi movies, are making their way into smart phones. Having to type a pass code to unlock your phone will soon be a thing of the past.

As people anticipate the next iPhone, recent news on the latest version shows that it will allow you to unlock your phone by placing your finger on the home button. This would be possible through a biometric sensor in the phone after registering your fingerprints with the device. Simply using your fingerprint to unlock your phone would be a lot more convenient and faster than having to type in a pass code and would also eliminate the chance of forgetting it and being locked out of your phone.


Another app designed to enhance smart phone security is “Step away from the phone.” Once the app is opened, the user has five seconds to put the phone down as a life-like car alarm will sound if touched. The screen will also turn black so it appears as if the device is not in use. Pressing the home button on the phone will exit out of the app, but someone trying to steal your phone may not have time to figure that out since the app will say “please step away from the phone.” This would certainly grab your attention if someone tries to steal your phone.



With people storing so much personal information on their phones nowadays, an anti-theft app would be a smart idea. Would you use either of these apps to prevent your phone from being stolen?

Friday, August 2, 2013

Historic Hotels

Hotels can be successful for many reasons - one reason that has been receiving attention lately is historical significance. Let’s take a look at a few hotels that not only have great service and features, but historical value as well…
                                
In Washington, the Willard InterContinental has been the place to stay for various U.S presidents as it is located very close to the White House. This hotel was recently included in the Historic Hotels of America Network.


The Grand on Mackinac Island in Michigan is a throwback to earlier times. Mackinac Island itself offers multiple reasons to stay with its various quaint shops. Cars are forbidden as horse drawn carriages and bicycles are used as the preferred form of transportation. The Grand offers the perfect combination of modern amenities and old fashioned charm. It also features the world’s longest porch where guests can simply relax with great scenic views of the island.


The Drake Hotel is located at the beginning of Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile. The hotel is modeled after Italian Renaissance palaces and has great views of Lake Michigan. It has been featured in a few movies, such as The Blues Brothers, Risky Business, and My Best Friend’s Wedding.

The Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL - Front Exterior

Hotels with historical significance will always be profitable because people like to feel as if they are a part of history. In 100 years who knows what hotels will be a historical landmark - it may even be a hotel you have stayed at. 

To look at more historic hotels please visit http://travel.yahoo.com/blogs/compass/grand-hotels-blend-history-luxury-223253760.html

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Tile: The Lost Will Be Found

Ever misplace your keys or wallet and have to worry about not finding them or not having time to look? A new device called Tile may just be the key to this widespread and seriously annoying problem.


Tile is a small, Bluetooth enabled device that can be attached to anything like a wallet, keys, or laptop. It works with the Tile app to help you track the item you have misplaced and sends you notifications as you take steps towards the location of your lost item. The Tile device is able to track within a 150 foot radius, however if your lost item is outside this area the cloud enabled system still provides your items' location.


Tile could make the stress and hassle of losing your keys or wallet a thing of the past, but only time will tell if consumers will use it. Would you buy one of these to avoid losing valuable items?

For more information on Tile please visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227606