New York Fashion Week

New York City is the beacon of fashion in North America. It’s no surprise, then, that New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week sets the bar as high as it does for the world’s fashion events. As one of the “big four”: London, Milan, Paris and New York City, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week brings together the biggest names in the industry.

Running from September 6th-13th at Lincoln Center, with 80 shows being held over the eight days, it’s the city’s single largest media event. Writers, buyers, retailers, photographers, designers and VIPs will be attending a number of events, checking out the competition and looking for next season’s biggest trends.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is a chance to catch the first glimpse of Spring 2013 collections by some of the world’s best-known designers: Calvin Klein, Badgley Mischka, Derek Lam, and Narciso Rodriguez, as well as discover the world’s up-and-coming trendsetters.

What better time to experience the manic hustle and otherworldly glamour of New York City? From runway shows to VIP events to after-parties, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is a chance for you to experience New York City at its best.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts recommend:

Trump International Hotel, Mandarin Oriental New York, and The Chatwal Hotel

See all of our New York City Luxury Hotels.

Pet Friendly Hotels

Traveling with pets can be a daunting task, but finding pet-friendly accommodations doesn’t mean having to sacrifice luxury and comfort for your four-legged friend. In fact, select hotels offer some pretty fine pampering for both human and animal alike.

The Loews Regency Hotel – New York City
New York City is a dog town if there ever was one, and the Loews Regency Hotel offers nearly as many amenities for your pet as it does for you: room service, exquisite pet bedding, all sorts of treats, and pet-walking and pet-sitting services should you need some time away from your furry friend. See all of our New York City Luxury Hotels.

The Peninsula – Beverly Hills
The Peninsula in Beverly Hills marries sophistication and elegance with a commitment to your pet that’s tough to beat. Take advantage of doggie room service and dog walkers, and lounge in luxury as your pooch enjoys doggie treats. Your pet can even enjoy animal spa treatments because being your pet can take its toll. See all of our Beverly Hills Luxury Hotels.

Hotel Palomar – Chicago
Located in downtown Chicago, Hotel Palomar offers luxury for both you and your pet no matter what the size or type. All of the basics―water bowl, leash, pet bed and so forth―are covered, as are special amenities such as pet grooming, pet sitting, pet massage and even pet acupuncture. See all of our Chicago Luxury Hotels.

Fairmont Miramar – Santa Monica
A PAW (Pets Always Welcome) ‘Top Dog’ award-winner for pet-friendly hotels, the Santa Monica’s Fairmont Miramar is second-to-none when it comes to pet amenities. Doggy baths featuring Isle of Dogs products, doggy massage, and special pet treats are all things the Fairmont Miramar can accommodate. See all of our Santa Monica Luxury Hotels.

TIFF: Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival is considered one of North America’s most progressive, innovative events in the film industry. This year’s festival runs from September 6th-16th, and features over 300 films from more than 60 countries.

The scope of the films runs the gamut―from Hollywood blockbusters to compelling documentaries to international programming to indie sensations, there’s something here for everyone. Referred to as the TIFF, it’s one of the reasons why Hollywood’s hottest actors, actresses and directors make their way north of the border every year. The scope of the films is truly outstanding.

This year’s premieres include Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina, Zac Efron, Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham in At Any Price, Tom Hanks and Halle Berry in Cloud Atlas, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Ruffalo and Tim Robbins in Thanks for Sharing.

After-parties and the city’s always-active nightlife go hand in hand, making TIFF a fun-filled, star-studded event around which to plan your next Toronto trip. For more information go to http://tiff.net.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts recommend:

The Trump International Toronto, Fairmont Royal York, and Pantages Toronto Centre.

See all our Toronto Luxury Hotels

Chicago Ferrari Festival

An inimitable icon of the automotive world, Ferrari is one of the most recognizable cars in the world. This Italian idol brings top-shelf engineering and stunning design to the industry in a way few vehicles can.

