We want to give a BIG THANKS to the New York Times for noticing us.  They wrote a great article that appeared in the Sunday Travel Section and online, it touched on the very problem TripKick solves.

They note that TripKick is the only website that “offers room-by-room guides for hotels.”

Yup, we’re growing fast!  17 cities and counting, with Dallas and New Orleans coming this month.

Remember Travelers, we want to Hear from you.  Make sure to post your Room Reviews on the “Your Experience Tab” and if you have a great Travel Story that you want us to share be sure to Email Travel@tripkick.com.

Well, just in case you were wondering, we’ve been exploring Minneapolis and St. Paul, in search of the very best hotel rooms. Minneapolis has some exciting new hotels, but we wanted to tell you about two of the newest, and perhaps most exciting choices.

W Hotels has done it again with the W Minneapolis, The Foshay. Housed in the historic “Foshay Tower” the W Minneapolis blends old and new, in one seamless package. The building itself is modeled after the Washington Monument, making this W unique, with 57 different room types. Yep, 57 room types! Each room is a bit different from the next, a feature we think is quite neat. Rooms are impressive to say the least, with contemporary decor and features that you won’t always find at other W’s. Select rooms feature bathrooms with windows, and all rooms have Oversized Glass Showers. The W Minneapolis Lobby or “Livingroom” is one of the largest we’ve seen, and is already “the” place to be in the city. For a real treat, be sure to check out Prohibition, located on the 27th Floor. This “old meets new” bar is one of the hippest in town, and features wonderful views of the Minneapolis Skyline.

The Westin Edina Galleria is another addition to the Minneapolis hotel scene, located just fifteen minutes outside of Downtown Minneapolis. Primarily designed with the business traveler in mind, The Westin Edina is adjacent to the upscale Galleria Shops of Distinction, as well as a host of local businesses. Guest rooms feature Westin’s Heavenly Beds, as well as generously sized bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs. Swimmers will enjoy the Saline Saltwater Pool, a feature that can only be enjoyed in a handful of hotels across North America.

Out of All the Rooms in Los Angeles TripKick has seen, these 5 stand out for their respective Categories

Trendy Boutique - The London West Hollywood

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “07″

This Hotel just opened and is one of our Favorites in the Party Scene West Hollywood Area.  The preferred corner 07 rooms have the best views of West Hollywood and even a glimpse of Downtown LA on a rare smog clear day.  The bathroom is large, designed by Waterworks, with all white mosaic tiles and an oversized bathtub with a dual walk in shower.  Be sure to check out the Roof Top Pool, some of the best views in all of LA!

Hip & Trendy - Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “11″ or “22″

Newly Opened Thompson Hotel exudes the style and sophistication of the Hip & Trendy Scene in Los Angeles; located in the Heart of Beverly Hills and a walking distance to all the designer shops and gourmet restaurants.  These two corner rooms are oversized rooms with the most preferred views, “11″ of the Hollywood Hills, and “22″ of Downtown LA.

Family Getaway - Shutters on the Beach

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “47″

Fantastic California Craftsman Style Hotel that sits right on Santa Monica Beach.  It’s a stones throw from both the Santa Monica Pier, 3^rd St. Promenade, and Main St.  They just completed a renovation of their Pool area and although the “47″ rooms are in the Ocean House, these corner rooms are close to the Pool and have great views of the Beach/Pier.

Quiet & Serene - Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills

TripKick Preferred Room: Room “225″

Wonderful boutique hotel with only 49 rooms that makes Los Angeles seem to slow down.  Located on a mostly residential street, still within walking distance to the Beverly Hills Shops, makes you feel like you’ve just arrived at your 2^nd home.  Room 225, located in the outdoor building, sits right above the pool and is used as one of the Bedrooms of the Presidential Suite; however it can be booked separately.  We highly recommend this hotel/room for those looking to be in LA without the stress of LA.

Upscale Business Hotel - InterContinental Los Angeles Century City

TripKick Preferred Rooms: Rooms ending in “39″

Located in the heart of Century City, the Westside’s Downtown, this hotel is ideal for the business traveler.  The design is understated elegance, great lobby bar, and Wi-Fi through the hotel.  We choose the “39″ rooms due to their size, separate living and bedroom, they are corner rooms, and their superior views of Los Angeles.

1.  Clift Hotel - San Francisco, CA

You can’t come to San Francisco and not have a drink in the Redwood Room. Historic in age but made modern by the Morgan’s Group touch. A great scene for those looking to party with the who’s who of the Bay Area.

2.  The Standard - West Hollywood, CA

Located on the Famous Sunset Strip, this Retro Style embodies the hipster motif. At night the Lobby turns into a great bar scene, with some attractive models in a glass box behind the check in desk. Behind the restaurant there is a great club, but be prepared to wait.

3.  Thompson Beverly Hills - Beverly Hills, CA

One of the new “It” places of Beverly Hills night life. They just opened their rooftop lounge/pool/bar where you can enjoy drinks by the stars. It has a 70’s flair with the sophistication of the Thompson New York properties which is why we think it’s one of the coolest places in LA.

4.  The Hotel at Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas, NV

Yes, most of the Las Vegas Hotels pride themselves on being Party Hotels, but “The Hotel” is one the most impressive modern hotels in the world. Their Mix Lounge has the most impressive view of the Strip and some of the most interesting designs.

5.  Delano Hotel - Miami Beach, FL

The 2^nd Morgan’s Hotel on our List, this hotel is the Classy Chic hotel of South Beach. Make sure you save your designer clothes, anything else would seem out of place for this high-end party scene.

