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The Ritz-Carlton Denver

The Ritz-Carlton Denver is one of the city’s newest luxury hotel arrivals, located in Downtown Denver.  This Ritz is of the more contemporary minded, sleek and contemporary, but also influenced by Colorado’s local landscape.

Located in a Downtown Denver high-rise, The Ritz-Carlton is sophisticated yet comfortable.  The hotel operates like a boutique, offering just 202 guest rooms and suites on Floors 4-12.  Ritz-Carlton Residences occupy upper floors of the hotel.  We were particularly delighted by the guest room experience, as standard rooms are spacious in design, and offer a host of thoughtful amenities such as: Night Light Floor Lighting (handy for late night bathrooms jaunts), In Room Nespresso Coffee makers and Mirrors in the Shower- a very handy feature for shaving or applying your provided Bvglari products.  The Ritz-Carlton bedding experience is sensational, as the Ritz-Carlton Denver provides a feather-bed and duvet for utmost comfort.

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed

One-Bedroom Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 402)

The Ritz-Carlton Denver is conveniently located Downtown, just minutes from Denver hotspots such as LoDo (Lower Downtown Denver), Larimer Square and 16th Street Mall.  The hotel also serves as a great layover for winter trips to Aspen or Vail, as these world famous ski destinations are only hours away by car.

For those guests who appreciate fitness and health, The Ritz-Carlton Denver has teamed up with Forza Fitness for a truly one of a kind fitness center experience.  Spa services are also avaialable in the hotel’s on-property spa, featuring a wide range of indulgent spa services.

NFL hall of fame player John Elway features an on-property restaurant, ELWAY’S, offering fine dining as well as other casual dining selections throughout the day.

The Ritz-Carlton Denver undoubtedly delivers one of the most luxurious hotel experiences in Denver, with impeccably designed accommodations and high levels of service.  TripKick.com recommends reserving a Ritz-Carlton One-Bedroom Suite for a uniquely designed corner Suite or a Ritz-Carlton Club Level Room for complimentary food presentations throughout the day.  Check out The Ritz-Carlton Denver on TripKick.com

Posted August 3rd, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, Uncategorized

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TripKick.com Launches International Destinations

Over the next several months, TripKick.com will be launching new International Destinations throughout the globe!  We have begun with a small sampling of properties in Bangalore India, Rome Italy, Munich Germany, Hong Kong China, Bangkok Thailand and Koh Samui Island Thailand.

We are excited to bring you the following hotels & resorts during our Beta International Launch:

The Ista Bangalore

The Westin Excelsior Rome

The St. Regis Grand Hotel Rome

Sofitel Bayerpost Munich

W Hong Kong

Four Seasons Bangkok

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

We will be adding over 30 Hotels in London and Paris in the coming months, so stay tuned for some exciting new information!

Posted August 1st, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, International Destinations, New Destinations

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W Hong Kong

W Hong Kong, Fabulous Category Room

The W Hong Kong, located in Kowloon, is Starwood’s hippest new Hong Kong property, featuring stunning views, impeccable design and spotless service.  Located in an up and coming location of Kowloon, the location affords convenience to Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Island and numerous attractions throughout the area.  The W Hong is located atop Elements Mall, a one stop upscale shopping experience that includes a wide variety of high end shops, dining options and transportation.  A 25 minute door to door Airport Express option is available, and is perhaps one of the most convenient airport transportation options we’ve seen worldwide.  Allow one of the W Bellman to assist you with your bags, and they will be checked-in below the hotel.  Each airline is represented below the hotel, allowing you to check-in, check your luggage and be on your way!

Reception, Check-In Area

W is known for its whimsical, contemporary approach to hotel design, and the W Hong Kong is no exception.  Now one of our favorite W’s, the W Hong Kong is both upscale yet playful, utilizing a variety of design themes all reflecting nature, calm and tranquility.  The W is a sophisticated hotel that will be appeal to the modern business or leisure traveler.

