What market has Jimmy Buffett not conquered? Well, he can certainly knock hotel entrepreneur off his bucket list. This past June 28 marked the grand opening of Mr. Buffett’s newest venture, The Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola Beach, Fla. After two years and 50 million dollars, the gulf-front resort sprung from the ashes of a former hotel that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. While this might be mecca for parrotheads, what does a stay at Margaritaville hold in store for patrons who don’t know all the lyrics to “Cheeseburger in Paradise?”

Hotel Basics

The immaculately white hotel with blue accents sits on 800 feet of gulf-front land, with an additional 800 feet overlooking the bay. Upon arrival, guests are served fresh orange juice as they enter the lobby, albeit, a margarita would seem much more fitting. The earthy color scheme of the lobby evokes a preppy Cape Cod inn as opposed to a hotel said to embody the island escapism that inspires Buffet’s music. That being said, it’s classic and simple, proving that less is often more—a mindset fitting for a beach getaway.

Guest Rooms

With a 162 guest rooms on this sun-soaked property, Margaritaville doesn’t lack rooms with views. Bay-view and gulf-front views are available, as are 24 Corner King Executive rooms with wraparound balconies that provide a more panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. Guest rooms have tiled floors, oak furnishings, HD flat screen TVs and, drumroll please, a Margaritaville station on the in-room SIRIUS XM Radio. Room service is also available seven days a week. Room rates range approximately from $195 to $450 a night, depending on the season and availability of accommodations.

Swimming Pool

Once you set foot on the outside hotel grounds, you will really want to kick off your sandals and embrace the island state of mind. The luxe swimming pool is long and narrow, surrounded by brightly colored lounge chairs. A poolside tiki bar offers a full bar and even food if you feel like waiting a full 30 minutes before you go swimming.

Dining and Activities

If chilling beach side is more your style, head on down to Land Shark Landing, a beach gazebo serving up delish food and cold beverages such as fish tacos with chili lime cabbage slaw and refreshing beers. There are plenty of activities to partake in down at Land Shark Landing besides overindulging, including beach ping pong, volleyball and the less strenuous hammock lounging. During the summer, live entertainment is offered seven days a week. If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, try Frank and Lola Love Pensacola Café, named after Buffet’s popular 1982 jam “Frank and Lola.” The dinner menu boasts local seafood, mouth-watering cuts of steak, salads and an impressive wine selection. Breakfast and lunch are also served at the café, and there’s sure to be something for everyone. The hotel announced in September that the restaurant would start serving brunch every Sunday.

For up-to-date information, visit www.margaritavillehotel.com/

Las Vegas is called Sin City for many reasons. Drinking, gambling, shopping and eating are just a few of the vices to partake in. But hey, isn’t the appeal of Vegas to be at least a little naughty? Whether you’re gambling away your rent money, dancing on the bar or spoiling your kids rotten, you’ll need a hotel to fit your vision of Las Vegas sin.

The High Roller – The Wynn
Hey big spender, looking for a hotel where you can win big bucks in style? Book yourself a room at The Wynn, winner of more Forbes Five Star awards than any other casino resort in the world. With a gorgeous main casino adorned with red carpets, the hotel will elate gambling fanatics with table games such as Baccarat, Black Jack and Roulette; 800 slot machines; a 26-table poker room; and even poolside games of Black Jack for those prone to gambling withdrawals.

The Spoiled Family – Mandalay Bay
While Vegas might not seem like the most kid-friendly city, a few days at Mandalay Bay will give your little angels a taste of the sinful lifestyle. The Shark Reef Aquarium, North America’s only predator-based aquarium, will let kids take a closer look at more than 2,000 animals, including giant rays, green sea turtles and sharks of all kinds. Since kids can’t enjoy the same evening entertainment as adults, take them to see The Lion King at the Mandalay Bay Theatre. Last, but never least, the pool experience at Mandalay Bay will convince your kids to sell their souls to stay in Vegas forever. The Mandalay Bay Beach is complete with a wave pool, lazy river, three swimming pools and 2,700 tons of real sand.

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.

While fashionistas might be saying auf wiedersehen to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, as Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.” Fashion transcends the runway and, luckily for us hotel enthusiasts, more and more designers are jumping at the chance to lend their signature styles to hotels. Here are five designers who really make it work.

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

The Westin Copley Boston is debuting a new guest room renovation by Spring 2011, and today we got a sneak preview of Room 2222, the room that shows off the newest look.

Hope you enjoyed the preview, let us know what you think!

If Las Vegas is a playground for adults, then Sin City needs an abundance of nurseries for all of the gamblers, partiers and tourists to rest in at night. So if you think Las Vegas couldn’t handle another luxury hotel, then think again—Vegas is a city of excess. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, set to open its doors December 15, 2010, promises to dazzle its guests with a truly unique Vegas experience, even for those who think they’ve exhausted the city’s possibilities. So let’s take a sneak peak behind the hype and see what The Cosmopolitan really has to offer.

The Basics
Located at the heart of the Strip between Bellagio and CityCenter, The Cosmopolitan is a 2,995-room resort with 50-story East and West towers. The hotel, which is situated on 8.7 acres of land, has views of the Las Vegas skyline that’ll make your head spin faster than a roulette ball. With a gamut of noteworthy interior architects such as Jeffrey Beers, who designed The Cove Atlantis, and David Rockwell, the brains behind the Kodak Theatre, there’s no questioning the assertions that The Cosmopolitan is visually stunning. It was recently announced that The Cosmopolitan partnered with Marriot International’s Autograph Collection, integrating the new property into Marriot’s collection of elite hotels that set the standards for luxury and style—not a bad endorsement.

The Rooms
Oversized, residential-style accommodations get as spacious as 5,400 square feet, not including the 10 three-story bungalow-style suites. Many of the rooms offer private terraces, kitchenettes complete with a microwave and a refrigerator, and a separate living room, so guests can enjoy the comfort of complete privacy. All rooms offer wireless Internet access, plasma-screen TVs and luxurious marble bathrooms — some even boasting a Japanese soaking tub. Special amenities aside, even a stay in the affordable room City Room is bound to be a decadent Las Vegas experience.

Entertainment
If you’re looking to get lucky in Vegas, the hotel’s 100,000 square foot casino offers state-of-the-art gaming technology and glass walls—a far cry from the stereotypical Vegas casino where you can’t tell what time of day it is. The Cosmopolitan is also introducing the first-ever Casino Cabanas. And in true Vegas tradition, an epic pool is a must for every luxury resort. The Cosmopolitan has three to choose from: the Boulevard Pool, which overlooks the strip; the Bamboo Pool, which offers a more private swimming experience; and the Day Club Pool, which has a lounge feeling during the day and doubles as a nightclub when the sun goes down.

Indulge
Las Vegas is known for its culinary prowess, and The Cosmopolitan isn’t sparing a dime when it comes to satisfying the palates of its hungry guests. With currently 12 restaurants to choose from, guests will be able to feast on a wide array of dishes created by some of the country’s most celebrated chefs and restaurant brands, including sushi from Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill, Chinese and Mexican fusion from China Poblano, and tapas from Jaleo. After your meal, you won’t have to travel far for an authentic Vegas nightlife experience. Whether you prefer a low-key night of drinks at the elegant Vesper Bar, watching the game with local sports-bar enthusiasts at Book & Stage, sipping trendy cocktails at The Chandelier or dancing to house music at Bond, The Cosmopolitan has somewhere for all of its guests to let loose.

For up-to-date information, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.

W Exterior

The W Hollywood is a wonderful new addition to the Los Angeles hotel scene, and we’d like to share our first look with you!  In keeping with the hip traditions of W, the W Hollywood is no exception- it’s hip, groovy and oh so Hollywood.

As you probably already know, W’s are know for their whimsical approach to building hotels- incorporating a fun, modern theme while also reflecting the unique style of their destination.  W Hollywood is located on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, just a short walk from Hollywood Boulevard and Highland, home to the Kodak Theatre (where the Academy Awards take place every year)  The location is ideal for visitors or business travelers alike.  The immediate area itself is still growing, but the location offers easy access to most major sites in Los Angeles.

