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

Main Entrance at The Standard NYC

The Standard New York is anything but Standard, as this is the company’s very first “New Build” property. Honestly, we’ve been unimpressed with some of their other properties- perhaps given the fact that most of them were previously lower end hotels or even nursing homes in the case of their West Hollywood Property.

We can say however that The Standard New York is refreshing. You can still expect their typical trendy scheme that will most likely appeal to twenty somethings, but The Standard NYC is definitely a grown up version. the Standard NYC is located in the Meatpacking District, immediately adjacent to great shopping and nightlife. The hotel itself is someone isolated (still only one block from the good shopping and restaurants, but looks isolated nonetheless), but allows for spectacular views from most Guest Rooms. We’d even say that the Standard NYC has some of the best views in the city (ok, The Mandarin-Oriental New York is definitely in the running as well)

Standard Empire King (Room Number 1006)

Deluxe King Room

In typical Standard Hotel fashion, the staff is “too cool for school” but that’s just part of the allure for some guests. That being said, we were warmly greeted by Lobby Staff, and were given a nice little tour of the hotel. There are several room categories from which to choose, but honestly- every room has a great view (even on lower floors.) There are two sides of the hotel which each offer distinctly different view styles- 1) Uptown/Empire State Views and 2) Hudson River, New Jersey & Statue of Liberty Views. Although the latter is more expensive, view preferences at this hotel are subjective depending on what you want to see. Guest rooms are designed in a Retro throwback motif with light and bright colors, and white carpeting- we’re wondering how long that’ll last. Bathrooms are definitely out of the ordinary, as they feature full glass windows which view the bedroom area (Deluxe Category Rooms just have an Open Area to Bedroom Area, No Glass) along with Stand Up Showers. If privacy is of utmost importance, you may want to pass on The Standard.

Standard Empire King w/ Uptown Views (Room Number 1006)

Deluxe Room w/ Hudson River Views

The Standard Suite (aka Hudson Suite) , Full Panoramic Windows w/ Open Bathroom

(Room Number 1023)

We were pleased with the outcome of The Standard New York, but they’re still not finished. Only some floors are currently open, and limited services are available throughout the hotel until the project is finished. The Standard however is offering some fantastic rates for a limited time. For a truly fun, quirky New York City Hotel experience, The Standard is certain to deliver.

Check-In at The Stanford Court

On our last visit to San Francisco, we decided to check up on The Stanford Court Hotel- a Renaissance Property. On our first visit, The Stanford Court had just embarked on a massive renovation effort- so we were excited to see the finished product this week. The Stanford Court has spent over $35 million on the renovation which includes a full rehab of Guest Rooms, Lobby Area, Restaurants, Meeting Space and the addition of a Club Lounge.

The changes are evident upon arrival, as the Main Entrance has been relocated and the Lobby Space has been entirely redesigned to reflect a more modern approach. The Stanford Court is a historic property, originally built as Mr. Stanford’s personal residence, so this most recent overhaul took a great deal of thought and consideration of the property’s historic attributes. The Lobby Space now encompasses a “Great Room” feel as it blends the hotel’s restaurant Aurea into the Lobby itself, creating a unique feel that guests are likely to enjoy.

Aurea Lobby Bar & Restaurant, The Bar Offers Guests a Wide Variety of Wines by The Glass

The Guest Room experience at the Stanford Court has changed dramatically post renovation, and long gone are the days of a traditional decor. The Stanford Court has instead opted for a decor that will appeal to a wider audience, featuring modern colors, and the installation of several new features. Most notably, The Stanford Court has upgraded its bedding, furnishings and technology. The hotel has already received much praise for its bed comfort and addition of 37″ Flat Panel Televisions, Bedside LED Reading Lights and overall room comfort.

There are a wide variety of room configurations, but we’ve listed some of the more popular options on The Stanford Court TripKick.com Page. We found that most guest rooms were generously sized, and some had the distinction of offering City and Bay Views on higher floors.

