Studio King Room (Room Number 905)

Thompson Hotels has established a great portfolio of Boutique Hotels and Thompson LES is one of their newest additions. As the name implies, Thompson LES is located in New York City’s Lower East Side. We originally planned to try Thompson’s Smyth Hotel in Tribeca, but the hotel wasn’t quite finished in time for our arrival. We decided to give LES a try, and weren’t at all disappointed with the change of plans.

Upstairs Lobby Area

We were pleasantly surprised by Thompson LES’s stellar location. SOHO is just a short walk from the hotel, affording utmost convenience to some of New York’s best Lower Manhattan attractions, restaurants and shopping. LES was grandfathered as one of the last High Rise buildings in the area, which allows for great views of Downtown from some of the guest rooms and suites. Also, LES is a new build property built from ground up, something that is rare for Manhattan Hotels. Consequently, guests will enjoy new accommodations along with a wide variety of services including an on property Spa and Gym.

Thompson LES is clearly contemporary, and utilizes an industrial design theme in guest rooms and common areas. We had an opportunity to see a large number of guest rooms, and regardless of your room category, you’re likely to enjoy the ultra modern residential feel. Exposed concrete ceilings, ebony hardwood flooring and designer furnishings are all standard features, from Superior to Suite Category Rooms. Also standard are generously sized bathrooms with large Glass Showers which feature Rainforest Shower Heads and Wands… and the water pressure is truly outstanding. Some guest room categories feature outdoor balconies and views of Downtown Manhattan. The Thompson Suite at LES is something that every NY apartment aspires to: lofty ceilings, dynamite views and an amazing residential feel.

Studio King Room (Room Number 905)

Superior King Room w/ Terrace (Room Number 1000)

We’re often let down by New York Hotels, as they have a well deserved reputation for offering small accommodations at high prices. The Thompson LES however clearly delivers value in a high end package: generously sized rooms, luxurious amenities (Like Kiehl’s Products and Fine Linens) and a fabulous location for those wanting to be in Lower Manhattan.

We got a rare first look at LES’s sister property Smyth, so stay tuned for our full report. Smyth is expected to open in late January.

San Diego has seen several new hotel properties as of late, with the Hilton San Diego Bayfront being perhaps one of the largest newcomers. Don’t let the size scare you however (a whopping 1190 rooms), as this Hilton property isn’t your “typical” Convention Hotel, nor is it your typical Hilton.

The Hilton Bayfront offers an ideal location for convention travelers, and boasts a waterfront location that is truly dynamite for both business and leisure travelers alike. We particularly like the fact that you’re isolated enough where you’ll get some R&R, but just a stones throw away from the every popular Gaslamp District.

Main Lobby & Adjacent Lobby Bar

We very much like the fact that you won’t feel as though you’re actually staying in a “Convention Hotel” rather, a “Big Boutique.” This Hilton owned and managed property has spared few details, from the forward thinking lobby space to the contemporary lighting features throughout. This new direction for Hilton carries over to just about every area of the property including restaurants, ballroom space and the of course the guest rooms.

Main Ballroom

Hilton has put a special touch on their guest room design at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Expect a “Boutique-Like” guest room experience with plush comfy beds, thoughtful bathrooms (Rooms with 1 King Bed offer Glass Showers) and state of the art technical goodies such as large LCD televisions. For such a large hotel we were impressed by how many rooms actually had great views. We would say that the vast majority of rooms offer at least some view of the water, but pay close attention to the “Rooms to Request” Tab here for the very best information: http://tripkick.com/hotels/view/478/hilton-san-diego-bayfront

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Bay Views (Room 1902)

Hospitality Suite (Connects to Room w/ 1 King Bed) Dining Room Area, Bay Views

“The Other Suite” aka Vice Presidential Suite, 1 King Bed, Bay Views (Room 2901)

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is making its competition nervous, and for very good reason. For those travelers who want a Downtown location (and one that’s also waterfront) with a fresh new smell, and a “Boutique-Like” feel, this is your hotel.  Based on what we’ve seen here, we’re excited to see what Hilton will roll out next.

“The Door” aka Main Entrance of The Sè San Diego

San Diego has had its recent share of new Boutique Hotel Openings, and today we got a first look at The Sè San Diego, literally- the first look! We arrived at the Sè early in the afternoon and were told that we were the first public visitors to actually step foot in the hotel. Today was in fact scheduled to be Sè’s first day of operation, however all guests that held reservations for this evening were re-accommodated elsewhere due to some last minute finishing touches.

The Sè San Diego (originally slated to be the Setai San Diego) is located in Downtown San Diego, on the border of the Gaslamp District. Guests are welcomed by a Lobby that is Asian Inspired and mimics an upscale Boutique Property that you might find in Bangkok Thailand, or the like. The Lobby wasn’t quite finished as of today, but you can get a feel of what it’ll be like when complete: Sophisticated, High Energy, yet very Relaxing.