Chicago’s Italian Village (71 W. Monroe Street) brings together over 60 vintage Ferraris to decorate the street at the Chicago Ferrari Festival. This annual event held on September 9th features dozens of cars, of course, as well as music, wine, beer, food (in the form of an Italian buffet), and much more―including activities for kids.

Get up close to some of the world’s most brilliantly built vehicles and snoop around under the hood as music fills the air. Enjoy a glass of wine and authentic Italian cuisine from one of Chicago’s finest eateries. In the heart of the Loop, you’re only blocks from the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park.

Admission is $30 (children under 6 free), with proceeds benefiting Inspiration Corporation and the Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts recommend:
Trump International Chicago, Hotel Sax Chicago, and the Waldorf Historia Chicago
See all of our Chicago Luxury Hotels

US Open in New York City

The hardcourts are fast at Flushing Meadows which makes for rarely a dull moment at the U.S. Open. As the final Grand Slam event in tennis’ calendar year, the tournament has had its share of epic battles: Connors vs McEnroe, Navratilova vs Seles, Sampras vs Agassi, Williams vs Williams and much more.

The big names in tennis will be bringing their A-game to New York’s Flushing Meadows from August 27 – September 9. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have met in the men’s singles final two years in a row, each winning once. Australia’s Samantha Stosur won the women’s singles final only after playing the longest ever women’s single match, and also one of the longest tie-breakers in US Open history. Everyone longs to play that final weekend in Arthur Ashe Stadium to thousands of exuberant tennis fanatics.

Whether it’s basking in the New York sun or under the lights at Flushing Meadows, the U. S. Open never fails to live up to its reputation as one of the most riveting sporting events to take place on American soil.

Our Hotel Experts recommend:
The Pierre, The Chatwal Hotel, The Gansevoort Park Avenue.
See all of our New York City Luxury Hotels.

 

Weekend Getaway in Beverly Hills

We asked Lauren Marquez, the concierge at Hotel Bel-Air, about the best way to spend a few days in Beverly Hills.  Here are her answers to our questions.

Magellan:  I’m going to Beverly Hills with my partner for a weekend getaway. Friday, our first night, I’d like to book a romantic dinner at an exclusive restaurant. What options would you suggest?

Lauren: Nothing outdoes the romantic ambiance found at our very own Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air. I always recommend the alcoves or outdoor booths for anyone celebrating a special occasion. I’d recommend you start with the Steak or Blue Fin Tuna Tartare, followed by the Zucchini Tortelloni, and to finish, the Whole Sicilian Branzino for two.

 For additional options, I would suggest a longtime favorite of mine, Mélisse, for the Australian Black Truffle Risotto, and for an unforgettable evening of French decadence.  SAAM at the SLS has exquisite tapas and wine pairings, which are always a nice touch. 


Magellan: After dinner we’d like to go for drinks somewhere special. We’re looking for a place that has an intimate atmosphere. Where shall we go?

Lauren: I would suggest Skybar at the Mondrian or Gordon Ramsay’s Rooftop at The London West Hollywood. Both provide the perfect spot for an undeniably cozy setting under the stars. I would suggest ending your evening at the Hotel Bel-Air for a romantic fireside night cap.   

Magellan: We’re spending Saturday in Beverly Hills and are looking for the quintessential experience. What are your recommendations for the day?

Lauren: Start your day at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Head to the Fountain Coffee Room for breakfast and take note of the signature banana-leafed wallpaper. I strongly recommend their famous silver dollar buttermilk pancakes and fresh orange freeze.

 The next stop has to be Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo.  Retrace the steps Julia Roberts took in Pretty Woman and make your way north up Rodeo Drive. You’ll find Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and every other major fashion designer you can imagine. You must stop at the Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM on South Santa Monica Blvd. It’s restocked day and night with fresh and delicious cupcakes.

