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Just the good stuff
There's some great deals to be had right now in America's Playground (Las Vegas) with some high end hotels practically giving rooms away you'd be smart to take a look at las vegas for your spring getaway. Here's a few of the best deals to be had right now.
Stay at the Mandalay Bay Hotel for $66 or at THEHotel for $86 - book now and receive One Fly Back Free Voucher* for your next visit! Book by Sept. 9
Stay at The New Luxor Hotel for $36 per night, book by May.12 and recieve free upgrades
Check out the NewYork NewYork Hotel - Book NOW and receive:
Rates from $42
2 Free Drinks
2-for-1 Breakfast at Il Fornaio
2-for-1 Roller Coaster
25% off Spa Services
2-for-$79 Tickets to Zumanity
How about a Luxury Suite Package at The Venetian from $109 - You Must Book by Friday,May 7
There's also great deals to be had at The Monte Carlo Hotel with rates from $39 and suites from $77. You will also receive these great inclusions
*two for one Buffet
*two for one appetizer at d.vino or Dragon Noodle
*two for one drinks at Brand
expires May 25 so Book NOW
There's much more deals to be had in sincity so check back often as we'll post them as we hear about them.
Why It's Cool: Sure, Bill Murray took a dip here in Lost in Translation, but it's the view from this sleek, 47th-floor swimming pool that's truly remarkable: Floor-to-ceiling windows frame jaw-dropping vistas of Tokyo, and even venerable Mount Fuji, while the steel-and-glass pyramid-shaped ceiling floods the pool with natural light. The 65-foot-long, four-lane pool is striking at night, too, when the city's skyscrapers light up.
Why It's Cool: You can take small sailboats out on this saltwater pool that Guinness World Records calls the largest in the world. At two thirds of a mile in length, the massive stretch of water has room for several man-made sand beaches. For nighttime swimming, head to the temperature-controlled beach inside the pool's centrally located glass pyramid—the water and the sand are heated.
Why It's Cool: The Hotel Caruso Belvedere is set at the highest point in the sun-splashed Amalfi Coast town of Ravello, so the open-air infinity pool offers unobstructed, panoramic views of one of the world's most dramatic coastlines—and the sea beyond. It doesn't hurt that the pool itself is flanked by 11th-century Roman ruins.
Why It's Cool: In a massive, 347-room palace overlooking the Blue City of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, this serene, temperature-controlled swimming basin takes advantage of natural candlelight—with rose petals sometimes strewn on the surface. The hotel is run by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, which shares the property with the palace's owner, the Maharaja of Jodhpur—who has been known to swim laps with the guests from time to time.
Why It's Cool: In a city loaded with cool pools, the recently opened pool at the Viceroy stands out. The two-acre pool deck—with Japanese blueberry trees and swanky chaise lounges and beds—features three types of pools: an 80-person hot tub, a wading pool, and a football-field-size swimming pool. Perhaps coolest of all, it's 15 floors above the street, with in-the-middle-of-it-all views of downtown Miami and glimpses of Biscayne Bay in the distance.
Why It's Cool: Set on the third floor of the InterContinental Hong Kong, the hotel's three pools—two hot and one cold, but all with underwater music piped in—give the almost unnerving illusion that you're floating in Victoria Harbor. After your swim, park yourself in one of the poolside cabanas and gaze out at Hong Kong's skyline.
Why It's Cool: You'll swim with five species of sharks (16 sharks in all) at the Nugget's $30 million pool complex. The Tank, as it's called, houses a three-story waterslide, waterfalls, and the pool's pièce de resistance, the 200,000-gallon shark tank. You're in more danger at the Golden Nugget's roulette wheel: The sharks, stingrays, massive Queensland grouper, and silvery jack crevalle are separated from the swimming pool by a four-inch clear acrylic wall.
