Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[A Valentine's Day package for Bachelor fans]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/a-valentines-day-package-for-bachelor-fans/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/a-valentines-day-package-for-bachelor-fans/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/a-valentines-day-package-for-bachelor-fans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is coming up really fast and those stuck without plans may think they are out of time to do anything memorable. Think again. Luxury hotels still have some packages available for those a bit light on the thoughtfulness with heavy, deep pockets.

The Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower in Panama is among the romantic destinations included in the 16th season of ABC's The Bachelor and luxury resort is offering guests who book their stay now through March 31, 2012, the opportunity to experience the utmost in romance with the "Live Like The Bachelor" package.

Offering exclusive amenities, experiential activities and a savings of about 50 percent off rates, the package provides guests with the same romantic escape seen on The Bachelor. The "Live like The Bachelor" package includes:
  • Four-night stay in a spacious Executive Suite
  • Round-trip private transfer to and from the airport
  • Welcome bottle of champagne and rose petal turndown
  • Daily breakfast at BARcelona Restaurant
  • Romantic dinner for two at Tejas Restaurant
  • VIP helicopter excursion
  • Private tour of Panama City including visits to the Old Panama Ruins, Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal and Mi Pueblito
  • Signautre 60 minute couples massage
  • Exotic island expedition on a private yacht, including food, beverages and fishing equipment
  • Complimentary shuttle service to nearby shopping centers
  • $1,000 worth in shopping cards
The price? Rates start at $7,999, plus tax and service charge.

Too much?

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is a luxury oceanfront hotel on Florida's Gold Coast that has water views from every room, balconies in every room, and legendary service plus two Valentine's Day packages.

A Valentines Day One-Night Escape is $549 plus tax and includes a luxurious Partial Ocean View accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale along with a gourmet three-course Italian-inspired dinner and breakfast for two in the oceanfront Via Luna restaurant, or in the privacy of your luxurious guestroom and an assortment of romantic welcome gifts including a bottle of fine champagne.

An Ultimate Valentine's Day One-Night Escape with concert tickets is $1,999 plus tax and includes a One-Bedroom Oceanfront Residential Suite with Club Lounge Access and a dedicated concierge to assist with any reservations or travel plans, Two VIP tickets to the one-night only Andrea Bocelli Valentine's Day concert, Tuesday, February 14 at the Bank Atlantic Center, private roundtrip transportation to the concert, breakfast for two in Via Luna or in the privacy of your guestroom and romantic welcome gifts of limited edition Jean-Paul Gaultier-designed, fishnet-laced Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and more romantic presents.

Still too much?

Continue reading A Valentine's Day package for Bachelor fans

A Valentine's Day package for Bachelor fans originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andrea BocelliAvis Budget Group IncBest WesternCasco ViejoEntertainmentFacebookFort Lauderdale, FloridaGold CoastJean PaulPanama CanalPanama CityRoderick VonhögenValentines DayValentinesDaySun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/an-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary-for-southern-china/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/an-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary-for-southern-china/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/an-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary-for-southern-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

china When planning my trip through China one summer, I decided that I wanted to stay out of the well-known cities and explore smaller villages and lesser known areas where I could find less tourist traps and more cultural fare. While Beijing and Shanghai are both excellent cities to visit, here is an itinerary that will take you off the radar and help you discover nature, minority villages, Chinese traditions, and more. To make planning easier for myself I did this trip through Intrepid Travel, but you can also recreate it for yourself.

First stop: Hua Shan, Ning Ming County

Before coming to China I had been traveling through Vietnam and had entered the country from the Lang Son Province into Guangxi, China. From there you can catch a train or bus via Pingxiang to the mountainous village of Hua Shan, which is located in Guangxi. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.

There is a lot to be experienced in peaceful Hua Shan, which is miles away from civilization, located in the heart of mountains, valleys, forests, and near the Dong and Zhuang minority village. I stayed at a family-run guesthouse called Butterfly Valley, which felt more like a homestay than a hotel, as the family would cook for my group, take us on hikes, and end each night playing Mahjong and singing kareoke with us. It also helps to learn a bit of Chinese as not everyone in the area speaks English.

