Tag: Boston Hotels
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The Revere Hotel's New Pret-A-Surf Staff Uniforms Are Tres Belles
If you have difficulty trying to get work done on hotel rooftops, then we have two pieces of advice for you: one, stop trying to get work done on hotel rooftops, and two, definitely don't visit the new rooftop pool at the Revere Hotel, where attractive female employees will be prancing around all summer long in matching swimwear outfits designed by Pret-a-Surf.
The checkered hot pants, striped bikini tops, and nautical-themed jerseys that you see above are the new staff uniforms up at Rooftop @ Revere, which debuted last week.
As hotel uniforms go, we like the breezy, New England look—certainly racier indeed than the silk embroidered robes we saw in Bangkok, yet tamer than the W New York Downtown's double-breasted tuxedo shorts.
And if you fancy yourself (or your loved one) dressed up like one of the Revere cocktail servers, then all you have to do is head down to the lobby retail shop, and pick out some matching Pret-a-Surf attire of your very own.
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Wild Horses and High-Tech Toilets Can't Keep Us Away from These Hotel Deals
Deals: you want 'em, and surprisingly, everyone has 'em. Take a look at some of the latest hotel deals going around the internet today from booking sites, social media sites, flash sale sites and more. Don't forget to scroll down to see the HotelChatter-approved deal either. Who knows? You might just find what you're looking for. (But don't forget to tell us about your stay!)
DEALS, DEALS, DEALS*
· Flash Sale for the Orlando World Center Marriott: Starting tomorrow, May 22, the Disney World resort is offering 50 percent off peak season rates as part of a 48-hour flash sale. Rooms start at just $109 a night. You must book your room within 48 hours of the sale's start for travel from now through December 25. The sale will pop up on the hotel's home page here but if not, then use code XPZO to book.
· Boston By Land and By Sea at the Hotel Marlowe: The Cambridge Kimpton Hotel is offering a fun sightseeing package that includes an overnight stay in a deluxe room, guided bike tour along the Charles River (bikes included), two tickets on Old Town Trolley Tours, two kayaks to explore Boston and Cambridge via the Charles and boxed lunch from Bambara’s Executive Chef Jay Silva. Rates start at $409 a night. Go here to book or call 1-800-Kimpton and mention rate code ONE TWO.
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Boston's Newest Hotel Has The Amenities You Need at The Price You Want
Well, looky here! A new boutique hotel has opened on the sly in Boston.
The Chandler Studios, a block away from its sister hotel, The Chandler Inn Hotel in the South End neighborhood, is comprised of just 11 studios and a one-bedroom suite, all decorated in a mod fashion (white beds, red accent furniture) with a industrial undertones (the hotel is located in a 100-year-old brownstone.)
But what the hotel lacks in size, it makes up for with some serious technology and necessary amenities like a virtual check-in via keyless entry system, complimentary wired and wireless internet, flat-screen TVs, complimentary phone calls within the U.S., fully-equipped kitchenettes, coffee-maker, walk-in shower and a hair dryer.
Check in for the Chandler Studios actually happens at the Chandler Inn Hotel where guests are given entry codes to the Chandler Studios building and their guest room. There are no staffers on-site but the Chandler Inn Hotel staffers are available 24 hours a day. Also, the rooms include daily maid service. Essentially, it's like staying in an apartment building but it's operated by a hotel nearby.
Best of all, this ultra private stay won't cost you more. We found a studio room with a queen bed for just $259 a night. Want a king bed? The rate bumps up to $319.
[Photo: Chandler Studios]
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"Terrorism Insurance" a Hot Debate as Boston Hotels Still Struggle
The hotels located on or near Boylston Street are still trying to get their feet back under them after the tragedy in Boston, reeling from the lack of business associated with the incident's aftermath. Hotels are looking to their insurance companies to cover their losses, but, interestingly enough, the payout depends upon whether or not the government officially declares the marathon bombings an "act of terror."
