Tag: Election 2008 Hotels
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Obama Was Celebrating in the Hyatt Regency Chicago's Presidential Suite
Dude, you just won!
Photos of President-Elect Barack Obama celebrating his victory has been made public on Flickr by photographer David Katz and almost immediately our brain was asking, "What hotel is this?"
Obvs it had to be close to Grant Park where the victory celebration was held. After doing some research we are positive it was the Hyatt Regency Chicago on Wacker Drive. (See here.) And naturally, the celebration was held in the hotel's presidential suite.
The ideal location to host an impressive VIP event, the Presidential Suite boasts an extra large parlor with a large plasma screen TV, cable and in-room pay movies, a surround sound system and an iHome Alarm Clock.
There is indeed an iHome Alarm clock as we spied it in the corner of this pic. And unlike many hotels with HD flat-screen TVs, this one actually looks like it gets HD reception. However, we could probably do without Hyatt's signature anonymously-modern decor. It just looks so impersonal. C'mon, this man just won the presidency!
[Photo: Barack Obama]
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John McCain Concedes Presidency at The Biltmore
John McCain is probably never going to go back to the Arizona Biltmore again. Bad memories, we think.
Last night as the polls on the West Coast began to close, the presidential candidate conceded defeat in a poignant speech to supporters on the lawn of the sprawling Phoenix resort just after 10 p.m. CST.
According to Salon, as the rest of the country saw election returns that showed Barack Obama emerging as the clear winner, the McCain supporters gathered on the Biltmore lawn didn't really realize it was over since there were no TV's outside.
But at least they were comfortable! Per Salon:
Most of the people at the Biltmore were wealthy Republican donors, not furious grassroots conservatives, and they seemed to know what the night's outcome would likely be before they arrived. The spread was lavish enough to keep them comfortable; even the Port-a-Potties set up on the lawn seemed extravagantly luxurious, with wood paneling on the walls.
Meanwhile, McCain sat back and watched election returns throughout the evening in the Biltmore's Goldwater Presidential Suite (uh, by the way: wouldn't superstition have stepped in here at some point considering the outcome of the 1964 Goldwater campaign?) before heading out to the lawn to concede the presidency.
Yeah. Surely he won't be hittin' up the Biltmore again anytime soon.
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Where Else You Can Celebrate Election Night
We already rounded up where the movers and shakers in DC will be celebrating the end of Election 2008 but of course, Americans will be celebrating all over. Here are some places in your neck of the polls.
Beverly Hills
· The Avalon Hotel: The Blue on Blue restaurant here will be showcasing election-themed food and cocktails all day today from noon to close.
Chicago
· The James Hotel: The hotel's lobby bar will be celebrating the election with McCain and Obama treats and drinks from 5pm until the election is called.
Boston
· The Renaissance Boston Waterfront: At the hotels 606 Congress restaurant a drawing will be held today where a lucky winner will get a night's stay in the $4,000 presidential suite and dinner for two.
· Nine Zero: This hotel is celebrating post-election by offering guests who book the Cloud Nine suite after Nov. 4th a gift package designed for the winning candidate, chock full of his favorite treats and a bottle of celebratory champagne.
Las Vegas
· The Palazzo: SushiSamba inside the Palazzo has put together a special Election Day menu including two candidate-themed cocktails--The Maverick and the Obamarama. The restaurant will also be polling how many red and blue drinks were drunk that night. So if there's a question about the voting machine, just go here! Kidding of course.
Disney World
· The Swan and Dolphin: This Orlando resort is still allowing guests to vote for themselves to win three-day/two-night trip to the hotel with a stay in the presidential suite for them and up to five "cabinet members", a three-day Park Hopper pass for all and a $250 dining credit at the resort. The package is valued at $4,900. Guests can still vote for themselves at www.swandolphin.com/election. The winner will be announced tomorrow at the same site.
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The Best Hotels in DC to Celebrate Election Night
Say what you will about Washington, D.C.’s image (you know the drill: too many overachieving government drones, not enough girls and guys who just wanna have fun). But make no mistake about it: Nobody parties quite like Washington when it comes to an election night. And considering the enchanting nature of this election in particular, tonight should--by all counts--be epic.
As they did during the debates, D.C. hotels are hosting scores of election night parties. We round up the best hotels to get your election groove on.
