Dear Trip Kick Travelers,

I am personally excited to announce that Trip Kick has been acquired by the web’s most exciting new Hotel Room Search Engine, Room77.com.  Room 77 is founded and backed by some of the travel industry’s most well respected members, including Rich Barton, Co-Founder and former CEO of Expedia. 

Trip Kick and Room 77 have joined forces to create an even more powerful way for travelers to gain insight on the guest room experience by presenting information in a way that has never been seen before in online travel.

What does this mean for you?  For now, you can continue to research individual room recommendations on TripKick.com, however we encourage  you to visit Room 77 for an exciting new take on hotel room reviews.  Your visit will take you through an in-depth analysis of hotels and resorts in over 16 launch destinations and counting.  You can check out exactly where room categories reside within the hotel using Room 77’s comprehensive mapping technology which includes simulated views and specific details on every room in the hotel.

We’re super excited to be a part of the Room 77 team, and we know you’ll absolutely love our product.  See you at Room 77 sometime soon!

Sincerely yours,

Bryant Waters

CEO & Co-Founder, TripKick.com

Waikiki Edition is the brands’ first property, and we got a first look this week while in Honolulu.  While Ian Schrager’s signature style is evident throughout, there is also a sense that the sometimes over the top whimsical flare seen in some of his other properties (ala Gramercy Park NYC) isn’t quite as strong here.  So what’s the verdict?… we LOVED it!

Waikiki Editon Reception Desk

We all have our personal preferences in terms of hotel personality, brand etc.  I think we can all agree however that boutiques can sometimes disappoint- rooms might be too small, service has an attitude or the hotel just hasn’t invested as much as it might need.  Edition takes all of the desirable elements of a boutique hotel- vibrant personality, an intimate level of service and hip design- and delivers an experience that is both consistent and seamless as a large name brand hotel, made possible by the backing of Marriott.

Edition’s Waikiki is the first of several properties worldwide (including upcoming locations in Istanbul, Barcelona and South Beach), but if this is what we should expect every time, we’re very excited.

So let’s talk about Edition Waikiki.  The arrival experience is very different than any other Hawaii property you might expect.  Missing are the lei’s, “Aloha” at check-in or statues of dolphins in the porte cochere.  Instead, Edition welcomes you with a low key yet attentive arrival experience.  You certainly know you’re in Hawaii, but it’s not contrived in any way.  The lobby area is fun and hip but still a reminder of where you are(you’ll love the surfboards behind the front desk!)  After a welcome drink and quick briefing on the hotel, we were escorted to the guest room elevators.

The Lobby (Notice the bookshelf in the background- it moves at 4pm and opens to the lobby bar area- a neat touch indeed)

Edition’s warm contemporary design continued into the guest rooms.  Because this Edition occupies a previously existing hotel, there were certain design constraints (ie. Not all room types have balconies), however they’ve done a wonderful job at transforming old to new.  In fact, most guests might even be hard pressed to notice the fact that this hotel wasn’t built new from ground up.  The vast majority of room types offer some type of ocean view, including views of the neighboring harbor, ocean view and pool views.

Guest rooms are simply yet elegantly appointed with luxurious finish work including large plantation shutter dividers in the bathroom and window areas.  While minimalist, guest rooms are quite cozy in feel with subtle reminders of Hawaii- most notably a wall mounted tribute to local heritage- a ukulele, shells, starfish etc.  Regardless of room type, bathrooms are outfitted with walk-in glass showers, and select deluxe one-bedroom suites offer separate shower and deep soaking tubs.  Rooms with 1 King Bed feature outdoor lanai’s.

Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, 1724  (1 King Bed & Living Room/Desk Area)

Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, 1724 (Bathroom Area, w/ Separate Shower & Tub)

The View from a One-Bedroom Ocean Suite  (Room Number 1110)

The common areas of the hotel are meticulously designed with utmost imagination and attention to detail.  While the hotel itself isn’t quite ‘beachfront’, it offers a convenient location with wonderful views of the water and easy access to nearby beaches and lagoons.  Waikiki Edition does offer two distinctive pool experiences on the 1st level of the hotel including a beach style pool (surrounded by sand) as well as a traditional pool, both offering pool bars and full service.  While being oceanfront is a nice touch, we never really missed the sometimes crowded feel that other Waikiki resorts experience; Edition is more of an oasis away from the crowds.

