Just in time for the 2008 Olympics, The St. Regis Beijing has reopened after dropping $27 million big ones into a seven and a half-month, top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of their hotel. From the official press release:
Overlooking the property's tranquil gardens, the upgraded guest rooms and suites feature extraordinary furnishing including cherry wood armoires, Chinese silk upholstery, fine European tableware, flat-panel LCD televisions and spacious work desks. In addition, WiFi service is available to all guests, throughout the hotel.
The St. Regis Beijing is located in the city's diplomatic district, near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The hotel has one of the city's best Italian restaurant, Danieli's, as well as The St. Regis Spa & Club. Topping off the services, each guest will be able to take advantage of the St. Regis Butler Service.
Of course, you'll have to pay for that WiFi service. This is a St. Regis afterall. Nothing is for free.
We couldn't find anything open in the second week of August but if you are interested in visiting Beijing during the games, Starwood is directing guests to this site to leave their hotel stay requests.
If you guessed Morgans Hotel, of Ian Schrager-fame in New York, you win! (What's that you ask about a prize? Well, it's our undying love and affection for being so darn hotel smart.)
The hotel is currently closed but is taking reservations for September 2 and beyond.
Morgans original designer, Andrée Putman, is returning to kinda-sorta revamp its black-and-white interior, by adding--wait for it--graduations of black, white and gray tones, according to The New York Times. Sounds cutting edge!
But then again, why mess with a design past guests enjoy, though admit needed a little updating? We guess that's where the gray comes in.
Was the re-opening of the Dolder Grand Hotel like the biggest thing ever to happen in Zurich? First, people lined up by the hundreds to see the hotel's new renovations. Now the hotel capped off the re-opening celebration with a party hosted by owner Urs Schwarzenbach for 240 people (all his closest friends, no doubt) which featured a private concert by Mary J. Blige.
The hotel's rep writes us:
The $450 million transformation of the hotel took four years so naturally the opening events would be just as extravagant. Mary J Blige performed a private concert at the reception, held in the hotel's grand ballroom (which has a gold cupola).
We're guessing as a way to say thank you for performing (along with a huge check) the hotel put Mary up in the Dolder Grand Suite which has fireplaces in both the living room and the bedroom, views over the city, the lake and the Alps, and a small tower with a lounge and a roof terrace.
If you're not a soul/hip&hop queen, regular room rates start at around $523 USD (540 CHF.)
Sunset Beach on Shelter Island is what we have called Andre Balazs' dark secret because the rooms and amenities are less than what we are used to when it comes to AB Hotels. Hello, couch stains and early 1990s TVs! Not to mention dingy kitchenettes.
Nevertheless the place is reopening on May 16th (it's a seasonal joint) and rooms start at $245 a night for a midweek stay. The rates jump up to about $420 for a weekend stay.
We haven't made up our minds if this is a good rate or not. On the one hand, you do have a kitchenette plus a private sundeck with a seaview and complimentary wireless. And you are on the beach.
On the other hand, your accommodations may look like this. So you may not be in the same caliber of lodgings as your other tony Hampton friends.
On a sidenote, if you're in need of a summer job, Sunset Beach is hiring some people now.
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by juliana
If you guessed 