Why It's Cool: This brand-new, glass-enclosed pool is cantilevered from the 12th floor of the futuristic-looking Quincy Hotel, suspending swimmers high above the passing cars and pedestrians at street level. At night, special lighting effects make the pool appear to glow. Bask and swim for a bit, then retire to one of the rattan chairs at poolside for a nap.
Muttrah, Oman
Why It's Cool: After an extensive 18-month renovation, this InterContinental property in Oman recently reopened with a major pool upgrade—which the roving pool butlers (you heard us) are more than happy to tell you about, after refreshing your rose-scented spritzer. The spacious, 164-foot-long infinity pool is flanked by shady, palm-studded islands. The water is temperature controlled, so it's always an oasis-like 84 degrees.
Why It's Cool: You look straight out into the Gulf of Thailand from the 98-foot-long infinity pool at this stylish resort on the island of Samui, Thailand. If the views aren't soothing enough, order a stiff drink at the swim-up bar and laugh it off with the comical, spitting monkey statues along the pool's perimeter.
SkyJump Las Vegas, promoted as the world's highest controlled free fall, plunges the fearless 830 feet from the 108th floor of the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino at speeds of 40 mph. It officially opens Tuesday.
The thrill ride, which costs $99.99 (800-998-6937, skyjumplasvegas.com), is aiming for the Guinness World Record for "highest commercial decelerator descent" facility, currently held by Sky Jump at Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center. The Macau drop is 764.4 feet, Guinness says. SkyJump Las Vegas will be evaluated by Guinness to see if it deserves the crown.
Meanwhile, those who prefer more grounded pleasures — poolside with drink in hand — can drop into the giant REHAB party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The Sunday institution opens for a seventh season this weekend with a bash scheduled to include a performance by Wyclef Jean.
Thousands of partygoers are expected to swarm a 3-acre pool complex that includes stretches of sandy beach, palm trees, cabanas and swim-up blackjack. REHAB cover charges vary, but start at $50 this Sunday for men, $20 for women. Information: hardrockhotel.com or 702-693-5555.
Las Vegas pools have gone beyond the ordinary and now you can lounge poolside in style and extend your evening entertainment into the midday. The party never has to end in Las Vegas and there is no one on the Las Vegas strip that is going to argue with you if you want the fun to last all day and into the night.
Where will you be lounging by the pool?
Hours of Operation:
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Monday
Hours of Operation:
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday
Adults only, dance music and an energetic atmosphere that scream Las Vegas. If you are all about the party even in the middle of the day you'll find yourself with a drink in your hand, mingling and moving to the music at Wet Republic. You can grab a private bungalow or cabana or just opt for a daybed, either way you are in for a Las Vegas experience unlike any you have had in the past.
Hours of Operation:
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday - Sunday
Hours of Operation:
11:00 a.m. - g:00 p.m.
Friday - Sunday
ASPEN, COLO.
Lay of the land: The historic mining town turned tony resort enclave sits at the base of Aspen Mountain, one of four ski areas owned by Aspen Skiing Co. The others, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, are nearby and, with Aspen, accessible via a single lift ticket.
Back story: Aspen's roots as a 19th-century boom-and-bust silver-mining town were supplanted in the late 1940s and '50s when the ski resorts took shape. The stars soon followed. Homeowners include Lance Armstrong, Jack Nicholson, and Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. But as site of the Aspen Institute and Aspen Music Festival, the town has cultural roots that run deep. Beyond the chichi shops (Prada, Gucci, Dior) and stratospheric real-estate values, long-timers maintain that at its heart, Aspen remains a classic mountain town.
The deal: Book four nights and get the fifth night free with the Perfect Storm package, good at various lodgings (valid March 26-April 4; book by Monday). Sample cost: five nights at the Annabelle Inn with breakfast and après-ski wine reception is $523.60 per room, with tax. The deal also includes a fifth day of free skiing when purchasing a four-day lift ticket, plus other discounts. 800-262-7736; stayaspensnowmass.com.