The guest room experience at the W Hong Kong was nothing short of spectacular.  Guest rooms are spacious and feature every amenity that one might require, including Bliss bath products, a well stocked mini bar, large flat panel LCD televisions and a convenient bedside panel which allows control of lighting and drapery functions.  The W bedding experience was divine, a combination of utmost comfort (yes, duvet and feather bed are always standard) and style.  LED reading lights are just one of the many thoughtful touches seen in both standard guest rooms and suites.  Standard rooms vary by view, Fabulous Rooms offering the most stunning water views.  Spectacular Category rooms feature partial Harbor Views.  The W Hong Kong bathroom experience was simply invigorating.  Bathrooms feature an “open design” which allows guests the option of maintaining an open feel, or closing off the bathroom for privacy.  Glass and stone showers are stand alone, and every guest room offers a separate deep soaking bathtub.  For a slightly oversized standard room experience, “Cool Corner Rooms” (those ending in “17″) offer a corner location with a bit more space to stretch out.

Fabulous Category Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 2903)

For a truly indulgent guest room experience, the W Hong Kong offers a variety of Suite Category rooms, all of which offer stunning views, and floor plans that are simply marvelous.  Suite features include separate living room and bedroom layouts, larger bathrooms with upgraded stone surfaces, mosaic tiled showers, walk-in closets (some with water views!) and bar area setups.  Suites are also equipped with Bang & Olufsen sound systems and televisions, a wonderful feature for a truly dynamite entertainment experience.

Wow Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 3511)  Note the Walk-In Closet with a View!

The W Hong Kong Pool experience, referred to by W as “Wet” is located on the 77th Floor.  “Wet” features expansive views of the Hong Kong Skyline, both of which can be enjoyed in the outdoor pool or jacuzzi.

Rooftop Pool “Wet” , 77th Floor

“Sweat”, W’s Fitness Center, is located on the 73rd Floor, allowing for spectacular views of the Hong Kong Skyline.  Bliss Spa, located on the 72nd Floor, offers an expansive list of treatment options.  This contemporary approach to spa treatments will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered.  Men’s and Women’s locker rooms are available on this floor, and feature steamrooms, indoor jacuzzi’s (with a view of course) as well as shower and locker facilities.

W Fitness Center “Sweat”  73rd Floor

The W Hong Kong culinary experience is nothing short of fantastic.  In addition to 24 hour In-Room dining, the W offers Fire Restaurant for fine dining, Kitchen for smart casual dining and the Living Room for lobby cocktails and light fare.  We particularly enjoyed “Kitchen” with its innovative design and amazing breakfast and lunch buffet presentations.

“Kitchen” Restaurant and Daily Breakfast/Lunch Buffet Service

The W Hong Kong is both clever and convenient, offering guests an alternative to your traditional hotel experience.  The W is luxurious and hip while maintaining an impeccable level of service.  We found the Kowloon location to be nothing short of ideal, offering the best of both worlds: convenient yet relaxing.  The W Hong Kong makes a fabulous addition to the Hong Kong hotel scene, and one that is likely to win over even the most discerning traveler.

Posted July 28th, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, International Destinations, New Destinations

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The Hyatt Flagship, Park Hyatt Chicago

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.

Posted May 11th, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, Travel, Uncategorized

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The St. Regis San Francisco

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.

Posted April 9th, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels

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aLoha from aLoft Chicago O’Hare

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

Posted March 3rd, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, Uncategorized

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Trump arrives in Las Vegas

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.

Posted February 23rd, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, Uncategorized

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The Palazzo Las Vegas, Let’s Take a Look

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.

Posted February 18th, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, Uncategorized

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The Blackstone Hotel, a Chicago Classic Reinvented

The Blackstone Hotel, a Renaissance Property, is sporting an entirely new look post renovation, and our recent visit is solid proof of the new transformation. The Blackstone has long been one of Chicago’s finest hotels, and certainly one of the most well known. The Blackstone has years of history; and even Al Capone was a regular at this Chicago Institution. (He would often get his haircut in what’s now one of the Hotel Meeting Spaces)

After being closed for several years, The Blackstone is once again shining bright. Immediately adjacent to Chicago’s Grant Park (Yes, there were great views for those guests who were there for President Elect Obama’s now famous Acceptance Speech) We’re told that The Blackstone is located in what’s being called “SoLo” short for South Loop, which is an area that has recently gentrified and see the addition of several new restaurants and businesses. For leisure travelers, it’s only a 15 minute walk from most major Michigan Avenue attractions, but museums, Grant Park and Millenium are just across the way.

