hotel packages

Charlotte Chosen To Host Democratic National Convention, Let The Hotel Packages Begin

The Democratic Party has announced that Charlotte, North Carolina will host the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The city beat out St. Louis, Minneapolis and Cleveland to be the city where President Obama will accept the Democratic nomination and begin his campaign for reelection. The convention will begin on September 3, 2012. The Republican Party will host its convention in Tampa, Florida.

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte has launched today a Red, White, Blue and Green package to celebrate the announcement. Red, White, Blue and Green will feature overnight accommodations and a wine and cheese experience in the hotel's Urban Sip Wine and Scotch Bar. The new bar on the 15th floor provides beautiful views of Charlotte and offers Carolinas' largest selection of premium wines by the glass, as well as the city's largest menu of Scotches. Flights for two of both red and white wines and a flight of artisanal bleu cheeses will highlight the Urban Sip portion of the package. The green factor comes in both because the hotel is LEED Gold-certified and because package guests driving an electric or hybrid car will receive included overnight hotel parking. Offered Thursday through Saturday evenings from today until the Convention, and based upon availability, Red, White, Blue and Green at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is priced from $269 per couple per night. Reservations may be made at 800-241-3333, at http://www.ritzcarlton.com, or through a travel professional.

The Charlotte Observer reports that after the announcement was made hotel managers sprung into action as they fielded calls looking for rooms. Some hotels are already running out of space. There are approximately 15,000 hotel rooms in or within 30 minutes of uptown and access to at least another 15,000. The Republican National Committee is expecting similar action in Tampa, planning on filling 15,000 hotel rooms. Rooms and houses for rent have also popped up on Craigslist and through other residential listing sites, a phenomenon that will only increase as the event draws closer.

Tags: Democratic National Convention, dna, dnc, hotel packages, north carolina, ritz-carlton, ritz-carlton charlotte

Chocolate, Wine and Romance Weekends at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Waldorf Astoria's Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekend

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando in Florida is offering weekend packages featuring chocolate, wine and romance, that provides the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to celebrate Valentine's Day by escaping the cold winter weather.

These inaugural "Waldorf Astoria Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends," will be offered exclusively for overnight guests at the Orlando resort, during the weekends before and after Valentine's Day, including February 12-13 and February 19-20, 2011. During these weekends, where luscious chocolate and spicy wines take center stage, accommodations are available at rates starting at $289 on Feb. 12-13 and $309 on Feb. 19-20.

Guests who visit during the 'Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends' will enjoy several surprises and decadent diversions including:

• Bar du Chocolat: A Chocolate Extravaganza in which guests enjoy a nightly opportunity to experience nearly 30 a la carte chocolate treats from Waldorf Astoria's display of decadence. Peacock Alley will be transformed into a chocolate boudoir, offering an evening of self indulgence. Guests can choose from a selection of chocolate treats from the hotel's talented pastry team, including handmade chocolate truffles, exotic chocolate cakes, pillows of chocolate mousse, and bowls of beautiful bon-bons. Desserts will be priced by the piece.

Gallery: Waldorf Astoria Orlando's Weekend Getaway Packages for Valentine's Day

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Miami Heat Hotel Packages

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports

If you follow the NBA at all, one team you are going to hear a lot about this year is the Miami Heat. Once LeBron James made his big decision earlier this year, interest in the Heat began to rise. Now with "Big Three" lineup of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh playing together, everyone is wondering if the team will win the championship. Since the announcement, Miami hotels have offered Miami Heat packages (Hotel Chatter did a round-up back in July). Here are some of the places where you can save and splurge while you are in town to see the Heat play:

The Viceroy Miami has created the Turn Up the Heat Package at Viceroy Miami. The package include a deluxe suite for two; Champagne and berries in room upon arrival; Continental breakfast for two daily; the World Traveler Spa Treatment (90 minute combination facial and leg treatment to recover from stresses or traveling, working or exercise); presume cocktails and tapas or sushi at Eos for two; Champagne brunch day after game and postage VIP bottle service at Club 50 for $1,655 with an optional add-on roundtrip car service to the game for $230.

The Mandarin Oriental, Miami goes luxe with a "Live Like LeBron" package complete with box seats to a Miami Heat game and cabana rental at the hotel's private beach. The package, which is for four guests includes accommodations in two luxury suites, a welcome amenity of cold beers, bar snacks and pizza, Miami Heat jerseys, a Hummer ride to the Arena and more.

