Park Hyatt Chicago Lobby Space

Originally opened in 2000, The Park Hyatt Chicago is regarded by many as the Hyatt Flagship Hotel.  Managed under the “Park Hyatt” flag, the Park Hyatt Chicago is one of the most well respected properties in Chicago, offering guests a luxurious yet private city hotel experience.

Park Hyatt properties are always distinctive, and often reflect their surroundings by incorporating local sophistication with contemporary luxury.  The Park Hyatt Chicago is no exception, and offers one of the best Downtown locations, affording breathtaking views from almost every angle of the property.  The hotel itself occupies the first 18 floors of this mixed use condo/hotel high-rise.

Lobby Space

The guest rooms at The Park Hyatt Chicago are residential in feel, and offer a sophisticated condo-like experience.  Every room category offers the signature Park Hyatt Chicago bathroom setup with separate glass enclosed showers, deep soaking bathtubs as well as a wall mounted LCD televisions.  Most room types feature an “open bathroom” format which allows for the bathroom to open up to the bedroom area, while other room categories feature exterior bathroom windows.  Even the smallest room type offers a spacious 550 square feet, allowing for plenty of room to relax and enjoy the view.  Park View rooms as well as suites feature breathtaking views of the neighboring Water Tower and Michigan Avenue and rooms on Floors 8 and above will enjoy Water Tower, Michigan Avenue and Lake Views.  For those guests who enjoy a bit of fresh air, the hotel offers a small selection of Terrace Rooms on the 3rd Floor which offer spacious outdoor terraces, a rarity for any city hotel.

Executive Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 1107)

Guests can enjoy a wide array of services including the Park Hyatt Chicago signature “Personal Butler Service.”  Butler service is introduced at check-in, and provides guests with unpacking services, welcome drinks, complimentary pressing of 2 items and complimentary shoe shining services.

1 of 2 Lake Suites  (Room Number 1703)

Located on the 7th Floor, NoMI restaurant (short for North of Michigan) has become one of Chicago’s finest culinary offerings.  NoMI occupies a unique window space on the 7th Floor of the hotel, affording one of the city’s best vantage points of Michigan Avenue.  The space itself is beautifully appointed, and offers a menu selection that is second to none.  Christophe David’s French inspired menu is eclectic yet savory.  Yes, most hotel guests yearn for an off-site dining experience, but we promise this one is worth staying in.  Be certain to request a window table, the views are simply stunning.

NoMI Restaurant

Chicago is a destination known for its wide selection of hotels.  No other property however uniquely captures luxury, style, and intimacy like The Park Hyatt Chicago.  Those who travel frequently will agree, this is the gem of the Windy City.

For Guest Room Selection Information, Check out The Park Hyatt Chicago TripKick.com Profile Here.

Park Deluxe Room Category  (Room Number 317)

Washington D.C. has a wide array of hotel offerings that appeal to all types of personalities.  Generally however, hotels in the District are traditional in style, and the lack the daring contemporary personality that you might see in other cities.

Last weekend we had an opportunity to stay at The Park Hyatt Washington D.C., a place where style and personality are simply stunning.  Hyatt’s ‘Park’ collection of hotels compete with the likes of Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton properties, and provide unique locations with upgraded amenities and service.  The Park Hyatt Washington offers dramatic design by famed architect Tony Chi, a transformation which was completed in 2006.

Lobby Space and the Tea Cellar

Park Hyatt’s renovation dramatically transformed this property into a hotel masterpiece, featuring an impressive collection of contemporary appointments and an amenity list that would impress any hotel aficionado.  The Park Hyatt Washington features the Blue Duck Tavern Restaurant, a contemporary American Dining experience, as well as the Tea Cellar, an ideal location for afternoon tea, cheeses or a creative cocktail.

Tea Cellar

Blue Duck Tavern Restaurant

The guest room experience at Park Hyatt Washington is simply exquisite.  The hotel has a large number of “suite-like” accommodations, The Park Deluxe Category Room, which offers a spacious 600 square foot space with a division between the bedroom and living room.  Most notably however, the Park Deluxe rooms feature “spa inspired’ bathrooms which are not only spacious, but offer an open shower concept along with a separate deep soaking bathtub.  We can easily say that these are some of the best hotel bathrooms available in North America.  The standard category rooms, Park King & Park Twin Rooms, also offer a comfortable 400 square feet of space, with a more traditional bathroom layout.  Regardless of your room selection, you will be impressed with the meticulous attention to detail, museum quality knick knacks and a bed that is simply amazing.  Quality was paramount for the renovation in 2006, and few details were overlooked.

