SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 14, 2006–With the fall travel season officially in full swing, travelers seeking solace from summer crowds and heightened costs can find both relaxation and fun at chic hotels across the globe without draining their wallets. With affordability top of mind, Travelocity editors discovered 10 trendy hotels that suit travelers seeking anything from a beach escape to an urban getaway.
To stay on budget, Travelocity hotel experts recommend consumers keep their eyes peeled for special savings and promotions that offer discounts specifically on these types of trendy spots. For deals on chic, urban hotels in cities across the continent, travelers can visit www.travelocity.com/hiphoteldeals.
“Whether you’re planning a romantic fall escape or a girls-only getaway, staying at a trendy, unique hotel adds to the overall travel experience,” said Travelocity editor, Jennifer Gaines. “Unlike most mainstream hotels, boutique properties offer hip amenities and one-of-a-kind perks you won’t stumble upon anywhere else.”
For travelers unsure of where to even begin their search, Travelocity editors recommend these chic and affordable hotels for fall getaways and beyond:
New York City: Located steps from Times Square in midtown Manhattan’s historic Leavitt Building, The Muse plays off an artistic, theater-and-performing-arts theme. The lobby features 15-foot ceilings covered with a commissioned mural of the nine muses and overstuffed sofas with black velvet lounge chairs. Wake up to a complimentary New York Times, or get your blood pumping with in-room exercise programs for yoga, Pilates and core strengthening. The hotel staff will even bring stationary exercise bikes to your room upon request — From $249/night.
Washington, D.C.: Providing a funky juxtaposition to the otherwise stately D.C. vibe, the Hotel Helix provides stylish accommodations close to Logan and DuPont circles. Situated steps from hip hotspots in neighboring locales like Adams Morgan and U Street, the hotel provides for an unconventional stay. Colors abound — from the mural outside and the one-of-a-kind artwork to the carpeting in the lobby and the fluorescent colors in the bathrooms. The Helix Lounge Restaurant has a seasonal outdoor patio, and the living room houses a nightly manager’s complimentary Bubbly Hour — From $168/night.
Portland, Ore.: In LoBu, the up-and-coming Lower Burnside neighborhood, Jupiter Hotel provides an offbeat, contemporary alternative to mainstream Portland hotels. In this 80-room motel you can get your hair cut at the Wack Salon, enjoy a facial or massage at Mana Massage (guests can opt for in-room treatments, too), and rock out to your favorite indie band at the Doug Fir Restaurant and Lounge. If you choose to hole up in your Ikea-esque room, you’ll notice floor-to-ceiling murals of forest and cityscapes. Take advantage of complimentary yoga mats, doors with blackboard slates to scribble on and comfy platform beds. Night-owls will benefit from special rates by checking in after midnight — From $96/night.
San Francisco: Bringing a bit of Vegas to the Bay, Hotel Serrano offers you the option to challenge the front desk to a game of blackjack at check-in. Win, and you could get a free upgrade, appetizers at the onsite Asian restaurant Ponzu and more. Lose, and the hotel requests a $5 donation to a local pet charity. The 17-story Spanish revival building houses 236 Spanish and Moroccan-inspired rooms, including the A.C.T. Suite, which resembles the nearby Geary Theater with a stage-like bedroom. Gather in the lobby in the morning for coffee and tea and in the evening for a complimentary wine reception — From $139/night.
Los Angeles: In the heart of Brentwood, where Sunset Boulevard hits the I-405, Hotel Angeleno’s landmark high-rise tower on the West Side houses 209 stylized guestrooms and suites. Panoramic views of L.A., including the Getty Center, are in sight from the 17th-floor penthouse steakhouse restaurant. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or lounge by the fireplace. If you retire to your room, you’ll enjoy views from a private balcony or the latest movies and shows on plasma TVs from the comfort of a pillow-top mattress, Italian cotton linens and fluffy duvet. Tech-gadgets include iPod Nanos with personalized podcasts and music or GPS navigational devices for use in your car — From $160/night.
Las Vegas: For an alternative to the mega-sized casino-hotels along the Strip, the Desert Rose is an oasis. Leave the hustle and bustle of the Strip but stay within steps of the action at this three-story hotel featuring 281 rooms and two-bedroom suites. Unwind in the lounge that resembles a western mountain lodge and take advantage of the complimentary hot buffet breakfast and weeknight social hours with beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Minimalist accents include dark woods, slate floor tiles, a fireplace and plush-but-sleek couches and chairs. Outside there’s a landscaped pool area that has a spa and courts for basketball and paddle tennis — From $111/night.
Chicago: With a riverside location near Michigan Avenue, Hotel 71’s 39 floors boast a panorama of postcard-perfect views of the Chicago River and the city’s skyline. This posh hotel’s decor features custom furnishings, signature artwork, and video-installation pieces by local artists. Leopard-print accents adorn the modern reception area; and because the guestrooms are extra-spacious, they feature a seating area of a leopard print chaise or oversized chairs for relaxing in style. Every guest has 24-hour access to the gym and will enjoy the H2O+ bath products and oversized towels post-workout. If you suffer a late-night snack-attack, the mini-bars are stocked with Dean & DeLuca goodies and the hotel offers an in-room dining service. — From $189/night.
Miami: Centrally located in the heart of Miami’s South Beach Art Deco district, Hotel Nash is a block from the beach and a quick jaunt to boutiques, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Each of the 55 guestrooms is decorated in an organic jade-green and ivory motif with marble-tiled bathrooms and rainfall showerheads. The unique Duplex Suite is a two-story room with a queen pullout sofa on one floor and a king-sized platform bed on the top level, while the Penthouse Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent views. The terrace is home to three pools filled with fresh, salt and mineral water. Dine in-house at Mark’s South Beach, a local favorite serving Mediterranean food with area ingredients — From $105/night.
Vancouver, B.C.: Channeling a South Florida vibe in the heart of Vancouver’s shopping district, the Pacific Palisades hotel emphasizes a breezy, hip atmosphere. Opt for an EarthCare Rate to save 10% and proceeds from your stay will go towards a local environmental charity — plus you’ll enjoy organic chocolates at turndown. Also, if you drive a hybrid vehicle to the hotel, you’ll get a 50% discount on parking. Nightly wine receptions bring guests together in the modern, chic lobby; and the Zin Restaurant means you don’t have to stumble far for local, gourmet cuisine — From $196/night.
Montreal, QC: Nestled into the tree-lined Sherbrooke Street at the foot of Mount Royal and in the heart of Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, the Chateau Versailles exudes historic significance, artful surroundings and a personal touch. Every one of the 65 guestrooms and suites in this renovated, Old-World Edwardian building is unique, comprising distinct combinations of texture and color schemes. Several suites even have cozy gas fireplaces. The historic property maintains its refined heritage while being cosmopolitan and chic at the same time by contrasting vibrant colors with original crown moldings. Plus, pieces from local artists add an artsy flair — From $155/night.
Search for These Hip Amenities & Quirky Perks:
— Look for hotels that offer complimentary wine receptions to
jump start your evenings.
— To keep fit while on the road, stay at a hotel that offers
yoga equipment or exercise programs.
— If Fido needs a getaway too, look for a hotel that offers
pet-friendly programs.
— Techies can enjoy electronics such as plasma TVs or iPods
offered at some hotels.
For more information on chic, urban hotels, visit www.travelocity.com/hiphotels.
About Travelocity
Travelocity is committed to being the traveler’s champion — before, during and after the trip and guarantees everything about a customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. — booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(SM) and GetThere for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
CONTACT: VOLLMER
Andrea Collins, 212-715-2222
andrea@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity
