Unless you’re experiencing an Indian summer, chances are that the crisp fall weather and the brewing winter storms already have you dreaming of your next tropical getaway. Leave it to the luxury-savvy folks over at Hard Rock to tempt you in your time of need—need for an extravagant resort to help you beat the winter blues, that is. Nov. 1, 2010, marks the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, located on the eastern-most tip of the Dominican Republic. The all-inclusive resort, previously known as the five-star Moon Palace Resort, has been re-branded to weave Hard Rock’s edgy style with the stately experience Palace Resorts provides.

Located on 21 acres of white sand beaches, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana is ready to cradle its guests in the lap of luxury. The 1,800-room resort has “Rock Star Suites” complete with jellyfish tanks, villas fit for a king (of rock ‘n’ roll), and rooms that have double Jacuzzis and double showerheads. The walls of the resort are adorned with music memorabilia that pays homage to both local and international artists and celebrates a diverse range of musical genres—not just rock ‘n’ roll.

While the all-inclusive aspect of this resort is certainly one of its prime qualities, what’s really impressive is that the decidedly family-friendly resort is an experience in and of itself. Golfers will be thrilled to hit the links at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that boasts 18 holes spread across 155 acres. Gamblers can seek solace in the more than 48,000 square foot Las Vegas-style casino that has a high-limit poker room, 457 slot machines, a VIP lounge and 40 tables featuring games such as blackjack, roulette and craps. Workout fiends and those who like to stay active will appreciate the 15,000 square foot Body Rock fitness center and the rock-climbing wall. Two tennis courts are also available, as well as billiards, ping-pong and other table games. After a hard day of play, wind down with a massage or facial at Rock Spa, the most widespread spa in the Caribbean.

If you have little ones in tow, take them to one of the 11 pools, preferably one of the four that has a swim-up bar so you can relax poolside with a fruity beverage. The resort also has a lazy river, a mini-golf course, waterslides, a Kids Club and an ice-cream stand. Move over Disneyland, it looks like Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana is gearing up to be the new happiest place on Earth.

For up-to-date information, visit www.hardrockhotels.com/puntacana/.

A Walk Through Paris by Guest Blogger: Christopher Back

To launch my new post as Paris Destination Expert at TripKick.com, I decided to create a special walking tour of Paris just for Trip Kick users.  A walk that you can enjoy on foot in Paris or from a comfy chair at home.  The neighborhood I’ve chosen, from the Place Vendome to the Louvre, is on the top of everyone’s list of places to visit in Paris.  But, I’m going to show you a side that is lesser known, with some interesting history and stories of intrigue.  We’ll even approach the Louvre in same way as its last royal resident, Louis XIV and show you a side of this famous building that few tourists take time to see.

We’ll start at the Renaissance Vendome Hotel; a great boutique property with chic guestrooms, an intimate scale and a rare indoor pool in their luxurious spa.  It’s a great place for business and comfortable for family travel.  I’m sure you’ll appreciate their attention to detail and friendly service.

Insider Hotel Info. on The Renaissance Paris Vendome at TripKick.com

As the name implies, the hotel is located just off the historic Place Vendôme on a quiet street parallel to Rue St Honore, one of the best shopping streets in Paris.  Even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s just a short walk from the Louvre and many other famous sights we’ll explore during our walk.

Along the way we’ll see a church with a magnificent altar inspired by Bernini’s altar at St Peters in the Vatican, hear stories about assassination plots by a scheming Catherine de Medicis, and find time for chocolate treats and a great burger if you’re feeling a little hungry.  You probably didn’t realize you’d find all of this within a few blocks of the hotel.  We’ll also visit a large sculpture installation ordered by former Paris Mayor and President Jacques Chirac, which he found so ugly that he halted construction as a public eyesore.  The artist was forced to sue the city to complete his work and now it’s an artistic highlight for many visitors.  Often, art is not appreciated until people have a chance to consider it for a while.