The W Hollywood “Living Room”, aka Lobby

The W Hollywood is comprised of both guest room and residences, separated into two buildings.  There are 265 Guest Rooms and 40 Suites in total, some offering views of The Hollywood Sign & Hollywood Boulevard.  Standard Guest Rooms range in size from 380-500 Sq. Ft. depending on the location and category, and suites go up to 1,600 Sq. Ft., some of which offer outdoor terraces.

While every category is special in our eyes (we couldn’t resist the W beds, always a treat), we really liked the Cool Corner Suites “Rooms Ending in 01″.  Cool Corner Suites offer a unique floor plan, corner location and spectacular views of the Hollywood Sign!  Regardless of which room type you reserve, you’ll enjoy comfy beds (with feather beds & the best linens), walk-in glass showers (with window to the bedroom, don’t worry- it’s partially frosted), flat screen televisions, an impressive mini-bar offering and several other fun W goodies. 

Wonderful Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 642)

  The TV & Desk Area

  W Munchies

Cool Corner Suite, “01″ Series, 1 King Bed

If the guest room experience isn’t cool enough, be sure to check out the Rooftop Pool.  Often “the place” to be seen, the pool offers cabana service as well as a full outdoor bar and restaurant.  Lounge around the pool, or take a dip- you’re certain to be entertained.

The W Hollywood is also home to Drai’s Hollywood, a now famous nightspot for celebrity gawking and just having a good time.  Drai’s is located on the hotel rooftop.

What we really liked about W Hollywood:

• Innovative Guest Rooms with Lots of Features, Comfy Beds & Fantastic Walk-In Showers
• Brand new build; W Hollywood has the luxury of being a brand new hotel- so everything has that fresh smell we love!
• W Acura Experience, The W will take you anywhere, complimentary, within 2 miles of the hotel
• The Rooftop Pool “Wet”, you’re certain to have some good people watching, maybe even a celebrity or two
• Convenient location with easy in/out, surrounding streets aren’t too crowded like most LA streets

The W Hollywood is a wonderful LA getaway hotel, offering an abundance of luxury and cool at the same time.  Guest rooms extremely comfortable with a wide range of amenities designed to suit the frequent business traveler or the weekend jetsetter.

Hotel bars aren’t just for tired businesspeople looking for a nightcap. They’re where the hip, sophisticated and thirsty go to see and be seen, and what better city to be seen in than New York. Hotel bars in the Big Apple are infused with as much charm and pizzazz as the signature cocktails they’re serving up. From trendy, celebrity-favorite lounges to the quintessential rooftop bars, New York City hotels are ready to quench your thirst.

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.

The Grand Hyatt Atlanta, located in the prestigious Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, is offering hot Summer Weekend rates.   The promotion includes up to 20% off standard rates, which means rates start as low as $132.20!  This promotion runs through 7/8, and includes stays from 6/17-9/30.

Book Here

Read more about The Grand Hyatt Atlanta on Trip Kick

Hotel Palomar Lobby Area

The Hotel Palomar is one of Chicago’s newest hotels, located in the desirable “River North” area of Downtown.  This newly built boutique property, is part of Kimpton Hotels & Resorts, offering a wide variety of custom tailored services and amenities.  This Palomar property offers 261 guest rooms and suites, each offering a contemporary city feel with elements to remind you of Chicago’s history.  Hotel Palomar also prides itself as being one of Chicago’s few truly Green Hotels.

Hotel Palomar Chicago was built as a multi-use condo/hotel development, and the building itself is brand new as of 2010.  While neighboring buildings are still undergoing construction, the Palomar has opened in a neighborhood that is close to the Chicago River, and just a few blocks from the city’s famous “Magnificent Mile”, Michigan Avenue.  While the immediate block or two might feel still “in the works” the hotel resides in a very convenient part of town.