Getting around: Free shuttles ferry passengers between town and the four mountain resorts.
Après ski: Longtime favorite Little Annie's Eating House draws raves for its burgers ($8.95 with fries). The Double Dog Pub serves inexpensive fare with live music Tuesday and Thursday nights. The colorful J-Bar at the historic Hotel Jerome features Prohibition-era drinks such as the Aspen crud (a bourbon-spiked milkshake).
Budget tip: Many fine-dining restaurants have bar menus with smaller portions at lower prices.
For free: The First Tracks program on Aspen Mountain and Snowmass puts guests on the slopes with ski school pros before lifts open to the public. (Sign up the night before.) Admission to the Aspen Art Museum is gratis.
Information: 888-290-1324; aspenchamber.org.
DEER VALLEY, UTAH
Lay of the land: The upscale ski resort is about 40 miles from the Salt Lake City airport, 1 mile from Park City and close to Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons ski areas.
Back story: Television and hotel magnate Edgar Stern (who owned San Francisco's Stanford Court) envisioned a ski resort that would operate like a five-star lodging. In 1981, he opened Deer Valley, featuring amenities such as ski valets. Besides the perennial five-star/diamond Stein Eriksen Lodge, on-site digs include a new St. Regis resort and, opening next winter, a luxury Montage resort. Deer Valley is one of only three U.S. ski areas that ban snowboarding.
The deal: Late-season packages knock 25% off lodging and lift tickets (800-558-3337; deervalley.com), but staying in Park City is a better bet for skiers on a budget. Sample deal: The Yarrow Resort Hotel has a four-night package (valid through March 20) that includes three-day lift tickets for Deer Valley and breakfast, from $585 per person, double. 800-908-5000; ski.com.
Getting around: Free bus service runs between Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons.
Après ski: Park City's lively Main Street boasts a range of reasonably priced eateries. Locals line up for the $11.75 buffalo burgers at the No Name Saloon. At the no-frills El Chubasco, diners fill up on heaping $7.95 bowls of posole, a spicy corn stew, and other hearty Mexican fare. Squatters, Red Rock and Wasatch pubs serve local brews. At Deer Valley Resort, the Royal Street Cafe at the Silver Lake Lodge offers an array of appetizers for $6-$16; a bowl of the resort's signature turkey chili is $8.50.
Budget tip: March 28 to the end of ski season, redeem your airline boarding pass for a free lift ticket at any of the three area resorts (parkcityinfo.com/quickstart).
For free: Watch the pros train on the ski jump and luge, bobsled and skeleton tracks at the Utah Olympic Park. The Kimball Art Center has free admission.
Information: 800-453-1360; parkcityinfo.com.
SUN VALLEY, IDAHO
Lay of the land: The name refers to an area consisting of Sun Valley Resort with its two ski mountains and Austrian-style village, the neighboring historic mining town of Ketchum, and the valley stretching south to Bellevue.
Back story: In the mid-1930s, railroad tycoon Averell Harriman, seeking to beef up passenger business on his Union Pacific trains, created the USA's first destination winter resort. He built buzz by inviting celebrities such as Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and Ernest Hemingway (who completed For Whom the Bell Tolls in suite 206 of the Sun Valley Lodge). The area remains a hangout for A-list regulars including Tom Hanks, Jamie Lee Curtis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Springsteen.
The deal: Get a free lift ticket (regular price is $82) for every night booked at the Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn though March 25 for $109.50 per person, double. (Blackout dates apply.) Additionally, from Feb. 22 through the ski season, one child 15 and under stays and skis free for every adult booked at participating lodgings at Sun Valley Resort. Not in the mood for skiing? Multi-day lift tickets of three days or more can be exchanged for other resort activities, spa and meal credits. 800-786-8259; sunvalley.com.
Getting around: Mountain Rides buses, equipped with ski and bike racks, operate freebetween the ski area and Ketchum.