Quick background: After September 11th kicked them in the face, insurance companies decided to exclude "acts of terror" from inclusion in policies. They made it an optional add-on that businesses had to purchase separately to have damage covered that resulted from officially declared acts of terrorism, meaning the government's categorization of the incident will determine who pays for what. According to ABC News, President Obama called the bombings an "act of terror," but the treasury secretary, attorney general, and secretary of state have yet to speak on the designation, and have set no time frame in which to do so.
"If there is no terror finding, damages would be covered in general under regular property-and-casualty policies," Robert Hartwig, president of the trade group Insurance Information Institute, told ABC News. If it's declared an "act of terror," however, only those who purchased the additional terrorism clause would have their losses covered by insurance.
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The Charlesmark Hotel in Boston Also Remains Closed After Bombings
The investigation continues into Monday's horrific explosions at the Boston Marathon with no clear answer as to who did this and why. Yet the "how" has been uncovered as Boston authorities say two pressure cookers were placed in backpacks along Boylston Street and loaded with nails, ball bearings and black powder and triggered by egg-timers.
Hundreds of victims are recovering in area hospitals while the mourning process has begun for the friends and families of the three killed by the blasts, including 8-year-old Martin Richard.
As for the hotels near the blasts, since the FBI investigation is still ongoing, they aren't allowed to resume operating until that's complete. Right now, The Lenox is still closed through tomorrow. The Mandarin Oriental has reopened but with limited services.
We've also learned that The Charlesmark Hotel has been shuttered as well with the Boston Globe reporting that its lobby is "splattered with blood." The hotel was hosting a Marathon viewing party when the blasts occurred. From The Globe:
Mark Hagopian, Charlesmark’s operating partner, said he was on the hotel’s patio when the first explosion occurred about 35 feet away. “It was like a cannon,” he said. “We knew something was wrong."
A report in the Daily Mail also showed that a piece of one of the pressure cookers was found on the roof of the Charlesmark.
Over at The Taj, a guard was spotted holding a submachine gun in an example of extremely beefed up security at hotels and other public places. A Twitterer posted this photo from another Boston hotel:
Not just a Bell Captain by the entrance to our hotel in #Boston.High alert remains. twitter.com/TomWaltersCTV/…
— Tom Walters (@TomWaltersCTV) April 17, 2013
Sadly, this is probably going to be the "norm" in Boston over the next few weeks.
If you were in Boston and staying at a hotel on Monday, send us your story. (Anonymity assured if you'd like.) Similarly, if you work at a hotel in Boston and want to share how your property handled the crisis and the chaos, please let us know!
[Photo: Dan Suslavich/Facebook]
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Boston Hotels Update: The Lenox Hotel Has Reopened But Mandarin Oriental is Still Closed
UPDATE 3:18pm The Lenox Hotel has sent HotelChatter a statement about yesterday's events and their current operating status. For now, they are no longer taking any new reservations. We've posted their statement at the bottom of this story.
UPDATE: 12:50pm ET: The Mandarin Oriental has reopened so guests can retrieve their belongings. We've posted their update at the bottom of this story.
The morning after the senseless bombings that rocked Boston Marathon yesterday has yielded no answers as to who did this or why. What we do know so far is that two bombs exploded near the finsh line, killing three people including an 8-year-old boy and injuring many, many, more. The area around the "crime scene" has been cordoned off and the streets are nearly empty.
As far as Boston hotels, The Lenox Hotel on Exeter and Boylston, right where the explosions happened, tweeted around 7am that they were finally able to let their guests back into the hotel after having been evacuated shortly after the blasts. The Mandarin Oriental, just a block away from the Lenox on Boylston, still was not open to guests. The Fairmont Copley, while on lockdown for most of yesterday, did not get evacuated. They've been tweeting several times today letting everyone know their staff and guests are all accounted for.
