Traveling for business to Beijing? Check out the Ritz Carlton’s Business Limousine package. It includes breakfast for one or two, round-trip limo transportation to the airport, and- of course- accommodations, and starts at about US$250.
I’ve always had a soft spot for rooms with views and am one of those people who would spend an extra $$ for that upgrade to get my fabulous view. A few months ago I was in Japan, and before I decided on where I was staying (my favorite part of planning), I did some sleuthing on where I could find a Tokyo hotel with great views.
What I found was that there is a huge selection as most of the top hotels in Japan have rooms with exquisite views. You have a choice of gorgeous Japanese gardens like the Imperial Palace or Meiji shrine, the glittering neon-lit buildings of the city, of Tokyo Tower, of bustling Ginza and I could go on…….all from the comfort of your bed or bathtub!
I don’t mean you, of course- heavens, no. But if you’ve ever wondered what other guests at the best hotels like to spirit away in their luggage (hint: it’s so much more than the ashtrays and soap!), you’ll want to read SmartTravelAsia’s What Do Hotel Guests Steal?:
Statistics claim that on average a third more British women steal than men – towels and light bulbs are the most commonly appropriated – and North Americans have huge stockpiles of Gideon Bibles in their garages. The shampoo may be useful, but twenty Gideon Bibles? Free insulation and instant damnation.
Read more at What Do Hotel Guests Steal?.
No longer the spot for mobsters and prostitutes, Hell’s Kitchen (west of Times Square in Midtown Manhattan) is due to get its first major luxury hotel, the VU.
With rates starting at $425 a night, the VU (pronounced “view”) will open this summer and offer loft-inspired guest rooms complete with plasma tvs, iPod docking stations and stone-tiled bathrooms. The VU is a Kimpton Hotel- one of my favorite Hotel companies- so I’m expecting the best!
Visit VU Hotel’s website or see other New York hotels we love »
The Plaza New York has reopened! The famous hotel underwent a $400 million, two-year, “lobby-to-roof renovation”:
Inspired by the Louis XV style of French decor, rooms are impeccably adorned with custom-made furnishings, meticulously selected decorative accents and rich fabrics. The Plaza is proud to be the only hotel in the world offering stunning 24-karat gold plated Sherle Wagner sinks and fixtures, delicately cradled in hand-crafted solid white marble vanities, in every bathroom.
But what we’re really excited about are the new “Guest Services touch panels” by AMX, which provide access to personal butler and concierge assistance among other things.
The Plaza resumed operations on March 1st, 2008. Their grand opening will be held in May. If you plan to be there, start looking for a New York hotel now »