Après ski: Grumpy's is a favorite for burgers and beer (a 32-ounce schooner costs just $5). Try Apples Bar & Grill near the Warm Springs Lodge for casual, tasty fare. Most menu items are less than $10.
Budget tip: Local cognoscenti scour the racks at Ketchum's Gold Mine Thrift Shop for deals on high-end designer labels.
For free: A winter concert series in the Ketchum town plaza runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through March 25.
Information: 866-305-0408; visitsunvalley.com.
When it comes to celebrating the holidays, images of Las Vegas don't exactly come to mind. But this season, Sin City is hoping to boost its fortunes with the opening of the new City Center -- an $8.5 billion dollar gamble.
City Center officially opens Wednesday, unwrapping its luxury spas, casino and new Elvis Presley tribute. While it's a huge risk, many are hoping City Center is a gift that will keep on giving -- there hasn't been a lot to cheer about this yearin Vegas, which has been hit hard by the recession. Still, Donny Osmond told CBS News, "Christmas in Vegas is so different than any other place. It's not about cuddling up next to the fireplace--this is about a neon party land." But Vegas gifts can't be found anywhere else. Cirque de Soleil is opening "Viva Elvis" -- with 75 acrobats, a five-story stage, and rare home movies. "Viva Elvis" opens in the new Aria Hotel, part of the $8.5 billion City Center. Its 67 acres include custom art, high-tech suites and high-end shopping. Eva Longoria Parker just opened her Beso Restaurant at City Center. Bill McBeath, chief operating officer of Aria, gave "Early Show" national news correspondent Hattie Kauffman an exclusive look inside the Aria, including the high-ceiling coffee shop and poker room. The City Center has set the bar pretty high this holiday season, Kauffman said, but added visitors shouldn't count out the rest of the Vegas strip. Donny and Marie Osmond have added holiday music to their show. Marie, a mother-of-eight, even moved her family to Las Vegas. According to Marie, "You can walk to see a great show, you can walk to a great restaurant. You can walk and see some of the best shopping in the world. You can have it all right here." Donny added, "If you want an entertaining Christmas, this is the place to be." At the Bellagio, thousands have discovered this winter wonderland in the desert. The Four Seasons Gingerbread Village features an edible carousel, and a quarter million cranberries fill the Palazzo's pool. And do you MISS the cold? Mandalay Bay offers faux furs and cold drinks inside the minus five degree ice lounge -- and snow falls in the Qua Spa at Caesar's Palace. Cher is also strutting her stuff at Caesar's Palace where Jerry Seinfeld will make a rare appearance. Also, Garth Brooks is out of retirement playing the Wynn. John Mayer will also appear at The Hard Rock Café, and the Black Eyed Peas will ring in the New Year in Vegas. Kauffman added on the broadcast this holiday season is serious business for Las Vegas. City Center alone, she said, has opened up 12,000 new jobs for a city hit hard by the recession.
I'm perched in a wooden treehouse lazing on a cushy double mattress atop a white sand beach along Mexico's Riviera Maya. Overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, I'm about as far away from holiday hoopla and craziness as I can get when the beach butler comes by to see if I need anything.
No one is bickering or complaining. In fact, it is that rare vacation moment when everyone is happy at the same time. I'm not dreaming. We're at the small Azul Beach Hotel, a short walk along the beach from the Azul Sensatori Hotel, where we've been spending the holiday week. Kids play happily on the beach and splash in the water and I don't have to do the dishes after a sumptuous holiday feast -- in this case a beach barbecue featuring freshly caught grouper and snapper.
We've spent Christmases hanging stockings in ski condos from Vermont to Colorado and sailed a chartered boat around the British Virgin Islands. We've watched baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean one Christmas Eve along Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula and swam with the sea lions another year in the Galapagos Islands.
As the kids got older, these trips became their holiday gifts -- the memories and experiences, I reasoned, would last a lot longer than a new sweater or video game and they agreed, though they finally made me stop buying holiday ornaments every place we went. "No more room on the tree!" they groused, at about the same time they gave up posing for those ubiquitous family vacation pictures.
