Hotel News We Noted: November 30, 2012

Greetings from warm and sunny Miami! Checking out one of the East Coast’s hottest hotel scenes is certainly a nice respite from the chilly temperatures we’ve been having up north. Next week, we’ll have a full report on our visits.

It has been a busy week in the hotel world. Many of our favorite properties offered Cyber Monday deals and even more put out holiday promotions. From Hanukkah to New Year’s Eve, hotels across the world are getting in the festive spirit.

Here’s our weekly roundup of “Hotel News We Noted.”

Want to know what’s coming up? We’re showcasing 12-12-12 and “end of the world” packages next week, as well as seeking out the coolest NYE packages you can find. Send ’em our way!

Cool Contest: Undercover Boss at Diamond Resorts
We generally love anything where we have a chance to win a trip, but this promotion is one of our favorites – because it gives people a chance to experience our jobs in real life! In celebration of Diamond Resorts International’s appearance on “Undercover Boss,” the group is giving ten lucky families the chance to star in their own, real-life version of the hit program. This sweepstakes celebrates the return of Diamond Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Cloobeck to the popular reality series – the first time that any Chief Executive has made a second appearance on the program. Enter here to win a free vacation consisting of a seven-day, six-night stay at select locations within the collection. The families will enjoy the Diamond Resort experience as “undercover” agents, and report directly back to Cloobeck with an evaluation of their stay.

Haute Hotel Restaurants: Element 47 at The Little Nell
It’s officially ski season, although we’re generally more excited about après ski than we are about hitting up the latest double black diamond. Which explains why we can’t wait to visit Element 47 at the acclaimed Little Nell resort, located at the base of Aspen Mountain. The farm-to-table restaurant will include dishes like Wagyu Tartare with gruyere, purple mustard, pastrami spice and quail egg; Sorrel Cured Atlantic Fluke with blood orange, petite lettuce and green olive; Wild and Cultivated Mushrooms with roasted, flan, tortellini and herbs; and Local Anjou Pear Agnolotti with wagyu bresaola, celeriac and pickled chanterelles. Yum. We’re hungry already.Hotel Opening: Singita Mara River
Glamping and luxury lovers rejoice. Acclaimed luxury game reserve brand Singita has opened their latest tented camp in Tanzania, Singita Mara River. Located in the secluded Lamai triangle, the new resort runs entirely on solar power. Extremely intimate (just six tents), the resort is edgy and fun, featuring a lounge, dining area, bar tent and plunge pool. Of course, all good things come at a price – rates are $1,200 per person per night in high season, going up to $1,275 in the new year.

Missed Cyber Monday? Here’s Another “Suite” Deal
Las Alamandas is offering a post Cyber Monday promo of 20% off suites, good for stays between December 19 and January 2, 2013. New Year’s Eve getaway, anyone? The 17-suite resort is located south of Puerto Vallarta and includes amenities like shaded terraces, private Jacuzzis and oversized tubs. A minimum four-night stay is required, and bookings must be made by December 5.

Hotels We’re Dying to Visit: Radisson Blu Nantes
We’ve long been interested in Radisson’s cool boutique brand, Radisson Blu, but even more so now thanks to the opening of their latest property in Nantes, France. The company’s newest flagship debuts after a five-year renovation of an 1851-era building that served as the Nantes Court of Law until 2000. The coolest part? Their restaurant is located in the building’s former grand courtroom and its wine cave is located in the former trial judge’s chambers. We know where we’ll be staying next time we’re in the Loire area.

[Image Credit: Radisson Blu Nantes]