Park King Room  (Room Number 314)

Park Deluxe Room  (Room Number 317)

The Park Hyatt Washington boasts an excellent location, within walking distance to Georgetown and several other notable sites throughout the District.  When looking for utmost style, attention to detail, and a truly fantastic guest room experience, The Park Hyatt Washington delivers.  Make sure to book and request the Park Deluxe Category and you won’t be disappointed.

The Park Hyatt Washington D.C. TripKick.com Profile

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The St. Regis San Francisco delivers a guest room experience that is truly one of a kind, and much different from that of its New York sister hotel, The St. Regis New York.  Absent is the history and tradition of the original St. Regis, however guests will more than adore this contemporary minded masterpiece.

The St. Regis San Francisco blends well with its surroundings; the hotel is both sophisticated and chic.  Regardless of your personal style and taste, you are certain to appreciate the bold yet refreshing design from head to toe.  San Francisco has a wide array of 5 Star Caliber properties including The Four Seasons , The Ritz-Carlton and The Mandarin-Oriental.  Each of the aforementioned properties have become known for their individual style, attention to detail and high service levels.  Guests however consistenely applaud The St. Regis for having some of the most innovative and luxurious accommodations in the city.

Built from the ground up in 2005, The St. Regis is comprised of both hotel space and condo residences.  Guest rooms and suites occupy Floors 5-20, and range from 450-3,000+ Sq. Feet in size depending on the chosen room category.  We’ve seen quite a variety of guest rooms at hotels & resorts around the world, and we can say with confidence that The St. Regis San Francisco really doesn’t have a bad guest room.  Each of the 7 room categories offer unique layouts with meticulous appointments and technology only seen at some of the best 5 star hotels throughout the world.  Each room is equipped with The St. Regis Technology Panel which allows guests to control climate, window shades, phone and will even allow you to have direct access to The St. Regis Butler service.  Views vary throughout the property but are typically more preferred on higher floors, and sometimes include the Yerba Buena Garden and Partial Bay Views as well.

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed, Yerba Buena Gardens View  (Room Number 1606)

The Metroplitan Suite, 1 King Bed   (Room Number 1608) Technology Panel Also Pictured

Rarely seen is St. Regis’ Presidential Suite.  Located on the 20th Floor, The Presidential Suite has sweeping views of the nearby San Francisco Bay, Yerba Buena Gardens and beyond.  Measuring at over 3,000 Square Feet, this suite is not for the budget-minded.  Impressive is and understatement, as the Presidential Suite is outfitted with a decor that would make most designers jealous.  If an over sized living room, family room and dining room isn’t enough to satisfy, the Presidential Suite offers a custom designed master suite, walk-in closet with window, and an office (which may help you work off that nightly rate.)

St. Regis Presidential Suite, (Room Number 2001)

The St. Regis San Francisco features the Remede Spa which offers a wide array of Spa Treatments.  Additionally, guests can enjoy the expansive indoor Pool area with ample seating and views of Yerba Buena Gardens.  An elaborate Fitness Facility is also available to guests on a complimentary basis.

Remede Spa and Indoor Pool

The St. Regis San Francisco will impress even the most discriminating traveler.  Contemporary sophistication along with seamless service, and some of San Francisco’s most impressive accommodations are certain to make you a loyal guest.  Before you check-in, take a look at St. Regis San Francisco’s TripKick.com Profile.

The Four Seasons San Francisco is hardly and oldtimer.  Built in 2001, The FS San Francisco quickly became one of the city’s most notable properties, offering guests a central location with endless amenities and of course Four Seasons legendary service.

The Four Seasons San Francisco has recently completed what the industry calls a “Soft Renovation”, adding a fresh look to guest rooms in the way of replacing carpets, bedding, draperies etc.  Loyal guests will immediately notice a more soothing color scheme, with a more modern take on an already contemporary design.

