Exotic Hotel Tips

This Labor Day weekend things will be scorching as usual in South Florida, especially Miami!  For those of you looking for a hot weekend slam packed with hot celebs and events, look no further than ‘No Sleep Till Miami’, a music infused event being held September 1st-5th in Miami Beach.

Chicago’s Hidden Gem:  The Hotel Burnham 

Located inside one of Chicago’s oldest skyscrapers that once housed office buildings now houses one of the United States best boutique hotels according to Conde Nast.  The hotel is named for David Burnham, a famous Chicago architect, and is located on State and Washington right across from Macy’s, formerly the also-famous Marshall Fields.  Much of the original architecture was preserved in the 1999 renovation and is very evident as you walk into the main lobby and see all of the marble wainscoting on the walls and ceilings.  The rooms offer guests a very European feel and are placed inside the former offices of Chicago businessmen and executives alike. One can feel the glamour of this boutique hotel inside and out.   On some occasions parked outside you spot a Lamborghini, Aston Martin or Bentley. 

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I will be in Miami for a week to celebrate Labor Day with a group of friends.  I do not think a traditional luxury hotel will suffice, and would prefer a residence rental Miami style to ensure that all of my guests are comfortable.  What luxury hotel also offers residence or condo rentals?

  I would also prefer that it be located within proximity of South Beach’s nightclubs, restaurants, shopping and hot spots. 
 

Thanks,

Scott, Manhattan

It seems that South Florida has something to feel good about, other than the constant sunshine and marbled Atlantic coastline!  The local hotel industry is reporting increases for the first time in a while, which should help to bolster the economy.

The economic downturn, depression, however you prefer to label the financial catastrophe that has rocked the entire globe and changed so many lives seems to be retreating somewhat.  The South Florida Business Journal has reported that local hoteliers are experiencing higher occupancy rates, figures that are surely needed.

Recent national events deserve a nod of gratitude for this increase, such as the Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, Food Network’s South Beach Food & Wine Festival, FASHIONmiami and other luxury events that attract guests to our sandy shores and into our plethora of hotels, residences and luxury condos.

I think I have discovered the most expensive round of golf in the world!  It seems that Barbados attracts more than those seeking the sand, sun and surf-it also beckons to golf lovers.  For $2,300 per game, you could consider golf a luxury sport on this swanky island!

So how do they charge so much for 9 holes?  Well, the actual fee for a round of golf at one of Sandy Lane resort’s three courses, the Green Monkey, the Old Nine and the Country Club is $300. 

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I will be coming to South Beach soon for a business trip, and assume I will be left to my own devices often.  I am free to stay where I please and would really like a luxury accommodation with a concierge who is knowledgeable of Miami.  I feel that the last time I visited I missed out on much of what Miami has to offer.  Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Mark, Sacramento, CA
 

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I will be coming to Miami and South Beach for a business trip soon, and I am interested in locating a luxury hotel in South Beach that is near all of the restaurants, bars and beaches, yet quiet and understated.  It is important that I have a quiet place to unwind and work during the week, without all of the noise and fuss that make South Beach so much fun.  Where do you suggest I stay?
 

Thanks,

Alan, New York
 

Its summertime, and for most of us, that means vacation time!  If you are thinking about a luxurious Italian escape, you may want to consider one of these five 5-star options!  I definitely would not turn my nose up at any of them!

1.    Alpenpalace Hotel & Spa
2.    Baia dei Faraglioni Resort
3.    Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
4.    Grand Hotel Mazzaro Sea Palace
5.    The Grand Hotel Rimini

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I see that you offer a variety of boat charters in Miami and am curious to know the difference between a regular fishing charter and your luxury fishing charter? 

I make it down from Chicago a couple of times per year, and always try to make time for a boat rental.  My next trip I will be bringing my new girlfriend, and I want to make sure it is a special and more personalized trip.  We both enjoy fishing (I am a lucky man), so any information would be helpful.
 

Thanks,
Bruce, Chicago

A new slice of luxury arrived in Sicily last March, in the form of Verdura Golf & Spa Resort.  This new luxury golf course is poised to draw in new crowds to soak in the serenity of the Mediterranean, oh, and perhaps squeeze in a few rounds of golf and a massage.

Well, in my opinion, location is nearly everything when it comes to a successful golf course, and the location on one of Itay’s most world-renowned islands should provide an adequate catapult into success.

Traveling to Europe is an exquisite experience, especially to Madrid, Spain.  If you are among those who prefer to travel in style, I have outlined the top 5 luxury hotels in Madrid:

1.    Hotel Villa Magna
2.    Silken Hotel Puerta America Madrid
3.    Gran Melia Fenix
4.    Hasperia Madrid
5.    Mirasierra Suites Hotel

No, that was not a typo, we did not mean $67.50, we meant $6,750.00 per night if you want to stay at one of Taj and Oberoi hotel group’s latest flagship Mumbai properties.  The luxury hotel group is pulling out all stops in attempts to win back business lost over the past two years due to sporadic extremist attacks.

When it comes to South Beach hotels, the Betsy Hotel certainly portrays poise and elegance, located in the famed Art Deco district on Ocean Drive.  This is a luxury hotel, upscale restaurant, lavish poolside bar and exotic garden spa all in one location.

There are 63 elegantly appointed rooms at the Betsy, all of which are private, beachside jewels with elaborate and creative design, and of course, every modern amenity.   The décor is decidedly tropical, yet not tacky.  A main attraction is the courtyard pool, where you can indulge in delectable specialty cocktails that will melt away your every worry.  Light fare is offered poolside.

The Trump hotel collection has just opened its latest posh location, in SoHo New York.  Yes, everyone knows that South Hampton is a luxurious location, and it has just gotten more so with the introduction of a Trump hotel.  The Trump hotel is located at 246 Spring Street, and is a dramatic addition to the city skyline.

Trump hotels are notorious for their attention to detail, very exquisite detail might we mention.  The luxury hotel in South Hampton opened its doors on April 9th, 2010 and features 391 elegantly appointed suites and rooms.  There are a mere 12 rooms per floor, for exclusive privacy, the ultimate escape.  There are also no less than ten luxury two-bedroom penthouse suites, the most in New York City.  Well, we expect nothing less from Trump.

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I am a fan of your website and blog.  I have been following your stuff for almost a year, thanks for the information and entertainment.  There is one issue that I have not seen covered in your blog, and that is Miami during the summer. 

I have been told that it is too hot to take a trip to Miami in the summer, and was curious about your take on that advice.  It would seem that the hotter the better with the Ocean and luxury hotel pools to soak in.  I am overdue for a mini-vacation, and was contemplating a quick trip to Miami to rejuvenate.  Let me know your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks,
Peter, New York