The Kimpton EPIC Miami Hotel Miami Heat Package includes breakfast for two at Area 31; a $100 Dinner credit at Area 31; taxi transfer to and from the arena; a daily hosted evening wine reception and daily morning coffee and tea service.

The Hotel Marseilles on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach gives a a ten percent discount to all Miami Heat fans.

The Hilton Miami Downtown offers a $100 credit towards food and beverage the day of the game.

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami has a package with offers appetizers and a cocktail in Daniel Boulud's db Bistro and breakfast for two. Rates are from $289-$639.

Need something to wear to the game? The Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach has a package with overnight accommodations, two Miami Heat t-shirts and ail breakfast for two from just $189 per night.

Tags: hotel package, hotel packages, lebron james, miami heat, the big three

Celebrate Christmas in Spain at the Hotel Arts Barcelona

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

A view of the Hotel Arts Barcelona with Frank Gehry's famous Peix d'Or (fish) sculpture in the background.

Experience Christmas in one of the world's most exciting destinations, Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain.

There's a spectacular five-star Ritz-Carlton property worth checking out. Called the Hotel Arts Barcelona, it will be offering several special packages over the holidays, including New Years' Eve.

The Hotel Arts Barcelona offers 483 spacious guest rooms, including a variety of suites including 56 executive suites and 28 sophisticated duplex apartments. It also offers a spa on the 42nd and 43rd floors of the hotel that has stunning views of the city and sea below. The spa features eight treatment suites, a separate sauna and a steam room with color therapy.

Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner at one of the hotel's many fine restaurants. Paco Perez's Enoteca restaurant, which was awarded one Michelin star in the 2010 Guide, will offer festive gastronomic dishes during the holiday season such as truffle and wild mushroom cream soup with foie gras shots and grilled Grouper loin, followed by Turron, a traditional Spanish Christmas dessert made of chocolate, almond and pine nuts with puffed rice.

Gallery: Hotel Arts Barcelona

The Enoteca restaurant at the Hotel Arts Barcelona

Tags: Awards-main, Barcelona, Christmas travel, Hotel Arts Barcelona, hotel packages, Luxist-Awards, Ritz-Carlton, Spain

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Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles Offers Stylecentric Hotel Packages

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

We mentioned the new Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles when it opened earlier this year. The hotel is part of the L.A. Live complex which has quickly become a vibrant part of downtown Los Angeles. The hotel is upping its glam quotient through bringing on its own call personal stylist and fashion consultant, Aly Scott of StyleChic, who has also designed two packages for the hotel. Scott, who has worked with stars including Scarlett Johansson, Dave Matthews and Jane Seymour and was an Associate Publisher for six high profile fashion magazines, now offers custom shopping experiences for the fashion focused. StyleChic guests enjoy experiences including a champagne welcome in the VIP terrace lounge at Tods on Rodeo Drive, a private white glove atelier service appointment with a high fashion fine jeweler, lunch at The Ivy in West Hollywood, shopping the back racks of an appointment only vintage boutique in the heart of Hollywood and the service of a Town car at the ready for zipping around town.

Scott has designed two experiences especially for the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. The Red Carpet getaway includes two nights deluxe overnight accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
with Club Lounge access. Enjoy dinner for two at chef Wolfgang Puck's award-winning WP24 Restaurant & Lounge. A pre-arrival consultation with Aly Scott will aid in the creation of a six-hour customized StyleChic experience. The package also includes a choice of either a $100 Spa Credit or 60 minute personal training session.

The Stylecation package includes overnight deluxe overnight accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, dinner for two at chef Wolfgang Puck's WP24 Restaurant & Lounge, a three hour personalized StyleChic experience with Aly Scott and a choice of either a $100 Spa Credit or 60 minute personal training session.

All Ritz-Carlton guests enjoy access to the hotel's exclusive, rooftop pool and fitness center on the 26th floor, as well as day spa access to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles where guests are invited to enjoy the steam room and relaxation lounges. The "Red Carpet Getaway" package is offered for $3,000 based on double occupancy; $2,500 single occupancy. Please enter rate code SIJI when booking online. The "Stylecation" package is offered for $1,800 based on double occupancy; $1,200 single occupancy. Please enter rate code SOJA when booking online.

Gallery: The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

To book the "Red Carpet Getaway," or "Stylecation" package, guests call 213.743.8800 or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LosAngeles/Default.htm.

