Hotels

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

The infamously tacky cast of “Jersey Shore” is being transplanted to chic Miami for season 2.  Yes, the self-proclaimed “Guidos/Guidettes” will be touting their self-centered, trashy idea of sophistication that so many have come to adore on our beach lines.  And will the world ever be watching!  The question is, will Miami accept the cast?

That is the thing about Reality TV, the more outrageous, the more people want, and then it must continue to become more shocking to please the audience.  And this theory is no different when it comes to the cast of Jersey Shore. 

I learned a few new things today.  It seems there are actually things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble  (can you imagine?)!  This information threw my imagination into overdrive, and I decided I must pass on these Vegas travel tips to my readers.

I won’t keep you in suspense, the top 5 things to do in Vegas other than gamble are:

1.    Shop
2.    Experience the national parks, recreation and unique spots
3.    Dine
4.    Shows
5.    Outstanding museums, galleries & exhibitions
 

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

It’s officially here.  Warm weather has arrived in Chicago after a few long, cold months of winter.  Arguably known as one of the greatest cities in the world, Chicagoans are ready to escape the rigors of winter and enjoy the city and all the amazing events and activities it has to offer.  And for the record, Imagine Lifestyles would never argue the fact that Chicago is definitely one of the greatest cities in the world.  As many people from all over the world embark on our wonderful city this summer, let’s take a look at the top five hotels to stay in while visiting.  Coming up with just five was no easy task, but the following hotels are simply the cream of the crop.

1.    The Drake
2.    The Peninsula
3.    The Palmer House
4.    The W
5.    Trump International Hotel

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.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago steps back into the forefront of the Chicago hotel scene this week with the unveiling of the largest remodel project since the hotel opened its doors in 1977.  Starting this week the results of the $25 Million renovation will be unveiled to the public.  Although the guest room renovations were completed in 2009, Chicago has yet to see all the changes made to the public areas and the much-anticipated new Presidential Suite.

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

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I love to read your luxury blog before I start my day at the office every morning!  I live in New York, and because I work so much, I often take my family on long weekend escapes to squeeze in some quality time with them.  Next month I plan to take them to Miami and South Beach for some fun in the sun.

What hotels do you recommend for a large family to stay in?  I will be bringing my wife, two kids and also my parents.  I would like to position ourselves to where we can walk to the beach and a variety of exotic restaurants. 
Also, since I am traveling with six people, what type of SUV rental do you recommend?  I can’t see myself renting a van in luxurious South Beach. 

Thanks again,
David, New York

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.

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

So I woke up in the morning to the most gorgeous panoramic view of the Chicago River and skyline.  Trump International Hotel and Tower has forgotten no small detail.  I actually get to select a bottle of water from their "water bar"  called BLING.  After I drink it I see it costs $25.  What the hell, it’ll set the standard for the rest of my day. 

On my way out through the lobby, hotel concierge reiterated to me how excited they are to be able to promote our Chicago Luxury and Exotic car rental services.  Since we are the ONLY company in Chicago who will be providing these services, they are thrilled they finally get to meet their clients’ needs.  Today is going to be a long day as my goal is to acquire two luxury vehicles by close of the business day.