Browsed by
Tag: luxury hotels

9 Top Las Vegas Hotels

9 Top Las Vegas Hotels

Comments 0 Comment

Travel to Las Vegas can be overwhelming and confusing. Too much and too many for a lot of us. But there’s hope. Here’s a list of hotels based on the kind of experience you prefer. Original post is at Oyster.com

Top 9 Las Vegas Hotels on the Strip for Every Type of Traveler

Christina VercellettoNovember 13, 2019

Sin City has a scene that’s unique among tourist destinations. In particular, Las Vegas Boulevard, otherwise known as The Strip, is famous for its mix of opulence, kitsch, and debauchery. And the hotels that line it have their own — often over-the-top — personality. So, whether you want to dance the night away, try your luck at a casino, or have a romantic getaway, check out our picks for the best Las Vegas Strip hotels for every type of traveler.

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for Gambling: The Cromwell Hotel Las Vegas

Casino at The Cromwell

SEE ALL PHOTOS

Casino at The Cromwell Hotel Las Vegas/Oyster

This five-year-old boutique hotel is somewhat of a well-kept secret among those who come to Vegas to roll the dice — literally and figuratively. The Cromwell is the only location on the Strip that offers 100x odds on craps, with affordable table limits. They also boast some of the lowest minimum bets on 3-2 shoe and double-deck blackjack. Visitors can also expect commission-free EZ Baccarat, as well as European roulette on the main casino floor, usually found only in high-limit areas. If you are looking to spend some time in a high-limit enclave, The Abbey is a secluded and posh casino lounge with 31 of the newest high-limit slots on the Strip, plus a private restroom. You’ll come out a winner at The Cromwell’s happy hour as well, which is more like a happy day — it runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Get beer specials and vodka cocktails at the Interlude lounge for $2. Thanks to its intimate casino and elegant jazz-club vibe, The Cromwell offers the Strip experience without the accoutrements of a theme park — a plus for many.

Pricing for The Cromwell Hotel Las Vegas

UPDATE PRICES$243VEGAS.comVIEW DEAL

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for Relaxing: The Venetian Resort

Gondola at The Venetian Resort

SEE ALL PHOTOS

The Venetian Resort/Oyster

Pricing for The Venetian Resort

The Venetian Resort is like a city unto itself. Everything you might want or need can be found here, making it a wonderful choice if you just want to plant yourself in one (palatial) place and de-stress. Top-flight restaurants, countless shops, authentic gelato, famous gondola rides, legendary nightlife at Tao, and, of course, a vast gaming floor, all await. The spa, a Canyon Ranch outpost, tempts with supreme relaxation and wellness offerings, like nutritional counseling, posture analysis, and acupuncture. Plus, if you feel like torching a few calories, there’s always the climbing wall. To top it off, the Renaissance-Italian style standard rooms are the largest on the Strip..

UPDATE PRICES$312VEGAS.comVIEW DEAL

Best Cheap Las Vegas Strip Hotel: Luxor Hotel & Casino

Pool at Luxor Hotel & Casino

SEE ALL PHOTOS

Luxor Hotel & Casino/Oyster

If you don’t need any frilly excesses when traveling, Luxor Hotel & Casino rings up relatively bargain rates for The Strip. Known for its imposing sphinx and nightly light beam visible from 100 miles away, this distinctive property offers plenty of bang for your buck. For starters, guests get incredible views of the Strip from an elevator that goes up at a 40-degree angle. Its 125,000-square-foot pool deck is one of the most expansive in Vegas — and that’s saying a lot. Furthermore, guest rooms are clean and comfy, newly remodeled in a minimalist design. And while there are no high-brow restaurants helmed by celeb chefs, visitors will have a multitude of dining options with a much lower tab. Plus, it’s the home to HyperX Esports Arena, the first dedicated esports venue in North America. Overall, it’s an inexpensive source of fun for Vegas: Gaming passes start at $15; spectators are free.

Pricing for Luxor Hotel & Casino

UPDATE PRICES$133VEGAS.comVIEW DEAL

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for a Young, First-Time Visitor: The LINQ Hotel & Casino

Pool at The LINQ Hotel & Casino

SEE ALL PHOTOS

The LINQ Hotel & Casino/Oyster

Newbies tend to want to soak up as much as possible in just a few days — and do it in style. If that sounds like you, then this hipster crash pad may be your best bet. It’s near some of the most popular casino resorts, including Flamingo, Bellagio, and Treasure Island. The LINQ Promenade is full of diversions like Brooklyn Bowl, as well as sumptuous snack havens like Sprinkles and Haute Doggery. You’ll also be able to get the lay of the land on the world’s biggest observation wheel, the High Roller, and relax at the 21-and-over pool. Tip: Consider booking a cabana room with a private patio.