Tags: aly scott, hotel deals, hotel packages, ritz-carlton los angeles, stylechic, stylist

The Bachelor Finale Set In St. Lucia

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

"The Bachelor: On The Wings Of Love" ends tomorrow night. Will the bachelor, pilot Jake Pavelka pick sweet Tenley or saucy Vienna? One thing is for certain, they've send him to a great place to figure it out. The Jalousie Plantation in St.Lucia is the setting for the finale, providing a scenic backdrop of turquoise waters and white sand beaches for the big moment.

The resort is offering a special Bachelor package. This season ABC was offering a contest to viewers to win a vacation for two at The Jalousie Plantation as part of the Rose Ceremony Game. Those not lucky enough to win can book the Wings of Love package which starts at rates of $3304 from February 23 to April 17, 2010; from $2856 April 17 to May 31, 2010; from $2660 June 1 to October 15, 2010; and $2856 October 16 to December 16, 2010. The package includes four nights in a luxury villa with an ocean view, a bottle of Champagne, a single long-stemmed red rose, a Jeep safari, a visit to the Sulphur Springs spa seen in the show, a romantic candlelit dinner and breakfast in bed on one morning of your choice, handsome bachelor and bevy of babes not included.

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Mother's Day Hotel and Restaurant Packages

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

A recent survey indicated that Mother's Day spending will be down by 14.7 percent this year. Purchases of electronics, jewelry, books and other items are all expected to fall. And fewer mothers will be taken out for a good meal. It is predicted that spending on dinner and brunch outings will fall 9.6 percent.

For those still planning to take mom out for a meal or even for a weekend there are some great hotel and restaurant packages out there. The Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica, California offers a great package for a family that includes accommodations, a Mother's Day brunch and a treasure hunt adventure. Rates start at $449. Check out more great options in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mother's Day Hotel and Restaurant Packages

Tags: hotel packages, HotelPackages, mother, mothers day, mothers day brunch, MothersDay, MothersDayBrunch

NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Services, Events, Holiday Guides

Holidays in New York City can be a lot of things: charming, classic, thrilling ... overwhelming, chaotic, expensive. While some travelers arrive in search of the quintessential Silver Bells experience, others may want to discover something new or stick within a budget. Luxist's friends at Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations, Gabrielle Etrog Cohen and Gina Masullo, came up with a comprehensive list of places to go and things to do for all NYC travelers as well as package deals, including hotels.

THE FAMILY: Crowd-pleasers for all ages-within a budget.

The show: The Off-Broadway production of The Gazillion Bubble Show is the first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry.

The sites: Gawking at the Macy's displays, a visit with the polar bears in Central Park, photo ops at the Rockefeller Center tree.

The meal: Dim Sum Go Go offers more than 24 kinds of dumplings, plus four variations on the dough-wrapper theme, four sauces, and microwave-safe takeout containers. Kids will love the creative finger food and parents will love the dim sum delicacies (beet flavored dumplings?).

The hotel: Apple Core Hotels -- a family-friendly vibe in the city's most exciting neighborhood.

The deal: Apple Core Hotels invites guests to explore New York -- including a trip to Toys "R" Us Times Square to create a stuffed animal at the Filled-With-Love interactive design shop. Apple Core's "Filled with Love" package is available January 2 - February 14, starts at $159.99 and includes accommodations in the heart of New York City, stuffed animal and breakfast, and in-room coffee. Children under 13 stay free.

For more packages, click on the continued link.

Gallery: NYC Holiday Hotel Packages for Every Traveler

Tags: Christmas, holidays, hotel packages, HotelPackages, hotels, New York, New York City, NewYork, NewYorkCity, NYC

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Cook with the Chef at Villa Mangiacane

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wine

In beautiful Tuscany sits Villa Mangiacane, a hotel that in addition to beautiful scenery and luxury sleep accommodations offers its own wine, olive oil, and now cooking classes.

As part of the "Flavours of Chianti" package you're treated the first night to a 4 course candlelit dinner prepared by Mangiacane's acclaimed Chef Massimo Bocus, which prepares you for the following day's cooking lesson with the Chef and a Villa Mangiacane wine and olive oil tasting. Among other treats (like cooking aprons, daily spa access, and fresh fruit in your room) you'll also get a Tuscan Cookbook and a bottle of Villa Mangiacane Chianti. €1270-€2450

Gallery: Villa Mangiacane

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Tags: cooking, hotel, hotel package, hotel packages, HotelPackage, HotelPackages, hotels, italy, travel, traveling, tuscan, tuscany, villa mangiacane, VillaMangiacane, wine

Marriott's New Orleans Volunteer Package

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Services, Charity

Taking a vacation can be about so much more than just treating yourself -- what about getting away from it all in a way that's not only fun for you but also helps others? Marriott is offering a "Big Easy Spirit to Serve Getaway" package that offers luxurious amenities combined with charitable donations and volunteerism. The package includes a room at a Marriott hotel with breakfast for two in the morning, a "Care Concierge" who will help hook you up with volunteer organizations in the area and help you find a way to help that is meaningful to you, and then $50 of every night's room rate will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. All for rates of $159-$259/night.