If you're thinking holiday trips are guaranteed budget busters, think again. In this economy, hotels, resorts, adventure outfitters and ski areas need our business as much as we need a break. They understand that if they don't offer families great value for their vacation dollar, we'll stay home.
For the first time, the all-inclusive Azul Beach Hotel is offering 25 percent off at the holidays, for example, and throwing in a massage. And if you can beg off family commitments, it's not too late to snare a deal for Thanksgiving weekend.
"Historically, holiday travelers would have to abide by minimum-night stay requirements and also pay a premium to vacation during the holidays," said Dan Sherman from www.ski.com. "This year we're offering more sales, bigger discounts and we have them available earlier than we did last year."
The trick is scoring a decent airfare. You need to be as flexible as possible, shop around and be ready to book seats when you find a deal you can live with. If you can travel after January 2, for example, the FDR Resorts in Jamaica -- where you are assigned a dedicated vacation nanny -- is offering a $700 air credit.
All the better, of course, if you can drive. Look for resorts with hotel rooms as low as $100 a night (or less). Try Horseshoe Bay Resort in the Texas Hill Country, or the Omni San Diego where you get personalized holiday stockings. Even in tony Beverly Hills 11 hotels are offering "And to All a Free Night" packages (book two nights and receive a third night free www.lovebeverlyhills.org.) Or book three nights at a Loews Hotel and get 30 percent off the entire stay through the end of January with their "Home for the Holidays" offer.
Even during the holidays, you shouldn't have to pay rack rate, even at the ritziest places. For example, The Four Seasons Resort Lana'i is touting a second room at half-price, free baby-sitting and kids program and no resort fee -- a savings of more than $300 a night for those who can afford the freight. Or get a free night at Destination Resorts luxe Hawaii condos on Maui (www.drhmaui.com).
CoCo Key Indoor Water Resort in Ohio -- winner of this year's best of aquatics award -- sports a 50,000-square-foot indoor water park and a holiday deal starting at $149 a night, including four two-day water park passes, as well as goodie bags for the kids. Look for deals at other CoCo Key resorts and check out the Snowland festivities -- complete with indoor snow, a story-telling reindeer and Santa's workshop at the Great Wolf Lodge Resorts that also include free admission to their water parks and room discounts.
If you've got a favorite destination or hotel chain, follow them on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook and you might score an especially good deal, suggests Erik Torkells, editor of www.tripadvisor.com. "Don't get hung up on the hotel rate," he advises, but be ready to wheel and deal for extras that can add up to a lot more than a few dollars less on room-free nights, free food, free lift tickets, air credits and kids' activities.
If you want to head to ski country, for example, Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado promises a free plane ticket after you have purchased two, while Breckenridge, Colorado, is touting 20 percent off lodging. The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, will throw in two adult lift tickets each night and credits you can use for the kids ski school. Book four nights or more at the small Treasure Mountain Inn in the heart of Park City and pay less than last year while the kids (12 and under) ski for free. Web sites like www.liftopia.com can save on lift ticket costs too.
Join the "Grinchmas" celebration at Universal Studios Orlando where there will be a nightly Christmas tree lighting, special holiday-themed shows and deals that give you four hotel nights for the price of three and unlimited theme park admission for under $1,000 for a family of four. Or book an entire house in Orlando from www.homeaway.com for less than $200 a night.
Check out The National Christmas Tree and National Menorah when you stay at The Fairmont Washington DC where you can snare a holiday deal for $142 a night. Check Web sites like www.getaroom.com for deals in cities across the country.
In Mexico, my daughters Mel, Reggie and I settle in for an afternoon in our treehouse. My husband Andy and son Matt are next door. For once, they don't have to rush off anywhere and are happy to hang with Mom and Dad. Thanks, Santa!
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