Take a walk through the countryside and notice the myriad plants and crops, like the gum leaves that locals use to cure a stuffy nose and the various edibles like corn, pumpkin, potatoes, and rice fields. Make sure to visit the minority village, which is dominated by wooden and thatched houses and livestock running around. It's interesting to hear and see the music, dance, and art of the people of the community who are, for the most part, quite friendly and were happy to talk to me via my translator. In fact, the people in Hua Shan in general were very friendly and excited to talk to me. Many of the young girls knew basic English and even asked me to hangout with them to help them practice their language skills. Hiking in the area is also a fun activity, and there are many trails that allow you to explore the various flora and fauna of the area. As the region is completely rural you can literally just wander towards the trees and mountains to find your own paths. If you'd like to see indigenous art, boat trips go out to Mount Huashan where a vivid rock painting of various types of people, animals, and symbols is located. The painting is about 725 wide and 131 feet high, making it a bit of a mystery how it was created.

Continue reading An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China

An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbudget travelBudgetTravelchengyang villageChengyangVillagechinadazhaigroup toursGroupTourshikinglongji rice terracesLongjiRiceTerracespingansouthern chinaSouthernChinatoursSun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hiking across Mordor in Tongariro National Park]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/hiking-across-mordor-in-tongariro-national-park/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/hiking-across-mordor-in-tongariro-national-park/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/hiking-across-mordor-in-tongariro-national-park/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



There aren't many places where you feel the urge to wear your wedding ring around your neck and begin dodging fictional forces of evil.

New Zealand's Tongariro National Park, however, is exactly one of those places.

As anyone who has been to a movie theater in the last ten years probably knows, New Zealand was the setting for the epically popular Lord of the Rings trilogy which introduced us to the adventures of Middle Earth.

Arguably one of the best known movie series of an entire generation, the movie saga has simultaneously done wonders for the New Zealand tourism economy by displaying the country's enchanting and other worldly scenery to a global audience of millions. While Middle Earth tourism has sculpted out its own niche for diehard fans (my 2012 New Zealand road atlas, for example, points out where each scene was filmed), as a casual viewer there are only a few place names I actually recognize.

One of these, of course, is Mt. Doom, and as I set out from the campervan into the volcanic cinder of the Tongariro Crossing-one of New Zealand's most heavily trafficked walks-I found myself standing directly beneath it.

So what exactly is Mt. Doom?

Well, to begin, its real name is Mt. Ngauruhoe, it is 7,516 ft. high, and from the best I could tell there aren't any quivering, flaming black eyes located anywhere near it. While Mt. Ngauruhoe doubled as Mt. Doom, the surrounding bits of Tongariro National Park provided the scenery for Mordor, the fiery and terrifying volcanic wasteland that serves as the home of evil.

As it happens, Tongariro is actually pretty cold, even during the summer months. Lacing up my hiking boots at 6am with about 100 other trekkers, the morning dew had frozen and blanketed the campervan beneath a thin layer of frost.

"Weird", I thought. "There's not supposed to be snow in Mordor."

Continue reading Hiking across Mordor in Tongariro National Park

Hiking across Mordor in Tongariro National Park originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best hikes in New ZealandBestHikesInNewZealandChateau TongariroChateauTongariroFreedomtoroamHike the Tongariro CrossingHikeTheTongariroCrossingNew Zealand Lord of the Rings TourismNew Zealand travelNewZealandLordOfTheRingsTourismNewZealandTravelTongariro Nationaal ParkTongariroNationaalParkwhere is MordorWhereIsMordorFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A real life 'Hostel' situation: Iraqi man found dead at Birmingham hostel identified]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/a-real-life-hostel-situation-iraqi-man-found-dead-at-birmingh/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/a-real-life-hostel-situation-iraqi-man-found-dead-at-birmingh/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/a-real-life-hostel-situation-iraqi-man-found-dead-at-birmingh/#commentsFiled under: ,

hostelAn Iraqi man who was found dead in his Birmingham hostel room earlier this week has been identified by police, BBC reports.

The man has been identified as Bakhitar Ahmad Kheder Mirawdali, 40. He was was found by a member of staff at the hostel in Soho Road, Handsworth on February 2 and is believed to have died of a wound to the neck.

BBC is reporting that Mirawdali had been granted political asylum and had been living in the UK for a number of years, but was planning to return to Iraq to get married.

West Midlands Police believe his body had lain undiscovered for two days before being found on Thursday.

