The Ista Infinity Pool Area

Bangalore has been dubbed “The Silicon Valley of India” a bustling city where technology reigns.  Numerous hotels and resorts have opened to cater to business travelers visiting this bustling city of technology.  The Ista Bangalore is a luxury boutique hotel in Bangalore’s central business district, a calm oasis of pure pampering and utmost attention to service.  Yes, Bangalore is also home to The Taj and Oberoi, but neither capture the tranquility, amenities or contemporary spirit that Ista delivers its guests.

Welcome to Ista Bangalore, Reception Area

From the moment you arrive The Ista, you are warmly greeted by a staff that aims to please.  The Ista will appeal to the contemporary minded, with its hardwood surfaces, contemporary art pieces and tasteful architectural design.  The Ista offers standard guest rooms and suites that are both comfortable and appeal to all the senses.  Guest rooms are designed with hardwood flooring, flat panel televisions and bathrooms with high quality stone and glass enclosed showers.  In-room coffee makers, high-speed internet connections and luxurious bedding are all standard items.  Executive Suites, located on the 5th Floor, afford oversized floor plans with separate living rooms, bedrooms and outdoor patios.

Luxury Category Guest Room, 1 King Bed , Lake Views  (Room Number 929)

Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake Views  (Room Number 529)

Ista Fitness Center

One might never need to leave The Ista, as most everything is available on property.  Dining options are plentiful, and include a wide range of cuisines including Continental American, Traditional Indian as well as a wide variety of other offerings.  In fact, we were frequently asked to make requests even though items might not have appeared on the menu.  Lido Restaurant offers stunning views of the rooftop pool area, and is designed in an open air format.  The staff is likely to know your name before you even arrive, just one of many personal touches you will find throughout your stay.  Zaman, Ista’s Fine Dining restaurant, features traditional Indian dishes in an open kitchen format, a fabulous option for a more formal dining experience.  Liquid Lounge is Ista’s outdoor bar option that includes a long list of fine wines and spirits to be enjoyed in a casual yet contemporary outdoor setting.  Liquid Lounge is a fantastic venue to enjoy a glass of wine, or choose a fine cigar and take in the atmosphere.

Ista Pool Deck

Lido Restaurant, Western Entree and Indian Entree

Liquid Lounge

Zaman Restaurant

Ista offers an on property fitness center, outdoor infinity pool as well as a full Spa.  Be prepared for pampering, a great option after a long day’s work.

When traveling overseas, it’s sometimes tempting to stick with a more recognizable name, but we can say with absolute certainty that The Ista Bangalore exceeded our expectations in every way.  In fact, service levels were among the best that we’ve seen worldwide, and we’ve been to some of the world’s best hotels & resorts.  Guest rooms, service, dining and amenities were all world class, leaving us with an impression that will last a lifetime.  On your next visit to Bangalore, most definitely consider The Ista, you won’t be disappointed.

The Ritz-Carlton Denver is one of the city’s newest luxury hotel arrivals, located in Downtown Denver.  This Ritz is of the more contemporary minded, sleek and contemporary, but also influenced by Colorado’s local landscape.

Located in a Downtown Denver high-rise, The Ritz-Carlton is sophisticated yet comfortable.  The hotel operates like a boutique, offering just 202 guest rooms and suites on Floors 4-12.  Ritz-Carlton Residences occupy upper floors of the hotel.  We were particularly delighted by the guest room experience, as standard rooms are spacious in design, and offer a host of thoughtful amenities such as: Night Light Floor Lighting (handy for late night bathrooms jaunts), In Room Nespresso Coffee makers and Mirrors in the Shower- a very handy feature for shaving or applying your provided Bvglari products.  The Ritz-Carlton bedding experience is sensational, as the Ritz-Carlton Denver provides a feather-bed and duvet for utmost comfort.

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed

One-Bedroom Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 402)

The Ritz-Carlton Denver is conveniently located Downtown, just minutes from Denver hotspots such as LoDo (Lower Downtown Denver), Larimer Square and 16th Street Mall.  The hotel also serves as a great layover for winter trips to Aspen or Vail, as these world famous ski destinations are only hours away by car.

