Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fashion TV network to open branded hotel in Dubai]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/20/fashion-tv-network-to-open-hotel-in-dubai/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/20/fashion-tv-network-to-open-hotel-in-dubai/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/20/fashion-tv-network-to-open-hotel-in-dubai/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

fashion hotel dubaiArmani helped design his namesake hotel in the Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Diane Von Furstenberg has her own designed suites at Claridge's in London. Missoni opened two hotels - Edinburgh and Kuwait - to help promote the line's home decor. The Verscace legend lives in on at his mansion, now the Villa by Barton G, in Miami Beach. So it was only a matter of time before fashion took over the hospitality industry (or at least took over one hotel).

News from the Middle East is that global satellite network Fashion TV signed a deal with Al Habtoor Group to open the world's first Fashion Hotel in Dubai. Al Habtoor will own and operate the 5-star, 200-room hotel, which will feature a 100-m (328-foot) LED screen on the exterior of the 30-story building broadcasting the latest Fashion TV highlights from around the globe.

Inside the hotel, all 30 of the Fashion TV network's channels will be broadcast in guestrooms, and guests will also have access to a library of 50,000 DVDs related to the history of fashion. There are plans to open restaurants, bars, lounges, nightclubs, spas and cinemas inside the hotel, although details haven't been leaked on what the concepts will be.

What we do know: This won't be the only Fashion Hotel. Al Habtoor Group and Fashion TV said in an interview that plans are to open other Fashion Hotels in high-style locations around the world. We have our bets on Paris, Shanghai, New York, and Milan.

[Source: HOTELSMag.com]

Fashion TV network to open branded hotel in Dubai originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dubaifashionhotelsluxury hotelsLuxuryHotelsFri, 20 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First U.S. shopping festival arrives Chicago this summer]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/13/first-us-shopping-festival-arrives-chicago-this-summer/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/13/first-us-shopping-festival-arrives-chicago-this-summer/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/13/first-us-shopping-festival-arrives-chicago-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

chicago shoppingImpulse buyers, hang on to your wallets. The nation's first shopping festival is being held this summer along Chicago's Magnificent Mile, and it's looking to be quite the extravagant affair.

Organized by The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival[TM] begins on Friday, August 26th with an interactive celebrity event featuring renowned stylist and television star, Carson Kressley (best known for his styling efforts from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, a regular guest on Oprah Winfrey's shows, and host of the new make-over show Carson-Nation).

The Chicago shopping celebration will also include appearances by top designers (who haven't been announced yet), celebrity chefs and personal stylists. Trunk shows and sample sales will also take place. Note to potential festival goers: if you don't know what trunk shows and sample sales are, please hand your measurements over to someone who does and let them manage the shopping scene.

In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival, is taking its cue from other shopping festivals that occur around the world in international cities including Dubai, Singapore, and Cannes. The Chicago festival will also include events by local restaurants and retailers, and there will be a raffle that rewards lucky winners luxury prizes including a 5-night stay at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park valued at $20,000.

The event kicks off Aug. 26 and concludes on Sept. 8 with Chicago's version of Fashion's Night Out.

First U.S. shopping festival arrives Chicago this summer originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagofashionfashion weekFashionWeekluxury travelLuxuryTravelshoppingFri, 13 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne celebrates diamond anniversary with bling]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/12/ritz-carlton-key-biscayne-celebrates-10-year-anniversary/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/12/ritz-carlton-key-biscayne-celebrates-10-year-anniversary/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/12/ritz-carlton-key-biscayne-celebrates-10-year-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ritz-carlton key biscayne

A 10th anniversary has many milestones, most notably a piece of diamond jewelry. For the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, a 10th anniversary means $10 deals (diamonds potentially included).

On July 1, the Five Diamond resort is offering $10 specialty priced meals, Champagne, rums and spa treatments, and room packages for the entire month. These offers are limited so you have to book fast to get the deals. Here's what's in store for the celebrations:
  • Ten resort view guestrooms for $10 each are available July 5-7, 10-13, 18, 25, 26. Caveat: Reservations may only be made June 10 from 10 am to 2 pm EST by calling 305-365-4582. Set your calendar now.
  • Every Wednesday during the month of July $10 spa treatments including the Key Lime Body Treatment (50 minutes) or Deluxe Sundae Pedicure (45 minutes).
  • On July 14, sip $10 glasses of Moet Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne or sink your teeth into $10 Kobe Beef Sliders.
  • From July 10-15, sip $10 Diamond Mojitos at the resort's live Latin music venue.
  • Also from July 10-15 and July 17-22, indulge in $10 three-course meals at the resort's Italian's restaurant Cioppino. As a bonus, hidden inside one menu each night will be a note that reads, "Celebrate with a complimentary bottle of Champagne!"
  • Every Wednesday in July, purchase $10 mango candles from the spa (regularly $20).
And we did promise you diamonds...