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Explosions at Boston Marathon Finish Line, Fairmont Copley Hotel on Lockdown [UPDATED]
A terrible scene unfolded at the Boston Marathon today after explosions were reported near the finish line, injuring multiple people. The news is ricocheting all over social media (as of 3:26pm) including FourSquare founder Dennis Crowley who is tweeting from mile 26 but there is not much to go on right now as to why this happened and exactly how many people were injured.
We did, however, see a tweet from @AmelieBenjamin a sports writer for the Boston Globe which said the media hotel is on lockdown. That would be the Fairmont Copley Plaza which is on St. James just a few blocks from the finish line and the explosions. Benjamin tweeted that no one is allowed to leave and reporters are stuck in a hotel ballroom watching news coverage of a scene that's unfolding a block away from them.
The Fairmont has also updated its Twitter feed with the following message: "Explosions reported on Boylston Street. Only hotel guests and colleagues allowed into the building at this time." We've also seen a tweet saying the Lenox Hotel was being evacuated as well.
We'll be updating this story as it unfolds but keep Boston in your thoughts today.
UPDATE 4:08PM: CNN tweeted that indeed the Lenox Hotel has been evacuated. We're trying to track down more info. Also, a HotelChatter contributor is currently at The Ames Hotel where they are checking everyone's room numbers before they can get into the hotel. He says sirens are still going off around the area.
4:31pm: Time reporter Andrew Katz tweeted that another "device" had been found in front of the Mandarin Oriental hotel (Below.) Lots of hotels are reported to be on lockdown.
Boston scanner: "EMS is reporting another device" in front of Mandarin Hotel
— Andrew Katz (@katz) April 15, 2013
4:52pm: The Fairmont Copley has expanded their statement on Facebook:
An explosion was reported at the finish line of The Boston Marathon, two blocks away from the hotel. At this time, only guests and colleagues are being allowed into the hotel, and per the direction of the Boston Police those already in the building are encouraged to stay inside. The St. James Room has been set up for people to relax and get in touch with loved ones. All hotel colleagues are safe and our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident.
5:01pm: Conde Nast Traveler just ran this update with statements from New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo about "stepping up security." CNT also reports that NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said security at hotels and other "prominent locations" was also being increased.
5:14pm: The Lenox Hotel have tweeted a statement. Does not give details about evacuation but they are doing ok.
Thank you for the outpouring support and well wishes. It is times like these that unite a community and bring us together.
— The Lenox Hotel (@LenoxHotel) April 15, 2013
5:27pm: USA Today Hotel reporter Barb DeLollis tweeted that many Boston hotels are no longer taking reservations.
Some Boston hotels tell me they've stopped taking reservations.Stay tuned for my story later. Email me with tips: bdelolli@usatoday.com
— barbara delollis (@barbdelollis) April 15, 2013
The blasts killed two people and wounded more than two dozen, according to the NY Times.
6:35pm: The Mandarin Oriental has tweeted back at us saying everyone at their property is ok.
@hotelchatter Thank you for your tweet. All employees & guests who were at @mo_boston during today’s events are safe & accounted for.
— Mandarin Oriental (@MO_BOSTON) April 15, 2013
Meanwhile, President Obama addressed the nation saying, ""We still do not know who did this or why, but make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this, and we will find out who did this, we'll find out why they did this."
6:53pm: Guests are still unable to return to the Lenox Hotel which is across the street from where one of the devices exploded. Many of the guests are leaving questions about their rooms on the hotel's Facebook page but the hotel tweeted these statements this evening. It looks like their Twitter feed to go for more updated info.
We will be updating everyone every 2 hours and appreciate everyone's understanding and patience during this horrific time.
— The Lenox Hotel (@LenoxHotel) April 15, 2013
To all of our guests asking about when they can return, luggage or future stays- We will let you know as soon as we know.
— The Lenox Hotel (@LenoxHotel) April 15, 2013
7:14pm Just found this Twitpic from @LeahBoston who snapped it while at the Mandarin Oriental Boston a few hours before the explosions.