For those guests who appreciate fitness and health, The Ritz-Carlton Denver has teamed up with Forza Fitness for a truly one of a kind fitness center experience.  Spa services are also avaialable in the hotel’s on-property spa, featuring a wide range of indulgent spa services.

NFL hall of fame player John Elway features an on-property restaurant, ELWAY’S, offering fine dining as well as other casual dining selections throughout the day.

The Ritz-Carlton Denver undoubtedly delivers one of the most luxurious hotel experiences in Denver, with impeccably designed accommodations and high levels of service.  TripKick.com recommends reserving a Ritz-Carlton One-Bedroom Suite for a uniquely designed corner Suite or a Ritz-Carlton Club Level Room for complimentary food presentations throughout the day.  Check out The Ritz-Carlton Denver on TripKick.com

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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.

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The Westin Versa Napa is uniquely positioned in The Napa Valley, offering guests a wide range of room types and an extremely convenient central location. Having just opened in September of 2008, the Westin Versa is one of the newest hotel options available in the valley. When searching for a hotel or resort in Napa, Sonoma or the surrounding areas, you might be hard pressed to find spacious accommodations with the consistency of a recognizable industry brand.  The Westin Versa however delivers, with room types that are designed to comfort guests with overly spacious, residential-style rooms with conveniences such as full kitchens and outdoor balconies.

Two Bedroom Suite, Living Room Area & Full Kitchen  (Room Number 1031)

The Westin Versa Napa is a hotel/condo development that will appeal those seeking an upscale hotel experience with all the conveniences of home.  In fact, over half of thier rooms are configured in a suite like format, offering separate bedrooms, living rooms and outdoor balconies.  Traditional category rooms (20 in total) offer the feel of a conventional hotel room, with a host of added amenities such as LCD Flat panel televisions and XBox 360’s.  Deluxe Category accommodations offer slightly more space along with kitchenettes, a wonderful perk for long term stays.  Premium One and Two bedroom suites offer a residential feel, with full kitchens, outdoor balconies, bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs along with all the amenities available in the Traditional and Deluxe category rooms.  Views vary by location, but typically consist of river views, bocci ball courtyard views, city views and pool views.

Two Bedroom Suite, 2nd Bedroom Area  (Room Number 1031)

Two Bedroom Suite, Balcony, Master Bath & Shower  (Room Number 1031)

Premium One Bedroom Suite, Living Room Area  (Room Number 2039)

Deluxe Room Type, Kitchenette  (Room Number 2041)

The Westin Versa is an ideal spot to start your wine tour journey, or even conduct business.  Given the large number of boutique hotels in Wine County, the Westin offers a unique alternative with room types that allow you to relax, stretch out and enjoy your experience.  Even if you decide to stay on property, there are dining options that will impress even the most discering appetite.  The Westin Unwind Program offers evening wine tastings, pairings and other events that will keep you involved and bring you closer to local culture.  All in all, The Westin Versa is a fantastic Napa addition, and one that we highly suggest when planning your next visit.

Today we’re in Chicago taking a look at aLoft Chicago O’Hare, a new concept from Starwood and W Hotels. aLoft’s have been opening up all around the country, and this one is the company’s largest. Conveniently located just minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, guests will enjoy a refreshing airport hotel experience that is both hip and budget minded. aLoft hotels have taken cues from W Hotels, but have packaged many of W’s best features in a more cost conscious package.

Although every aLoft property is almost a mirror image of each other, this one is a bit larger at 251 rooms. Guests are welcomed by a lobby space dubbed “Remix” a wonderful area to relax, enjoy the complimentary wireless internet or play a game of pool.

aLoft Lobby “Remix” and Quick Dining “Refuel”

aLoft offers only standard guest rooms with an option of 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds.  Guest rooms provide ample space to relax or work, and feature flat panel LCD televisions along with comfortable bedding.  Similar to the lobby space, rooms are contemporary and appointed in a hip “W Hotel-esque” way.  Bathrooms are creative and laid out in an open format with plenty of mirrors and plenty of conveniences such as in-room coffee makers, magazines and Bliss Spa amenities.  Bathrooms feature glass enclosed showers, a feature that we like at TripKick.com.  Although not necessarily a view hotel, select guest rooms feature views of Chicago O’Hare Airport, by request.

Guest Rooms, 2 Queen Beds  (Room Number 246)

Guest Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 239)

All aLoft hotels feature swimming pools and impressive fitness centers with Life Fitness Equipment, a nice touch for business or leisure travelers alike.  aLoft aims to please travelers with a simple yet fashion forward approach with “loft inspired” design and free-flowing energy.  Whether you’re staying one night or ten, you’re certain to enjoy the casual fun-filled environment of aLoft… this is not your ordinary budget minded hotel.

aLoft Indoor Pool and Fitness Center

aLoft Chicago O’Hare TripKick.com Profile

Trump Las Vegas Lobby

The long anticipated Trump Hotel Las Vegas has arrived, and last week we were given the grand tour of this dynamite new high rise condo hotel.

For those travelers seeking a truly unique Las Vegas escape, The Trump provides an oasis from an otherwise bustling city.

Location:

The Trump Las Vegas is located adjacent to the Fashion Show Mall, and across the street from the Encore and Wynn Las Vegas.  Just off the Las Vegas Strip, guests will still appreciate a convenient location without being in the heart of the crowds.  We were never more than a few minutes walking distance from everywhere we wanted to be in Las Vegas.  Trump Las Vegas does not have its own Casino, however we saw this more as a plus, as some of the world’s most famous gambling options are just doors away.  After a long night in Las Vegas, it’s a pleasure to walk thru your hotel lobby without the crowds or sounds of dinging slot machines.

The Guest Rooms and Suites:

The Trump Las Vegas is a 64 Story Condo/Hotel development with a wide variety of accommodation options.  Given this unique setup, all accommodations regardless of category, offer convenient residential features such as kitchenettes or full kitchens.  All accommodations are exquisitely appointed with a warm residential decor, along with some of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever experienced!  Trump’s opening room category, The Studio Guest Room, is a generously sized 520 Square Feet, and features a kitchenette along with a luxuriously appointed bathroom.  Bathrooms include large glass enclosed showers along with deep soaking bathtubs and in-mirror LCD televisions, a feature that we absolutely love.  Guests have the option to reserve Studio Premier Rooms, which are located on higher floors and offer stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Studio Guest Room, Premier Strip View  (Room Number 5227)

Studio Guest Room, Premier Strip View  (Room Number 4903)

Trump Guest Room Floor Plan, Floors 16-59.  Rooms ending in 07-25 offer Strip Views.

The next available room category at Trump Las Vegas in the One Bedroom Suite.  These room types feature a condo-style layout with an incredible amount of space (approximately 820 square feet) along with a separate bedroom and living room area as well as a full size kitchen.  Living rooms feature a pullout sofa bed, and each of these One Bedroom Suites offer 3 LCD televisions and plenty of room to stretch out and relax.

One Bedroom Suite  (Room Number 5226)

Deluxe and Penthouse Suites offer the ultimate in space, luxury and design.  These one of a kind accommodations are located on Floors 60-64, and offer some of the city’s most remarkable views.  We got an opportunity to take a peek at a Penthouse Suite, and we can tell you that this is the ticket for a truly indulgent Las Vegas suite experience.  Penthouses feature a unique configuration of space, fully equipped with oversized dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms along with an unbeatable vantage point of the city.  Bathrooms offer the ultimate in luxury and deep soaking bathtubs offer a birds eye view of the surrounding desert landscape or the Las Vegas Strip, making it a one of kind experience.

Penthouse Suite  (Room Number 6203)

Amenities and Services:

For a small nightly resort fee, guests are given complimentary valet parking, use of a fantastic fitness center with state of the art TechnoGym equipment, complimentary daily bottled water and several other worthwhile amenities.  In a city where mega-hotels are plentiful, service is often forgotten.  At the Trump however, service is paramount and a cornerstone of their operation.  You feel as though you’re truly staying in a 5 star hotel, something that most other Las Vegas luxury hotels fail to deliver.

