Archive for January, 2013

Valentine’s Day in New York City

Valentine's Day in NYCNew York City is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It’s been the backdrop for some of Hollywood’s greatest love stories — from King Kong to The Seven Year Itch to Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Annie Hall, just to name a few. Part of what makes New York City so romantic — and the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day — is the restaurants. There’s no shortage of quaint spots to take a date for an intimate meal, regardless of your palate’s preference. Whether you’re looking for an authentic, family-run Italian spot, a modern bistro, fresh sushi, or anything in between, you’ll surely wow your special someone at a Manhattan eatery. After dinner, the theater is a perfect way to continue your romantic evening. New York City has no shortage of plays, big or small, to fit the bill — catch a drama, comedy or romance on Broadway or off — it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Culminate your New York Valentine’s Day experience with a nightcap at a quiet lounge or dance the night away at one of the city’s sizzling nightclubs before turning in with your sweetie. After a night like this, you’ll never go back to roses and boxes of chocolates again.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend

Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC

Trump SoHo New York

The Chatwal Hotel

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Where to Stay for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

South Beach Wine & Food FestivalThe Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE has become one of the country’s biggest and most anticipated culinary events. Bringing together the world’s best chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, and more, the festival runs from February 21st – 24th, and is a chance to taste what’s hot in the kitchen and the vineyard. Whether you’re interested in technical, sit-down tastings or simply cutting loose with celebrity chefs, great wine and killer food, you’ll love the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Pick and choose from the dozens of events happening in and around South Beach at some of the area’s hottest spots for dining, drinking and dancing. What kind of events can visitors expect? Among your options: check out Moët Hennessy’s Q After Dark, featuring celeb chef Curtis Stone, and sip champagne while enjoying music and theatrics on the beach. Play a round of golf in the Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament at the pristine Turnberry Isle Resort. Learn to taste wine like a sommelier at Wine Spectator’s tasting seminar, or hang out with Chef Guy Fieri and Ziggy Marley at their Reggae Jam. Experience the flavors of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival for yourself — you’ll never look at food and wine the same again.

Our Hotel Experts Recommend

The Setai, Miami Beach

Sagamore

SLS South Beach

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55th Grammy Awards Take Over LA

GrammysThe biggest and best in the music world will converge on L.A.’s Staples Center on February 10th for the industry’s biggest awards ceremony — the 55th Grammy Awards. Musicians know how to party and the Grammys are always one of the year’s biggest and best awards shows in the entertainment industry. With performances by The Black Keys, Rihanna, Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift and more, the Grammys are sure to be a night of first-class entertainment. There are often killer surprise guests as well as a number of off-the-cuff, unscripted surprises. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many area restaurants before the show, then check out the Grammy Museum, located across the street from the Staples Center. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame-ish bronze discs on the sidewalk to the artifacts inside, it’s a cool experience for any music lover. After the awards show, enjoy a night of cocktails and dancing at one of the area’s numerous nightclubs. Who knows — you may just run into a Grammy nominee or winner.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend

W Hollywood

Andaz West Hollywood

Mr. C Beverly Hills, a Cipriani Hotel

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Where to Stay for the Chicago International Car Show

Chicago International Car ShowWhile Detroit is known as The Motor City, engines will be revving full throttle in Chicago from February 9th -18th. The Chicago Auto Show showcases the newest, best, and brightest in the automotive world, offering car lovers the chance to get up close and personal with the latest models, classic cars, and cutting-edge prototypes from the world’s auto manufacturers. The Chicago Auto Show is the largest event of its kind in North America. Automakers often reveal their latest ideas here — from redesigns to concept cars and beyond. Nearly 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs and more will be on display in over 1 million square feet of display space at McCormick Place. Looking for a reason to get dressed up? The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity event happens February 8th, and is a black-tie affair set among some of the hottest wheels in the world. Enjoy live entertainment, food, and drinks — and maybe even win a new car. Best of all, you’ll be helping support numerous local charities.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend

The Park Hyatt Chicago

Hotel Palomar Chicago

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

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Where to stay for New York Fashion Week 2013

ModelsGet the first glimpse of the hottest designers’ fall 2013 collections at New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Models will be hitting runways across Manhattan from February 7-14, 2013 in what has become one of the east coast’s hottest celebrations of all things fashion — from fun and casual to haute couture and beyond. With dozens of designers already on board, the fashion elite will be descending on New York City like never before. Lincoln Center will be abuzz with showcases of the hottest trends to come in fall 2013. Shoes, outerwear, lingerie, eveningwear and more — if you want to see the next big thing, Fashion Week NY is the place to find out. In addition to runways and haute couture, the city’s hotels, restaurants and nightclubs will be humming with excitement all week long. Make the most of being in town for Fashion Week by updating your wardrobe in a city known for its shopping opportunities.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend:

Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC

Mandarin Oriental New York

The Surrey

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Chicago Restaurant Week 2013

Chef BlogChicago has long held the reputation of being a foodie town — from casual eateries to upscale dining, it’s a city that feeds visitors well. Want to see what all the hype is about first-hand? There isn’t a better time to taste the town than during Chicago Restaurant Week. From February 1-10, 2013 over 250 Windy City eateries will offer diners the chance to taste their culinary creations for a fraction of the regular price. Participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus (often multi-course) for either lunch or dinner ($22 for the former or $33-$44 for the latter). From homestyle Italian to upscale French cuisine to sushi, curry and beyond, Chicago Restaurant Week has something for even the pickiest palate. Reservations aren’t required, but are certainly recommended. For a list of participating restaurants or to make reservations online, check out http://www.EatItUpChicago.com.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend:

PUBLIC Chicago

theWit Hotel Chicago

Trump International Chicago

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Miami International Boat Show

Boat BlogFrom fishing boats to luxury yachts, The Miami International Boat Show is an aquatic paradise. With over 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors spanning three locations, it’s one of the largest events of its kind in North America. The show, held from February 14 -18, 2013 isn’t just about showing off the newest, flashiest boats. Grab a drink at the Marlin Bar in the Big Game Room while checking out the latest in the fishing world. Meet Capt. Brett McBride and Chris Fischer from National Geographic’s Shark Men. Book a diving adventure at the Dive & Travel Harbor. Learn the latest in boater safety, the basics of powerboating, and so much more. Tickets include access to water taxis, which will shuttle attendees between venues. Most importantly, your ticket gets you up close to some of the newest, greatest PWCs, sailboats, speedboats, and yachts in the world. Whether you’re in the market for a craft of your own or simply love being out on the water, the Miami International Boat Show is the place to be.

Our Luxury Hotel Experts Recommend:

The James Royal Palm

The King and Grove Tides

Shore Club

See all of our South Beach Luxury Hotels

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