Celebrating the @bostonmarathon @mo_boston #bestview where are you watching? twitter.com/leahboston/sta…
— leah (@leahboston) April 15, 2013
8:01pm: We've confirmed that the Mandarin Oriental was evacuated as a precaution. A third device had been found outside the hotel. We will update when we hear when guests can return to their rooms.
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What’s Out, What’s In: Raiding the Minibar
We've started a series of what’s trending in hotels these days: What’s Out, What’s In. Do we like what we see? Think it's a dud? You be the judge!
What’s Out: Cheetos and johnnie Walker
What’s In: Locally-made or healthy alternatives
Sometimes it’s late in the day, dinner was hours ago and you’ve got the munchies bad, or it’s early and you just want to grab something before you rush out the door to your meeting. Your eyes drift over to the minibar, but that ubiquitous, teensy can of Pringles isn’t going to keep you fuelled, never mind toned. What’s a road warrior to do?
Fifteen Beacon goes beyond the standard M&M's and sodas to include local faves like Boston Baked Beans and Cape Cod all-natural potato chips, plus healthy alternatives including coconut water, protein bars and Emergen-C. To top it off, they even offer pampering products like cucumber eye-cream and Sprayology -- a holistic product for your travel-stressed immune system.
Local products abound at the Fairmont Pittsburgh including Betsy Ann Chocolates, Torn Ranch snacks, Naturally Yours trail mixes and local beers (Penn Pilsner and Yuengling). And here’s the best part: in keeping with the idea of “be good to your body, be good to the earth” they also offer complimentary, refillable glass bottles for you to fill with filtered water from dispensers located on each floor.
For you appreciative craft beer lovers, the minibar at Enchantment Resort in Sedona has swapped out mass-produced beer brands for locally-made Grand Canyon Pilsner. They also keep full bottles of local Arizona wines, chocolates, snacks and full-size bath products atop cabinets and vanities to really tempt you to indulge yourself.
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Three Opening Day Specials Take You Out To The Ballgame
This week marks the beginning of baseball season, which means the air seems quite heavy with testosterone lately and beer sales have risen once again. Hotels are getting in on this special time by building special game-watching packages. Here are a few that make us say "Hot Dog!"
Hotel Monaco Baltimore
The “Bro's, O's, and Boh's Opening Weekend” package is designed for Baltimore Orioles fans in town for the April 5th opening day. You'll get 10% discount off the best available room rate, three cold Natty Boh local beers, three cold orange sodas (orange, of course, in tribute to official team colors--orange and black) , and home team goodies. Rooms start at $169 per night. Book online at www.monaco-baltimore.com or call (888) 752-2363 and ask for the ORIOLE rate.
Hotel Marlowe, Boston
Face it, Red Sox fans are falling over themselves in anticipation of the April 8th opening date (how many people will be calling in sick?). So, the "Ahead of the Curve" package is aimed at those anxious to get into Fenway Park, one of the country's oldest and famous ballparks.
The hotel's deal includes a stay in deluxe accommodations, four T passes (Lechmere T station is nearby), a six pack of beer and peanuts, non-boozy beverages for children and Cracker Jacks, a complimentary in-room movie, and a baseball-inspired welcome amenity. The package begins at $369. Book online here or call 800-KIMPTON and mention rate code CURVE. Available April 8 – September 30.
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Celebrate Pi Day With These Delicious Hotel Pies
Today is Pi Day (3.14/Π) and if you need a quick geometry recap, that's the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Pi is abbreviated to 3.14 but continues indefinitely, to over 1.2 trillion digits, in fact. Basically, this is a math geek day of celebration (hey, the US House of Representatives officially supported the day's designation in 2009).
Naturally the hotel sector capitalizes on it too, by offering gimmicky deals. That's when our ears perk up--because we're not proud of those math grades of yesteryear, so this we can handle. Don't judge. We're sensitive.
