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Best of the U.S.

The Palazzo at Night

Overwhelmed by choices? Make it simple. Here are my picks for the best hotels in various locations throughout the United States.

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Don't Look Down

Thursday May 3, 2012

Vertical Fashion Show at Revere

To coincide with the same day of Paul Revere's historic 1775 ride, the Revere Hotel Boston Common opened its doors last week on April 18. And how I would have loved to have been there to see this gravity-defying fashion show where the alfresco catwalk was the side of the 24-story hotel and models used the assistance of rock climbing pros to keep their grip while strutting their vertiginous stuff in form-fitting body harnesses. The fashion show put a spotlight on the hotel's new staff uniforms as well as fashions from a famed UK brand, Ted Baker London, to tie in the historic London connection.

There's no time like spring or summer to find yourself in beautiful Boston. And the hotel is offering a special introductory rate through May 31, with rooms starting at $177.50 per night. Call the hotel directly to request the "Revolutionary Rate" and mention the special promo code, REV775.

Image courtesy Revere

Fly Free When You Stay at the Viceroy Riviera Maya

Thursday May 3, 2012

With all the hidden airlines fees we're forced to face these days, I have to admit I get pretty excited when I can find someone to pick up the tab on my airfare. And an offer just announced by the decadent Viceroy Riviera Maya has me ready to pack my bags for some fun in the Mexican sun at the all-villa oceanfront property. With the Fly Free program (good for stays of a minimum of four nights now through Dec. 19, 2012), you and up to three friends will get a portion of your airline tickets reimbursed when you book in (airfare reimbursement ranges from $800 to $3500 depending on the category of villa and season you're booking for). It works this way: you book your flight and then show your airline receipt when you check into the villa. The maximum reimbursement is then put as a credit toward your bill and can also be applied toward food and beverage and spa services. As for the property? The 41 private villas here are all super indulgent with private plunge pools and outdoor showers fronting a quiet beach just a bit south of the Cancun fray. Bliss? It sure sounds that way.

Hotels with Fun Classes

Thursday April 26, 2012

L'Atelier Parfums et Creations

More and more these days, you can turn your vacation into an education. Whether it's learning how to mix your own signature scent at a perfume workshop at the Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali or taking everything from mixology classes in Manhattan to surf lessons in Florida, here's where to stay to morph into renaissance men and women from the comfort of your hotel:

  • Mix exotic essences from things like frangiapani and Spice Island cloves into your own signature scent with a perfume workshop at L'Atelier Parfums et Creations at the oceanfront Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali.
  • Learn the art of painting with watercolors at a pretty en plein air location at the Mediterranean-inspired Boca Raton Resort and Club in Florida, led by the resort's artist in residence.
  • Feel the stoke of standing up on gentle curling waves with the Omphoy Ocean Resort's Surf Goddess Program in Palm Beach, FL.
  • Learn to mix the perfect Manhattan and more from the master mixologists at the James Hotels in Chicago and New York.
  • Sit atop a noble steed during horseback lessons with a magnificent western backdrop at the all-inclusive Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona.
  • Master the art of preparing an authentic five-course Turkish feast with cooking lessons at the Sarnic Hotel in Istanbul.

Now that's what I call a global education!

Image courtesy L'Atelier Parfums et Creations

Countdown to London Summer Olympics

Wednesday April 25, 2012

Has it already been four years since Beijing? The Summer Olympics are coming to London this year, and if you have yet to book your room for the spectacle, it's time to get cracking. If you're looking to do the sporty scene in style, check out my picks for top luxury London hotels, with spots like the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and legendary Claridge's among the gold medal list. About.com's London travel expert, Laura Porter, shares her favorite hotels here. Lots of addresses are sure to be booked out already, so if you're having trouble nailing down a hotel room have a look at the website OneFineStay, where you can find four-star accommodation in upscale homes across London that's likely to be less pricey than hotels of a similar standard.

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