Election 2008 Hotels / Chicago Hotels / Barack Obama / → All Tags
Chicago Hotels Fill Up For Obama
Grant Park, prepping for all those Obama-loving hotel guests.
Hotels are supposed to be non-partisan, but this year, all Chicago hotels will probably be rooting for Obama. After all, he's the reason there is expected to be 100 percent occupancy on Election Night and the days leading up to it. Like today.
Since Obama announced his election night rally will be located in Chicago's Grant Park, Chicago's Mayor said the city is expecting over 1 million people to come to the park. Hotels surrounding the park, like the Essex Inn are expecting to be 100 percent booked.
We did an unscientific check of other hotels in the area and found that Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, the Fairmont Chicago, the W Chicago - City Center, Hilton Chicago and Hard Rock Hotel all have availabilities. All you Obama followers still have a chance for a last minute booking, but don’t wait too long because they might sell out.
Who would have thought that, at least for one night, one person can single-handedly book out almost an entire city’s lot of hotel rooms?
[Photo Credit: Chicago Tribune]
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After the Election, Escape to Toronto's Hazleton Hotel
With the presidential election looming tomorrow, victory parties are being planned just as much as escapes from whatever the new administration and so Canada re-emerges as a getaway hotspot. In the spirit of political ad detox and recovery, UrbanDaddy has pinpointed their favorite spot for going turncoat: Toronto's first five-star hotel, The Hazleton.
Make sure to stockpile your loonies before heading over the border; The Hazleton boasts a state-of-the-art gym with pool, "technogym" equipment and spa treatments like eyelash tinting, which is sure to help you momentarily to forget the election. If the results really require you to withdraw from society for a bit, why not spring for Suite 502 at The Hazleton, heralded as "the most refined and exclusive hotel suite in Canada." Plan to shell out $35,000 a month for the masterpiece's three bedrooms with two terraces, or go completely expat and buy the freaking place for a cool $7.9 million.
While you may be able to escape the US of A, staying in Canada still means you'll be facing the ups and downs of the dollar. Good luck tipping your eyelash tinter next week!
[Image via The Hazleton Hotel]
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American Transplants in London Can Party at The Stafford on Election Night
You know how everyone in America goes to Irish pubs on St. Patty's day and to Mexican Restaurants on Cinco de Mayo, but sometimes it's a wee bit more difficult to find hotspots where distinctly American festivities go down abroad (unless you want to hit up, like, McDonald's)?
At least Americans in London are covered for a place to celebrate or commiserate this election day (which, let's be honest, is probably going to be the biggest drinking night of the year -- no matter who wins).
The Stafford London's American Bar is throwing an election-night soiree for all the classy American transplants in London (seriously guys: jackets required) interested in drinking to calm their nerves as they watch which way the swing states go.
Calling itself "the last historic American bar in the city," the bar's menu will feature the most stereotypically-American comfort foods imaginable -- hot dogs, burgers and apple pie -- and candidate-inspired cocktails like the Maverick Man O’War and Barack Bellini.
And yes, the bar will be staying open until all results are in. And London is four hours ahead of EST, so make sure you order up an Irish coffee or three while you're there.
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Mayflower Hotel is Literally on the Road to the White House
Defying all reasonable odds, it looks like that election everyone keeps talking about might actually happen (finally!). And now that that fateful day is almost upon us, we can think of no better way to spend Nov. 4 then living it up at a fancy hotel in the heart of the Washington juggernaut.
Cue the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Yes, that Mayflower. Sitting less than a mile from the White House, the swank hotel has hosted its share of presidents--and future failed politicians!--over the years, even holding many an inaugural ball in its long and storied history since opening in 1925 (suite 776 is the site where FDR wrote the line, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”; you might remember what happened in room 871).
And in the spirit of this crazy mixed-up election, the Mayflower is, well, doing it up Washington style. The “Road to the White House” package promises a Mayflower suite; an inaugural menu dinner at Café Promenade (or, if you prefer, you can order off another menu featuring Chicago- and Arizona-themed dishes); an Old Town Trolley sightseeing tour; and a glass DC monument replica souvenir. Price tag is $329 per night, and the offer runs now through Nov. 5.
