MSNBC Travel columnist Amy Bradley-Hole published a super-interesting piece on hotel advertising called "Why Hotels Should Shutter Ad Campaigns." Essentially, she argues that hotel ads are outdated and sort of worthless these days.
To some extent, we agree with her: many of the ads for the big-chain hotels on TV are kind of lame (alright, outrageously lame) and follow the pretty people/fluffy beds formula (example: Hampton Inn).
But on the other hand, it might be unfair to say that all hotel ad campaigns are outdated.
A couple of the points that really stuck out to us:
Business travelers are told where to stay. Companies have always made "bulk" contracts with hotels -- the more rooms a company books a year, the cheaper the rate.
We say: true! It's tough for Joe Employee to choose where he gets to crash on business trips.
[UPDATE: Good news! The credits go towards your current stay. It is not a "bounceback" offer. We apologize for the error.]
Two luxury hotels in the Windy City are teaming up to lure you in. Called "Experience More," the Four Seasons Chicago and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago are offering "money back in your pocket." but really you'll be getting credit toward another stay.
At Ritz-Carlton, you will get room credits for $150 or $325 for your one or two night stay, respectively, and even more credit if you book an Executive Suite or larger. Then the credits are $200 and $425 for one or two nights.
The Four Seasons offers the exact same idea, but different amounts of room credits -- $125 credit for a one night stay, and $200 if you stay in an Executive Suite or larger, plus they'll kick in a $50 spa credit on the condition that you reserve a spa treatment of 55 minutes or longer in advance.
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is undergoing a bigtime makeover (to the tune of $100 million) and the historic hotel is auctioning off contents of the old rooms.
Now before anyone gets too excited with visions of beautiful antique pieces dancing in their heads, allow us to clarify: that stuff isn't going anywhere.
While a good portion of the old decor will be put on the auction block, the Canadian Press reports "the real antiques and art objects will be integrated into the new decor."
So what's the final verdict on the newest Ritz in town? "Silver medal" says Times reviewer Fred Bernstein.
Bernstein was mostly impressed with the trademark Ritz service and also the fact that the room can go from full-of-sunlight to total blackout conditions with the touch of a couple buttons.
This apparently comes in handy if you're not fond of gazing at the Ritz logo, which is reportedly emblazoned "everywhere" in the room.
Found yourself one of the few lucky ones with tickets to Game 1 of the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals? Still need a hotel?
The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common is located between the city's theater financial districts which isn't exactly within walking distance to The Garden. Yet this is Boston, nothing is really far from where ever you are.
As for the hotel, the Ritz just completed an $11 million renovation this year of all guest rooms, suites, and public spaces. It has a fine dining restaurant in the JER-NE restaurant and bar.
Athletes will like this hotel as well since it's directly connected to the 100,000-sq.ft. posh Sports Club/LA gym. And there will be no shortage of celebs there. We hear the hotel has recently hosted such guests as Leonardo di Caprio, Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Douglas and Justin Timberlake.
Yet you may need an NBA player's salary to stay here. Rooms are available tonight for $695 for a room with a king or double queen beds. We say just hit up the hotel's Gallery Bar and scope out the scene instead.
"Um, wow," were the first words that came to mind when we first laid eyes on Hotel Villa Padierna in Marbella, Spain. A destination unto itself, the Ritz-Carlton property has 112 guest rooms and suites, a 21,000-square-foot Thermae Spa, beach access, two pools and an 18-hole golf course.
Despite our initial impression (and really, look at that picture--who wouldn't have that reaction?) it seems the hotel leaves something to be desired among some past guests. One recent reviewer said the hotel is a retreat for "golf lovers only," which likely ties into other guest complaints that Villa Padierna is "within walking distance to nowhere."
Surprisingly, some complain about the price of food and drinks onsite. (Honestly, we'd like to meet the people who sign up for a room at the Ritz-Carlton and then gripe about a $15 cocktail.)
A more legitimate dislike seems to be that not all rooms have balconies, so when you book, be sure to ask for a room with a terrace. Just don't then have the audacity to complain about the view.
July 4th in New York City draws thousands of people to the banks of its city rivers to watch the fireworks displays. But this year, Manhattan is gearing up for its most unusual river display yet--The New York City Waterfalls, a temporary series of four man-made waterfalls, ranging in height from 90 to 120 feet, to be situated along the East River in various spots.
Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, along with the Public Art Fund, will roll out these eye-popping "installations" beginning in late June through October -- undoubtedly the coolest outdoor art project to grace Gotham since Christo's "Gates" in Central Park.
The Ritz Carlton Battery Park offers a sweet package that will get you up close and personal for a river-water rush.
Did you know that this year is the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day? Did you even know that Mother's Day is less than two weeks away? Hmm... Well, someone's in a pickle, aren't they?
Lucky for you, The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach is offering two Mother's Day appropriate packages which are valid through August 15th.
The first, the "Mom and Family Getaway," includes accommodations in two connecting rooms, a welcome gift for Mom and--just so she can be rid of the rug rats for a day--a day membership for two at AquaNuts, a Ritz Kids Club for children ages five to 12, as well as Coast, for 13- to 17-year-olds. Prices start at $489 per night.
If you're feeling really guilty for almost forgetting about Mom, shell out $1,129 per night for the "Pampering Mom Getaway," which includes ocean-front accommodations, 100 roses upon arrival, dinner for two in the hotel's restaurant, with a 100 wine credit and a 100-minute Elemis Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap spa treatment.
Now go book, and don't say we never do anything for you.
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by Jenna
"Um, wow," were the first words that came to mind when we first laid eyes on 