During the month of July, 10 overnight Ritz-Carlton guests will find a 14K white gold pendant necklace featuring a half carat of brilliant round-cut diamonds under their pillow.

But there's more...

Continue reading Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne celebrates diamond anniversary with bling

Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne celebrates diamond anniversary with bling originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diamondskey biscayneKeyBiscayneluxury hotelsluxury travelLuxuryHotelsLuxuryTravelmiamiritz-carltonRitzCarltonThu, 12 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trump SoHo puts a spa in guest rooms suites]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/29/trump-soho-puts-a-spa-in-guest-rooms-suites/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/29/trump-soho-puts-a-spa-in-guest-rooms-suites/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/29/trump-soho-puts-a-spa-in-guest-rooms-suites/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

trump new york hotelTravelers are becoming more aggressive today with their hotel amenity "must haves." Everything from free WiFi to in-room coffee machines top the list of essential amenities for hotel guests. To help ease the demand, more hotels are offering these guest requests and some are even designing rooms that include everything from Disney characters to luxury car services.

But what if your hotel stay included a spa and fitness center in your room? What if you didn't have to leave your room to sit in the sauna or get in a quick yoga class? That's the premise behind Trump SoHo's new concept, the 24/7 in-room spa suite.

The luxury New York hotel will unveil three new luxury spa suites on May 1 for the guest who needs some serious pampering. The suites include a private treatment room, hydrotherapy showers, and one suite is equipped with a sauna for two.

Continue reading Trump SoHo puts a spa in guest rooms suites

Trump SoHo puts a spa in guest rooms suites originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luxury hotelsLuxuryHotelsnew yorknew york citynew york hotelNewYorkNewYorkCityNewYorkHotelsohotrumptrump hotelTrumpHotelFri, 29 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brooklyn gets its groove on with new Hotel BPM]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/brooklyn-gets-its-groove-on-with-new-hotel-bpm/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/brooklyn-gets-its-groove-on-with-new-hotel-bpm/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/brooklyn-gets-its-groove-on-with-new-hotel-bpm/#commentsFiled under: , ,

hotel bpm brooklynBrooklyn is becoming the new hot-spot for New York hotels. Starwood is set to open its 50th Aloft hotel in Brooklyn on June 1, and now comes word that a new boutique hotel, Hotel BPM, will open later this summer.

Hotel BPM, named for the music term "beats per minute," is the brainchild behind hip-hop deejay DJ Bijal. The boutique-style property will feature 75 guest rooms, environmentally-conscious amenities and a DJ Bijal-selected soundtrack that will stream through the hotel's public spaces.

"As a deejay, I've had the opportunity to travel often," says DJ Bijal, Visionary and Founder of Hotel BPM, in a statement. "This hotel is the culmination of the best hotels I visited when I was on the road: BPM will offer great value, great comfort, and great style."

Guests of Hotel BPM will find environmentally-friendly amenities including Gilchrist & Soames BeeKind bath products. Each room has 40-inch HDTVs; laptop-size safes; personal Keurig coffeemakers and free Wi-Fi. A lounge off the lobby area will serve lite-bites and cocktails, and there is also guest parking and a fitness center for use.

The price for a room at Hotel BPM start at $160 per night for a King room and $180 per night for Doubles. In comparison, the new Starwood Aloft Brooklyn offers room rates from $195 this summer.

The verdict: New York travelers wanting a bit of cost savings without compromising room quality and comfort might consider trekking it over the bridge to trendy Brooklyn for a night.

