Tracy Gallagher » hotels http://www.tracygallagher.com Journalist Without Borders Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:59:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Hotels of the Week: Those to Watch in 2012 http://www.tracygallagher.com/2012/01/hotels-of-the-week-those-to-watch-in-2012/ http://www.tracygallagher.com/2012/01/hotels-of-the-week-those-to-watch-in-2012/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:22:31 +0000 TracyGallagher http://www.tracygallagher.com/?p=5575 There are so many hotels opening in 2012 – good news for travelers. More rooms = more destinations to explore, & lower prices if there are more rooms than demand.

What are your new year’s resolutions? If to travel fully and transport yourself so completely is one of them, you’ll want to see these special places. Bon Voyage my friends – wake up your passion.

Here are some intriguing hotels that either just opened … or will open in 2012.

AMANRUYA, TURKEY

On the “off the radar” Turkish Riviera is the new Amanruya. Part of the exclusive Aman Resorts, this hotel on the Aegean Coast is romantic experience.

Amanruya, Turkish Riviera

It is a collection of five-star cottages – each with a pool, private garden, outdoor shower, and lounging pergola. Let it roll off your tongue “I am retreating to my lounging pergola…”

Inside, the design is smashing and classic.

The hotel is on the Bodrum Peninsula…and has a small beach.

http://www.amanresorts.com/amanruya/home.aspx

SIX SENSES CON DAO, VIETNAM

Speaking of beautiful beaches, what also comes to mind is the Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam – a country on my must see list.

This is the first five start resort on these Vietnamese islands – remote, but accessible – just take a 45  minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

There are 50 villas on this property – each with it’s own infinity pool… ranging in size from single level to duplex, and one bedroom to four.

Six Sense Con Dao offers water sports, snorkeling, diving, cooking classes, and trips to remote beaches. This will work for Valentine’s Day.

http://www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao/

CASTELLO DI CASOLE, ITALY

Heading to the country…. we’ve got Castello di Casole in Tuscany. This dramatic 4200 acre estate will open in 2012.


Castello di Casole entices those who would love to vacation among enchanting vineyards and olive groves. The estate has more than 100 acres of organic vineyards dotting its gorgeous landscape.

In addition to vineyard tours, wine tastings, winemaker dinners and events on property with the winemaking team, the resort offers Italian winery tours at some of Italy’s most prestigious wineries.

One can also expand his or her wine cellar, manage a collection and experience the world’s fine wines through the resort’s partnership with specialty wine retailers.

A little bit of luxury in the Italian countryside… and there are residencies too for those looking to spend even more time there.

http://www.castellodicasole.com/

SCRUB ISLAND RESORT, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands are near and dear to me… I shot a few shows there and always want to return. Scrub Island Resort would be a good reason!

Ocean view rooms… secluded, crystal clear beaches with seriously turquoise waters.. Can’t ya just feel the gentle breeze? The resort is right ona marina, so for those of you with yachts, ahem,  you are welcome. Water sports abound here, and the resort also hosts weddings.

Scrub Island

The rooms are tasteful and tropical.It is officially an island resort with one of those beautiful ceiling fans.

http://www.scrubisland.com/

BVLGARI HOTEL, LONDON

If you are craving city life, you will get your fill of London this year since this world class city is host to the 2012 Olympics. One new hotel opening is the BVLGARI – classy, but hopefully not too stuffy.

BVLGARI Hotel, London

It is a joint venture between Italian jeweller BVLGARI and Marriott International, located in the Knightsbridge area. The BVLGARI stamp doesn’t mean bling comes with the room, and by the looks of the brand’s design, it is not too flashy. This photo is of a room at the Bvlgari in Milan, since the London hotel is not open yet.

BVLGARI in Milan

http://www.bulgarihotels.com/en-us/london-2012/london-2012

As always, happy travels and have a great weekend.

]]> http://www.tracygallagher.com/2012/01/hotels-of-the-week-those-to-watch-in-2012/feed/ 0 Hotel of the Week: Laid Back, Old Fashioned, Family Retreat where Lighthouses and Lobster Abound. http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/10/hotel-of-the-week-laid-back-old-fashioned-family-retreat-where-lighthouses-and-lobster-abound/ http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/10/hotel-of-the-week-laid-back-old-fashioned-family-retreat-where-lighthouses-and-lobster-abound/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:13:57 +0000 TracyGallagher http://www.tracygallagher.com/?p=5043

Inn By Th Sea, Portland, Maine

This hotel is off-the-beaten-path, but still has won accolades from travel magazines… and anyone who knows of it. It is “The Inn by the Sea,” in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I had always wanted to visit the coast of Maine, and this hotel won me over by it’s non-pompous attitude, and location: on the stunning coastline, but just a 10 minute drive into quaint Portland, Maine – the state’s largest city.