A man has currently been arrested in relation to the case, but police are still urging anyone with information to come forward.

Let's just say we won't be visiting this hostel anytime soon.

A real life 'Hostel' situation: Iraqi man found dead at Birmingham hostel identified originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birminghamhostelThu, 09 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EuroCheapo launches budget travel guides for Switzerland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

eurocheapoWhile Switzerland is not usually thought of as a budget-friendly destination, there are actually many worthwhile hotels, sights, and restaurants that won't cost you a fortune. To help travelers navigate their way around this usually costly country, EuroCheapo has launched budget travel guides for the cities of Zurich and Geneva, marking their first Swiss guides on the site. These guides will not only feature accommodation recommendations and photographs from the editors themselves, but also insider tips on how to explore these cities without breaking the bank.

Says EuroCheapo's founder and editor-in-chief, Tom Meyers, "While it's certainly easy to overspend in Geneva and Zurich, our editors have uncovered many simple ways to make visiting more affordable. Both cities offer delightful inexpensive hotels that will keep your trip budget in check."

EuroCheapo is a free budget travel guide for Europe. To check out the brand new Swiss guides as well as money-saving guides for other European cities, click here.

EuroCheapo launches budget travel guides for Switzerland originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTraveleurocheapoeuropefree travel guidesFreeTravelGuidesgenevaswitzerlandtravel guidesTravelGuideszurichThu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[London hotel offers champagne baths]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/london-hotel-offers-champagne-baths/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/london-hotel-offers-champagne-baths/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/london-hotel-offers-champagne-baths/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While drinking a 2002 Dom Pérignon, have you ever thought to yourself, "Damn, this stuff is so good, I should take a bath in it!" Well, you're not the only one with such luxurious fantasies. Starting Valentine's Day and running through the next year, the Cadogan Hotel in London will be offering a menu of champagne baths to guests who want to try out the ultimate bubbly bath.

What's your flavor? On the menu are a 1998 Louis de Custine Brut bath for £4,000 (ca. $6,300); a soak in Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut 2002 for £6,000; Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé 2004 or the Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label 2006 baths, each for £8,000; or, the most outrageous of them all, the Dom Pérignon champagne bath, which goes for £25,000. It takes about 122 bottles to fill the bathtub with the chosen libation. One of the Cadogan's bath butlers assists in drawing the bath and heating it to guests' desired temperature. Once guests are submerged in the tub, the butler attends with flutes of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

If money was no object, would this be something you would like to try? Or would you rather see the champagne put to better use? Tell us in the comments below.

London hotel offers champagne baths originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accommodationscadogan hotelCadoganHotelchampagne bathChampagneBathenglandhotel amenitiesHotelAmenitieshotelslondonlondon hotelLondonHotelluxuryunited kingdomUnitedKingdomThu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to game Priceline to get the best deal on a hotel room]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/how-to-game-priceline-to-get-the-best-deal-on-a-hotel-room/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/how-to-game-priceline-to-get-the-best-deal-on-a-hotel-room/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/how-to-game-priceline-to-get-the-best-deal-on-a-hotel-room/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you like to stay in nice hotels but hate paying full price for them, you've probably tried to bid for a room on Priceline at some point. But are you sure you got the lowest possible price? I've been using Priceline to bid on hotel rooms for years and I think I have the experience down to a science. Here's how I use the site.

Map out a bidding strategy using free re-bids

If you're familiar with Priceline, you know that if you're opening bid is rejected, you need to alter either the star level, dates of travel, or geographic zones in order to bid again. Otherwise you have to wait a full 24 hours before submitting the same request, even if you're willing to increase your bid.

A good way to circumvent this rule when bidding on hotel rooms in large cities is to determine what level of accommodation Priceline offers within each geographic zone. All you have to do is click each zone, one-by-one and see what star levels below gray out. For example, Atlanta has 21 zones. If you click into each, you'll discover that only 6 of those zones have 4 star hotels; 3 other zones have nothing better than 3.5 star hotels; 7 zones max out at 3 stars; 3 offer only 2.5 or 2 star hotels, and 2 allow bids only on 2 star hotels.

So if you want to bid on a four star hotel in Buckhead, you actually have 15 free re-bids in the zones with no 4 star offerings, at no risk. If you're willing to pay up to $90, for example, start out with a $45 low-ball offer, and then move up in $3 increments each time your bid is rejected, adding a "safe" zone each time.