Brooklyn gets its groove on with new Hotel BPM originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brooklynbrooklyn hotelBrooklynHotelhotel bpmHotelBpmhotelsMon, 25 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury travel: Ritz-Carlton announces first hotel in Abu Dhabi]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/ritz-carlton-announces-first-hotel-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/ritz-carlton-announces-first-hotel-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/25/ritz-carlton-announces-first-hotel-in-abu-dhabi/#comments

The Middle East is set to get a little more glitz and lot more glamour. The Ritz-Carlton just announced an agreement with Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) for a waterfront hotel in Abu Dhabi, and Gadling got a sneak peak at some of the hotel designs.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal will have 447 guestrooms and suites, as well as 85 villas. The Venetian-inspired hotel is set in a crescent shape across 54 acres and has its own private beach overlooking the Grand Canal. A highlight for guests of the hotel will be the villas, which range in size from 968 to 1,400 square feet, and come complete with outdoor terraces that overlook the Grand Canal and personalized butler service.

"We are delighted to be bringing The Ritz-Carlton renowned levels of hospitality to the power capital of the United Arab Emirates," said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of the Ritz-Carlton, in a statement. "The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal hotel will be a welcome landmark, and together with the owning company Abu Dhabi National Hotels, we will create a prestigious luxury hotel that will be the highlight of the new waterfront development."

Continue reading Luxury travel: Ritz-Carlton announces first hotel in Abu Dhabi

Luxury travel: Ritz-Carlton announces first hotel in Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiAbuDhabiluxury hotelsLuxuryHotelsritz carltonritz-carltonRitzCarltonMon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starwood hotels plans to recycle hotel shampoos, soaps]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/23/starwood-hotels-plans-to-recycle-hotel-shampoos-soaps/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/23/starwood-hotels-plans-to-recycle-hotel-shampoos-soaps/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/23/starwood-hotels-plans-to-recycle-hotel-shampoos-soaps/#commentsFiled under: , ,

starwood hotelsSome hotel guests take the mini soaps and shampoos from hotel bathrooms, others leave the pint-sized amenities behind - which option is better for the environment?

Did you know your unused hotel toiletries could be put toward recycling efforts to help people in need?

That's the premise behind Clean the World, a social enterprise working with hotels around the world in an effort to help improve lives and protect our planet.

In an effort to give back, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. inked an agreement with Clean the World on Earth Day to collect and recycle hotel soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions and gels to help fight the global spread of preventable diseases. The deal would include around 500 Starwood hotels in North America (Starwood's brands include St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, Aloft(R), and Element).

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Continue reading Starwood hotels plans to recycle hotel shampoos, soaps

Starwood hotels plans to recycle hotel shampoos, soaps originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earth DayEarthDayhotelsrecyclingstarwoodstarwood hotelsStarwoodHotelsSat, 23 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CheckYourRoom.com launches hotel personality quiz]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/20/checkyourroom-com-launches-hotel-personality-quiz/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/20/checkyourroom-com-launches-hotel-personality-quiz/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/20/checkyourroom-com-launches-hotel-personality-quiz/#commentsFiled under: , ,

hotel booking

You're probably used to booking a hotel room based on price, distance from the city center or local landmarks. You likely look at room size, what amenities are offered and whether or not there are any upgrades or promotions available. But, what if you could take that booking process one step further and add a bit of "you" into your hotel search? That's the latest premise behind CheckYourRoom.com's new booking tool, "What Room Are You?"

CheckYourRoom.com, a Paris-based travel startup that launched in beta earlier this year, wants to give travelers the opportunity to book a specific luxury or boutique hotel room with all the essentials like price and location, but throw ina little human touch, too. The recently launched quiz "What Room Are You?" on the booking site takes travelers through a series of lifestyle-related questions, then recommends hotels around the world based on their preferences.

Intrigued, I got a sneak peak of the new quiz and took the personality test for a spin.

Continue reading CheckYourRoom.com launches hotel personality quiz

CheckYourRoom.com launches hotel personality quiz originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>checkyourroom.comhotelhotel bookingHotelBookinghotelsWed, 20 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dolder Grand revives the artists of 80s at Live at Sunset]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/15/dolder-grand-revives-the-artists-of-80s-at-live-at-sunset/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/15/dolder-grand-revives-the-artists-of-80s-at-live-at-sunset/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/15/dolder-grand-revives-the-artists-of-80s-at-live-at-sunset/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

dolder grand

You can run, but you run far enough to get the music of the 1980s out of your head. True 1980s music fans wouldn't even try and there's good news for them: your favorite artists of the 80s (and a few who started in the 1970s) are taking the stage at the annual Live at Sunset concert at Dolder Grand in Switzerland.