Down in the hotel's classic Town & Country bar, election night returns will be the focus come Tuesday. Legendary bartender Sambonn Lek (pictured) will be serving a bevy of election drink specials (from Obama Rama-Tanqueray and Tonic to the McCain Mojito, plus plenty more). Free hors d’oeuvres will be served from 5:30 to 7:30. And certainly, plenty of bubbly will be on hand for celebratory toasts as the night wears on.
[Photo: Mayflower Renaissance]
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Is Barack Obama Worth Spending a Night In This Room?
Last night, campaign aides confirmed that Senator Barack Obama is preparing to throw the country's biggest party -- or the biggest sobfest, depending on which ticket you support -- at Chicago's Grant Park.
As one of the the Windy City's most revered public spaces, and the beneficiary of more than a decade of a multi-million dollar renovations, this may very well be the country's biggest post-election party hot spot the night of November 4.
There's only one hotel that's closest to all the Election Night action: The Best Western Grant Park Hotel. But is Barack Obama or any candidate for that matter, worth spending a night in a room that looks like that? Eeek.
Then again, convenience may win out here. You can literally walk just a few steps from the park back to the hotel after the party/sobfest at any hour.
Omni Hotels / Election 2008 Hotels / Hotel Happenings / → All Tags
Omni Hotels To Celebrate Election Night
We wonder if Sarah Palin knew that when she checked into an Omni Hotel in New York, just how excited Omni Hotels was about the election?
On Election Night, Omni Hotels across America will be hosting "Election Night Returns" in their lobbies and lounges from 6 to 10pm.
Presidential-themed menu items will include:
· The Red Recovery - Citrus vodka and triple sec with cranberry juice and Sprite
· The Stock Market Blues - Citrus vodka and blue Curacao with soda and Sprite
· "Pull the Lever" Loaded-Up Nachos - Red and blue corn tortilla chips loaded with chilies, jalapenos, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream
· Poll Sliders - Mini burgers with cheese, grilled diced onions, pickle, tomatoes and fries
· Open Face "Pork Belly" Sandwich - Pulled pork with BBQ sauce, cole slaw and fries
· The All-American Patriot Apple Pie - a large slice, served a la mode.
What? No Joe the Plumber Mac and Cheese?
But aside from the food and drinks, it might be worth it to show up at an Omni on Election Night. Guests and locals who attend can fill out a ballot for a drawing to win a weekend stay in the hotel's Presidential Suite.
If you hit up an Omni Hotel on Election Night, you must must MUST tell us how it went.
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Election 2008 Hotels: Palin Checks Into Omni Berkshire as "Tina"
When VP candidate Sarah Palin popped into New York to tape her brief appearance on Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update," she played possum and checked into the Omni Berkshire under the alias "Tina."
Despite the rumors that Palin would appear, this basically confirmed that the moose-hunter would be meeting up with her SNL doppelganger Tina Fey, So what else did Sarah do at the Omni? TMZ has the details:
Palin asked for and got copies of the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, New York Post, Daily News, and USA Today. Our favorite part -- her peeps also specify the kind of coffee stirrer she wants -- "thin red straw." She's a red-stater right down to the thing that stirs her drink.
Apparently she also ordered up some diet soda and Atkins bars from room service. We smell future product endorsements! Next thing you know, the Omni Berkshire will be serving up lighter room service fare based on Palin's preferences; however, that sounds like more of a DC hotel thing.
[Images via Omni Hotels/AP]
Michelle Obama / Waldorf-Astoria Collection / Political Hotels / Election 2008 Hotels / → All Tags
Michelle Obama and Others Have Ritzy Cravings at the Waldorf
Talking about Love in an Elevator-style (that's "Living it up, while we're going down" if you don't follow Aerosmith), the NY Post is reporting that Michelle Obama ordered up a frenzy of room service afternoon treats while Barack was in a meeting the other day:
While he was at a meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Michelle Obama called room service and ordered lobster hors d'oeuvres, two whole steamed lobsters, Iranian caviar and champagne, a tipster told Page Six.
That's a whole lotta lobster. Also, we knew the Waldorf was swank and stuff but we didn't know they had this kind of fare on the in-room dining menu. Maybe this would please our picky friend?
But Michelle wasn't the only one ordering up a storm. The hotel also hosted the FFANY's Shoes on Sale event where 33,000 pairs of shoes were sold, according to Womens' Wear Daily. The event raised $1 million for breast cancer research.
[Photo: MusicLover-UK]