Deluxe Category Room w/ 2 Queens (Room Number 460) We Recommend Rooms Ending in “60″ as they are some of the Largest Rooms w/ 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room w/ Bay & City Views, 1 King Bed (Room Number 447) Rooms Ending in “47″ are Some of the most Preferred Rooms in the Hotel as they are Oversized and Feature Excellent Views

Standard Room w/ 1 Queen Bed, The Stanford Court’s Smallest Guest Room (Room Number 448) Rooms Ending in “48″ are among the hotels’ Smallest, However They are Still Ideal for 1 Traveler, Also Very Quiet

Stanford Court’s “Virtual Wall Mounted Concierge” in addition to the actual Concierge, Assists Guests with Flight Information, Dining Options Etc., all at the Touch of a Finger

The New Gym, Twice the Size of the Previous Facility

We were thrilled to see the evolution of a product, and we give kudos to The Stanford Court for adding style to history and presenting a product that guests are already loving.

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.

Wow Suite, Dining Room Area, W New York

The W New York was the very first W property, and over the years it’s often been forgotten because of the many other W choices in the city. On our trip to NYC last week, we decided to meet with the folks at W New York to see the progress they’ve made with their newest renovation. Although I’ve never actually stayed at this W, I’ve often heard criticism of the small rooms and dated W Decor. I’ve seen many pictures of the old rooms, and let me tell you- the W New York has really done wonders with the renovation. Because space was such an issue (as it is with most NYC properties) the W had to be clever with their furniture placement and design. After an extensive tour of the new product, I can tell you that even the smallest categories offers a refreshing room layout with light colors, efficient use of space and a new more luxurious bathroom design. Clever additions such as Pole Mounted Flat Screen Televisions, and MiniBar/Closet Combos, all make these rooms seems larger and more inviting. One of my biggest criticisms of NYC hotels is space and room layout, but I was ready to check-in to the W New York after my tour.

Wonderful Category Room, Glass Shower, Pole Mounted TV & Desk Area (Room Number 1627)

The suites have also been meticulously re-designed with utmost attention to design and detail. White linens, purple furniture tones and retro NYC style artwork & trinkets are all standard features in Suite Category Rooms. Specialty suites including the “Wow Suites” are truly dynamite and feature large Outdoor Terraces, which are an absolutely rarity in NYC.

Fantastic Suite (Room Number 1634)

Wow Suite (Room Number 1725)

From one hotel aficionado to another, give the W New York a try on your next visit, you won’t be disappointed. The W New York has a stellar Midtown Manhattan Location, a wide variety of room types, and some of the most comfortable beds in the city.

Thank you to The CBS Early Show and Travel + Leisure Magazine. TripKick.com was recently Featured on the CBS Early Show as one of the Top Websites for 2008!

Well, we tried our very best to stay at the new Smyth Tribeca, soon to be one of New York City’s newest Thompson Hotels. To our dismay however, Smyth informed us that their opening had been delayed until late January. The good news however is that Smyth is well worth the wait.

Smyth Tribeca was kind enough to offer TripKick.com a first look at their new property despite the delayed opening, and we can tell you with confidence that Smyth is something entirely new for the Thompson Hotel collection of properties. Smyth embodies a “Four Seasons meets Thompson Hotels” look and feel, as it is both sophisticated and luxurious in style and appeal. Firstly, Smyth offers a location that is ideal for leisure and business travelers alike, as it’s just minutes from both SOHO and Wall Street. Smyth also has the privelige of being a new build property, allowing for flexibility with room types and common areas.