Setai’s Reception Area

We are told that when guests arrive at The Sè , they are checked-in “Electronically” with no need to visit a “Front Desk” (Unless of course you decide that your room is not to your liking)

Lobby Area (Although not quite finished!)

The Setai prides themselves on offering a variety of personalized touched such as Electronic/Curbside Check-In complete with a welcome drink (spa inspired of course) and a tour of the hotel (if you so choose!) The Setai offers 3 different Standard Room Categories including: CitySide Guest Rooms, CityLights Guest Rooms and Sky Guest Rooms. All 3 Room Types range in size from approximately 350-500 sq. ft. and differ based on view, location and size. There are a variety of Suite Categories as well, including a handful of Condo Residences that will be available to guests through the hotel on a nightly basis. These Condo Suites offer Full Kitchens, creative floor plans and stunning views of the San Diego Bay & Skyline. Regardless of which Room Type you ultimately choose, you can expect Hardwood Flooring, Luxuriously Appointed Bathrooms (Standard Rooms Feature Stand Alone Glass Showers, Suites Feature Separate Showers and Tubs) and a sophisticated “City Condo Feel.” The Sè also offers a “Spa Floor” which gives you easy access to The Spa (a feature we also saw recently at The Trump Chicago) and feature a variety of Spa Inspired amenities.

CitySide (Standard) Guest Room, 1 King Bed, Bathroom w/ Glass Shower (Room 508)

The Setai MiniBar

One-Bedroom Suite, Living Room Area and Balcony (Only Suites offer Balconies) (Room 509)

One-Bedroom Suite Bathroom, Stand Alone Glass Shower (Tub not pictured)

The Sè will feature 2 Bars, one in the Main Lobby and one Poolside. The Rooftop Pool is not quite finished as of now, but here’s a small preview (Keep in Mind that Many Improvements are Still to be Made):

We very much anticipate The Sè San Diego (part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts) to be San Diego’s next hottest hotel. The Sè offers Asian Inspired Sophistication on a Boutique scale, with and endless amount of taste and attention to detail.

Note:  The Setai San Diego officially changed its name to “Sè San Diego” as of December 22nd, 2008 in an effort to avoid any confusion with the Setai Miami.

Donald Trump has left this project to his daughter Ivanka, and we must say that she’s done an impressive job in The Windy City. Chicago offers a variety of high end hotels including The Peninsula Chicago, Four Seasons Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel) and The Park Hyatt Chicago among others. In fact, I would venture to say that Chicago has some of the best hotel offerings in the country.

The Trump Chicago is a mixed-use 92 Story Hotel/Condominium development, just steps from The Chicago River and Michigan Avenue. The hotel occupies Floors 18-27, and offers a wide variety of room types, ranging from 600 Sq. Ft. Studios up to 2 and 3 Bedroom Condominium style accommodations. Ivanka has taken a departure from the typical “Trump Style” and instead opted for a much more contemporary theme.

Deluxe Guest Room (Studio) 1 King Bed, River Views (Room 2334)

The Trump Chicago takes on a very residential feel (similar to the condominiums located above.) In fact, most guest rooms offer a kitchenette or full kitchen equipped with Miele Appliances, Dishes and even a Nespresso Cofee Machine.

Kitchenette, Nespresso Machine and MiniBar Snack Box (Room 2334)

Guest suites offer separate living rooms and bedroom areas, as well as Full Kitchens, Larger Bathrooms (w/ 2 Sinks) and some even feature Fireplaces. Suites also offer an additional 1/2 Bath in the Living Room Area.

One-Bedroom Suite, 1 King Bed, River & Lake Views (Room 2336)

The Trump Chicago has designated 2 Floors as “Spa Levels” (Floors 14 & 14M) Guest rooms on these levels afford easy access to Trump’s magnificent Spa Area, and boast a cool soothing decor with lighter colors and amenities that will appeal to even the most serious Spa goer. For those who love to work out, do Yoga, and are just looking for an inspiring “Zen-like” guest room experience, treat yourself to a “Spa Room” at the Trump. In addition to all the other features an amenities you’ll find in other rooms, “Spa Rooms” come equipped with Healthy MiniBar selections, In-Room Gym Equipment, Special Towel/Eye Mask Refrigerators and Spa Toiletries that are out of this world.

Spa Room, 1 King Bed, River & Lake View (Room 1407)

The Trump Chicago has fantastic dining options, including “Rebar” and “Sixteen Restaurant” which both feature stunning views of the Chicago River & The Wrigley Building and offer innovative menu selections that will appeal to any palette.