The Outdoor Rooftop Pool Area at Trump Las Vegas

Most of us have been to Las Vegas enough times to realize that there are an endless number of glitzy Las Vegas mega-hotels from which to choose.  They often feature attraction after attraction, and taut themselves as being the newest and greatest “Five Star Hotel.”  However rarely do these giants really follow through on their promise to be “Five Star.”  Trump Las Vegas is world class, evident by its high service standards and attention to detail. The Trump Las Vegas makes for a truly wonderful addition to the Las Vegas hotel scene, and one that you’re likely to find relaxing, indulgent and simply one of a kind.

Opening Category, Luxury Suite Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 44 817)

TripKick.com has covered just about every hotel in Las Vegas, but recently we took a closer look at The Palazzo, one of the city’s newest hotel options.  Unlike so many of Las Vegas’ “mega-hotels”, Palazzo doesn’t take on quite the themed experience you might expect.  Palazzo, the sister hotel to The Venetian Las Vegas, is Italian Inspired (sans gondolas) and delivers a truly luxurious hotel experience that is both sophisticated and fun.

Accommodations at Palazzo are nearly identical to those at Venetian (although the colors vary slightly) but Palazzo guests will enjoy an environment that is slightly more geared toward adults.  Palazzo features its own promenade of high end shopping, and also connects to The Shops at Venetian.  The entire feel of Palazzo is intended to reflect the luxury and indulgence of romantic Italy, featuring a great use of beautiful materials including Olive Trees and Mediterranean Limestone.

Palazzo Check-In Area

Palazzo Lobby Area, This is a Rotating Design (Chinese New Year Design is Featured Above)

Palazzo is an All Suite property with accommodations starting at a generous 720 square feet.  Luxury Suites (Palazzo’s Opening Category Room) are configured in an open floor plan, with a step down living room area.  Luxury Suites feature 3 LCD televisions in total, including one in the Bathroom.  Bathrooms are also spacious and feature a luxurious twin vanity design along with a separate glass shower and bathtub.  Beds offer great comfort and feature plush pillow-top mattresses along with fine linens.  We felt that the Luxury Suites provided ample space and comfort, however for those seeking just slightly more space (or privacy) there are 2 other categories available.  “Fortuna Suites” are slightly wider than Luxury Suites, and offer a bedroom area that is somewhat removed from the Living Room area of the Suite.  “Sienna Suites” are the largest Suites available to guests (non-gaming guests), and these rooms offer a separate living room and bedroom area along with 1.5 baths.  Regardless of your suite category, guests can expect an indulgent experience with elegant yet contemporary accommodations.  Room Numbers are 5 Digits: ie. 44 817, 44th Floor, Room 817.

Luxury Suite Category, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 44 817)

Fortuna Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 36 808)

Sienna Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 36 805)

All guests have the option to upgrade to the Palazzo Concierge Level (Typically $100/night) which provides access to the lounge and morning breakfast, afternoon snacks and evening cocktails.  The Concierge Level Lounge features a private business center along with a personalized staff.

Palazzo Concierge Lounge, 23rd Floor

The Palazzo Pool Deck

The Palazzo offers a wide array of dining options ranging from Sushi to Continental Cuisine.  Celebrity Chef creations are endless, but on our most recent visit we were simply wowed by one restaurant in particular.  LAVO is an innovative new concept that mates dining and entertainment.  This semi-casual yet sohphisticated space is Mediterranean inspired and simply stunning.  Dishes are intended to be shared in true Mediterranean fashion, and this is a dining experience that shouldn’t be missed.

LAVO Restaurant

LAVO NightClub Entrance

Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s largest hotels, yet despite this wide variety, only a select few are contenders for the most discerning traveler.  Palazzo certainly is a world class contender and offers some of Las Vegas’ finest accommodations.  Guests will enjoy a host of luxurious amenities coupled with a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment and supreme shopping.