Happy Halloween from TripKick.com

Where are you staying this Halloween?   Here are a few “Haunted” hotels if you’re still looking.  Be sure to let us know what you think…….  hopefully the ghost doesn’t ruin your laptop.

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1. Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, CO

A former Socialite, Louise Crawford, lived in room 904 for 15 years.  During a tour of her room the hotel operator began receiving phone calls from that very room with only static on the other end.  The room however was under a complete renovation and no furniture or phone was present in the room.

2. Oxford Hotel – Denver, CO

Oldest hotel in Denver, built in 1891, a few stories haunt this hotel.  There’s a story of a postman that disappeared and never made his Christmas deliveries, but apparently his ghost made it to the bar for a beer.  The bartender and guests saw a postman drink the beer and mutter something about needing to deliver the packages to the kids.  After his departure the glass was still full.  There is also a story of cheating wife and her husband that killed her in room 320.  Many male guests have noted seeing a woman in the middle of the night in that very room.

3. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – Los Angeles, CA

Many staff and guests have noticed odd appearances and sounds on the 9^th floor, especially in front of room 928, Montgomery Clift’s old room.  Also some eerie feelings might be felt if you stay in the Marylyn Monroe Suite in the Cabana Building.

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4. Hotel del Coronado Resort - San Diego, CA

Kate Morgan checked into the Del back in 1892, and never checked out, awaiting the arrival of her husband for the Thanksgiving weekend.  Unfortunately he never arrived, but she was found dead on the beach of the hotel.  Since then there have been random sittings of her ghost wearing a black lace dress.  Room 3502 seems to experience a large amount of paranormal activity.

5. Hotel Union Square – San Francisco, CA

Many mischievous and random objects appear in room 207.  This has been attributed to the haunting of Lillian Hellman’s ghost.  A vivacious woman who is rumored to have seduced a very young man the night she died at age 79.

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6. Omni Parker House – Boston, MA

Given this hotels age a wide range of paranormal activity has been sited.  The third floor has seen especially a lot of odd happenings such as elevators traveling to this floor even though no buttons were pushed.  A famous actress died in her room on this floor in 1876, and a business man died in room 303.  Although the room is now a closet guests and staff used to complain of laughter and cigar smoke coming from this room.  Most recently a few guests have complained of seeing the ghost of Henry Parker, deceased (1884) hotel founder, and his inquiry into how they were enjoying their stay.

7. Palace Hotel – San Francisco, CA

The Palace, one of San Francisco’s oldest properties, is well known for its ghostly guests.  A long list of famous people have stayed and died at the Palace, including former President Warren Harding (while in office).  The body of King Kalakaua spent one night at the Palace after he died in 1891.  Romances have ended tragically at The Palace.  Guests and hotel employees alike have countless stories of ghosts that have never checked out of The Palace Hotel San Francisco, including that of the “Lady in Red” ghost who often haunts male guests in certain parts of the hotel.

8. Omni Shoreham Hotel – Washington, DC

Two mysterious deaths haunt this hotel and both occurred in the presidential suite.  In 1930 the head of housekeeping was staying in this suite with the owner’s family and died in the middle of the night while reaching for the phone.  Shortly after that the owner’s child, Helene, died in the same suite.  Guests staying in room 864, right next to the housekeeper’s room, have complained of noise in the middle of the night, when the room was unoccupied.

9. Renaissance Mayflower Hotel – Washington, DC

President Calvin Coolidge was to attend an inaugural ball here back in 1925, but missed it due to the death of his teenage soon.  It seems his ghost is still trying to make the ball.  Every January 20^th at 10:00 pm the lights dim and flicker in the grand ballroom and an elevator goes to the 8^th floor and stops there for a time.  10:00 is the time at which the ball was due to start, and the 8^th floor was the floor the late President’s room was on.

10. Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables, FL

Famous hotel built in the early 1920’s was converted to a VA Hospital during WWII, no telling how many deaths have occurred in this hotel.  Room 702 has problems with wet spots randomly appearing on the carpet.  Al Capone crony, Fats Walsh, was murdered at this hotel in the famous suite.  His ghost is said to haunt the hotel, sometimes the elevator ascends to the 13^th floor suite without any buttons being pushed or the security key.

1. The Regent Bal Harbour – Miami, Fl

We can’t say enough about this hotel. These are the most luxurious bathrooms we have ever seen! Each bathroom has a window with a beautiful ocean view, a deep soaking tub, and an oversized rain shower. Although the hotel grounds are amazing with a spa, pool, and semi-private beach, it’s still going to be rather hard to leave this bathroom.

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2. St. Regis – San Francisco, CA

These bathrooms are modern, large, and extremely well designed. All rooms have a large rain shower and separate tub but the “01″ 2 Double Bed Rooms feature an oversized bathroom. The King Bed Rooms can be private but can also open up to the entire room depending on which mood you want to set…if you know what we mean.

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3. The Mansion on Peachtree – Atlanta, GA

Beautiful marble bathrooms that make you feel at home. Each feature a window allowing in natural light, and a separate bathroom and tub. The “01″ rooms feature an oversized bathroom that is rather exceptional. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

4. Park Hyatt Washington – Washington, DC.

Large open marble shower and bathtub area, a little unsettling at first, but rather liberating when you realize you’re taking a shower in a uniquely designed open space.

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5. The London NYC – New York City, NY

Come to bathroom Heaven in this New York Hotel. Designed by WaterWorks and set completely in mosaic tile, these bathrooms feature a double shower (2 separate shower heads). The “07″ and “10″ Rooms have a regular sized shower and a separate tub, as seen in the photo.  You’ll never complain about New York Hotel Bathrooms after staying here.

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6. The Ritz-Carlton – Denver, CO

This new Ritz-Carlton (one would never believe it was an Embassy Suites) melds the rustic outdoorsy feel of Colorado and the modern sophistication of Ritz-Carlton in a beautiful and seamless fashion. These bathrooms are large with a separate walk-in shower and bathtub, and a rather seductive lighting motif.

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7. Palazzo Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV

The new tower at the Venetian and one of the best rooms on the strip. These bathrooms are a great place to relax and drown out the noise of Las Vegas. They’ve managed to create a private oasis in their bathrooms, and what better place to get pretty before going out.

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8. Wynn Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV

We know there are other great Bathrooms in Las Vegas hotels, but this is the next best on the list. Especially the Suites; rival most bathrooms we’ve seen in Presidential Suites. In the standard category room, you’ll find a well appointed bathroom with a separate shower and tub.

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9. W Minneapolis, The Foshay – Minneapolis, MN

Our Favorite W Hotel. All the bathrooms are exquisitely stylish and feature a walk in shower, but a few of them have very unique window configurations (see Room 2006, 2106, 2206). Due to the 57 different room types, this hotel features, be sure to check the hotel profile here to make sure you get the best.

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10. Hotel 1000 – Seattle, WA

Extremely modern hotel with all the technology you would ever want. The bathrooms feature a separate shower and tub, but the bathtub is unique in that it fills up from an opening in the ceiling. We especially like the “02″ Grand Luxe Rooms that have an oversized bathroom with a window.

1.  Clift Hotel – San Francisco, CA

You can’t come to San Francisco and not have a drink in the Redwood Room. Historic in age but made modern by the Morgan’s Group touch. A great scene for those looking to party with the who’s who of the Bay Area.

2.  The Standard – West Hollywood, CA

Located on the Famous Sunset Strip, this Retro Style embodies the hipster motif. At night the Lobby turns into a great bar scene, with some attractive models in a glass box behind the check in desk. Behind the restaurant there is a great club, but be prepared to wait.

3.  Thompson Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, CA

One of the new “It” places of Beverly Hills night life. They just opened their rooftop lounge/pool/bar where you can enjoy drinks by the stars. It has a 70’s flair with the sophistication of the Thompson New York properties which is why we think it’s one of the coolest places in LA.

4.  The Hotel at Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas, NV

Yes, most of the Las Vegas Hotels pride themselves on being Party Hotels, but “The Hotel” is one the most impressive modern hotels in the world. Their Mix Lounge has the most impressive view of the Strip and some of the most interesting designs.

5.  Delano Hotel – Miami Beach, FL

The 2^nd Morgan’s Hotel on our List, this hotel is the Classy Chic hotel of South Beach. Make sure you save your designer clothes, anything else would seem out of place for this high-end party scene.

6.  Hard Rock Hotel – Chicago, IL

The cutting edge of Chicago nightlife is at Rock Bar. The scene is trendy and “hard”. Located on the Miracle Mile of Michigan Avenue, you never know which stars you might see wandering around.

7.  Hotel Solamar – San Diego, CA

Great pool bar, great music, and almost every night in San Diego is a beautiful night…located in the Gaslamp District which has become the heart of the San Diego party scene.

8.  W Atlanta-Midtown – Atlanta, GA

This W just completed their multi-million dollar renovation and it shows. We’ve seen every W Hotel in the USA and this is our favorite so far. Great restaurant, Spice Market, and with three separate bars – it’s very easy to find a scene that fits you. This Hotel has become the place to be on a Friday and Saturday night in Atlanta.

9.  Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – Hollywood, CA

This Thompson hotel reflects the old Hollywood charm and the new age pool party scene. There’s always something going on at this hotel, given its location, the quintessential “Hollywood” experience.

10. W Chicago-Lakeshore – Chicago, IL

W Brings their party mood to this lake view hotel. Definitely just as hip as any party hotel, but with more of the zany feel we’ve all come to love from this Starwood brand.

TripKick Top 10 Most Refreshing Hotels

1) Mandalay Bay & The Hotel Resorts (Las Vegas) – Best combination of pools that suit all travelers who want to get wet and wild. This resort offers so much in terms of pool amenities we have to turn to bullet points!

– Giant Wave Pool and Lazy River – great for families

– Adult Topless Pool – don’t have to tell explain who this is for!

– Additional Two Regular Pools – West and East Lagoons for sunbathing and swimming

– Gambling overlooking Pools in newer Beachside Casino

Insider Tip: The Four Seasons at Mandalay Bay also has a separate pool which is definitely the least visited and quietest pool on the strip. Visitors to this pool must be staying at the Four Seasons at Mandalay Bay and not the regular hotel.

2) Regent Bal Harbour (Miami) – Surrounded on two sides by water, an expansive beach is just steps away to the ocean, and the harbor jetty on the North side allows for ultimate privacy. Both pool and adjoining beach are fully serviced with hotel staff.

Insider Tip: The pool is brand spankin’ new, opened in March 2008…so you’ll be the first summer vacationers to take a dip!

3) The Surf and Sand Resort (Orange County, CA) – The hotel literally sits right on top of the beach. There aren’t many other hotels we’ve covered that get your tired toes closer to a beach’s squishy sand than this. The pool and ocean are yards away.

Insider Tip: Stay in the main tower for quick-and-easy access to the pool and beach.

4) Loews Miami Beach Hotel (Miami) – Great for kids and families. The hotel services both the pool area and beach, but the best part is its proximity to famous shops and restaurants. Mom can shop, the kids can swim, and Dad can relax.

Insider Tip: The hotel offers a “SoBe Kids Camp” offered throughout the year with water games and dive-in movies…yes it’s for kids.

5) Four Seasons Hotel (Miami) – The pool’s elevated tropical oasis is perfect for relaxation. Located on the 7^th floor in downtown Miami, it’s a great alternate to the hustle and bustle of South Beach.

Insider Tip: If extra hot hang out in the separate wading pool immersed with plants, palms, and pondlike nooks.

6) Hotel del Coronado (San Diego) – This famous Victorian-style resort could not be forgotten from this TripKick Top 10. The combination of expansive beachfront property and old-world feel make this a unique offering in beachside hotels.

Insider Tip: Request a room in the Cabana or Ocean Towers for the best views and beach access.

7) Hard Rock Hotel (Las Vegas) – Calling all hip twenty-something’s! This hotel pioneered the pool party scene that is now sweeping through Las Vegas. Still one of the most popular pool parties in Las Vegas, Rehab Sundays includes skimpily dressed women and muscle men galore.

Inside Tip: Submerse yourself and never miss a beat, as speakers underwater allow you to hear the poolside music. Stay in an even-numbered room so you’ll never miss the pool action.

8 Hyatt Mission Bay (San Diego) – Certain rooms have direct access to the pool via the room. The hotel displays multiple pools and waterslides. They also supply jet skis and kayaks for bay activities. The best part – a water taxi will take you directly to Sea World across the bay.

Insider Tip: This resort just went through a $65 million renovation, and it truly shows! Bay Towers 1 & 2 odd-numbered rooms have patios with direct pool access.

9) Hotel Casa del Mar (Los Angeles) – Despite being located near the busy Pacific Coast Highway, your stay will still feel peaceful and relaxing with a 5^th floor pool overlooking the ocean…just don’t get stressed out trying to decide which one to take a swim in first!

Insider Tip: Have a “beach concierge” that will attend to guests’ specific pool and beach needs, anything from setting up chairs for lunch on the beach, requesting bike rentals, and finding rafts, surf boards, and boogie boards to ride the waves.

10) The London West Hollywood (Los Angeles) – No oceans next to this hotel, but who needs an ocean when you have a 10^th floor rooftop pool overlooking views of Hollywood. The hotel is located on a hill so it feels a lot higher than 10 floors up…oh how the city sparkles at night!

Insider Tip: Pool just opened June 2008; it’s completely new.