Pricing for The LINQ Hotel & Casino

UPDATE PRICES$176VEGAS.comVIEW DEAL

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for Over-the-Top Luxury: Encore At Wynn Las Vegas

Pool at Encore At Wynn Las Vegas

SEE ALL PHOTOS

Encore At Wynn Las Vegas/Oyster

The Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, which sits beside its sister property, Wynn Las Vegas, is all about opulence. The unparalleled extravagance begins with the Wynn Dream Bed, which has 507-thread-count linens, a heavenly mattress, and overstuffed, high-end pillows. Golf enthusiasts can spend quality time at the renowned 18-hole course, while those seeking a bit of retail therapy will discover shops like Chanel, Prada, and Dior. The giant suites are some of the biggest on the Strip (starting at 745 square feet) and one-up even the Wynn’s. Two nightclubs regularly host top DJs,  plus there’s a luxe casino, decadent spa, and attractive outdoor pools (including a European-style option with topless sunbathing). Of course, it all comes at a high price.

Pricing for Encore At Wynn Las Vegas

UPDATE PRICES$331VEGAS.comVIEW DEAL

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for a Romantic Getaway: Bellagio Las Vegas

Fountain at Bellagio Las Vegas

SEE ALL PHOTOS

Bellagio Las Vegas/Oyster

Best known for its iconic dancing fountains, which appear in movies like “Ocean’s Eleven,” the Italian-themed Bellagio is the perfect place for a romantic vacation. Start your stay with a couples massage at the spa, then reserve a cabana or daybed and snuggle up poolside. Guests can also stroll the naturally-lit, sweet-smelling Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which transform with the seasons. To complete the fantasy-world feel, Chihuly stained-glass flower sculptures are suspended overhead. Be sure to request a patio table at intimate eatery Lago. Here, you’ll be so close to the fountains that you can feel the mist if the breeze is blowing in the right direction.

Pricing for Bellagio Las Vegas

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for an Adrenaline Rush: Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower, BW Premier Collection

Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower, BW Premier Collection

SEE ALL PHOTOS

Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower, BW Premier Collection/Oyster

Thrill-seekers should head straight for this skyline-dominating resort at the northern tip of the Strip, where the real fun happens 1,000 feet in the air. The main attraction here is the SkyJump, in which harnessed guests can jump to the ground from the tower’s edge (it holds the world record fro highest decelerator descent). You’ll also find a cloud-grazing zip-line and three other daredevil-courting rides, one of which is aptly named Insanity. The Top of the World observation deck and 107 SkyLounge display vertigo-inducing views. Even the rooftop pool may have your heart in your throat a little.

Pricing for Stratosphere Hotel, Casino and Tower, BW Premier Collection

UPDATE PRICES$88VEGAS.comVIEW DEAL

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for Partiers: MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

Pool at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

SEE ALL PHOTOS

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino/Oyster

If you and your friends have something to celebrate, you’d do well to drop your bags here. The MGM Grandis one of the biggest hotels in the U.S., making it ideal for large groups, like bachelor and bachelorette parties. Its size also means you’ll find a wide range of room rates, from less than $100 to more than $1,000 per night. It’s easy to accommodate your entire crew’s budget, whether your best friend just got a huge bonus or your cousin recently got laid off. The MGM Grand also hosts Wet Republic, one of the wildest pool parties on the Strip. Late-night mischief is also in full swing at Hakkasan. After an epic night, spend the next day relaxing at the six-and-a-half-acre pool area, which has five pools, one of which is a long winding river for inner tubes.

Pricing for MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

Best Las Vegas Strip Hotel for Casino-Haters: Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

Room at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

SEE ALL PHOTOS

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas/Oyster

Seeking a casino-free hotel in Sin City? Yes, it’s possible. If you’re visiting Vegas for the shows, stellar dining options, and general spectacle, look to the Art Deco-inspired rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. Occupying the top four floors of the Mandalay Bay Resort, this property is a gaming-free sanctuary at the southernmost end of the Strip. It has a completely separate entrance and lobby, as well as a serene pool and stunning spa. (Your blackjack-hungry companion need not worry, though, as the host hotel’s casino craziness is just a private elevator ride away.) Another perk: Charlie Palmer Steak and Veranda’s breakfast buffet won’t disappoint.

Pricing for Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

Raffles Hotels comes to London’s War office

Raffles Hotels comes to London’s War office

Comments 0 Comment

Beautiful London is always a pleasure to visit whether on business or holiday.  There are so many luxury hotels each having it’s own unique history.  Soon another iconic and historic hotel will enter the market.