 Next, you should head to the corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way where you can catch an open-air trolley for a 40 minute narrated tour. Learn about the history, arts and architecture of Beverly Hills.

 After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, I suggest you start your evening at Mastro’s Steakhouse. They offer live jazz and great wines, with some of the best surf and turf Beverly Hills has to offer.  It’s undoubtedly one of the most frequented stops for locals and visitors alike. If you have any energy left, I suggest you head to The Beverly Hills Hotel and enjoy a night cap at Bar Nineteen12.

Magellan: On Saturday night we’d like a more lively evening.  We are looking for dinner at a hip and trendy restaurant, a place with some buzz and a spot to people watch. Where do you suggest we go?

Lauren: The patio at BOA Steakhouse West Hollywood is popular, and so is newly opened Bagatelle if you’re looking for something a little more upbeat. The French cuisine is authentic and it has a South of France atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for Italian, Cecconi’s West Hollywood is a great place to see-and-be-seen. The mixologists are stellar and the atmosphere is always electric. Or you could head over to Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian, and dine under the moon amongst oversized terra cotta pots.

Magellan: After dinner we want to party with the young and beautiful.  We’re looking for a dance floor, fabulous drinks, and a see-and-be-seen crowd.  Where should we go?

Lauren: I would take advantage of our gorgeous weather, and head to the patio at Lure nightclub. Saturdays at Lure are known for hosting some of Hollywood’s most elite. Worldwide and well-known DJ’s will light the fire under your feet and get you dancing. Afterwards, make your way to Greystone Manor Supperclub where you’ll find bottle-service tables and scantily clad burlesque-acrobats swinging from the 50 foot high ceilings. It features light shows, specialty cocktails, and dancing, of course.

The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, in Boston, Washington & Toronto

Bruce Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball swings across North America
To some he’s The Boss. To others he’s Brooooooce. Either way, Bruce Springsteen is an American rock icon. With Wrecking Ball, his seventeenth studio record, Springsteen has proven that he’s as incredibly relevant as ever, marrying contemporary working class themes with increasingly diverse songwriting.

Springsteen is taking Wrecking Ball on the road, and anyone that has seen Bruce’s live show can attest that fans get their money’s worth and more. His reputation for energy-packed, 3+ hour long shows precedes him; Springsteen manages to mix new tracks with his biggest songs from the past four decades. At 62, Springsteen shows no sign of slowing down and brings frenetic energy artists half his age can only envy.

Included in Springsteen’s 2012 Wrecking Ball tour are stops in Toronto, Washington, DC, and three nights in Boston. Tickets for this tour are selling quickly and it will come as no surprise all dates are expected to sell out.

Our Hotel Experts recommend:

In Boston, Fairmont Copley. See all our Boston Luxury Hotels.

In Washington DC, Mandarin Oriental DC. See all our Washington DC Luxury Hotels.

In Toronto, The Trump International Toronto. See all our Toronto Luxury Hotels.

America’s Cup San Francisco

Back in the 1850s, a yacht named America beat out its British counterparts on the south coast of England to win the 100 Pound Cup. They returned to the U.S., gifted the Cup to the New York Yacht Club, who then renamed it America’s Cup. It has been a challenge cup between nations and is known as the oldest trophy in international sport.

The opening event of the 2012 America’s Cup World Series Season Two takes place in San Francisco from August 21-26. The America’s Cup is considered the most difficult trophy to win in sports; the skill and precision it takes to commandeer a vessel around an upper-level course at incredible speed and with unpredictable conditions is staggering.

New this year is the AC45 model catamaran, which made its debut in Australia earlier this year and has already reached speeds up to 20 knots (23 miles per hour). These boats will be driven by the world’s best in a venue described as one of sports toughest.

Our Hotel Experts recommend:
Argonaut Hotel,  Taj Campton Place, and Mandarin Oriental San Francisco.
See all of our San Francisco Luxury Hotels