The QT Hotel in NY is no longer. The new owners are from
Spain and they wanted to create a home-away-from-home experience in a foreign city so they branded all of their
Room Mate Hotels with a friend’s name..hence,
Room Mate Grace. This 139 room boutique hotel
is located in the heart of Times Square. Highlights
include 25 inch flat-screen TVs, CD/DVD players and
'iHomes' (iPod docking stations with speakers). Since it is important to have all the necessities of home, there are bathrooms with ample counter space, a mini-fridge and extra storage areas in the room. Continental breakfast,
wi-fi internet and local calls are included in the rates.
The old Le Meridien is the new SLS Beverly Hills. Although it only opened this past December, this
Philippe Starck designed hotel is all about personalized indulgences and amenities.
Some of the rooms have floating beds, all have pillow-top mattresses with D. Porthault linens and
a choice of pillows (it’s all about the bedding, don’t you
think !?) and the latest in techno-toys. The spa and fitness center have state-of-the-art equipment (some accommodations are even equipped with
Technogym Kinesis personal equipment) and the pool deck has private cabanas, pool concierges and an outdoor living room atmosphere. The restaurant is headed by
Jose Andre, from Spain’s 3 star Michelin restaurant
ElBulli.
In November, the Wyndam Bel Age in Los Angeles became the
London West Hollywood and it is better than ever. This oversized all-suite hotel (750-1500 sq ft) has private terraces, complimentary in-room
wired and wi-fi internet, and iPod home docking stations. There is a
Gordon Ramsey restaurant, a rooftop pool deck inspired by a traditional English garden and
Quintessentially concierge global service (although, quite frankly,
Bear Concierge is really all you’ll ever need)!
The St. Regis was dropped and the Ritz-Carlton in
Ft. Lauderdale was there to pick up the pieces. This luxury beachfront resort will definitely put
Ft. Lauderdale on the map again. The heated infinity pool is on a 29,000 sq. ft. tropical pool deck with private cabanas overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean. In addition to an expansive fitness center, there is an 8,500 sq. ft. spa and exclusive privileges to the members-only
Grande Oaks Golf Course. Since its inaugural opening in August 2008, the
Ritz-Carlton is working on making it a more family-friendly hotel by converting some of the rooms to interconnectors and adding double beds.
Located on the left bank of Paris, L’ Espirit St Germain Hotel is decorated in the style of a private house with hotel privileges: an open bar, well-stocked library with books and magazines on Parisian life, a vaulted refectory for sumptuous breakfasts, leisurely afternoon tea or kir royales around the fireplace for evening cocktails. With only 28 rooms and suites, this is the ideal pied-à-terre. What’s even more special is the rate. Contact us for details…
The Poetry Inn in Napa Valley, California is a hidden find. Although there are only 5 rooms, each are extraordinarily special with spectacular views, huge private balconies, wood burning fireplaces and spa-style
bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers.. The day
starts with a gourmet 3 course breakfast overlooking
the vineyards and ends with a massage, wine tastings
from the Inn’s private collection or just lounging
by the pool. If this is heaven, where do I sign
up...?
Dr. Mariana Serandrei, the owner of Ca Pisani in
Venice scouted stores, auction houses and flea markets throughout
Italy for years and handpicked all of the Art Deco original furniture for her 29 room boutique hotel.
Ca Pisani has been lovingly restored and all of the refined details, from the polished marble bathrooms to the bamboo-parquet floors to the walnut bed frames, is what makes this hotel very special. Located in a 14th Century Venetian Palace in the artistic Accademia area,
Ca Pisani has all the conveniences and technology of the 21st century. Since the staff of
Ca Pisani will personalize your stay in Venice, you may never want to leave!
Vancouver, British Columbia is a fabulous destination and the
Loden, which just opened in October 2008, should be on top of everyone’s list. Located in the heart of
Coal Harbour, Vancouver’s premiere luxury district, the
Loden is steps away from shopping, the waterfront and
Stanley Park. All of the 77 signature rooms and suites are cool and contemporary with curved glass, floor to ceiling windows and natural stone and copper exteriors. Every room is iPod and Jack Pack ready(!). There’s a
BeFit fitness studio with in-room and park
side yoga and their restaurant, VOYA, is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. The 2009 winter Olympics will be in
Vancouver so now is the perfect time to go.
Although stunningly beautiful, the northeastern region of Thailand was off limits to travelers...until now, that is.
Soneva Kiri by Six Senses is located on Koh Kood, a private island close to
Cambodia that is known for it's pure waterfalls, crystal clear waters and traditional village life. Due to open in late June, this 42 pool villa resort and Destination Spa is simple, yet sophisticated; this is barefoot luxury at its best.
Allegria Hotel & Spa is scheduled to open on May 18 in
Long Beach, NY. This luxury resort has everything you want in a
staycation; it is only a 45 minute train ride from Penn Station, near the ocean
and their Signature Spa and Wellness Center has a full array of treatments.
There are 3 restaurants and golf and tennis nearby.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is opening on May 31 in
Sicily. Set amid 570 acres of beautiful countryside and coastline, this luxury resort will have 2 championship 18-hole golf courses, 9 flood-lit tennis courts, various pool options, a spa, fitness center, beauty salon, 4 restaurants and 4 bars, a children’s program and a range of tailor-made activities to explore the beautiful island of Sicily.
Slated to open on August 1, the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort in
Park City, Utah will be a ski- in/ski-out resort featuring a ski lounge, ski valet service, a split-level heated infinity swimming pool, a 13,000 foot spa and butler service.
Be on the lookout for 2 new resorts in Mexico:
With 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas, all with private pools,
Banyan Tree Mayakoba just opened its doors last week. Known for their extraordinary spas and services,
Banyan Tree is a welcome addition to Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas is scheduled to open in July. This exclusive, 66 beachfront resort is only accessible through a dramatic 1000 foot tunnel entrance through the
Pedregal mountain.
Contact Bear & Bear for details
info@bearandbear.travel