Guest rooms are located on Floors 6-17, and Four Seasons residences occupy upper floors of the building.  Views range from Market Street and Downtown to views of the neighboring Yerba Buena Gardens.  There are a wide variety of room types, but among our favorites are the “02″ Series Rooms which are considered the “Premier King” category as well as the “03″ Series Rooms which are considered “Deluxe Room” category rooms.  At TripKick.com, we often prefer a more unconventional room layout, and these room types have a more condo-like residential feel with wrap around windows and views of Yerba Buena gardens on higher floors.  Guest rooms now feature either a Chocolate/Tan motif (as seen below) or a Teal Green color palette.

Premier King Category Room, “02 Series”,  (Room Number 802)

Deluxe View Category Room, Market Street Views  (Room Number 1619)

The Four Seasons San Francisco has two “Specialty 1 Bedroom Suites” which offer stunning views of Yerba Buena Gardens, and 2,300 square feet of space to stretch out and relax.  Features include an oversized living room area with entertainment center, oversized bathroom with deep soaking tub and a fresh new design.

Specialty 1-Bedroom Suite (aka Presidential Suite) (Room Number 1603)

Common areas of the hotel remain the same, but include the addition of new services and dining options.  Four Seasons has introduced “Meet the Winemaker” which allows guests to experience local viticulture, and pair wines with various dishes offered in the restaurant.  One of our favorite on-property features however is the “Four Seasons SF Podcast” which provides guests with a detailed walking tour of the hotel’s famous art collection- this is a must do.

Check out the Four Seasons TripKick.com Profile Here!

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The Westin Versa Napa is uniquely positioned in The Napa Valley, offering guests a wide range of room types and an extremely convenient central location. Having just opened in September of 2008, the Westin Versa is one of the newest hotel options available in the valley. When searching for a hotel or resort in Napa, Sonoma or the surrounding areas, you might be hard pressed to find spacious accommodations with the consistency of a recognizable industry brand.  The Westin Versa however delivers, with room types that are designed to comfort guests with overly spacious, residential-style rooms with conveniences such as full kitchens and outdoor balconies.

Two Bedroom Suite, Living Room Area & Full Kitchen  (Room Number 1031)

The Westin Versa Napa is a hotel/condo development that will appeal those seeking an upscale hotel experience with all the conveniences of home.  In fact, over half of thier rooms are configured in a suite like format, offering separate bedrooms, living rooms and outdoor balconies.  Traditional category rooms (20 in total) offer the feel of a conventional hotel room, with a host of added amenities such as LCD Flat panel televisions and XBox 360’s.  Deluxe Category accommodations offer slightly more space along with kitchenettes, a wonderful perk for long term stays.  Premium One and Two bedroom suites offer a residential feel, with full kitchens, outdoor balconies, bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs along with all the amenities available in the Traditional and Deluxe category rooms.  Views vary by location, but typically consist of river views, bocci ball courtyard views, city views and pool views.

Two Bedroom Suite, 2nd Bedroom Area  (Room Number 1031)

Two Bedroom Suite, Balcony, Master Bath & Shower  (Room Number 1031)

Premium One Bedroom Suite, Living Room Area  (Room Number 2039)

Deluxe Room Type, Kitchenette  (Room Number 2041)

The Westin Versa is an ideal spot to start your wine tour journey, or even conduct business.  Given the large number of boutique hotels in Wine County, the Westin offers a unique alternative with room types that allow you to relax, stretch out and enjoy your experience.  Even if you decide to stay on property, there are dining options that will impress even the most discering appetite.  The Westin Unwind Program offers evening wine tastings, pairings and other events that will keep you involved and bring you closer to local culture.  All in all, The Westin Versa is a fantastic Napa addition, and one that we highly suggest when planning your next visit.

Today we’re in Chicago taking a look at aLoft Chicago O’Hare, a new concept from Starwood and W Hotels. aLoft’s have been opening up all around the country, and this one is the company’s largest. Conveniently located just minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, guests will enjoy a refreshing airport hotel experience that is both hip and budget minded. aLoft hotels have taken cues from W Hotels, but have packaged many of W’s best features in a more cost conscious package.