In the just announced partnership, iconic Raffles Hotels will open a top Luxury Hotel in London, in the Old War Office which was completed in 1906.

Planning permission was granted for a multi-purpose development including 125 rooms (of which 40% are suites), 88 private residences, restaurants and other amenities. Completion is expected in just over three years.

(From Raffles Press Release June 14, 2017)

                                                

Churchill’s Old War Office soon to become London’s most significant luxury hotel and residence

Paris, June 14, 2017 – Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the top luxury brand of AccorHotels Group, today announces the signing of an historic partnership with the Hinduja Group and Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD) to transform the iconic Old War Office building in Whitehall into the most unique hotel and deluxe residences in London. The Raffles Hotel in London will be the heart and soul of this exciting landmark destination.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is delighted to complete its already stunning portfolio with such an exclusive asset in such strategic city and location.

Steeped in history, the first Raffles Hotel was opened in 1887 in Singapore, named after the British statesman and founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Raffles was celebrated by Nobel Prize winner, Rudyard Kipling in his 1889 book, From Sea To Sea and in 1915 Singapore’s most famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling was created at the hotel.

The Grade II* listed Old War Office, with its 1100 rooms across seven floors, and two miles of corridors, was completed in 1906. It was the office to many of the United Kingdom’s most important and influential political and military leaders of the twentieth century, notably Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, Lord Kitchener, Herbert Asquith and T.E. Lawrence. It was also the haunt of the British Secret Service who had their own, more discreet entrance.

Close to 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the Old War Office was bought by Hinduja Group and OHLD in December 2014 following a public bid. Planning permission was granted for a multi-purpose development including 125 rooms (of which 40% are suites), 88 private residences, restaurants and other amenities. Completion is expected in just over three years.

Commenting on the new partnership, Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels said: “I am delighted to announce this long-term management contract with the Hinduja Group and OHLD. This is the start of an important partnership for Raffles Hotels & Resorts and will create a new and vibrant landmark for London. This is a significant step for Raffles and a strategic addition to the Group’s Luxury portfolio. We remain committed to providing guests with unparalleled service and experience.”

Gopichand P. Hinduja, the Hinduja Group’s Co-Chairman said: “Our new partnership with Raffles Hotels and Resorts is a significant milestone in our vision to transform the Old War Office into London’s finest luxury destination. Raffles brings a unique understanding of British heritage and tradition that will help revive this great British landmark.”

Sanjay G Hinduja, President of the Hinduja Group, said: “We are delighted that after the completion of the Grade I listed building in Carlton House Terrace, we can now apply this valuable experience to a greater challenge and create what will become the most iconic place in London.”

Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes, Chairman of Grupo OHL said: “The OHL Group is extremely proud to be part of, in partnership with the Hinduja Group, this exciting project which, reinforced with the Raffles brand, is now fully aligned with OHL Desarrollos’s strong commitment and strategy to develop unique projects around the world.”

###

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is a luxury brand with an illustrious history dating back to 1887 when the world-renowned Raffles hotel first opened its doors in Singapore. Today, the remarkable collection includes eleven extraordinary properties in many of the world’s best cities and top holiday destinations including favourites such as Paris, Istanbul, and the Seychelles. Many more exciting locations are also on the horizon with new hotels being developed in destinations such as Warsaw and Jeddah. Whether it’s a secluded resort or a lively city-centre, each Raffles promises an oasis of calm and charm and a compelling mix of cultures and styles, and has its very own story to tell. Part of AccorHotels, a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,000 hotels, resorts and residences around the globe, Raffles is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests. For more information or reservations, please visit raffles.com.

Thanks for stopping by.  See you again soon, John

Comments are welcome.

Follow me on Twitter @johnmmcfadden

And BoomerGrandpas.com serving Seniors.

7 Hotels Opening in 2016

7 Hotels Opening in 2016

Comments 0 Comment

It’s always cool to know what new things are happening in Travel.  Here are 7 New Hotels.

7 new hotels opening in 2016 that you won’t want to miss

Throughout 2016 they’ll be a diverse array of new and noteworthy hotels opening around the world. From eco-minded mountain hideaways to family-friendly fun next-the-sea, here’s our roundup of seven soon-to-open resorts to keep an eye on…

Ozen by Atmosphere Maldives – opening July 2016

Following multi-million dollar development, the Ozen resort at Maadhoo is set to take the Maldivian All Inclusive experience up a notch. The ‘Atmosphere Indulgence’ plan promises to be one of the most extensive in the whole of the Maldives. With easy access by speedboat from Male, we’re expecting Ozen to become increasingly popular when it opens later this year. Aside from 41 spacious beach villas, this brand-new resort will boast 49 swoon-worthy overwater villas on stilts, offering sweet seclusion and direct access to the inviting lagoon waters below. Team this with a blissful spa, tantalising dining options and a range of activities from sailing to scuba, Ozen is set to become the ultimate atoll escape.

Ozen by Atmosphere Earth Villa, Maldives

Martinhal Cascais, Portugal – opening end of March 2016

If keeping the kids happy is your top holiday priority, this resort will definitely tick the box. Designed with families in mind, it’ll have a whopping 8000 sqft of indoor space exclusively dedicated to children’s entertainment, plus a plethora of outdoor playgrounds, catering for children aged 6 months to 16 years old. Age appropriate activities will be available for all; toddlers will proudly produce works of art from pasta and playdoh, whilst teens can happily remove themselves from parental company and try their hand at mixing mocktails, windsurfing, and diving. For grown-ups there’ll be a well-equipped spa to while away the hours when the kids are crashing about at crèche. Parents will also appreciate the super-family-friendly restaurants which’ll feature supervised play areas (ingenious), so mum and dad can leisurely finish their meal whinge-free. Nearby, there’s a sandy beach to keep budding castle-architects content, whilst comfy sun loungers will be in abundance.

Martinhal Cascais, Portugal

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi – opening mid 2016

Famed and revered for their upscale resorts, Four Seasons will open their first presence in the capital city of the UAE later this year. Four Seasons Abu Dhabi will be grand in their characteristically understated way. Think cool contemporary styling, with really spacious rooms (and we’re talking really spacious here – even by UAE standards). With a prime waterfront location overlooking the superyachts at Al Maryah island, along with various outdoor terraces for sunbathing (rest assured – no plastic sun beds in sight) and a plush rooftop pool terrace with striking views of the surrounding skyscrapers – this hotel will be oozing glamour at every turn.

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi

Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman – opening August 2016

Perched atop Oman’s fabled Green Mountain, this will be the highest five-star hotel in the Middle East when it opens later this year (in fact, one of the highest in the world), and promises to deliver the highest level of service too. One of the few places in the Arabian Peninsula where summers are cool(ish) and the air is fresh (and it even rains – occasionally – hence the mountain’s ‘green’ nickname as vegetation is able to thrive) this unique setting is perfect for adventure sports. The views across the Al Hajar Mountains will be breathtaking, and thanks to a new tarmac road the area’s craggy cliffs are significantly easier to access than previous years.

Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman

Montigo Resort, Seminyak, Bali – opening June 2016

This resort is already sort-of-open, but offering reduced rates as the spa and kids clubs will be added later in the year, with grand opening tipped to happen mid-June. The early reviews coming in on social media are good; graced by images of idyllic sunsets, colourful cuisine and watersports on the beach. Word on the street is that the service is excellent, which bodes well if the old adage ‘a hotel is only as good as it’s staff’ is to be believed.

Montego Resort, Bali

Crest Phuket, Thailand  – opening July 2016

Nestled in the hillside, the brand new Crest Phuket is bang on trend with an emphasis on eco tourism (on a larger scale than you’d expect). The light and airy rooms have been constructed using sustainable materials, and little features are built-in to reduce the carbon footprint of the overall development. There’ll be an organic garden to provide herbs and vegetables for the restaurants. The resort is in a good location, offering seclusion and peace, yet it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to the restaurants and bars of nearby Patong – a free 10 minute shuttle bus will be in operation. Worthy of mention is the size of the private pools accompanying the higher room categories – they’re huge (actually swim-able, not just plunge-able) offering picturesque views across the bay and out to the Andaman Sea beyond.

Crest Phuket

The Sands, Barbados – opening October 2016

Aside from the prime piece of sandy (clue’s in the name) beach fronting the resort, this 4* hotel boasts an excellent location just steps away from St Lawrence Gap, Barbados’ nightlife hotspot, home to many of the best restaurants and bars on the island. The resort will come with the all-inclusive paraphernalia you’d expect; on-site eateries, kids club, complimentary watersports, spa, choice of swimming pools and a fitness centre. The condo style rooms will be light, bright and stylishly furnished (no traditional mahogany here) and likely to appeal to young families and couples seeking plenty of fun in the sun.

The Sands, Barbados

Spencer Groves is Commercial Director at letsgo2.

(from http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2016/03/17/7-new-hotels-opening-in-2016-that-you-wont-want-to-miss/)

Enjoy travel to new places this year.

Live Life Well, John