This year's concert takes place from July 13 - 24 and features John Mellencamp, TOTO, Chicago, Joe Cocker, Tom Jones and others. While you try to get "Rosana" out of your head, here's a breakdown of the Dolder Grand's special package for the event:
  • 1 night stay including Garden Restaurant breakfast
  • 3-course pre-concert dinner in the Garden Restaurant (beverages excluded)
  • Premium seat concert tickets
  • Late checkout until 4:00pm (for those music lovers who go overboard)
The price to relive those precious moments of the 1980s starts at approximately $804 for a single occupancy room and $1,146 for double occupancy. Lighters, acid-washed jeans and aerosol hairspray not included.

Dolder Grand revives the artists of 80s at Live at Sunset originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concertsdolder grandDolderGrandJoe CockerJohn MellencampswitzerlandTom JonesFri, 15 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury Travel: London's most expensive suite to open at Lanesborough Hotel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/15/luxury-travel-londons-most-expensive-suite-to-open-at-lanesbor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/15/luxury-travel-londons-most-expensive-suite-to-open-at-lanesbor/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/15/luxury-travel-londons-most-expensive-suite-to-open-at-lanesbor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

london hotelHave a few extra Euros to spend? The Lanesborough Hotel in London can help put those extra pence to good use. In May, London's luxe hotel will open its 4,000-square-foot Lanesborough Suite for a cool £14,000 (approximately $20,000 USD) a night (plus VAT).

The signature suite makes use of Lanesborough's Michelin-starred restaurant, personal butler service, and offers some of the best views of Hyde Park, but is it worth $20k? You decide.

The suite has four bedrooms, two living rooms, five bathrooms, a kitchen and a dining room. The decor aims to "blend 19th century elegance and 21st century opulence," according to ehotelier.com, who received artist renderings of the London hotel suite. In an interesting twist of typical hotel layout plans, the suite will be located on the hotel's first floor and have floor to ceiling windows. (We like the concept of feeling like you're walking into your own home with a suite on the first floor, but we're a little weary about the lack of privacy this might invite.) Guests will have access to 24-hour butler service, a chauffeur-driver Rolls Royce and its own personal bar.

The Lanesborough Suite is scheduled to open at the beginning of May, so if you aren't U.K.-bound for the Royal Wedding, or have a few extra to spare after buying the new couple's wedding gift, we suggest you head over to the Lanesborough and live it up luxe-style for the night.

[For artist rendering photos of the massive suite, click here]

Luxury Travel: London's most expensive suite to open at Lanesborough Hotel originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LanesboroughHotellondonlondon hotelsLondonHotelsluxury hotelsLuxuryHotelsFri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[London calling: DUKES LONDON concierge offers top 10 tips for visiting London]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/13/london-calling-dukes-london-concierge-offers-top-10-tips-for-vi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/13/london-calling-dukes-london-concierge-offers-top-10-tips-for-vi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/13/london-calling-dukes-london-concierge-offers-top-10-tips-for-vi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

dukes londonSo, you weren't invited to the Royal Wedding. While you won't get to sit next to the Beckhams or drink tea with the Windsors for the big event, you can still experience the best of London (without worrying about your face appearing in Page Six's 'what were they thinking?' layout of wedding fashion gone wrong).

Ian Steiger, Head Concierge of the historic DUKES LONDON in St. James's and the Concierge of the Year 2010, is offering tips for London travelers who want to see the best of the city, without all the chaos but with a little royal flair. Here's what he suggests:

1. Buckingham Palace isn't the only Royal residence in town. Visit Clarence House, the official residence of Princes Charles, William and Harry, which offers public and private tours from August 6th through September 4th.

2. The best place to catch a glimpse of William departing Clarence House for the Royal Wedding will be the steps of the Duke of York "Son of George III" statue on Carlton House Terrace. Show up early, says Steiger: "Royal watchers will begin queuing two or three days ahead."

3. While St. James's Palace isn't open to the public, it's a great spot to see the comings and goings of Royal Family members. The palace was the Royals' official residence from 1699 until 1837.