Although every aLoft property is almost a mirror image of each other, this one is a bit larger at 251 rooms. Guests are welcomed by a lobby space dubbed “Remix” a wonderful area to relax, enjoy the complimentary wireless internet or play a game of pool.

aLoft Lobby “Remix” and Quick Dining “Refuel”

aLoft offers only standard guest rooms with an option of 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds.  Guest rooms provide ample space to relax or work, and feature flat panel LCD televisions along with comfortable bedding.  Similar to the lobby space, rooms are contemporary and appointed in a hip “W Hotel-esque” way.  Bathrooms are creative and laid out in an open format with plenty of mirrors and plenty of conveniences such as in-room coffee makers, magazines and Bliss Spa amenities.  Bathrooms feature glass enclosed showers, a feature that we like at TripKick.com.  Although not necessarily a view hotel, select guest rooms feature views of Chicago O’Hare Airport, by request.

Guest Rooms, 2 Queen Beds  (Room Number 246)

Guest Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 239)

All aLoft hotels feature swimming pools and impressive fitness centers with Life Fitness Equipment, a nice touch for business or leisure travelers alike.  aLoft aims to please travelers with a simple yet fashion forward approach with “loft inspired” design and free-flowing energy.  Whether you’re staying one night or ten, you’re certain to enjoy the casual fun-filled environment of aLoft… this is not your ordinary budget minded hotel.

aLoft Indoor Pool and Fitness Center

aLoft Chicago O’Hare TripKick.com Profile

Trump Las Vegas Lobby

The long anticipated Trump Hotel Las Vegas has arrived, and last week we were given the grand tour of this dynamite new high rise condo hotel.

For those travelers seeking a truly unique Las Vegas escape, The Trump provides an oasis from an otherwise bustling city.

Location:

The Trump Las Vegas is located adjacent to the Fashion Show Mall, and across the street from the Encore and Wynn Las Vegas.  Just off the Las Vegas Strip, guests will still appreciate a convenient location without being in the heart of the crowds.  We were never more than a few minutes walking distance from everywhere we wanted to be in Las Vegas.  Trump Las Vegas does not have its own Casino, however we saw this more as a plus, as some of the world’s most famous gambling options are just doors away.  After a long night in Las Vegas, it’s a pleasure to walk thru your hotel lobby without the crowds or sounds of dinging slot machines.

The Guest Rooms and Suites:

The Trump Las Vegas is a 64 Story Condo/Hotel development with a wide variety of accommodation options.  Given this unique setup, all accommodations regardless of category, offer convenient residential features such as kitchenettes or full kitchens.  All accommodations are exquisitely appointed with a warm residential decor, along with some of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever experienced!  Trump’s opening room category, The Studio Guest Room, is a generously sized 520 Square Feet, and features a kitchenette along with a luxuriously appointed bathroom.  Bathrooms include large glass enclosed showers along with deep soaking bathtubs and in-mirror LCD televisions, a feature that we absolutely love.  Guests have the option to reserve Studio Premier Rooms, which are located on higher floors and offer stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Studio Guest Room, Premier Strip View  (Room Number 5227)

Studio Guest Room, Premier Strip View  (Room Number 4903)

Trump Guest Room Floor Plan, Floors 16-59.  Rooms ending in 07-25 offer Strip Views.

The next available room category at Trump Las Vegas in the One Bedroom Suite.  These room types feature a condo-style layout with an incredible amount of space (approximately 820 square feet) along with a separate bedroom and living room area as well as a full size kitchen.  Living rooms feature a pullout sofa bed, and each of these One Bedroom Suites offer 3 LCD televisions and plenty of room to stretch out and relax.

One Bedroom Suite  (Room Number 5226)

Deluxe and Penthouse Suites offer the ultimate in space, luxury and design.  These one of a kind accommodations are located on Floors 60-64, and offer some of the city’s most remarkable views.  We got an opportunity to take a peek at a Penthouse Suite, and we can tell you that this is the ticket for a truly indulgent Las Vegas suite experience.  Penthouses feature a unique configuration of space, fully equipped with oversized dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms along with an unbeatable vantage point of the city.  Bathrooms offer the ultimate in luxury and deep soaking bathtubs offer a birds eye view of the surrounding desert landscape or the Las Vegas Strip, making it a one of kind experience.