Palomar’s lobby area resembles a sophisticated high rise condo entrance, complete with a small reception area, and cozy yet trendy sitting area.  The lobby is home to the hotel’s evening complimentary wine hour, a standard at every Kimpton property.  The wine hour is a great opportunity for guests to unwind, meet with fellow guests as well as the hotel management.

Trip Kick Tip:  When staying at Palomar, grab a glass of wine (they offer both red & white) and head up to the hotel’s private rooftop terrace!

Sable Kitchen & Bar

Sable Kitchen & Bar is located on the lobby level of Hotel Palomar Chicago.  Sable offers New American Cuisine with innovate cocktail offerings in a truly upbeat and hip setting.

The Guest Room Experience:

Let’s talk about the guest rooms, perhaps the most important component to any hotel experience!  We’ve been generally impressed by Kimpton’s guest room experience at our stays throughout the country, but we think it’s fair to say that Hotel Palomar Chicago has certainly hit the nail on the head this time better than ever before.  Having the luxury of designing a property from scratch probably was a tremendous help (properties such as The Hotel Palomar D.C. didn’t have this privilege).  Hotel Palomar has paid a great deal of attention to the details, and have made the guest rooms feel contemporary yet classic, a sometime tricky balance when designing a hotel.

While the hotel itself won’t be known for its jaw dropping views, the rooms have been designed to make you feel at home, while also reminding you that you’re on vacation.  Room categories range from standard “Deluxe Rooms” to “King Spa Premier Rooms” up to larger suite offerings.

Trip Kick Tip:  Book the “King Spa Premier Room” category for the best value.  King Spa Premier rooms offer upgraded bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs (for 2) and we actually liked them better than the suites!  King Spa Rooms ending in “04″ were our personal favorite: these are corner rooms that really do feel more like a suite.

King Spa Premier Room (Room Number 704)

Jacuzzi Tub & Separate Walk-In Shower, Room Number 704

The Palomar Chicago has a few Suite Category rooms including the “Luxury Suite” which offers a three room layout, including separate living room area, bedroom area and bathroom area.  These room types are particularly suitable for guests traveling with families, or business travelers wanting to conduct business in-room without having guests in the bedroom area.  While they do offer more space, we still preferred the “King Spa Premier Rooms” which offer a more open floor plan.

Luxury Suite, 1 King Bed, Living Room Area  (Room Number 1527)

All guest rooms and suites offer large flat panel television entertainment areas, as well as fully stocked mini-bars.  As you can see, furnishings are both sleek and classic in design.

Rooftop Area (A wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine & take in the city views)

Other on property amenities offered at the Palomar Chicago include a rooftop indoor heated pool (a very rare feature in Chicago hotels) as well as a state of the art fitness center, with pleasant city views.

The Rooftop Pool

What we really liked about Palomar Chicago:

• Convenient, Downtown Address
• New Build Hotel with Sleek, Contemporary Lines & Residential Feel
• Complimentary Daily Evening Wine Hour for Hotel Guests  (5-6pm in the Lobby Area)
• Complimentary Guest Room WiFi
• Rooftop Deck & Views  (No Bar, but this makes it quiet & less of a fuss!)
• Rooftop Indoor Heated Pool
• Luxurious Bathrooms in King Spa Premier & Suite Category Rooms

There’s nothing quite like a brand new hotel, and while the Palomar Chicago won’t be new forever, they’ve designed this hotel to last.  Elegant, contemporary lines along with a true “boutique” feel make this Downtown Chicago property a worthwhile luxury hotel contender worth considering.  Guest rooms are elegant, yet fun, and offer exceptionally comfortable beds, indulgent bathrooms (particularly in the higher end categories) and convenient features (such as complimentary WiFi!)

For more guest room information on Palomar Chicago click here!

One of our favorite Seattle hotels, The Sheraton Seattle, has just announced a limited time summer offer which is hard to beat!  Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, this modern Sheraton offers two towers with contemporary accommodations, some with sweeping views of the city.  Opt for a “Deluxe Category” room, and you’re likely to end up in the “Union Tower” our favorite tower at The Sheraton Seattle.

Book Now!

Click here for Trip Kick tips on the Sheraton Seattle.

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