The Charles Hotel in Boston says they’re “recognizing the great minds of Cambridge” by moving the decimal point one space and giving a 31.4% discount on room and suite reservations made today for any night from March 19 - April 2, 2013. Rates begin at $339. Book online or call 800-882-1818 with rate code PI2013.
There are five pizza pies on the BLT Bar & Grill menu at New York's W Downtown, and they're pretty fancy. But if you want to show your love of Pi and throw in a little salute to St. Patrick's Day to boot, go for the Brussels Sprouts Pizza, which has butternut squash, bacon, cippolini onions, and a copious amount of shaved green sprouts on the top. Festive!
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From St. Patty's Day to Spring Training, We've Got Hotel Deals for You
Deals: you want 'em, and surprisingly, everyone has 'em. Take a look at some of the latest hotel deals going around the internet today from booking sites, social media sites, flash sale sites and more. Don't forget to scroll down to see the HotelChatter-approved deal either. Who knows? You might just find what you're looking for. (But don't forget to tell us about your stay!)
DEALS, DEALS, DEALS*
· Spend St. Paddy's Day in Boston at Kimpton: Kimpton Hotel's Boston properties--Nine Zero, Hotel Marlowe and the Onyx Hotel are all offering the same St. Paddy's day package which includes car service to the parade in South Boston on Sunday, 3/17, in-room greasy breakfast on Monday morning, hangover survival kit and a Pot of Goldthat includes two tickets to Dropkick Murphy's on 3/15 and two tickets to the Celtics game on 3/16. Oh, and a late check-out of course. Nightly package rates start at $749 but regular rooms at the hotel can be had for around $188 a night. Book online here or call 800-Kimpton and mention hotel promo code LUCKY.
· Spring Training at the W Scottsdale: The San Francisco Giants, aka the 2012 World Series Champions, are currently in training at the Scottsdale Stadium which just happens to be a five-minute drive from the W Scottsdale. So naturally the hotel has put together a Spring Training package. Available from now through March 30, the deal includes a wonderful room for two, vouches for two cocktails per person per night, a baseball for autographs, a baseball cap, cracker jacks and peanuts in your room upon arrival and complimentary transportation to the stadium. The deal starts at $345 a night. Go here to book or call (877) 782-0104 and mention code CACTUS1-7.
· Springtime in Palms Springs, Just Because: The Hyatt Palm Springs has a springtime deal we just can't resist.The Mountain-view Pool Cabana Package includes overnight accommodations in a two-room suite, one of two oversize mountain-view pool cabanas during your stay, a personal cabana attendant, chilled towels, bottled water, deluxe fruit platter and a pitcher of signature cocktails. This represents a savings of 33 percent and is just $150 more than the best available room rate. We found the suite available for $349 a night in two weeks. Go here to book with code CABPKG or call (760) 322-9000.
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Do 'Dinner and a Movie' Right At Boston's The Revere
Boston's newest hotel, The Revere, is enticing guests with a new "dinner and a movie" program called "Reel Chefs" in which award-winning local chefs pair their favorite movies with a multi-course themed menu to match the film. Count us in!
To kick it off, Jamie Bissonnette, the head chef and owner of two top Beantown eateries, Coppa and Toro (not to be confused with Richard Sandoval's successful Toro Toro brand), will be showing up on March 19 to whip up four dishes he's calling "Pinxtos of Power," "Truffle Shuffle," "Chester Copperpot Pie," and "Rocky Road." And in case you didn't already guess, Bissonnette's movie of choice will be 80s cult classic The Goonies.
The best part of this new series? The venue. As we noted last year when the hotel was announced, The Revere is attached to Theatre 1, a state-of-the-art movie theater with ambient lighting, nifty projection and audio technology, and 225 super-comfy seats, each equipped with personal fold-out tray tables. Now, that's what we call dinner and a movie!