The same is true for the Louvre.  We’ll explore the evolution of its construction and hear stories of public outcry surrounding the expansions and renovations that have taken place over the last 800 years.  Did you know that in the 1850s the massive expansion launched by Napoleon III was considered too modern and out of keeping with the older 16^th Century structure?  Ironically, this is the same criticism heard following the completion of I.M. Pei’s now-iconic pyramid in the late 1980’s.

No matter how many times you’ve been to Paris, there are always new layers of history to uncover.  That’s the fun of coming back again, and what keeps me studying further.  After nearly ten years in Paris, I still learn new things every day and I hope this walk will inspire you to get to know my adopted city better.

Enjoy the walk and don’t forget to stop for a treat along the way.  After all, food is truly one of the greatest pleasures of Paris.

Let me know what you think of the walk, I’d love to have your feedback.

If you have questions about Paris, don’t hesitate to contact me!  Who knows, your question might inspire another blog post on TripKick.com.

Download the Walk By Emailing: tripkick@parisprivateguides.com.  You will receive a return reply with a PDF of the walk.

About Guest Author Christopher Back:

A long-time Paris resident and California native, Christopher’s diverse background combines with an in-depth knowledge of Parisian life, culture and history.  He followed his studies at the Sorbonne by completing  a full-time program covering history of French art, architecture and decorative arts at Christie’s France, the world renowned auction house.  Christopher is also a gourmet chef, with training at the Cordon Bleu and l’école du Ritz-Escoffier in Paris, including a brief stint working in the kitchens of the Hotel Ritz in Paris.

Besides his work with TripKick, Christopher is the Director of Paris Private Guides which offers a wide variety of private tours of Paris.  In addition to a personalized approach to clients, the company takes special care to provide accessible tours for seniors and others with reduced mobility.

Paris Private Guides

Find Christopher on Facebook

The Lanesborough Main Entrance

The Lanesborough London is the epitome of unique, a rare hotel find that will impress even the most discerning traveler.  The Lanesborough offers only 95 Guest Rooms and Suites in total, making it one of London’s most intimate hotels with some of the highest levels of service available in the world.  The Lanesborough can best be described as one’s own private residence as it is both private and refined.  Unlike other five star hotels that you will find in London, The Lanesborough offers a lobby that is both understated yet caters to your every need.  Every member of Lanesborough’s staff aims to make your stay more enjoyable, and you’re likely to know them well by the time you depart.

Check-In Area

Lanesborough’s personalized service experience begins at Check-In when you are greeted by the reception staff.  Unlike most hotel check-in experiences, you are invited to sit and relax as the receptionist prepares your room assignment.  Guests are then escorted to their room and briefed on the the hotel’s many services and amenities, and also presented with personalized business cards, and a dedicated phone and fax number.

Deluxe Guest Room, 1 King Bed (Room Number 128)

Each Guest Room is uniquely appointed in keeping with traditional English design.  Rooms are outfitted with dark woods, rich fabrics along with a wide variety of residential comforts.  LCD televisions are hidden, and bedside touch panel screens allow guests to control virtually every setting including lighting, temperature as well as butler services.  Every guest is assigned a Butler who will graciously see that your every expectation is exceeded.  Need your garments pressed?  Or how about a warm evening bath?  Lanesborough’s Butler staff will see that all of your needs are met.

No two guest rooms are alike at The Lanesborough, so noting your individual preferences prior to arrival are important.  You will find that most rooms are outfitted with generously sized bathrooms, however we recommend requesting your room with a separate walk-in shower and bath along with a jacuzzi style tub- a relaxing feature that you’ll most certainly enjoy after a long day in the city.  Other attributes vary by floor including higher ceilings (Floors 1 & 2 Have the Highest Ceilings) as well as views (some guest rooms feature Wellington Arch Views)

Deluxe Guest Room, Bathroom Experience (Separate Walk-In Shower & Bathtub, Bath Amenities)  Room Number 128

The Lanesborough Guest Bathroom experience is truly second to none.  The Lanesborough features Lady Primrose products, a London exclusive that guests absolutely love.  Rather than traditional plastic bottles, you will find full size portions of every product you’ll need throughout your stay.