Via LA Times Travel Blog

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Tags: big easy, BigEasy, charities, charity, hotel, hotel packages, HotelPackages, hotels, Marriot, new orleans, NewOrleans, package, packages, volunteer

Mandarin Oriental Celebrates In San Francisco

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Mandarin Oriental always rolls out the blockbuster packages. This one, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mandarin Oriental's first U.S. property, Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is called Fantastic San Francisco and is a four-day, three-night stay in the two-bedroom Oriental Suite. Along with your gorgeous suite you also get a three-day use of a 2007 Ferrari F430 or a 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo; one-hour private helicopter tour of San Francisco and an exclusive in-suite lunch or dinner prepared by Silks Chef de Cuisine Joel Huff with a bottle of Cristal. Other goodies in the package include a bottle of the 1987 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot, 20 long-stemmed roses, daily breakfast and a 20th anniversary keepsake. The package costs an even $20,000 and is available through December.

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Tags: hotel packages, mandarin oriental, MandarinOriental, san francisco, travel, vacation

$175,000 for 7 Nights

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

$175,000 for a seven night stay at a Marriott. Hotel Chatter rightly dubs this the most insane hotel package they have come across. The package at the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Club and Spa in Florida was created to celebrate the resort's $175 million renovation. $175,000 gets you a two-bedroom suite, a private flight in, a Mercedes convertible rental car, helicopter ride and private dive in Key Largo, a couple of shopping gift certificates and a variety of private experiences including dinners and cruises. The package also includes lifetime membership to the Rookery Golf Club and Marco Island's Balinese Spa.

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Tags: florida, hotel packages, hotels, marco island, MarcoIsland, travel

Claremont Resort Hotel Package For Parents-To-Be

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

For pregnant couples needing one last getaway before the baby arrives, the Claremont Resort & Spa in San Francisco offers the Great Expectations package. The two-night package includes "virgin-tini" cocktails, a prenatal massage for two, pedicure, a "crave-calming" dinner and a Tiffany silver baby rattle. The vintage hotel is located in the Berkeley Hills and has beautiful bay views. The package starts at $950.

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Tags: claremont hotel, ClaremontHotel, hotel packages, mom to be, san francisco

Fairmont Man'cation Packages

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

You've heard of man-dates, where two heterosexual men meet for dinner or an event. Now get ready for the man'cation. It's the Fairmont hotels new way to attract men to their hotels. They have created a variety of man-friendly packages including a stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston that includes daily breakfast. dinner at the Oak Room steakhouse and your own "Entourage" DVD. On July 28, the Fairmont Chicago will offer a man'cation night that includes a Woodford Reserve whiskey tasting. a three-course steak dinner and a post-dinner cocktail seminar . The event costs $150 and hotel rooms start at $249. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has a Play Where the Pros Stay package that includes two rounds of golf. There is also a racing school package at the The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa and for the metro boys, a spa break package at The Fairmont Royal York and the Elizabeth Milan Day Spa. Do men need a special hotel package just to encourage them to hang out together? I've heard of men meeting for golf weekends or hiking trips but spa dates?

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If You Can Pay For It, Sparks Will Fly

by Anne Metz (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services

Leave it to the Ritz-Carleton in Battery Park to come up with one of the world's most luxe hotel packages. The Can't Buy Me Love, But You Can Try is a one-night visit that costs you $40,000.

But don't worry, you'll get your money's worth. For the handsome fee, this package includes:

limo service to and from the airport
accommodations in the Presidential Suite.
a personal fireworks show by the famous Grucci family set to the soundtrack of your choice
private helicopter ride over the city
private bath prepared by a personal butler
Dom Perignon and strawberries
candlelight dinner
in-room breakfast

According to the hotel's director of guest relations, not surprisingly, only one person has taken advantage of this high-priced hotel package.

Sure, fireworks are fab as is staying at the Ritz, but if you really want to show your special someone that you are at the same pyrotechnically inspired and frugal, here's a slightly lower-budget version of the package:

One pack of roman candles from a road side stand in South Carolina: $7.50
One romantic Celine Dion album: $15
One bottle of pink Andre's "champagne": $5
One night at a Super 8: $65

And finally: