Lobby Area, Hotel Palomar

The Hotel Palomar Washington D.C. is located in the Dupont Circle area of the city, known for its hip style and central yet not too touristy location.  Palomar is part of the Kimpton Hotels & Resorts group, a chain known for its uniquely designed boutique properties with utmost attention to personal service and style.  The Palomar brand itself offers a sophisticated city experience, bringing all the elements for a small boutique hotel into a cool city hotel package.

Even with 335 guest rooms in total, Hotel Palomar D.C. offers personalized touches such as a complimentary wine hour, a welcomed perk for those guests looking to wind down at days end.  Other services include a generous pet policy (you’ll want to stay on floors 4 & 7 if you have a pooch), and an all around friendly staff which feels more like family.

First Impressions:

Hotel Palomar enjoys a vibrant location while also feeling a bit removed from some of D.C.’s busiest attractions, something we very much appreciated after a long day in the city.  Palomar’s lobby is intimate, offering a small scale feel, fully equipped with a fireplace and comfortable sitting areas.  Albeit simple, Palomar strives to make you feel at home while also giving you a taste of hip and trendy.  Our check-in process was smooth and efficient, and our keys were delivered by a front desk staff that was both friendly and knowledgeable.

The Guest Room Experience:

The Palomar offers a wide array of guest room types starting from Deluxe to Spa Kings to Spa King Suites to Executive Rooms to Presidential Suites.  We particularly liked the “Executive” room type, as these room categories offer lots of space (what most other hotels would consider suites) and usually front facing views.  Motion category rooms feature a variety of exercise options including in-room bikes, treadmills etc.

Most guest room types feature upgraded bathrooms with Moen Square Sinks, Aveda Bath Products, and shower/bathtub combinations.  Select guest room types including Spa Kings and Spa King Suites offer larger bathroom options with deep soaking bathtubs and separate walk-in showers.

Executive 2 Queens (Room Number 903)

Executive King (Room Number 422)

In-Bath Amenities:  Aveda Products

Deluxe “Cozy” King Room  (Room Number 537)

Hotel Palomar D.C. combines the best of boutique and mid-size hotel by providing an endless number of amenities and services, while also preserving what’s best about a boutique hotel.  Palomar’s “Sculpting Room” (or Fitness Center) along with the hotel’s outdoor pool, bring services sometimes never found in city hotels, large or small.

What we really like about Hotel Palomar D.C.:

• Mid-size Hotel with Boutique Feel
• Complimentary Evening Wine Hour
  
• Complimentary High Speed WiFi
• Personalized, Friendly Service
• Excellent Pet-Friendly Policy
• Fantastic Location, Walk to Georgetown, 1 Minute From Dupont Circle Metro Station
• Generously Sized “Executive” Category Rooms
  

The Westin Excelsior Rome, Lobby Area

The Westin Excelsior Rome, the sister property to The St. Regis Grand Rome, is located on the famous Vittorio Veneto just adjacent to the U.S. Embassy.  The Westin Excelsior is the larger of the two properties, offering over 300 Guest Rooms in total.  The Westin Excelsior originally opened its doors in 1906, hosting a long list of famous guests throughout its history.

Despite the Excelsior’s grandeur, it still maintains a rather intimate feel, with a modestly sized lobby and personalized staff.  We really enjoyed the hotel’s location, as it was convenient, yet just far enough from the city center to provide a certain level of calm (a nice treat in a city with so much activity)  Vittorio Veneto reminded us of the Champs Elysees in Paris, as it’s lined with an abundance of outdoor eateries and a wonderful place to take a stroll.

The Westin Excelsior offers numerous guest room types including standard accommodations, junior suites, Westin Workout Room and Large Suites.  By European standards, even the smallest room types are quite large.  Some rooms offer balconies overlooking Vittorio Veneto, a great feature for taking in the outdoors.  All guest rooms are equipped with Westin’s Heavenly Beds and Showers, and some rooms offer separate walk-in showers and bathtubs.  Color schemes vary per room type & floor, and range from reds, greens and golds.

Select Luxe Suites have been renovated in a new, more contemporary style (pictured below) while most other room types feature a more traditional Italian inspired theme with classical hints including chandeliers & rich fabrics.

Deluxe Guest Room, Red Design, 2 Twins = 1 King Bed  (Room Number 241)

Grand Luxe Suite, Via Veneto Views, 2 Twin Beds (Room Number 204)

Grand Luxe Suite (Newly Renovated) 1 King Bed, Courtyard Facing (Room Number 361)

Indoor Pool

This was just a quick look at all The Westin Excelsior has to offer. When making a decision between both The Westin & The St. Regis Rome, there are some differences, but both deliver a luxurious experience with a boutique like feel. “When in Rome” do as the Romans do and stay at the Excelsior, you’ll love it.

Check out Insider Room Information Here.

Entrance, Park Hyatt Milan

The Park Hyatt Milano sets a new standard for hotel luxury, epitomizing a fashion forward hotel experience for the five star guest.  The “Park” brand of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts caters to a discerning audience of hotel aficionados, and The Park Hyatt Milan delivers everything this brand is known for, and more.

The Park Hyatt Milan is ideally situated next to the Galleria, a must see for all visitors.  Take a short walk down the Galleria, and you’re at the steps of Duamo.  Despite a truly stellar central location, upon entering the hotel you are immediately transformed into an oasis of calm.  The lobby is intimate, and boasts a must see copula (rotunda) that is comprised of glass panes that serves as a magnificent centerpiece for the hotel’s lobby restaurant.  Park Hyatt’s “Park Restaurant” gives guests an opportunity to view the Galleria while enjoying one of the many cocktail and wine selections available.

Park Hyatt Milan, Lobby Area

Park Hyatt Milan’s guest room experience is truly second to none.  European hotels have become sysnomoyss  with smaller guest room sizes, but Park Hyatt delivers quite the contrary.  In fact, Park Hyatt Milan offers perhaps the most spacious accommodations anywhere in Europe, with equally gigantic bathrooms as well.  Even the smallest room types feel like suites, a rare yet coveted feature for a large city hotel.  Guest rooms are adorned with contemporary, sleek furninishings that also compliment the history of the building.  Walls are covered with Italian limestone, as are the sumptuous bathrooms.  Walk-In Glass Steam Showers along with Deep Soaking Bathtubs are standard in all room categories.  Because the building dates back over 100 years, each guest room is uniqely configured and no two rooms are exactly alike.  Select room types feature balconies (Terrace Suites) while others enjoy exterior or interior views of the Copula below.  Rooms and suites are configured with 1 King or 2 Twin beds, both offering an indulgent night’s sleep.  Technology features include state of the art Bang & Olufsen televisions along with a sophisticated lighting system, ideal for setting the mood for your stay.

Deluxe Guest Room with 2 Twin Beds (Room Number 314) Interior Facing

Junior Suite, Corner Location, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 510)

Terrace Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 616)

Service levels at The Park Hyatt Milan are simply remarkable, and provide an understated approach that will cater to your every request.  Staff members are constantly delighted to serve, yet the atmosphere of the hotel is warm and inviting.  Milan plays host to a wide variety of hotels, yet few deliver the level of service, style and elegance as the Park Hyatt Milan does.

Visit Park Hyatt Milan on TripKick.com here.

The Galleria, Milan

The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt Lobby

TripKick.com has recently begun it’s expansion into International Destinations, and Dublin was one of our very first stops.  We were excited to include The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Dublin- a wonderful resort style property just minutes outside of the city center.

The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Dublin was built on The Powerscourt Estate in 2007, but enjoys much history and a setting that is nothing short of breathtaking.  An ideal respite for Dublin’s bustling cityscape, this Ritz-Carlton is truly unique, offering a tranquil environment with quintessential Irish charm.  The hotel itself was modeled after the historic Powerscourt Estate Residence, which leaves guests with a truly elegant residential feel.  On-property activities are endless, and include local nature hikes, tours of the neighboring Powerscourt Estate House and Gardens as well as a wide array of hotel services.  Fancy a weekend spa or fine dining experience at Gordon Ramsey’s, The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt has it.

The guest room experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt is truly stellar and reflects both local character and charm along with the elegance of Ritz-Carlton.  Nearly half of its guest rooms are in fact suites, and even standard accommodations are some of the most spacious rooms you will find in Europe.  Select guest rooms and suites feature outdoor balconies or terraces, an ideal opportunity to take in the crisp air and look upon the rolling hills of Ireland.  Standard luxuries include meticulously appointed bathroom spaces, all with separate walk-in showers and deep soaking bathtubs.  Another standard feature are in-bathrooms televisions, something every hotel should have!  Guest rooms are elegantly appointed in a light and airy theme, comfortable and unimposing.

Corner One-Bedroom Suite (Room Number 621)

Wrap-Around Balcony & View (Room Number 621)

Select Guest Rooms & Suites Feature Balconies by Request.  We recommend making this request, as it’s the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or an evening cocktail while taking in the outdoors.

Control Touch Panel

Each Guest Room is equipped with multiple touch-screen panels which control most functions in the room including, Room Tempature, Lighting and Window Coverings.

“ESPA” and Fitness Center

The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt features a wonderful Spa and Fitness Center Facility, complimentary to all guests.  Take in a swim at the hotel’s indoor pool and jacuzzi, it’s one of the best indoor pools we’ve seen.  A wide array of spa treatments are also available at “ESPA”, one of Europe’s leading spa providers.

The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt is far enough outside of the city center for rest and relaxation, but close enough for day trips to one of Ireland’s most happening destinations.  On your next getaway to Ireland, The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt is the place to stay.

TripKick.com has recently expanded into several new International Destinations, and will be adding a long list of European cities in the coming months.  On our recent visit to Dublin, Amsterdam, London and Paris, Trip Kick experienced Lufthansa’s premium airport and on-board service.

Lufthansa serves more destinations throughout North America than any other European carrier, making it a convenient choice for trans-atlantic travel.  No matter where you’re headed, Frankfurt and Munich airports serve as convenient connection points and offer a seamless transfer experience for all classes.

Lufthansa’s Business and First Class passengers are offered a heightened level of comfort on the ground with Lufthansa Star Alliance Gold, Senator and First Class Lounges.  Lufthansa has recently unveiled several new or upgraded lounges including JFK’s newly renovated Senator/First Class Lounge, Frankfurt’s new Tower Lounge (for Star Alliance Gold, Senator & HON Circle Members) as well as First Class Lounges in Frankfurt and Munich Airport.  First Class passengers are treated to ground transportation from Frankfurt’s First Class Terminal directly to their departing gate, a rare and exciting experience that very few other airlines offer.  Enjoy a five course meal while in the First Class Terminal, and be whisked away to your departing gate via your choice of Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes-Benz S Class.

Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal, Frankfurt Airport

First Class Dining Experience at JFK

Lufthansa Senator & Business Class Lounge at JFK

Lufthansa prides itself on having one of the industry’s youngest fleets, utilizing Airbus A330, Airbus A340-300, Airbus A340-600 and Boeing 747-400 aircraft types on trans-atlantic routes.  Most flights are configured with three classes of service including Economy, Business and First.  In 2010, Lufthansa will be debuting the Airbus A380 which will be the launch aircraft for Lufthansa’s new First Class product.

Lufthansa’s Business Class, Lie-Flat Product

Lufthansa’s convenient scheduling coupled with fantastic on-board service make it an ideal airline choice for European travel and beyond. For additional information, please refer to Lufthansa’s Website.

Lufthansa in a Star Alliance Member

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.

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!

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

The W Times Square is located in the heart of Times Square, and has become known for its playful design and fun atmosphere. It was however time for a rooms renovation, and the W Times Square has done a nice job with their newest room enhancements.

We’ve had the pleasure of staying at the W Times Square in the past, and my first reaction was “Wow, are these rooms larger than before?” No, they couldn’t be. Apparently this is a common reaction to the new renovation, as W has done an amazing job at reorganizing the furnishings to make the rooms appear larger and more comfortable. In a city where space often comes at a premium, we think this was a wise move. Guest rooms are still contemporary in design of course, but use more Tan & Pink tones which make the rooms appear a bit friendlier in the past, and far more inviting. Minor enhancements have been made to the bathrooms, and the addition of a Glass Shower Door in rooms with 1 King Bed was a thoughtful change. (Now the bathrooms won’t fog up so quickly!) The W Times Square has also added an “All-in-One” magazine holder rack slash glass rack for the Mini-Bar. The beds frames have also changes, and these small changes add up to making the room just feel a little bigger. Naturally the views haven’t changed, and guests can continue to enjoy view of Times Square, The Hudson River and The NYC Skyline.

Spectacular Room, 2 Double Beds (Room Number 3202)

Cool Corner Room, 1 King Bed, Times Square View (Room Number 3201)

Fantastic Suite, 1 King Bed, 1.5 Baths (Room Number 4411)

The W Times Square has evolved nicely; new guests and repeat guests alike will most definitely appreciate the new changes.

Studio King at The Donovan House (Room 1109)

Inauguration Day is almost here, so if you haven’t already secured yourself a hotel- you just may be out of luck. We still however are in the D.C. Hotel spirit, and wanted to share with you one of the city’s newest properties. The Donovan House, a Thompson Hotel (yes- related to 60 Thompson, 6 Columbus, LES etc.) is a great new addition to Washington D.C. Absent are endless chandeliers, and you’ll be reluctant to find oil paintings or loads of history here. The Donovan House is however the epitome of Hip, Sophistication and something different for Washington D.C.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a quaint yet playful Lobby Space that is both intimate and super stylish. The Donovan House defies everything that your typical D.C. hotel represents; it’s playful, imaginative and a refreshing alternative to the ordinary. Our one night in residence at The Donovan House proved to be a satisfying one; we were impressed by both the service and accommodations as well as the location. Last week, occupancy levels were still low, allowing us to see just about every room category that The Donovan has to offer. Every category from Standard Rooms to Suites offer unique amenities including fashion forward furnishings with retro flare, ultra-clever bathrooms with Cocoon Style Showers and Kiehl’s Bath Products (a Thompson Standard) Even the Donovan’s smallest Room Category (which represents a very small number of their rooms) with 1 Queen Bed is cozy and perfectly adequate for Single Business or Leisure travelers. Other room types with 1 King Bed offer ample space, and some feature nice views of the adjacent Thomas Circle.

King Superior Room (Most Standard Room w/1 King Bed) (Room Number 702)

King Suite (Note Cocoon Shower, a Standard Feature in All Rooms) (Room Number 420)

The Thompson Suite (Room Number 1110)

Kiehl’s Products, a Standard Amenity in All Guest Rooms & Suites

Regardless of your occasion (Inauguration or Not), The Donovan House Hotel is a Washington D.C. newcomer that is certain to impress the traveler who demands style and the unmistakably unique sophistication that the Donovan represents. The Donovan delivers personalized service, and is definitely a hotel that we look forward to frequenting when in D.C.

Check out the Donovan House Hotel Page Here.