Every Guest Room & Suite at The Lanesborough Features an In Room Laptop

Technology is paramount at The Lanesborough, and every guest room and suite is outfitted with its own Sony VAIO laptop.  Rarely will you find this type of service in-room, but it proves to be a handy feature (even if you’re brought your own!) and high speed internet is complimentary.  The Lanesborough guest room acts as a home away from home, as well as an “office away from office.”  Most everything you’ll need to be productive can be found in-room, yet one more reason that Lanesborough is ideal for both business and leisure travelers alike.

In addition to the many in-room services and amenities provided at Lanesborough, the hotel extends a wide variety of dining and social options on property.  “Apsleys” has garnered the attention of the locals, and has recently been named “Best Afternoon Tea in London.”  Apsleys also acts as the hotel’s main restaurant featuring Italian cuisine as well as an extensive wine selection, many of which are available by the glass.  The Library and Withdrawing Room are located on the Lobby Level, and provide a quiet relaxing environment to catch up with friends or colleagues while enjoying a fine cognac or cocktail.  Our personal favorite however is the Garden Room, an outdoor cigar lounge with a selection of some of the world’s very best cigars.  Better yet, The Garden Room offers many of these cigars individually, whereas most other places would only have them available by the box.  The Garden Room is a rare treat, and something every guest must see.

The Lanesborough London is a hotel experience like no other, a hotel that extends service levels that very few places can compete against.  Unconventional in every sense, The Lanesborough is very much an extension of one’s private home, an oasis of tranquility combined with English elegance and style.

For additional information on The Lanesborough London please Click Here.

The Lobby

Four Seasons Dublin is ideally situated in one of Dublin’s most affluent neighborhoods, yet only minutes for the city’s main shopping area.  Travelers seeking a quiet alternative to the traditional city hotel will love the blend of service, luxury and convenience that Four Seasons Dublin affords.

Located at The Royal Dublin Society, The Four Seasons Dublin is surrounded by lush landscaping and one of Dublin’s most sought after residential areas.  The city center is only a five to ten minute drive from Four Seasons, and we recommend taking advantage of the hotel’s complimentary daily car service (as of 2009, a brand new BMW 7 Series awaits)  After a long day in the bustling Dublin city center, an oasis of calm awaits you upon your return to the hotel.  Enjoy one of the many on-property features including an extensive fitness center and spa, indoor swimming pool, and a wide variety of dining options.

Guest rooms and suites at Four Seasons Dublin take an equally soothing approach as they are both luxurious and elegant, while extending all the comforts of home.  Guest rooms are traditionally appointed in tones and colors that reflect the hotel’s location.  We found that guest rooms were among the largest we’ve seen in Europe, and even quite large by North American standards as well.  Because the property was built as a Four Seasons from the ground up, no detail has been spared.  You will find spacious bathrooms with dual vanities, walk-in glass showers and separate deep soaking bathtubs.  Some guest rooms feature balconies, mountain and city views, while others enjoy peaceful views of the hotel’s lushly landscaped courtyard.  In typical Four Seasons fashion, the beds are simply amazing.

Deluxe Guest Room, 2 Twin Beds  (Room Number 225)

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 305)

Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 257)

While most of the hotel maintains a more traditional approach, ICE bar (located on the hotel’s lobby level) is a contemporary bar experience that showcases local art, and is often an evening hot spot.

ICE Bar

Dublin is a city that offers numerous hotel choices, but Four Seasons Dublin truly sets itself apart with its resort style setting and luxurious comforts.  Nowhere else in Dublin will you find the kind of unparalleed service and amenities as Four Seasons Dublin.

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!

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.