No request at the Trump is too large, and the staff is incredibly accommodating. Service levels are truly impressive, and we think the Trump Chicago is well on its way to become one of North America’s next Mobil Rated 5 Star properties.

The Hotel Valley Ho claims it was in Downtown Scottsdale before there was even a Downtown Scottsdale, and we think they’re right. The hotel first opened its doors in 1956, and has been meticulously restored with its mid-century past in mind. Fully renovated in 2005, The Hotel Valley Ho is a creative flashback to the 50’s, and offers a nice alternative to the more traditional Scottsdale resort/hotel experience.

On our last trip to Scottsdale, we had an opportunity to tour the property, and we were pretty satisfied with the finished product. Since the renovation, the property has matured nicely.

The Hotel Valley Ho offers a wide variety of guest room options, including condo-like digs in the “Tower”, Cabana Rooms, Standard Rooms, Studios and Suites. Rooms are anything but boring, and feature very bright colors, reminiscent of the 1950’s of course. We were impressed with how far Hotel Valley Ho actually took their renovation. Most properties you see from this era are tired, even post renovation. Hotel Valley Ho upgraded the bathrooms quite nicely to include a nice large space equipped with separate showers and bathtubs.

Signature King Room (Std. Room) w/ 1 King Bed  (Room 1217)

If you’re looking to be a little more adventurous with your accommodation choices, give the ‘Studio King’ room a try.  These rooms are slightly larger than the Signature King Rooms, and feature an ‘Open Bathroom’ design.  You and your significant other can take a bath right in the middle of the room!

Cabana King Room  (Room 6103)

Whether you’re attending one of the many conferences that take place at The Valley Ho, spending some quality time with the family, or just doing a little R&R, The Hotel Valley Ho is a departure from your typical Scottsdale Resort, and one that you’ll likely have a little fun with in the process.  Be sure to check out the on-property Trader Vic’s Bar & Restaurant too.

It won’t be long before we bring you TripKick.com Reviews of over 20 new Hotels & Resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona.  Until then, we wanted to give you a glimpse at the new Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, the first new hotel to be built in the Downtown Area in over 30 years!

The Sheraton Phoenix showcases some of Sheraton’s newest looks, including an entirely new guest room experience, an efficient Lobby Space, and a new design theme that we think most guests will appreciate.

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed  (Room 1811)

Minibar Area  (Room 1811)

The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown was primarily built with Convention/Business travelers in mind, but the guest rooms are tastefully designed, and perhaps among the best we’ve seen at a Sheraton.  You will find that rooms are decorated in warm tones that reflect a Desert theme, and are so much better than what you’ll find at The Hyatt Regency Phoenix (Sorry Hyatt, but it’s really time for a renovation)

One Bedroom Suite w/ Separate Living Room & Bedroom, 1 King Bed (Room 3109)

Traditional Room, 2 Double Beds (Room 1812)

If your travel plans call for Downtown Phoenix, The Sheraton is a no-brainer, really.

InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, Reception Desk

Main Entrance

We’ve all experienced Airport Hotels, usually in consequence to a canceled or missed flight. Generally mediocre at best, we expect something clean and efficient, but nothing more.

On a recent trip to Chicago however, we were stunned by the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare. You might wanna miss your flight for this one. Yes, the hotel’s about five minutes from Chicago O’Hare’s main terminal, but this property is anything but your typical airport hotel. We were met by an overwhelmingly gracious staff (and this was late in the evening) and a lobby that puts most New York City hotels to shame!

The InterContinental Chicago O’Hare has an Impressive Contemporary Art Collection in The Lobby

The InterContinental Chicago O’Hare could easily compete with some of the top hotels in any major city across North America. Guest rooms also share a modern design, with contemporary inspiration, and digs that are on par with other four and five star hotels we’ve seen in Chicago. There are several room types from which to choose, including Standard Rooms, Junior Suites, One-Bedroom Suites as well as a handful of Specialty Suites including a Governor’s Suite and Presidential Suite.

Room Number 1129, One-Bedroom Suite

Room Number 1129, One-Bedroom Suite, Main Bathroom, Separate Shower/Tub Note: Standard Rooms Have Similar Bathroom Setup, With Glass Shower Only

Room Number 1129, Living Room & Second 1/2 Bath

Room 1129, View

Regardless of your room type, expect to be pampered with luxurious products and a bath experience that everyone’s looking for. A Glass shower with a Rainforest Shower Head was definitely a nice touch.

In addition to what’s already available to guests (An Extensive Art Collection, Club Lounge, Impressive Fitness Center, Lobby Bar) there are a few other services that are in the works including an adjacent Capital Grill Restaurant and an On Property Theater.

Adjacent Capital Grill Restaurant, Almost Finished

Even if your hotel occasion doesn’t call for an airport visit, The InterContinental O’Hare is also just minutes from several Rosemont Area happenings, and only a 30-40 minute drive from Downtown Chicago.