6.  Hard Rock Hotel - Chicago, IL

The cutting edge of Chicago nightlife is at Rock Bar. The scene is trendy and “hard”. Located on the Miracle Mile of Michigan Avenue, you never know which stars you might see wandering around.

7.  Hotel Solamar - San Diego, CA

Great pool bar, great music, and almost every night in San Diego is a beautiful night…located in the Gaslamp District which has become the heart of the San Diego party scene.

8.  W Atlanta-Midtown - Atlanta, GA

This W just completed their multi-million dollar renovation and it shows. We’ve seen every W Hotel in the USA and this is our favorite so far. Great restaurant, Spice Market, and with three separate bars - it’s very easy to find a scene that fits you. This Hotel has become the place to be on a Friday and Saturday night in Atlanta.

9.  Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel - Hollywood, CA

This Thompson hotel reflects the old Hollywood charm and the new age pool party scene. There’s always something going on at this hotel, given its location, the quintessential “Hollywood” experience.

10. W Chicago-Lakeshore - Chicago, IL

W Brings their party mood to this lake view hotel. Definitely just as hip as any party hotel, but with more of the zany feel we’ve all come to love from this Starwood brand.

Attraction:   The Getty Center

Melrose Ave.

Food:           Taste on Melrose Ave.

Newsroom Café on Robertson Blvd.

Thillist.com: Unbeatable Source to know what’s “IN” before everyone else.  Be sure check in with Thrillist before you travel to LA to find “the” new restaurant or the best place to buy the perfect T-Shirt.  They have other Cities that they cover, but like us, they are growing and they will be adding more cities in the near future.

Highlight the Answers to See Them:

1. How many times has Los Angeles hosted the Olympic Games?

A) 1

B) 2

C) 3

D) 4

Answer: B. TWICE, the 1932 and 1984 Summer Games (The only city in the world to host it twice and the only 2 profitable Olympic Games in history)

2. True or False: None of the palm trees in Los Angeles are indigenous to the city.
Answer: True, Palm Trees in Los Angeles were planted to beautify the city in preparation for the 1932 Olympic Games.

3. Los Angeles is known for Entertainment, but guess what, that’s not the city’s #1 Industry - what is?

A) Aerospace

B) Agriculture

C) Fashion

D) Manufacturing

E) Tourism

Answer: D. Manufacturing, LA is the largest manufacturing center in the US.

4. How many major movie studios are located within Hollywood?

A) 1

B) 3

C) 4

D) None

Answer: A. Only Paramount Studios is located in Hollywood; the rest have moved to neighboring cities.

5. Fill in the Blank: Although LA is known for its beaches, Griffith Park is a huge tourist attraction and is the (Largest, 2nd Largest, 3rd Largest) city run park in the country.

Answer: Largest

New Orleans    Minneapolis

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta has recently unveiled a new guest room experience, complete with new technology enhancements, contemporary furnishings and rooms that take a complete departure from the old. Ritz has taken fresh turn in room design at this property, while also preserving a level of elegance that one would expect from the brand. Service here is simply amazing, as evident by our dining experience while visiting this hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead: The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead is located in the prestigious community of Buckhead, just fifteen minutes from Downtown. Guest rooms at this property have also taken a new turn, by playing on the classic elegance of Georgian style, while also updating the old look. These rooms will really knock your socks off. For true indulgence, try booking a “Luxury Suite” complete with a bathroom that comes stocked with Bath Salts that probably cost as much as a standard room rate! Suite bathrooms have separate showers and bathtubs, while standard rooms come equipped with stand alone seamless glass showers. Rooms with 2 Double Beds have a shower/bathtub combination. The lobby has not yet undergone a renovation, but rumor has it that the hotel will maintain a classic traditional look with a few updates and refinements.

The Mansion on Peachtree: Also located in Buckhead, the Mansion is one of Atlanta’s newest properties, boasting some of the most sophisticated accommodations available in the city. With less than 130 rooms and suites, the Mansion offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury. We were particularly impressed with the bathrooms, as most offer windows for added lighting, as well as separate showers and bathtubs. What’s truly notable with these rooms however is the “hidden television” feature, which might leave you guessing where to find your TV. The Mansion has hidden their guest room televisions in a portrait, yes the TV is also an art piece! Hit the button, and artwork transforms into a TV… wow.

W Atlanta Midtown What can we say, W has done it again. This time though, we think W has really outdone themselves, as this property might just offer some of the best rooms in the chain. There is little or no resemblance of its days as a Sheraton, honestly, none! We’ve all seen bad hotel transformations, but this one is not. W has spent an incredible amount of money, essentially transforming the W Atlanta Midtown into a brand new hotel. Rooms are incredibly well finished with true hip W Style. Every comfort imaginable is at your disposal. All King Bedded rooms offer Stand Up Glass showers, while Suites offer huge Rainforest style showers with a window view of the bedroom. This is definitely one to check out.

Stay tuned for Atlanta Hotels!

You can now find your perfect room in Seattle. TripKick.com has profiled 28 hotels encompassing a great representation of what the city has to offer!

Here are the Top 5 TripKick Picks for Seattle

Best Boutique - Alexis Hotel

Best Business / Convention - Grand Hyatt Seattle

Best Hip & Trendy - W Seattle

Best Romantic Getaway - Hotel Max

Best Quiet & Serene - PanPacific Seattle