The Blackstone has made significant improvements to their Guest Rooms & Suites, and in fact have Reinvented them beyond recognition. We were pleasantly surprised to see the finished product, and the renovation has been extremely well received by guests as we’ve been told by the hotel and TripAdvisor.com. Standard Guest rooms are spacious, and very sophisticated. We especially liked the bathroom setup, as all rooms feature Large Stand Alone Glass Showers. Club Level rooms and Suites (Floors 20-23) receive In-Mirror Bathroom Televisions, a feature that we’ve been seeing more and more of in upscale hotels. Additionally, rooms on these floor also feature upgraded furnishings including Eames Chairs along with Bose Wave Radios. Some Guest Rooms and Suites have wonderful views of Michigan Avenue, Grand Park and Lake Michigan.

Standard Guest Room w/ 2 Double Beds & Michigan Ave & Lake Views (Room Number 1819)

The Blackstone has built a collection of Suites that are something to be seen. Some of these Suites were original to the hotel, including the “Smoke Filled Room Suite” along with the “Suite of Presidents” whereas the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Suites, dubbed “Heaven” and “Sky” respectively, were newly created as a result of the renovation. These 2 very special Suites, once the Attic Area of The Blackstone, have been meticulously appointed from top to bottom, and sport a residential feel with Manhattan sophistication.

“Smoke Filled Room Suite” (Room Number 915) Mostly Famously Known as The Place where The Republican National Party Nominated Warren G. Harding as the Presidential Nominee of 1920

Blackstone Presidential Suite aka “Sky Suite” Bedroom Area, Dining Area, MiniBar, Sitting Area (Room Number 2315)

Blackstone Vice-Presidential Suite, Sitting Area, Bedroom Area, View of North Michigan Avenue from Desk Area (Room Number 2320)

The Blackstone Hotel, a Renaissance Hotel TripKick.com Information Can be Viewed Here

Posted February 6th, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, Renovation, Travel, Uncategorized

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The Standard New York

Main Entrance at The Standard NYC

The Standard New York is anything but Standard, as this is the company’s very first “New Build” property. Honestly, we’ve been unimpressed with some of their other properties- perhaps given the fact that most of them were previously lower end hotels or even nursing homes in the case of their West Hollywood Property.

We can say however that The Standard New York is refreshing. You can still expect their typical trendy scheme that will most likely appeal to twenty somethings, but The Standard NYC is definitely a grown up version. the Standard NYC is located in the Meatpacking District, immediately adjacent to great shopping and nightlife. The hotel itself is someone isolated (still only one block from the good shopping and restaurants, but looks isolated nonetheless), but allows for spectacular views from most Guest Rooms. We’d even say that the Standard NYC has some of the best views in the city (ok, The Mandarin-Oriental New York is definitely in the running as well)

Standard Empire King (Room Number 1006)

Deluxe King Room

In typical Standard Hotel fashion, the staff is “too cool for school” but that’s just part of the allure for some guests. That being said, we were warmly greeted by Lobby Staff, and were given a nice little tour of the hotel. There are several room categories from which to choose, but honestly- every room has a great view (even on lower floors.) There are two sides of the hotel which each offer distinctly different view styles- 1) Uptown/Empire State Views and 2) Hudson River, New Jersey & Statue of Liberty Views. Although the latter is more expensive, view preferences at this hotel are subjective depending on what you want to see. Guest rooms are designed in a Retro throwback motif with light and bright colors, and white carpeting- we’re wondering how long that’ll last. Bathrooms are definitely out of the ordinary, as they feature full glass windows which view the bedroom area (Deluxe Category Rooms just have an Open Area to Bedroom Area, No Glass) along with Stand Up Showers. If privacy is of utmost importance, you may want to pass on The Standard.

Standard Empire King w/ Uptown Views (Room Number 1006)

Deluxe Room w/ Hudson River Views

The Standard Suite (aka Hudson Suite) , Full Panoramic Windows w/ Open Bathroom

(Room Number 1023)

We were pleased with the outcome of The Standard New York, but they’re still not finished. Only some floors are currently open, and limited services are available throughout the hotel until the project is finished. The Standard however is offering some fantastic rates for a limited time. For a truly fun, quirky New York City Hotel experience, The Standard is certain to deliver.

Posted February 4th, 2009 by: Bryant Waters under Hotels, Uncategorized

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