Montelucia Resort & Spa, Lobby

Resort Grounds

The Montelucia Resort & Spa (formerly the La Posada Resort) has been recently remastered and is now managed and owned by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. On our most recently visit to the Scottsdale area, we were quite excited about seeing the finished product. We were in awe over the attention to detail, from the imported Spanish Entry Doors to the on property Chapel, to the main Lobby Area. Clearly, InterContinental has gone to great lengths to restore the former La Posada, apparently to the tune of $250 million!

Although built on the former site of the La Posada, the Montelucia is essentially brand new. Some original guest room buildings were kept, however completely overhauled, so much so that most won’t discern any differences from the new. Perhaps the only noticeable difference in these buildings are the exteriors, which still sport an older stucco style.

The Montelucia offers a guest room experience that competes well with its 5 Star caliber neighbors. Guest rooms reflect the Spanish style of the resort, and feature luxurious oversized bathrooms, most with separate showers and bathtubs. Depending on your location, views often include the surround Desert landscape of one of several pools on property.

Standard Guest Room

Standard Guest Room Bathroom, Separate Shower & Bathtub

Guest Room Balcony & Desert/Pool View

The Montelucia is ideal for families or couples looking for a Desert Getaway, and one that now boasts some of the very best Scottsdale Area accommodations.

Montelucia Main Pool Area

Well, as promised, TripKick.com will soon be bringing you Phoenix & Scottsdale as new destinations. We had an opportunity to stay at the W Scottsdale this past weekend, and as expected, this property was Wonderful. As many of our travelers know, the W Brand is always clever, and rarely disappoints those seeking utmost style and comfort. Having seen every W Hotel in North America, Scottsdale is definitely at the top of the list.

We especially appreciate this property’s ability to blend in with its surrounding, from the Lobby to the Guest Rooms, you know you’re in the Desert, a very hip Desert of course. Perhaps W Scottsdale’s biggest attraction is its Rooftop Pool Scene. We’ve seen our fair share of Rooftop Pools, but this one offers sophistication while also being practical. So often you seen Rooftop Pools that barely leave room for more than 100 people, but the W Scottsdale has cleverly designed this space to allow for Beach Cabanas, 3 Bars, Sweat (W’s Fitness Center) and a Zen Rooftop Garden. Weekend evenings are quite the scene at the W Scottsdale Rooftop, so arrive early- or just be an in-house guest for preferred access.

Of all the W’s we’ve seen, the guest rooms at the W Scottsdale are at the top of our list. An enormous amount of thought was put into the overall design of these rooms, as you’ll see by the “Open Floor Plan” layout. Bathrooms in the Wonderful, Spectacular and Fabulous categories all feature an Open Bathroom (which can be closed off with a sliding door) with a freestanding frosted glass shower, and vanity area that is finished with desert stone to remind you of your surroundings. All rooms include the W Signature Beds (which are among the best you’ll find in any hotel, and we’ve seen them all) along with the W Munchie Box, functional working desk, and a nice view of the Desert, Rooftop Pool or Zen Garden. The W Scottsdale also features a variety of Suites, some of which offer front row views of the Rooftop Bar (ideal for watching the weekend nightlife action.)

Room Number 519, Wonderful Category, Bedroom, Bathroom, Sitting Area

Room Number 509, Wonderful Category Room, Shower, Munchie Box

Room Number 301, Cool Corner Suite with Rooftop/Beach Area View

Room Number 249, Spa Suite, Upgraded Bathrooms w/ Soaking Tub, Walk out Patio to Zen Garden/Rooftop

The W Scottsdale is a nice hybrid of hotel & resort and offers guests the best of both worlds. You can walk to almost everything in Old Town Scottsdale, yet relax endlessly while laying poolside or enjoying one of the many Spa treatments available at Bliss Spa. In either case, you’ll likely be Wowed by the W Scottsdale.

The Fairmont Chicago has just completed a $50 million renovation, and I had an opportunity to check it out first hand while in Chicago this weekend. Let me say that I’ve seen just about every hotel in Chicago, and I can say without hesitation that this is certainly among the nicest, post renovation. Fairmont is known for its more traditional decor style, but don’t expect your grandparent’s Fairmont with this property. The Fairmont Chicago has evolved into something contemporary and sophisticated, while maintaining its class. The property has been renovated from top to bottom, including the lobby, restaurants and guest rooms. The Fairmont Chicago also has wonderful new addition, a fitness center and spa that covers over 11,000 sq. feet of space, making it fierce competition to the Chicago Hotel Spa scene.

Fairmont Chicago’s New Lobby: Cool, Open & Contemporary

Guest Rooms:  Spacious, Modern, and Bathrooms Feature Separate Showers & Tubs:

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