Bid 1: 4 star, Buckhead- $45
Bid 2: 4 star, Buckhead, Druid Hills, $48
Bid 3: 4 star, Buckhead, Druid Hills, Forest Park, $51

And so on. If you strike out getting the 4 star hotel and are willing to move down to 3.5 stars, you start all over again, and, based on this example have 12 free re-bids on "safe" zones that have no 4 star or 3.5 star hotels. This can be time consuming, but I've gotten some incredible deals using this method, which has been explained on other sites as well, including the Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter Center for $55, the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing for $45, and the Marriott Toronto Airport for $48, to name just a few.

Continue reading How to game Priceline to get the best deal on a hotel room

How to game Priceline to get the best deal on a hotel room originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biddingbidding for travelbidding on hotelsBiddingForTravelBiddingOnHotelscheap hotelsCheapHotelshotel dealsHotelDealshotelspricelineThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kimpton helps foster boutique hotel expansion in midwest with planned Cleveland entry]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/kimpton-helps-foster-boutique-hotel-expansion-in-midwest-with-pl/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/kimpton-helps-foster-boutique-hotel-expansion-in-midwest-with-pl/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/kimpton-helps-foster-boutique-hotel-expansion-in-midwest-with-pl/#commentsFiled under:

kimpton hotels cleveland

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is adding to its existing portfolio of 50+ hotels across with plans to expand into Cleveland, Ohio. The brand announced their plans to launch a 161-room hotel in the city's historic downtown Schofield Building. The hotel will open in 2013.

"For us, it's especially exciting to see the demand for the boutique concept in general spreading to more mainstream cities in the Midwest and other areas of the country outside the urban centers of New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco," said Kimpton CEO Michael Depatie.

The brand currently has one hotel each in the Midwestern cities of Minneapolis and Chicago.

The hotel will be part of a mixed-use development that will include 25 luxury apartments on the building's top four floors and ground floor retail.

[Flickr via ifmuth]

Kimpton helps foster boutique hotel expansion in midwest with planned Cleveland entry originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boutique hotelsBoutiqueHotelsclevelandkimptonschofield buildingSchofieldBuildingWed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chatwal Hotels & Resorts plans for 52 new hotels in India]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/chatwal-hotels-and-resorts-plans-for-52-new-hotels-in-india/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/chatwal-hotels-and-resorts-plans-for-52-new-hotels-in-india/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/chatwal-hotels-and-resorts-plans-for-52-new-hotels-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , ,

chatwal hotels - dream downtownChatwal Hotels & Resorts is planning an aggressive entrance into the India market. The brand recently launched a five year plan to launch 52 hotels (40 Night hotels and 12 Dream hotels) in India.

"For me, India has always been the ultimate hospitality destination", said Sant Chatwal, Chairman & CEO, Hampshire Hotels & Resorts, the ownership arm of Chatwal Hotels & Resorts. "The multifarious lifestyle, culinary and cultural opportunities that this great country offers to the hospitality industry are immensely untapped."

Night will be come the brand's 'affordably chic' hotel option, while the Dream brand is positioned as a full-service, lifestyle brand for gateway cities and resort destinations. The initial launch sites will be a Dream resort in Goa and India's first location for Night in Chennai. These will be followed by New Delhi and Mumbai along with Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur and Udaipur.

Dream(R) and Night(R) hotels are currently in operation in New York, Miami, Bangkok, Thailand and Cochin, India. Plans are in the works for hotels in Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Zagreb, Sao Paulo and 10 other properties within the US including Los Angeles.

Recently, Chatwal Hotels & Resorts had announced a partnership with the Wyndham Hotel Group, giving exclusive rights to franchise its Dream(R) and Night(R) boutique hotel brands.

Chatwal Hotels & Resorts plans for 52 new hotels in India originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chatwal hotels and resortsChatwalHotelsAndResortsChatwalNewYorkdream hoteldream htoelDreamHotelDreamHtoelindianight hotelNightHotelvikram chatwalVikramChatwalwyndhamTue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[27 Romantic hotel suites across the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/27-romantic-hotel-suites-across-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/27-romantic-hotel-suites-across-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/27-romantic-hotel-suites-across-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

romantic hotel suites


Valentine's Day is coming. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or simply wishing you had someone to "share the love" with, we guarantee you'll love this glimpse into some of the world's most romantic hotel suites. We searched from Canada to Curacao to California to Cabo, London to Paris to Switzerland and even scoured Fiji, Bora Bora and Dubai. Of course, a few picks are close to home too - New York City and Miami, anyone?

