All stories about "Hotels"

"With a mind-bending 100 new skyscrapers in the works, Moscow is threatening to trump the emirate’s superlative cityscape and establish itself as the 21st century’s pinnacle of luxury.” And, along with newfound focus on futuristic design comes a renewed interest in Moscow’s historic architectural attractions – “Four Seasons is now working on a replica of the 1935 Moskva Hotel (on the same site as the iconic lodging, demolished in 2003),” while Moscow’s oldest hotel, Baltschug Kempinski, is getting a face-lift later this year. [Globorati]

“One of France’s most popular naturist resorts was revealed yesterday to be keeping a blacklist of ‘undesirables’ who break the rules and sully the pristine environment.” That’s right, at the René Oltra centre, there’s a blacklist for anyone who likes to keep their clothes on… or has bad hygiene for that matter. In other nudist resort news, “a clothing-optional hotel in Florida, Caliente Resorts, was forced to withdraw from the American Association for Nude Recreation amid rumors of sex parties taking place behind its closed doors.” [Guardian]

Brooklyn is now offering a bevy of Bed & Breakfasts perfect for out-of-towners (and Manhattanites alike) seeking respite from Manhattan’s hustle and bustle. Among the most noteworthy are Sterling Bed and Breakfast, a stones throw from the Botanic Garden, The Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park, Escape Guesthouse, which offers wine tasting and dance classes in its Boerum Hill digs, and Spencer Place Bed and Breakfast in Bed-stuy, where the innkeeper boasts, “guests like the diversity of the neighborhood.” [NYDN]

Venice is leaking residents as fast as its taking on water. “In the 16th century it was one of the known world’s most populated cities; today there are just over 60,000 residents (down from 100,000 in 1978 and 80,000 in 1997), and 21 million tourists.” It seems a surplus of hotels has resulted in the sky-rocketing of the cost of real estate, while deaths outnumber births two to one. [Guardian]

Few things beat floating cliff-side in an infinity pool overlooking the Amalfi Coast, or listening to music while underwater in a rooftop pool surrounded by palm trees. This is why the likes of Hotel Caruso and Hotel Gansevoort South (respectively) rank among the world’s best pools. Also on the list: Chile’s San Alfonso Del Mar resort, for its “3,323-ft long saltwater lagoon” that covers 20 acres and ranks as the world’s largest swimming pool. And, Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay beach, which ‘includes a 4,100-square-foot wave pool with a sand beach.” [MSNBC]

Getting to New Mexico's capital city has never been easier. Come the fall, Santa Fe gets its first commercial jet service, not to mention Rail Runner Express will soon offer high-speed train service from Albuquerque. It’s good timing, considering Santa Fe currently houses a burgeoning art scene - epitomized by its 7th annual biennale and the Santa Fe Opera’s renowned summer festival (now in full swing) – and, as of August 1st, will welcome a new Auberge Resorts retreat, Encantado. [Globorati]

“Two of Atlantic City’s newest hotels are wagering customers will flock to this seaside resort with gambling all around them and stay for something other than the tumbling dice.” Or in other words, A.C. is looking to channel a bit more Vegas and a bit less Mohegan Sun. The two hotels in question are the not-yet-opened Chelsea and the Borgata’s recently debuted Water Club. Both are banking on celeb chefs and spectacles courtesy of Elton John and The Eagles to jump-start Atlantic City’s non-gambling economy. [AP]

U2’s Bono and The Edge can finally sleep easy. Following a four-year legal battle, the bandmates have won the right to “reshape their old-fashioned Dublin hotel, the Clarence, into a futuristic landmark.” Upgrades include tripling the number of rooms and a floodlit glass roof atrium. U2 also has its own namesake Tower slated for a 2012 opening. The 400-foot building will stand as Ireland’s tallest, and will house the band’s new recording studio at the top. [USAToday]

Are you a full-blown Blackberry/iPhone addict? Don’t worry, there’s no need for Betty Ford. Just head to one of Canada's Fairmont Hotels, which are offering an Electronic Rehab package geared towards helping guests get some r&r sans PDA. Upon check-in you’re expected to hand over your gadget so it can be locked up for the rest of your stay. “To avoid the inevitable twittling of thumbs… the package also includes a credit toward the spa or golf course and, at some hotels, cool stuff like zip-trekking, kayaking and fishing.” See, there’s hope for you yet… [HC]

“The Bavarian town of Amberg claims to have the world’s smallest hotel.” Eh’häusl’s recently renovated digs measure a mere 603-square-feet. The hotel, which has been open for nearly three centuries, uses its size to its advantage: its intimate quarters typically attract “freshly married couples.” [Spiegel]

Navigating Las Vegas’ bevy of sleek pools is a feat in and of itself. Looking to find the most bikini-clad bodies per square inch? Or are you more concerned with securing a poolside poker game? Check Anthony Curtis’ newly launched “Cool Pools,” which does all the work for you. [Thrillist]

Seattle’s Arctic Club, a gentlemen’s club that dates back to the turn of the century, will reopen later this month as a 120-room luxury hotel. The Arctic Club Hotel will house many of the original architectural elements that earned the building a seat on the National Register of Historic Places. Modern amenities like whirlpool tubs, complimentary WiFi and private rooftop terraces will be included too.

San Diego’s new Ivy Hotel wasn’t kidding when it touted itself as a playground for adults. Its Star Suite includes “two king-size bunk beds decorated with chains, a six-person shower, and, yes, an elevated stripper pole.” [HC]

Travel + Leisure announces the winners of its annual “world’s best awards” today. Among the rag’s first-time overall winners are Bangkok (best city of 2008), Galápagos Islands (best island), and Virgin America (best domestic airline). Triple Creek Ranch in Montana took the crown of best regional hotel, while our very own New York City was named best U.S. city for the eighth year in a row. [TL]

Nights spent at airport hotels don’t have to be entirely insufferable. That is, as long as you can shack up at the likes of Starwood’s Aloft at the Montreal Airport, citizen M at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, the Fairmont Vancouver Airport or the Grand Hyatt at Dallas Fort Worth, where services range from cooking classes to floor-to-ceiling windows and touch-screen mood pads. [Globorati]

We’ve already shown you the celeb-studded destruction that took place last month at Paris’ Le Royal Monceau. But, now you can see photos of designer and artist Arne Quinze’s installation at the hotel, which preceded the demolition. The orange, root-like configurations are awe-inspiring to say the least. The hotel will reopen next year with a slew of brand new Philippe Starck-designed interiors. [Dezeen]