GAYOT's Blog

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Located in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling financial district, this posh property is more than just a high-end business hotel. Occupying the top eleven floors of the city’s third-tallest building, the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco provides incomparable sweeping views that stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. The hotel caters to a sophisticated traveler clientele, whether it’s those who like to call it home while on business, or visitors who prefer a luxurious and comfortable resting place while touring “The City by the Bay.”

Continue reading “Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco – Hotel Feature” »

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As the flagship of Red Lion Hotels’ chain makeover, Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Seattle is undergoing a major overhaul. Starting with the common areas, they’ve upped the ante in terms of décor, with vibrant, contemporary colors, new furniture and modern art in what was once a Red Lion Inn. The new restaurant, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, sports a gorgeous interior and inviting outdoor patio (weather permitting, that is). There is a fitness room, as well as plans to add a spa.

Continue reading “Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue, Seattle” »

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Power Nap in a Pod in Abu Dhabi

During your next layover at Abu Dhabi International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, chill out in one of their brand new sleep capsules designed by Uni in Finland. Abu Dhabi International Airport is now offering its transit passengers individual GoSleep pods right in the terminal, which transform from a chair into a bed, complete with sliding shade for privacy and noise reduction.

Continue reading “Abu Dhabi International Airport Debuts Sleeping Pods in Terminals – Travel News” »

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by Becky Sue Epstein

In the lobby of this stylish hotel, everything is oversized, from ceiling height to furniture. Peering through the sheer white curtains to the left, guests will see a sprinkling of cool-looking people around the pool table at any hour of the day or night. Behind another set of white sheers on the right is the restaurant Tempt, with a menu that claims to be an “updated takes on Southern and New Orleans cooking.” In-room dining, handled by the same kitchen, is offered from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. As an antidote, the gym is complimentary.

Continue reading “The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection – Review” »

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You don’t need a time machine to travel back to ancient China with Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco’s “Terracotta Warriors” package. In celebration of the opening of China’s Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor’s Legacy, the hotel is offering accommodations for one night, an exhibit keepsake and two VIP admission tickets to the Asian Art Museum. The exhibit features 120 objects from the tomb complex of China’s first emperor Qin Shihuang (259-210BC), including eight life-size terracotta warriors and two horses.

Continue reading ““Terracotta Warriors” Package at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco – Travel Special” »

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All too often, the difference between the fantasy of traveling with children (wee ones skipping along in wonder against a majestic European backdrop) and the reality (jet-lagged children who won’t leave the hotel) can be vast. Thanks to The Little Bookroom Guide to Paris with Children, you don’t have to wait until your kids are in college to visit Paris.

Paris with Children guides you through visiting Paris’ most important sights in a child-friendly way.  Organized around places to play, eat, shop and stay, the book allows you to plan your day around activities that both you and your children will love.

Continue reading “The Little Bookroom Guide to Paris with Children — Review” »

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Samurais and winemakers traveling with their equipment still have to check their sabres and bottles, but starting April 25, small knives, novelty bats, golf clubs and other sports equipment currently banned from planes will be allowed on board, according to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new carry-on rules.

 

 

 

 

Continue reading “TSA to Allow Small Knives, Golf Clubs, Bats and More on Planes – Travel News” »

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There are many good reasons to visit Saint-Tropez: the seaside glamour, the star-spotting, the hot nightlife and now the Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez. Discover the new luxury property coming to southeastern France with the hotel’s Grand Opening special.

Be the first to experience one of its 90 rooms and suites, Le Suffren Café by Georges, Spa My Blend by Clarins and rooftop terrace with clear-bottom pool suspended above the atrium. The décor is contemporary design with a palette of warm Mediterranean tones and bright accent colors inspired by the surrounding village. Bonus amenities include free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public spaces, iPod stations, a pillow menu and terraces overlooking the landscaped patio.

Continue reading “Hotel de Paris Saint-Tropez Grand Opening – Travel Special” »

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In addition to holding records for the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa, 2,723 feet) and largest shopping mall (The Dubai Mall), Dubai is now home to the world’s tallest hotel – the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, which opened February 26. At 1,164 feet tall, the hotel took the Guinness World Record from its Dubai neighbor, the 1,093 foot Rose Tower.

The hotel comprises 72 floors, 684 rooms, 120 suites, 24 meeting rooms and 55,488 square feet of meeting space. Its fourteen dining venues run the gamut of cuisines, from Indian and Thai to French and Japanese. Room rates begin at $326 per person, per night.

Continue reading “World’s Tallest Hotel JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Opens – Travel News” »

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by Jeff Hoyt

EDITOR’S NOTE: Between a fatal bus crash and a manhunt for a revenge-minded cop-turned-copkiller, Big Bear Lake, California, has been in the national news a lot lately. I had the pleasure of visiting the area just before the back-to-back headline-grabbers occurred. As the area struggles to put these episodes behind them, the following innocent tale reflects the type of news Big Bear wants to make.

Growing up in sunny Southern California, my daughters are exposed to sand, sea, surf and sun, but not snow. Good thing nature provided Angelenos with nearby mountains so kids can frolic in a geographically desirable winter wonderland. For their first foray into snow, the kids rode up to Big Bear Lake, California, which is taking on child obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles through a new program called KIDS. GET OUTDOORS. WIN.

Continue reading “Snow Rookies” »

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