It's a hard job, but someone had to do it. Which one is your favorite, or do you have a great romantic spot we missed?

Gallery: Romantic Suites Worldwide

Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt - IrelandOlissippo Lapa Palace - LisbonLodge Kura Hulanda - CuracaoGlenmere Mansion - Hudson ValleyGstaad Palace- Switzerland

27 Romantic hotel suites across the world originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luxury travelLuxuryTravelromantic hotel suitesRomanticHotelSuitesvalentines dayValentinesDayMon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Westin opens first hotel in Panama to the tune of $100 million]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/westin-opens-first-hotel-in-panama-to-the-tune-of-100-million/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/westin-opens-first-hotel-in-panama-to-the-tune-of-100-million/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/westin-opens-first-hotel-in-panama-to-the-tune-of-100-million/#commentsFiled under: , ,

westin panamaPanama, ranked the number one travel destination by The New York Times and an emerging destination by pubs like Fodor's and Travel + Leisure, has just gotten a little hotter with the opening of its first Westin hotel.

The newly-opened Westin Playa Bonita Panamá is 20 minutes outside Panama City, flanked by both rainforest and beach. The hotel boasts 611 luxury rooms and suites, six fine dining restaurants, four bars and an open-air VIP Lounge on the 19th floor, which boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, rainforest and Panamá Canal.
While 600-something room hotels aren't always our preference, it's a great way to get a tropical escape on the calendar for a reasonable price or for a moderate number of SPG loyalty points.

This opening falls on the heels of other major hotel announcements in the fast-emerging must-visit destination, including the opening of Trump Ocean Club Panama earlier this year.

Westin opens first hotel in Panama to the tune of $100 million originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotel openingsHotelOpeningspanamapanama cityPanamaCitystarwoodtrumpwestinSat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Westin rolling out new gyms]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/westin-rolling-out-new-gyms/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/westin-rolling-out-new-gyms/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/westin-rolling-out-new-gyms/#commentsFiled under:

westin fitness centerIt's time to get your workout on. Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced this week that they are revamping the fitness studios at its Westin-branded hotels. WestinWORKOUT fitness facilities at 186 Westin hotels around the world are getting new equipment and blue light therapy throughout the course of the year.

New equipment we can understand - after all, people are pounding away on the machines all day long. But the redesign stems from Westin's in-house design team's studies of guest behavior that found Westin guests desired a more well-rounded, holistic fitness experience, including more options for stretching, yoga and fitness classes.

To capitalize on this trend, Westin is removing select pieces of equipment that guests were not using as frequently in order to provide more floor space for these types of activities. Don't worry, this won't include the treadmills! Pulley machines are also being added to smaller fitness studios to further maximize space and provide a greater range of workout options.

More natural design
The custom-created design of Westin's new fitness studio, a departure from the typical gym aesthetic, was also driven by the changing trends of how people work out. Instead of black rubber floors, the Westin design team chose to use a natural, soft-tone color palette and organic materials including textural woven flooring.

Inspired by nature, each fitness studio will also display a full-size art mural entitled "Step Up," a reflective image of people running up a grassy hill. We're not sure it will get us through this extra mile, but hey - it's better than a blank wall.

Look for the blue light
Westin worked with Philips to introduce ActiViva Lighting, Philips' new energizing fluorescent lighting, into its gym facilities. Supposedly their blue light technology positively influences well-being and will help to make guests feel more alert, awake and energized in target workout areas such as the cardio zone. Additionally, the lighting will be customized in all workout zones to coincide with the type of exercise taking place in each specific area.

More guest perks
In December 2010, Westin a partnership New Balance. The chain provides footwear, apparel and fitness program content to its guests to borrow. Later this year, the brand will also be expanding its in-room SuperFoodsRX menu items for breakfast to also include lunch and dinner options.

The gyms are currently open at Westin Jersey City, Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, Westin St. Francis in San Francisco and the Westin Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego.