We saw over 5 different room types, varying from Superior Rooms to Studio Rooms to Suites. All are designed to impress with Manhattan elegance, Thompson contemporary touches and finish work that would even make the likes of some Four Seasons hotels jealous. Rooms at the Smyth offer clean lines with utmost simplicity and style- not too much, not too little. Bathrooms are equally tasteful with Glass Enclosed showers (some frosted with exposure to the bedroom areas) and Cultured Marble finish work. Generously sized bathrooms are always a welcomed feature in NYC hotel rooms, and Smyth has done a wonderful job with their bathroom design. Some room categories (including select Studio Rooms) offer bathrooms with windows which provide excellent natural light along with separate Showers & Deep Soaking Tubs.

King Deluxe Room

Typical Smyth Bathroom Setup

Queen Superior Room

Smyth Tribeca is not your ordinary Boutique Hotel. Smyth is a product that is both Bold yet Simple, elegant and energetic. We are excited about Smyth’s offical opening which will include the unveiling of its finished lobby space, Fitness Center and Restaurant (Note: Restaurant Opening Date is TBD) Smyth is expected to open up officially later this month, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on an exact date.

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.

Tranquil Suite, 1 King Bed, 2 Terraces, Oversized Shower (Could Fit 4!) (Room 2101)

We had an opportunity to stay at The Dana Hotel & Spa over New Year’s Eve, and despite some chilly weather, the hotel satisfied our every Boutique Hotel need.  The Dana is not your conventional hotel, nor is it even your conventional Boutique Hotel.  The Dana is independently managed and owned, and proudly features a variety of products and services that are rarely seen in other hotels across North America.

Located on State Street just one block from the heart of Michigan Avenue’s best shopping, the Dana offers convenience, but also a location that isn’t smack dab in the center of chaos.  We found the Dana to be a relaxing sanctuary, with sophisticated yet hip style.  Upon entering the Dana guests are met by walls of modern glass and concrete.  The Dana has a very urban condo-like feel, boasting residential style coupled with high energy.  And for even higher energy, Dana’s Rooftop Lounge “Vertigo” offers great views of the city along with a Rooftop Outdoor Terrace.

We particularly enjoyed the guest room experience at The Dana… contemporary, comfortable and genuinely unique.  Most standard guest rooms are similar in size and design, and only vary based on view and location.  There are however some exceptions, including Corner Rooms (dubbed “Delightful Kings”) and Cozy Kings (these rooms offer balconies but are slightly smaller than most standard rooms.)  Corner “Delightful Kings” are especially popular with guests, as they feature 2 walls of expansive windows. It’s a real rarity to find a Chicago hotel with balconies, but The Dana has 2 Room Types that offer outdoor space.  These rooms along with all other Standard Rooms feature a unique bathroom setup with a Window which views the Bedroom Area.  The Dana features a wonderful array of bathroom spa products from Pasadena, Ca based Lather, certainly a nice touch.  Also unique to The Dana is Hardwood Flooring in all guest rooms, which makes for a nice added feature that  is not so typical in most hotels.

Tranquil Suite, 1 King Bed, 2 Terraces, Oversized Shower (Could Fit 4!) (Room 2101)

Delightful King Category Room (Corner Location w/ 2 Walls of Windows) 1 King Bed

Serene King (Most Typical Room Type) Unique Dana Bathroom Configuration (Room 2408)

The Dana “Residential-Feel” continues throughout the guest room experience into even such services as The MiniBar.  We found Full Size Wine Bottles at reasonable prices, allowing guests to feel relaxed with “at-home” prices instead of the usual price gouging that is often seen at other hotels of this caliber.

The Dana MiniBar

True to the name “The Dana Hotel & Spa”, the Dana of course offers an intimate Spa experience that attracts not only guests but outside clientèle as well.  Modern in design, the Dana Spa offers a wide variety of treatment options, as well as a Fitness Center that offers state of the art TechnoGym equipment

The Dana Fitness Center w/ Technogym Equipment

The verdict on The Dana Hotel & Spa: we loved it.  Chicago is a city filled with numerous hotel options, yet The Dana offered something special.  For those travelers seeking relaxation, practicality, and true residential sophistication, The Dana is among the best.

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.