I did mention non-pompous didn’t I? When you pull up to this truly grand resort, it has a humble but pretty curb appeal.. and no valet parking. As a matter of fact, the parking is free. How often do you visit an upscale establishment offering that?

The lobby is inviting… and in the bar area there are daily drinks put out – coffee for guests in the morning… tea in the afternoon… and you can have a glass of wine into early evening by the cozy fireplace.

But what captivated my family the most when visiting is the huge grass field in the back, where we spent much time playing soccer and volleyball. The Adirondack chairs dotting the lawn made it feel tranquil… you could sit there to rest and enjoy the view and the sound of children’s laughter.

The games don’t end there – the bocce court is a nice touch – a game everyone can enjoy.

There is a pool near the grass yard – but beware – this is New England, so the solar heating isn’t always generating warm pool water. So when you look at the website thinking you can rest by the pool all day while your kids swim, make sure you visit during a sunny heatwave! On the other hand, the beautiful beach is just a short walk down a path.

The dining room is lovely and the food is gourmet and local fare… can you say blueberry martinis? (Blueberries are big in Maine!)

We did venture out to Portland for dinner it was so close and is a very cute town. If you visit, you really should get out to Portland. Very clean and charming, with unique boutiques and not many chain stores.

Breakfast, well – when you have kids you don’t have as many options – to drive to Portland right when you wake up doesn’t sound to leisurely, and with hungry kids, impractical. We ate breakfast at the hotel on the lovely veranda. It is a beautiful setting – we only wished there was a children’s menu so you don’ t have to pay $7 for a bagel for them.

The service is stellar – some of the nicest and most helpful people work there. My camera lens broke and I wanted to get it fixed, so they looked into it and got me the info. We needed to switch hotels in our next destination when we were there, and the director of publicity researched some options that may be good for our family before I even had an opportunity to think of something.

Overall, staying at the Inn by the Sea is a relaxing experience but there are activities nearby if you want to partake – kayaking, whale watching, lobster fishing are all “so” Maine. The only thing I would have liked to have done is have a clam bake… but that just gives me a good reason to go back. :)

What to do in Maine:

Summer and Spring: all sorts of outdoor activities. L.L. Bean can hook you up with guides for kayaking, birdwatching, etc..There’s also lobster fishing, and hanging out on a beach.

Winter: winter carnivals, snowmobiling,  and ice fishing

Fall: leaf peeping of course!

www.innbythesea.com

]]> http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/10/hotel-of-the-week-laid-back-old-fashioned-family-retreat-where-lighthouses-and-lobster-abound/feed/ 0 Hotel of the Week: A Rare Gem Re-opens and Dazzles http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/09/hotel-of-the-week-a-rare-gem-re-opens-and-dazzles/ http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/09/hotel-of-the-week-a-rare-gem-re-opens-and-dazzles/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:33:20 +0000 TracyGallagher http://www.tracygallagher.com/?p=4875 When you are on the road a lot, many hotels start to seem the same. Then, there are those special ones that leave a mark on your soul. I can’t say that about very many hotels, but Hotel Bel Air is one of them. It is a spiritual and romantic retreat hidden high in the leafy streets of the Bel Air neighborhood in Los Angeles, which is part of its non-chain-hotel charm.

Now, after a two year remodel, (which it did need by the way) it will re-open this month with even more class and exclusivity. The iconic swans in the hotel’s lake are still there, as well as the signature Spanish Colonial buildings in “Bel Air pink,” but beyond the deliberate scene stealers, there are other new charms to disarm you.

The new design is amazing- Hotel Bel Air with a fresh, glamorous, and youthful face-lift in public spaces…

…and rooms.

There are 12 new accommodations, built into the hillside offering sweeping canyon views, expansive sliding glass walls, outdoor fireplaces and spacious decks with private spa pools.

Also new to the hotel:  a 12,000 square foot Spanish mission style structure featuring a new bell tower, fitness studio, three unique “Loft guestrooms” with open floor plans, double sided fireplaces and dramatically high ceilings as well as the brand new 4,134-square-foot Spa by La Prairie, the luxury Swiss beauty company.

I have always enjoyed the restaurants, or late night drinks at the hotel, and now there are expanded dining and drinking options, as well as famed Hollywood chef Wolfgang Puck taking over the restaurant services. Room rates start at $565, with a $100 food credit through the end of the year… If you can’t swing a full stay at the hotel, try to get there for lunch or dinner to experience something so special to LA, it doesn’t feel like LA at all.