Westin rolling out new gyms originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>starwood hotelsStarwoodHotelswestinThu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TripAdvisor survey reveals WiFi is a traveler's top amenity]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/tripadvisor-survey-reveals-wifi-is-a-travelers-top-amenity/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/tripadvisor-survey-reveals-wifi-is-a-travelers-top-amenity/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/tripadvisor-survey-reveals-wifi-is-a-travelers-top-amenity/#commentsFiled under: ,

tripadvisorTripAdvisor has released the results of its first-ever 360 degree survey, and the results are in - amenities are king, particularly when those amenities include WiFi and breakfast included with the room rate, but turndown service is of little import.

Of the travelers surveyed, 54% said they have canceled a lodging reservation because they found better amenities at a different property.

According to travelers, the five most important amenities are:
1. WiFi
2. Breakfast Included
3. Loyalty Points
4. Restaurant
5. Shuttle Service to Local Attractions/ Airport

The least important amenities are:
1. Turndown Service
2. Pets Allowed
3. Spa
4. Tours/Excursions/Activities
5. Room Service

Internet is king

Some fun stats:
· 88% of travelers expect Wi-Fi Internet access to be free of charge in all lodging types
· 41% of travelers have never paid for Wi-Fi Internet access.
· 65% said they have used free Wi-Fi Internet in an accommodation's lobby or common areas to avoid paying for in-room access.
· 93% of accommodations report offering some form of free Wi-Fi Internet access to their guests.

More than 1,000 U.S. travelers and more than 600 U.S. hotel representatives were polled.

TripAdvisor survey reveals WiFi is a traveler's top amenity originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>surveytripadvisorwifiThu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 luxury hostels from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

gilligans While many people think of hostels as run down hotels with cramped rooms and few amenities, there are many properties that can actually make you feel as if you're staying at a resort. For those who want comfort on a budget, here are 10 excellent luxury hostels from around the world.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns
Cairns, Australia

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort in Cairns is without a doubt one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. And if you're looking for something a little more luxurious than your average youth hostel, this is an excellent choice. Rooms offered include 4,6,8,10-bed dorms, 4 & 6-bed deluxe dorms, 6-bed all female dorms, and private rooms. The accommodation has a resort-type feel, with balconies, a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and palm trees, a makeshift beach with volleyball nets, and even gym access. They also have swanky nightclub that often hosts theme parties and hot DJ's.

Continue reading 10 luxury hostels from around the world

10 luxury hostels from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art and cultureArtAndCulturebest hostelsbest hotelsBestHostelsBestHotelsbudget travelBudgetTravelluxury hostelsluxury travelLuxuryHostelsLuxuryTravelwhere to stayWhereToStayThu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 best times to break your travel budget]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/10-best-times-to-break-your-travel-budget/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/10-best-times-to-break-your-travel-budget/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/10-best-times-to-break-your-travel-budget/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

blue mountains While it's smart to plan a budget and make wise spending decisions, there are times while traveling when a splurge is in order. Don't think of these instances as wasting money, but as investments into your personal happiness and enhancements to your travel experience.

If there's a site you really want to visit

Whether it's a museum that covers a topic you're passionate about, a trek that will take you through unexplored territory or ancient ruins, or a historical site with a unique story to tell, you should let yourself experience it. No matter how much information a guidebook or website gives you, it can never compare to actually seeing the site for yourself. And if you think about it, isn't the point of traveling to a city to experience things for yourself? When I was in Sydney, Australia, I had heard about a place called the Blue Mountains, and although I was a broke student at the time, the vivid photos and natural landmarks I kept reading about online made me realize that if I didn't go visit this area I would regret it later on. I splurged on a coach bus and a cabin in the mountains, which allowed me to have an unforgettable long weekend hiking diverse terrain, getting aerial views of valleys and mountains, photographing unusual rock formations like The Three Sisters and Orphan Rock, and seeing firsthand why they call it the Blue Mountains (the oil mist from the eucalyptus trees creates a blue haze over the area).