Penthouse Suite  (Room Number 6203)

Amenities and Services:

For a small nightly resort fee, guests are given complimentary valet parking, use of a fantastic fitness center with state of the art TechnoGym equipment, complimentary daily bottled water and several other worthwhile amenities.  In a city where mega-hotels are plentiful, service is often forgotten.  At the Trump however, service is paramount and a cornerstone of their operation.  You feel as though you’re truly staying in a 5 star hotel, something that most other Las Vegas luxury hotels fail to deliver.

The Outdoor Rooftop Pool Area at Trump Las Vegas

Most of us have been to Las Vegas enough times to realize that there are an endless number of glitzy Las Vegas mega-hotels from which to choose.  They often feature attraction after attraction, and taut themselves as being the newest and greatest “Five Star Hotel.”  However rarely do these giants really follow through on their promise to be “Five Star.”  Trump Las Vegas is world class, evident by its high service standards and attention to detail. The Trump Las Vegas makes for a truly wonderful addition to the Las Vegas hotel scene, and one that you’re likely to find relaxing, indulgent and simply one of a kind.

Opening Category, Luxury Suite Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 44 817)

TripKick.com has covered just about every hotel in Las Vegas, but recently we took a closer look at The Palazzo, one of the city’s newest hotel options.  Unlike so many of Las Vegas’ “mega-hotels”, Palazzo doesn’t take on quite the themed experience you might expect.  Palazzo, the sister hotel to The Venetian Las Vegas, is Italian Inspired (sans gondolas) and delivers a truly luxurious hotel experience that is both sophisticated and fun.

Accommodations at Palazzo are nearly identical to those at Venetian (although the colors vary slightly) but Palazzo guests will enjoy an environment that is slightly more geared toward adults.  Palazzo features its own promenade of high end shopping, and also connects to The Shops at Venetian.  The entire feel of Palazzo is intended to reflect the luxury and indulgence of romantic Italy, featuring a great use of beautiful materials including Olive Trees and Mediterranean Limestone.

Palazzo Check-In Area

Palazzo Lobby Area, This is a Rotating Design (Chinese New Year Design is Featured Above)

Palazzo is an All Suite property with accommodations starting at a generous 720 square feet.  Luxury Suites (Palazzo’s Opening Category Room) are configured in an open floor plan, with a step down living room area.  Luxury Suites feature 3 LCD televisions in total, including one in the Bathroom.  Bathrooms are also spacious and feature a luxurious twin vanity design along with a separate glass shower and bathtub.  Beds offer great comfort and feature plush pillow-top mattresses along with fine linens.  We felt that the Luxury Suites provided ample space and comfort, however for those seeking just slightly more space (or privacy) there are 2 other categories available.  “Fortuna Suites” are slightly wider than Luxury Suites, and offer a bedroom area that is somewhat removed from the Living Room area of the Suite.  “Sienna Suites” are the largest Suites available to guests (non-gaming guests), and these rooms offer a separate living room and bedroom area along with 1.5 baths.  Regardless of your suite category, guests can expect an indulgent experience with elegant yet contemporary accommodations.  Room Numbers are 5 Digits: ie. 44 817, 44th Floor, Room 817.

Luxury Suite Category, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 44 817)

Fortuna Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 36 808)

Sienna Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 36 805)

All guests have the option to upgrade to the Palazzo Concierge Level (Typically $100/night) which provides access to the lounge and morning breakfast, afternoon snacks and evening cocktails.  The Concierge Level Lounge features a private business center along with a personalized staff.

Palazzo Concierge Lounge, 23rd Floor

The Palazzo Pool Deck

The Palazzo offers a wide array of dining options ranging from Sushi to Continental Cuisine.  Celebrity Chef creations are endless, but on our most recent visit we were simply wowed by one restaurant in particular.  LAVO is an innovative new concept that mates dining and entertainment.  This semi-casual yet sohphisticated space is Mediterranean inspired and simply stunning.  Dishes are intended to be shared in true Mediterranean fashion, and this is a dining experience that shouldn’t be missed.

LAVO Restaurant

LAVO NightClub Entrance

Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s largest hotels, yet despite this wide variety, only a select few are contenders for the most discerning traveler.  Palazzo certainly is a world class contender and offers some of Las Vegas’ finest accommodations.  Guests will enjoy a host of luxurious amenities coupled with a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment and supreme shopping.