If you don’t take my word, just check out the reviews on TripAdvisor. Have you ever seen more 5-star, rave reviews? http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32655-d111751-Reviews-Hotel_Bel_Air-Los_Angeles_California.html

The legendary hotel is officially reopening October 14- but it is accepting dinner and room reservations now. I look forward to the return of something special…don’t we all? Life is too short. Enjoy it and have a great weekend wherever you are.

www.hotelbelair.com

]]> http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/09/hotel-of-the-week-a-rare-gem-re-opens-and-dazzles/feed/ 0 Hotel of the Week: Where the US Open Stars Stay http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/09/hotel-of-the-week-where-the-us-open-stars-stay/ http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/09/hotel-of-the-week-where-the-us-open-stars-stay/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:05:28 +0000 TracyGallagher http://www.tracygallagher.com/?p=4736

My son was thrilled to bump into defending US Open champ Rafa Nadal in the elevator of the St. Regis Hotel in New York. He was staying there at the same time we were on a recent trip. We got a brush with athletic greatness on his way to the 2011 Open…

We also had a brush with hospitality greatness at the St. Regis. I understand why Nadal stays there. Location? Perfect. Can walk to Central Park, shopping on 5th, Time Square, and Magnolia Bakery :) Rooms? Not my style – very traditional and old NY, but lovely and spacious! Bed? I want it! Had the best night sleep when I finally went to sleep.. Service? Spectacular.

The St Regis butler service is legendary – 24/7 a butler can assist you with anything. Toothbrush? No problem. Shoe shine? At your service. French Press coffee to my room every morning, along with the NY Times and Wall St Journal? Done.  The expense is – a nice tip for them at the end of your stay.

Warning: The only down sides to the hotel are that since it is on UH-MAZ-ING 55th and 5th Ave,   it can also be loud – two nights the jackhammering on those busy streets lasted until 12:30AM. I don’t think that’s what Frank meant when he referred to the Apple as “… a city that doesn’t sleep.”

The other down side: we didn’t find any truly good NY bagel places nearby. ( H & H was about 10 blocks away)

But let’s not be too picky! I’m just sayin…If it’s good enough for Nadal it’s good enough for me.

You wont find the style of the hotel many other places- it is rich and detailed, with marble floors even in the elevators. As I said before, elegant but of a certain era. A brand new suite  the Tiffany suite, conjures up memories of my favorite Audrey Hepburn classic…

and brings a newer vibe to the hotel…

…but at a price. Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly may have talked her way into staying in that suite….but we regular girls can only look. It is reportedly $8500 a night. 1700 square feet, and beautiful Tiffany & Co blue….and hmmmm it was occupied the entire week we were there – possibly a stay only a pro tennis player could afford?

Whether it be the US Open.. or the 9/11 10 year anniversary tributes this weekend… NY is ready for it’s spotlight with special luxury hotels like this. Have a great weekend – pray for the victims and families of 9/11.

www.stregisnewyork.com

]]> http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/09/hotel-of-the-week-where-the-us-open-stars-stay/feed/ 0 Hotel of the Week: Affordable, Glamorous Hot Spots http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/08/hotel-of-the-week-affordable-glamorous-hot-spots/ http://www.tracygallagher.com/2011/08/hotel-of-the-week-affordable-glamorous-hot-spots/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:05:53 +0000 TracyGallagher http://www.tracygallagher.com/?p=4684 So as we watch our financial portfolios plunge with the stock market’s gyrations, many of us become less likely to put down a chunk of change for that luxury vacation, or holiday trip to visit family far away.

But Conde Nast Traveler can help – the magazine publishes an annual “Hot List” issue of its magazine…it is a compilation of the hotels, spas, and restaurants with the most buzz right now..and places they consider worthy of visiting. I hosted a show “The Hot List” with them for the Travel Channel and got to visit some of the editor’s choices – they were top notch.

Waikiki Edition (Ian Schrager) Pool at Night

Part of the most recent list includes hot hotels around the world for under $300 – a welcome relief in such unpredictable financial times. To read about some interesting places that won’t break the bank, go to http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/hotlist/2011/300under.

To start off your weekend, I want to share a touching reunion after a long trip  – a happy dog reuniting with his soldier owner. I’ve seen these scenes on Huffington Post and YouTube, but they never get old. You know someone will be happy when you get home from a vacation, or call of duty! Have a good one.

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