Continue reading 10 best times to break your travel budget

10 best times to break your travel budget originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbudget travelBudgetTravellove abroadlove and sexLoveAbroadLoveAndSexsafetytravel budgetTravelBudgetWed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, puts a new spin on in-room iPads]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/hotel-in-vancouver-canada-puts-a-new-spin-on-in-room-ipads/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/hotel-in-vancouver-canada-puts-a-new-spin-on-in-room-ipads/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/hotel-in-vancouver-canada-puts-a-new-spin-on-in-room-ipads/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

hotel No need to worry about tipping your tour guide on your next trip to Vancouver, Canada, as the OPUS Vancouver hotel has recently added iPads to each of their 96 guest rooms to act as personal tour guides of the city. While the trend of adding tablets to hotel rooms is not a new concept, the OPUS adds a new spin by having the technology reflect the guests' personality and show them around the city.

First, guests choose their rooms based on what they like: Red Modern and Minimalist, Blue Stylish and Sophisticated, Green Artful and Eclectic, Orange Vibrant and Outgoing, or Taupe Daring and Dramatic. Your in-room iPad concierge and guide will then give you a personalized tour of the city based on your personality. To make these fictional guides more human, they've been given names, professions, and home cities. Guides include:
  • Pierre, a food and wine critic from Paris
  • Billy, a cultured rock star from London
  • Susan, a fashion executive from Toronto
  • Mike, a doctor from New York
  • Dede, an actress and prima donna from Los Angeles
And no need to worry about Wi-Fi as the virtual guides work offline, as well. For more information, click here. To get to know the tour guides a little bit better, you can also visit the OPUS Hotels' Blog to read some posts written by the fictional characters.

Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, puts a new spin on in-room iPads originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best hotelsBestHotelsbritish columbiaBritishColumbiabudget travelBudgetTravelcanadaipadluxury travelLuxuryTravelopus vancouverOpusVancouvertechnologytour guideTourGuideunique hotelsUniqueHotelsvancouverWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/chiles-valle-nevado-ski-resort-rolls-out-early-bird-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

chile skiingDedicated pow hounds tend to hightail it to the Southern Hemisphere once summer rears its sunny head. Chile is justly famous for its snow, as well as its lack of crowds, above-timberline terrain, and epic backcountry and vertical accessible via heli-skiing.

Valle Nevado, located 20 miles east of Santiago, is already the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, during its June 22-October 2nd winter season, it has even more enticements to offer.

North American and UK guests who book and pay before March 31st, 2012, will receive up to 50% off a season-long package that includes a seven-night stay at any of Valle Nevado's three hotels (which range from high-end to budget), and two interconnect tickets for the neighboring resorts of La Parva and El Colorado, which opens 7,400 acres of skiable terrain (that's more than Vail, for you ski and snowboard die-hards).

The promotion also includes 25% off equipment rental, a complimentary 30-minute massage, and free attendance at the weekly Thursday Wine Festival. Look for forthcoming announcements on heli-skiing packages, as well. To book, call 1-800-669-0554 from the U.S., or email reservas@vallenevado.com.

Tips for Powder Skiing

Chile's Valle Nevado ski resort rolls out early-bird special originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best ski resortsBestSkiResortsChilean wine regionsChileanWineRegionsColoradoheliskingPortilloSantiagoski dealsski packagesski rentalsski resortsski southern hemisphereSkiDealsSkiPackagesSkiRentalsSkiResortsSkiSouthernHemispheresnowboardingsouth american wineSouthAmericanWineSouthern HemisphereSouthernHemisphereVailValle NevadoValleNevadowinewine festivalsWineFestivalswinter sportsWinterSportsWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/disclosure-rules-have-airlines-mad-with-good-reason/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

disclosure rules

New airfare disclosure rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation went into effect this week requiring airlines to include all taxes and mandatory fees in the quoted airfare price. The new transparency should not affect the end price airfare, but lets consumers know up front what the total price will be. Travelers like it. Airlines don't and say the rule discriminates against air travel over other travel options.

"For the consumer, this is obviously very good," travel consultant Monika Dysart told the Salt Lake Tribune. "It's full disclosure of the fare upfront, instead of letting you get to the airport thinking you got a good deal and then having another $100 or $200 [added],"

Spirit Airlines, home of the $9 fare (which really is not once other fees are added) isn't happy with the new rule and has a big "Warning!" sign that pops up on the carrier's website making that quite clear.

"We're against these new regulations because we actually think it reduces transparency," Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza told Time this week. "We think it makes it harder for consumers to understand what they're paying for."