The ‘Sand’ Pool (one of two pools offered at Edition Waikiki)

Edition Gift Shop

The Common Areas, near Poolside

Our initial impression of Edition was overwhelmingly fantastic… While some of Ian Schrager’s other properties have received mixed reviews in terms of room size, service etc., it’s clear that his talents coupled with the backing of Marriott will prove to be a huge success. Waikiki Edition has executed their product in a way that is enormously creative, yet comfortable and familiar at the same time- we look forward to seeing more of their properties in the near future!

The Partier – Caesars Palace
Okay, so maybe you don’t want to party as hard as those guys in “The Hangover,” but getting your drink and dance on is certainly not out of the question. Caesars Palace is the hotel to stay at if you want to be the life of the party. Stroll on over to Cleopatra’s Barge, a replica of the craft that carried Egypt’s royalty down the Nile, for a few drinks and a spin around the floating dance floor. Next, head over to the nightclub Pure for the main event. The celebrity-favorite club is 40,000 square feet of epic partying; with four venues in one, each complete with its own DJ, you could easily stay here till the sun comes up. If you want to wind down your night before dawn, settle down with a nightcap at Seahorse Lounge.

The Hedonist – MGM Grand
Indulgence is one of the best parts about taking a vacation and what better way to do so then with the fine dining and relaxing spa treatments at the MGM Grand. Start your morning off right with an excursion to the MGM Grand Spa and Health Club to expel the toxins you’ve subjected your body to. Try the Traveler’s Immuno-Boost to keep you healthy throughout your stay and then get a Turbo Body Bronzing session to make sure you look like bronzed royalty when you’re by the pool. After your body is relaxed, visit the Cristophe Salon for a day of pampering. Try a hair treatment and scalp massage followed by a classy up do for a night out on the town. End your day of pampering with a hearty meal from one of the 11 fine-dining restaurants, like tapas from L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon or seafood from SEABLUE.

The Entertainment Junkie  – Bellagio
For the hotel guest who needs constant entertainment, look no further than Bellagio. Outside the main entrance, the Fountains of Bellagio frequently burst into the hot Las Vegas sky, amid music and flashes of light. Did we mention this was free? If you’re ready to shell out some serious green, peruse the shops at Via Bellagio, which showcases designers like Chanel, Armani and Prada. If you don’t want to drain your checkbook, window-shopping can be just as entertaining. And certainly, if you’re really ready to be entertained, check out “O” by Cirque du Soleil, the aquatic masterpiece.

Round Hill Hotel in Jamaica
If simply stating that Jackie O used to vacation here isn’t enough to convince you that Round Hill Hotel is worthy of being dubbed one of most fashionable hotels, try this on for size: The Pineapple House at the Round Hill Hotel is made up of 36 oceanfront rooms,  all renovated and designed by Ralph Lauren. White stone floors, bamboo beds, and pink and blue accents unite Lauren’s crisp, classic style with the luxury of the Caribbean. If that’s not enough pizzazz for you, hang out in the Lauren-designed piano bar or cocktail lounge.

www.roundhilljamaica.com/

Claridge’s in London
This past June, Claridge’s received a makeover from the one and only Diane von Furstenberg, fittingly named “the queen of print.” A series of rooms, junior suites and the third floor piano suite in the beloved hotel were lavished with bold, funky and chic furniture and fabrics. Bright pinks, mod black and whites, and deep purples are a few of the hues that bring this classic hotel up-to-date. The daring designer was careful to respect the architecture and formality of the hotel because, after all, this was a makeover — not plastic surgery.

www.claridges.co.uk

Halekulani in Waikiki, Hawaii
The world of fashion is filled with people clawing for everything that is one of a kind, which is one of the words that comes to mind when envisioning the style of Vera Wang. Other words include classic, elegant and timeless. Combine these qualities and voilà—you have the Vera Wang Suite at the Halekulani. The one-bedroom, 2,135 square-foot suite was personally designed by Wang, and features décor from her most desired collections. The muted, stylish color scheme plays perfectly into the romantic vibe of this luxurious space.

www.halekulani.com

The Plaza Hotel in New York City
Mission: design a suite in The Plaza Hotel based on the children’s book Eloise, a fictional tale of the hotel’s six-year-old tenant. Hands down, the playful, eccentric and sometimes a little bit batty Betsey Johnson was certainly the right designer for the job. With a love of pink and an innate girlishness, Johnson’s Eloise Suite is the product of her whimsical imagination. The 18th-floor, two-room suite is decked out with pink and white candy cane-colored wall panels with gold leaf molding, a white zebra-print carpet and enough charm to make any little girl want to take up permanent residence at The Plaza.

www.fairmont.com/theplaza

Armani Hotel in Dubai
Giorgio Armani is to fashion what lackluster continental breakfasts are to cheap hotel chains—inextricably linked. In March, the designer proved that his sense of style was easily translated into the world of luxury hotels with the grand opening of his Armani Hotel in Dubai. The sophisticated, 160-room hotel boasts curved walls cloaked in custom-made fabrics, floors covered with Japanese tatami and bathrooms highlighting green bamboo marble from Brazil. Located within the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Armani Hotel is filled with enough clean lines, sleek palates and functionality to please even the most critical judges of “Project Runway.”

http://dubai.armanihotels.com

Whiskey Blue at W New York

Located in Midtown Manhattan, Whiskey Blue is one of the many bars in the portfolio of nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber. This trendy, candle-lit lounge calls the names of New York professionals who are looking to loosen up their collared shirts and enjoy an extensive selection of libations. From 30 types of tequila to specialty cocktails such as the Bubblicious (bubblegum flavored vodka mixed with a dash of pomegranate), Whiskey Blue has all the right stuff.

541 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022 at 49th St. 212-407-2947. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels.

Bar D’eau at Trump Soho

While we might question his hairstyle, there’s no questioning Donald Trump’s hotel expertise—the man knows how to make a hotel the talk of the town. Trump Soho’s Bar D’eau opened its doors in the beginning of August, just in time for rooftop-bar hoppers to relax by the 7th-floor pool and bocce court before summer draws to a close. Sip on eccentric spirits such as the Bourbon Tea with Woodford Reserve, which is infused with a house-made tea blend, fresh lemon and honey, and be sure to try the curry lobster roll.

246 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. 212-842-5500. www.trumpsohohotel.com/Food-And-Wine/Bar-dEau.

Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle

This classic watering hole has been satiating politicians, movie stars, socialites and business execs for more than 50 years. The bar’s namesake, Ludwig Bemelmans, was commissioned to paint a large mural of charming Central Park scenes on the walls of the bar and did so in exchange for a year and a half of accommodations at The Carlyle. Bemelmans is the perfect bar for those looking for a classy, old New York experience. The ceiling is coated in 24-karat gold leaf, the glass tables are nickel-trimmed and the single malt scotch selection is divine.

35 East 76th St., New York, NY 10021. 212-744-1600. www.thecarlyle.com/dine4.cfm.

A60 at 60 Thompson

You might want to book a room or don your “Members Only” jacket if you plan on checking out this ultra swanky rooftop bar—access is restricted to hotel guests, members and private parties—but it would certainly be worth it. With unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline, A60 is serving up more than just delicious cocktails made with exotic fruits; if you manage to score security clearance, you might as well order a drink or one of their Thai hors d’oeuvres.

60 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012. 877-431-0400. www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/nyc/60-thompson/drink/a60.

The Bull and Bear at the Waldorf Astoria

If rooftop bars and chic lounges aren’t your style, come mingle and drink scotch with the Wall Street types; chances are you won’t see any twenty-somethings drinking oddly named cocktails. Named after the statues on Wall Street, The Bull and Bear exudes masculinity and class. Stop by for a drink with co-workers or stay to indulge in one of their mouthwatering steaks.

301 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022. 212-872-4900. www.waldorfnewyork.com/dine-in-style/restaurants.

Riviera’s Lobby Area

The Riviera Resort & Spa is located just minutes from the Palm Springs Downtown Area, offering all the benefits of a resort while maintaining a close convenient location to city shopping and dining.  The Riviera originally opened in 1959, and quickly became one of the deserts most popular resorts.

In 2008, The “Riv” as it’s called by many, reopened after having completed a massive $70 million renovation.  The Riviera preserved its “Spoke Style” design, maintaining an intimate feel despite having over 400 guest rooms and suites.  The entire resort design contains over 8 Guest Room buildings in total, covering nearly 25 acres of land in the middle of Palm Springs.  The Riviera choose to design the hotel in keeping with its retro past, while incorporating fun contemporary touches throughout.