Continue reading London calling: DUKES LONDON concierge offers top 10 tips for visiting London

London calling: DUKES LONDON concierge offers top 10 tips for visiting London originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>londonlondon hotelsLondon TravelLondonHotelsLondonTravelroyal weddingRoyalWeddingWed, 13 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury hotel offers rooms to victims of Japan disaster]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/luxury-hotel-offers-rooms-to-victims-of-japan-disaster/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/luxury-hotel-offers-rooms-to-victims-of-japan-disaster/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/luxury-hotel-offers-rooms-to-victims-of-japan-disaster/#commentsAs the world watches in disbelief while Japan is continuously rocked by earthquakes and aftershocks, business and organizations have popped up everywhere hosting benefits, donation opportunities and volunteer services to help the victims of the Japan disaster. In Tokyo, one luxury hotel is offering relief for displaced Japan residents.

The Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka was scheduled to close its doors to new business this March, but the luxury hotel is staying open for a good cause. The hotel, which once housed heads of state and celebrities from around the world, will turn into a shelter for victims of the Japan earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear disasters that have left many homeless.

According to Economic Times, the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka, which at one point charged guests an average of $1,750 a night, will offer free rooms for up to 360 guests. In addition, guests can purchase three meals a day for less than $10 a day.

While the chance to sleep on a futon at a five-star hotel might be short-lived for these guests (the hotel is scheduled for demolition in July), it's at least a few nights of peace and comfort for those who don't have a next step.

"I'm feeling anxious as I don't know what'll happen in the future but I feel grateful that I can sleep on a futon," evacuee Shoichi Ono from one Fukushima plant told the Economic Times.

While the number of victims from the Japan disasters continues to climb, more companies are reaching out with ways to support and help the tens of thousands of Japanese citizens who need shelter and relief. Cell phone companies are allowing free calls to Japan, and we found this list of non-profit companies where you can make donations or volunteer time.

Luxury hotel offers rooms to victims of Japan disaster originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotelJapanjapan earthquakejapan hotelJapanEarthquakeJapanHotelTue, 12 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SATW blogs live from Fiji]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/satw-blogs-live-from-fiji/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/satw-blogs-live-from-fiji/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/12/satw-blogs-live-from-fiji/#commentsFiled under: ,

fijiThe Society of American Travel Writers Freelance Council is heading to the other side of the world for their annual conference. The group of self-employed writers, photographers, videographers, broadcasters, and other travel journalists will be reporting life from Fiji this week, in an effort to bring readers an inside look at the island down under.

Outside of the professional development sessions taking place, SATW members will blog live about their experiences in Fiji, including what to do, where to eat, what to see, and photos that will make you want to hop the flight to Fiji.

The council has already starting blogging live, and readers can follow along on SATW's Tumblr page or follow their adventures via the SATW Fiji Twitter hashtag #satwfiji.

SATW blogs live from Fiji originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fijiislandsatwTue, 12 Apr 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Proposed China hotel shaped like ping pong paddle]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/07/proposed-china-hotel-shaped-like-ping-pong-paddle/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/07/proposed-china-hotel-shaped-like-ping-pong-paddle/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/07/proposed-china-hotel-shaped-like-ping-pong-paddle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

China hotelFile this under: Weird ideas that surprisingly make sense.

Only in China would a hotel designed in the shape of a ping pong paddle be been proposed as part of a sports complex. The new China hotel, located in the eastern city of Huainan, would cost approximately $46 million, the China Daily reports.

Located in $276 million sports complex, the hotel will feature three main sections:

The "handle" will be an observation deck and viewing platform. The "paddle" will include the guestrooms The "base" will include conference facilities.

The main sports complex will also include other sports-shaped buildings. An open-air stadium will be in the form of a football (no team affiliation denoted) and three other facilities inside the complex will represent soccer, basketball and volleyball. The newspaper says the timeline for completion of the sports complex is still five years away.

No word on whether or not restaurants and bars will be included in the hotel design, but we predict a great game of beer pong when the doors open.

Proposed China hotel shaped like ping pong paddle originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachina hotelchina hotelsChinaHotelChinaHotelshotelsThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Candy Man arrives at Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/09/the-candy-man-arrives-at-ritz-carlton-chicago-a-four-seasons-ho/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/09/the-candy-man-arrives-at-ritz-carlton-chicago-a-four-seasons-ho/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/09/the-candy-man-arrives-at-ritz-carlton-chicago-a-four-seasons-ho/#commentsOne child's dream is another parent's nightmare.

The Candy Man has officially arrived at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel, and is bringing sweet treats to kids of all ages staying at the hotel.