Continue reading Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason

Disclosure rules have airlines mad with good reason originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disclosure rulesDisclosureRulesMon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Superbowl 2012 travel trends]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/superbowl-2012-travel-trends/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/superbowl-2012-travel-trends/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/superbowl-2012-travel-trends/#commentsFiled under: , ,

indianapolis superbowl 2012For football fans, next weekend is the penultimate match up between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. What does that mean for travelers? Stay the heck away from Indianapolis!

Kayak just released data showing that searches from New England to Indianapolis saw an increase of 28 times the average immediately following the Pats/Ravens game. New York Giants fans accounted for a flight search increase to Indianapolis of 38 times the average.

Hotel searches for Indianapolis on January 22 were seven times the average hotel search share of the first two Sundays of the month.
Of course, that means hotels are raising prices accordingly - Staybridge Suites Indianapolis- Airport hotel is showing a rate of $312 and the Residence Inn Indianapolis Fishers is offering a rate of $179. Both are a 20 to 30-minute drive away.
Hotels up to 10 miles from the stadium are already beginning to sell out, if they haven't done so already.

Of course, if you want to go luxe, you certainly can. Jetsetter is offering three packages for the game, which include overnight accommodations, VIP game passes and party access. Of course, the price goes along with the exclusivity - the most expensive package is $20,000 for two.

Gallery: Superbowl trends


[Flickr via indywriter]

Superbowl 2012 travel trends originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indianapolisjetsetterkayaknew england patriotsnew york giantsNewEnglandPatriotsNewYorkGiantssuper bowlsuperbowlsuperbowl 2012Superbowl2012Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel bloggers conferenceIf the word "conference" immediately conjures images of tipsy, poly-suit clad conventioneers, comic book geeks, or coma-inducing workshops, you obviously haven't attended a travel blogger gathering.

'Tis the season for some of the year's biggest travel industry blowouts. Each has a different focus--some are for accredited travel writers, others hone in on the burgeoning travel blogging industry or events tailored for the public. What they all share is an emphasis on networking with industry professionals, travel trends, and continuing education in the form of field trips, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and yes, a fair bit of partying.

Below, our picks for the best in travel industry camaraderie and information exchange:

Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX)
The year's most anticipated travel scribe gathering will be held June 15-17 in Keystone, Colorado. Expect a mix of over 350 fledgling and veteran writers, PR and travel industry experts, guest speakers, and workshops. In your downtime, take advantage of Keystone resort and environs by hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fly-fishing, or riding. Psst. Europe TBEX will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, October 11-13.

New York Times Travel Show (NYT)
Held March 2-4 at Manhattan's Jacob C. Javits Convention Center, this is a great event if you're an accredited writer with a specific niche (Industry Professional Sessions include topics like "Focus on Africa," and "Focus on Travel Media"); there's also a "trade-only" day. The public and and newbie writers can explore the Exhibition Hall, check out a variety of cultural events to be held on five stages, and let the kids run amok in the Family Fun Pavilion. Bonus: Accredited travel professionals can attend the Friday Exhibition Hall and travel industry welcome reception, and Saturday and Sunday seminars and Exhibition Hall free of charge.

Travel Bloggers Unite (TBU)
Feel like a tax write-off trip to Umbria, Italy (did I just say that)? From April 20-22, this UK-organized conference unites travel writers and bloggers with travel PR experts, tourism boards, and travel companies. Seminars include photo walks and workshops, and using social media. Best of all, delegates will be able take free post-conference tours of Umbria.

Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
Lonely Planet guru/Gadling editor Don George co-founded this renown industry event with Book Passage owner Elaine Petrocelli in 1991. Held annually at Petrocelli's Marin County bookstore (located 15 minutes north of San Franciso; the other Book Passage is a tiny shop in San Francisco's Ferry Building). The event has attracted in the past luminaries such as Tim Cahill, Larry Habegger, and Gadling's David Farley. This year, esteemed writer Susan Orlean will be in attendance, and the schedule includes four days of seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and optional evening field trips. If you're serious about travel writing--and few places provide as much topical diversity as the Bay Area--sign up, stat.

Be sure to check out Don's article on "Top tips for TBEX and other writers' conferences" before you sign up or get on a plane (they say advice doesn't come cheap, but this is free, baby).

[Photo credit: Flickr user Dia[TM]]

Presenting Xtranormal's "I want to be a travel writer"

Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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