Guest Rooms:

Nearly half of Riviera’s guest rooms are “Mediterranean Rooms”, Trip Kick’s favorite guest room type.  These rooms are located in the “Spoke Design” of the resort, with close proximity to the main pool as well as the resort Spa, Fitness Center, Main Restaurant and Lobby.  The Mediterranean Room category acts more like a suite, as they feature a distinctive sitting area, oversized bathroom with deep soaking tub and separate glass shower.  Furthermore, Mediterranean Rooms all feature balconies or walk-out patios, some with fantastic mountain views.  Other room types include “Riviera Rooms” the resorts standard category, also generously sized, but do not offer the separate shower/tub feature, and balconies upon request.  Riviera’s Suites are dynamite, ranging in size from 600 square feet +.  Some suites feature fantastic outdoor areas with fire pits as well as outdoor private jacuzzi’s (One Bedroom Starlite Suites)

Mediterranean Room, 1 King Bed (Room Number 3112)

Starlite One-Bedroom Suite, 1 King Bed (Room Number 3100)

One-Bedroom Marquee Suite Mountain View, 1 King Bed (Room Number 4309)

The Pools:

Riviera offers two swimming pools, each with its own vibe.  The “Deep End” pool is located in a quieter area of the resort, offering a more intimate pool experience.  The Main Pool however is the focal point of the 6 “Spoke Buildings” and is center to the resort’s main bar area and within close proximity to the Riviera’s main restaurant: Circa 59.  The Main Pool is surrounded by a fantastic bar (day or night) as well as several fire pits for those sometimes cold Palm Springs nights.

Main Pool Area

Circa 59 Restaurant:

Riviera’s main restaurant is Circa 59, which is centrally located between the Lobby and Guest Room buildings.  Circa 59 takes a modern approach to dining and has just unveiled an enitrely new menu experience which features a wide range of contemporary American selections, as well as a few exotic choices too.  Already well received by locals (a good sign for a hotel restaurant) Circa 59 has a stand alone reputation for offering some of the finest entree selections in Palm Springs.  A charming yet sophisticated evening dining atmosphere coupled with great food makes Circa 59 a great spot for romantic occassions or even dining with the family.  Circa 59’s setting is a must see at night, offering both indoor and outdoor seating (poolside of course) as well as a “hybrid” of the two, with a half indoor/half outdoor setting.  Menu selections include an “Asian Pear Salad”, “Braised Shortribs” (our personal favorite) and several other savory choices.

Circa 59 Resaurant

Palm Springs has become an overwhelmingly popular destination for many, and there are a wide variety of hotel and resort choices available.  The Riviera combines a true resort experience with the convenience of Downtown Palm Springs.  A recent renovation has elevated the Riviera to once again being a world class resort that will appeal to the contemporary minded traveler.  Guest rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed and include features that we admire, most notably a wonderful bathroom experience as well as bright, modern design tones.  Information on Riviera’s best rooms will be available soon, stay tuned.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Save Up to 50% Off on Stays From Novemeber 5th-January 18th 2010!

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

St. Regis Grand Hotel, Main Entrance

The St. Regis Grand Hotel Rome delivers opulent luxury in a small boutique-like setting.  Located in the heart of Rome, The St. Regis is central, yet hidden, offering its guests a convenient location away from the tourist hot spots.  In keeping with the high standards of the St. Regis brand, The St. Regis Grand delivers personalized service in a setting that is quintessentially Rome.

Having recently undergone a $35 million renovation, The St. Regis has been restored, maintaining its place as one of Rome’s finest hotels.  This massive renovation is evident throughout the property, and can be seen in both common areas and guest rooms.

Upon arrival, it becomes clear that you have landed at THE place to stay in Rome.  The St. Regis is a true gentleman; both calm and reserved.  As elegant as this property may be, there is an aire of comfort that puts its guests at ease.

Reception/Check-In

Having stayed at numerous properties throughout Europe, our initial impressions of the guest rooms were quite positive.  Even some of the best European properties, particularly in Rome, lack space and some of the many amenities that American travelers demand.  Guest rooms at The St. Regis Rome are spacious, and offer bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and bathtubs, a feature we love at Trip Kick.  We recommend reserving the “Deluxe” or “Imperial” category room, as they feature sitting areas a just a bit more space to stretch out and relax.  The decor is traditional Roman elegance, with crystal chandeliers, intricate styled draperies and local Italian artwork.  Guest rooms and suites with interior locations are often more quiet, and exterior facing rooms capture views of local streets and city squares.

Superior Category Room, 1 King Bed (Room Number 233)

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed (Room Number 219)

Imperial Room Category, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 238)

Ambassador Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 231)

The St. Regis Rome is a perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of a long day.  Whether you are in Rome to work, or play, The St. Regis offers gorgeous common areas which you can take in along with a drink from the Lobby Bar or Lounge.

Lobby Bar Area and Lounge

Fitness Center

Our next Blog Features will cover The Westin Excelsior Hotel Rome.