Associated with Chicago local store, Candyality, the Candy Man arrives at guestrooms (on reservation only) to deliver $5 half-pound bags of all things sugary to hotel guests.

Children wanting to indulge (and adults who need a sugar fix, or a bribe for the kids) can mix and match from the Candy Man's cart of gummy, chocolate, sour, crunchy and sweet candies. To keep things interesting, The Candy Man will reveal your personality traits based on what candy you choose (we suggest you mix it up and try to stump him).
Your comprehensive personality profile will determine whether you're competitive (sugary), good listener (fluffy), negotiator (crunchy), creative (colorful), and more.

Opening in December of 2007, Candyality opened in hopes of being more than just a typical sweet shop. The store, located atThe Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile, is as much a destination as a candy store, thanks to employees who read tea leaves, tarot cards or zodiac charts. Of course, there's no scientific research in the reading of sugary personalities, but what do you care? You're walking out of there with a bag of candy sure to keep you on a sugar high for the rest of the day.

Continue reading The Candy Man arrives at Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel

The Candy Man arrives at Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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vietnamese turtleHow do you save a sacred Vietnamese turtle? Very, very carefully, according to dozens of veterinarian workers in Hanoi who are trying to capture a rare giant turtle in desperate need of medical attention from Vietnam's Hoan Kiem Lake.

Workers waded through the lake to try to save the giant freshwater turtle so it could be pulled to land and treated. The animal - one of only four Rafeteus swinhoei believed to be alive today - is one of the world's most endangered turtles with roots back hundreds of years. In fact, some even believe the sacred turtle is the same mythical creature said to have helped a Vietnamese king fend off the Chinese nearly six centuries ago.

Continue reading Rescuers work to save "sacred" Vietnamese turtle

Rescuers work to save "sacred" Vietnamese turtle originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>vietnamvietnamese turtleVietnameseTurtleTue, 08 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marriott plans Autograph Collection openings in Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/07/marriott-plans-autograph-collection-openings-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/07/marriott-plans-autograph-collection-openings-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/07/marriott-plans-autograph-collection-openings-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

marriott autograph collectionMarriott's newest hotel brand, the Autograph Collection, will make its debut in Europe with the opening of four hotels in Spain. The hotel company said it plans to have the Europe Autograph Collection open by May 2011.

The concept of Marriott's Autograph Collection has been a great success in the U.S. since it launched year. Independent boutique hotels, with a historical and elegant touch, join the collection to add rooms to Marriott portfolio and offer guests Marriott benefits. The U.S. hotels include the newly open Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the Algonquin Hotel in New York and the Kessler Collection hotels in Orlando, Florida and Savannah, Georgia. As for Spain, travelers can look forward to the following:
  • AC Santo Mauro, Madrid, Spain: The first of two Madrid hotels will offer 50 rooms in an elegant late nineteenth-century building, which was once the residence of the Duke de Santo Mauro.
  • AC Palacio del Retiro, Madrid, Spain: The second Madrid hotel, also a 50-guestroom property - takes over a Spanish residence, complete with original mouldings, woodwork and stained-glass windows.
  • AC Palacio de Santa Paula, Granada, Spain: The 75-room AC Palacio de Santa Paula is located in the historic center of Granada and in what used to be the Santa Paula Convent, and within walking distance of La Alhambra.
  • AC Baqueira Hotel & Spa, Baqueira, Spain: For the more off-the-beaten-path traveler, 102-room AC Baqueira Hotel & Spa will be the first ski resort in Marriott International's portfolio in Europe, located in Baqueira-Beret ski station near the Pyrenees.

Marriott plans Autograph Collection openings in Europe originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autograph collectionAutographCollectionmarriottmarriott hotelsMarriottHotelsspainMon, 07 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Galactic signs deal with scientists for space travel]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/28/virgin-galactic-signs-deal-with-scientists-for-space-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/28/virgin-galactic-signs-deal-with-scientists-for-space-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/28/virgin-galactic-signs-deal-with-scientists-for-space-travel/#commentsFiled under: ,

virgin galacticWhile NASA's Discovery made its final frontier into space on Friday, Virgin Galactic was inking its own space deal, this time substituting space tourists for scientists.

Southwest Research Institute, a nonprofit research organization, signed a deal with Virgin Galactic to conduct experiments in suborbital space. Two $200,000 tickets aboard the six-passenger SpaceShipTwo will be handed to Southwest scientists, who will conduct various scientific experiments during the flight.

In a statement obtained by Space.com:

"This agreement signals the enormous scientific potential of the Virgin spaceflight system," Virgin Galactic president and CEO George Whitesides said in a statement. "Science flights will be an important growth area for the company in the years to come, building on the strong commercial success already demonstrated by deposits received from over 400 individuals for Virgin's space experience."

Continue reading Virgin Galactic signs deal with scientists for space travel

Virgin Galactic signs deal with scientists for space travel originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>space travelSpaceTravelVirgin GalacticVirginGalacticMon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury travel: Three days of sun and ski in Lake Tahoe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/22/luxury-travel-three-days-of-sun-and-ski-in-lake-tahoe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/22/luxury-travel-three-days-of-sun-and-ski-in-lake-tahoe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/22/luxury-travel-three-days-of-sun-and-ski-in-lake-tahoe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

luxury travel lake tahoe

There's a multiple personality syndrome happening in Lake Tahoe. In the winter, the region is packed with snowboarders, skiiers and skaters ready to take on the chill and hit the slopes. In the summer, Lake Tahoe turns laidback with endless nights on the lake and festivals in the streets. The area is frequented by skiers, sun-worshipers, families, singles and solo-travelers. You can spend the night roasting marshmallows by an open fire or enjoying sushi at the local Japanese restaurant. Whether you come here to ski or sit in the sun, luxury travel in Lake Tahoe can be a traveler's paradise.

Where to stay:

The Northstar -at-Tahoe Resort is one of Lake Tahoe's newest "villages" and features everything from an ice skating rink to hot dog stands to sushi bars. The village at Northstar offers different accommodations, but to make the most of your stay choose a condo at Northstar and take advantage of the full kitchen, washer-dryer in unit and electric fireplace. The condos have balconies that overlook the village and because of its location on the mountain, you can walk from your condo to the gondola in less than 3 minutes, hitting up Starbucks along the way.

For the ultimate in luxury travel in Tahoe, head to the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe - an oasis in the mountain. The resort is accessible via a private gondola from Northstar to the Ritz-Carlton, so you can easily shuttle between the village and the hotel, if you choose to do so. Or, you can hit the slopes straight from the Ritz. After a day of skiing or boarding, let the massage therapists at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe spa ease away your muscle aches. My suggestion: Opt for one of the spa packages that includes a bath soak. The copper tubs in the spa are meant to release stress on your muscles. After a day of snowshoeing at Tahoe, I can say with certainty this spa service saved me from the pain I was bound to wake up with the next morning.

Gallery: Luxury travel: Lake Tahoe

Luxury travel: Lake TahoeLuxury travel: Lake TahoeLuxury travel: Lake TahoeLuxury travel: Lake TahoeLuxury travel: Lake Tahoe

Continue reading Luxury travel: Three days of sun and ski in Lake Tahoe

Luxury travel: Three days of sun and ski in Lake Tahoe originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lake tahoeLakeTahoeluxury travelLuxuryTravelnorthstarritz-carltonTue, 22 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marriott joins Riddell, Sports Authority as sponsor of USA Football]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/marriott-joins-riddell-sports-authority-as-sponsor-of-usa-footb/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/marriott-joins-riddell-sports-authority-as-sponsor-of-usa-footb/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/21/marriott-joins-riddell-sports-authority-as-sponsor-of-usa-footb/#commentsFiled under: , ,

marriott footballMarriott International is picking up the pigskin and getting into the game. The hotel company just signed a deal with USA Football as the official hotel for the national organization overseeing football in the United States and its U.S. National Team program.

USA Football, headquartered in Indianapolis, is an independent non-profit organization leading the development of youth, high school, and international amateur football. The organization was founded and endowed by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 2002. Its board of directors includes everyone from Ray Anderson of the National Football League to Desmond Howard, Hesiman Trophy winner and ESPN commentator and Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL.

As part of the Marriott deal, USA Football members will receive special offers and rates when they stay at various Marriott hotels, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Fairfield Inns and Suites, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but this deal makes Marriott the third national partner (joining Riddell and Sports Authority) for USA Football.

[via Indianapolis Business Journal]

Marriott joins Riddell, Sports Authority as sponsor of USA Football originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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