Have you ever experienced the wait for a taxi at the Los Angeles Airport (LAX)?  How about those car rental lines? So picture yourself arriving at LAX, harried and hassled — and there, what seems like a mirage, is a real live person, holding up a sign with your name, waiting to drive you to your destination.  How great is that?

Well, it’s all very real now — with the new 360° Luxe Hotels Signature Package.  No mirage here. It is all about comfort and pampering.

When you book a 360° package at one of three Luxe Hotels in California (Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, or the Luxe City Center Hotel) you actually get 360° degrees of service, meaning, they’ve got you covered from head to toe.  You get picked up at the airport in a town car (no need to worry about dragging bags to the taxi line), driven to your choice of one of the three hotels, depending on the location that is convenient to you and, when you arrive, you get whisked to an upgraded room, where you will find all the little luxurious amenities that a tired traveler cherishes.

It makes all the difference in the world…

It’s astounding how certain luxuries have the ability to generate so much pleasure… such as being personally greeted at the airport, finding a complimentary bottle of Shiraz wine in your hotel room, waking up to a fresh cooked breakfast, use of an iPad2 during your stay and complimentary Wi-Fi.

And no worries…when you are ready to go home, a Luxe Hotels town car will be waiting to escort you back to the airport — in time for your flight.  All this for only $360 per night!

But — should you like it so much that you want to extend your stay, your nightly rate gets discounted to $265. How great is that?  They say that personal attention is worth “its weight in gold.” Well, there you have it.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the 360° Luxe Hotels Signature Package makes travel more of an art form and less of a chore.

Quick…

What are some major events that happen only once in four years?

I bet you thought of the U.S. presidential election, World Cup, Olympic games, but did you think of Leap Year? Yes, 2012 is the year with an extra day.  That extra day can be traced back to the Egyptians who were the first to add a leap day once every four years and the Romans who were the first to officially designate February 29 as the leap year day. The rarity and whimsy surrounding leap years make them ideal for rituals, traditions and special occurrences. In fact, in the British Isles, it was traditional for women to be allowed to propose marriage to a man only on leap years—and as legend has it, the men who were proposed to, had to pay a fine if they refused!

It’s also a year for extras, an extra indulgence, an extra celebration, an extra perk – just to mark that extra day.  And Luxe Worldwide Hotels is marking it with special irresistible offers and deals that are not to be missed. This February, select Luxe Worldwide Hotels will be offering Leap Year specials at choice locations.  Keep in mind that some of these deals are so good they only happen once every four years.

If these great rates don’t give you reason enough to book your stay, then consider this: upon booking your stay, you are automatically entered to win a two-night complementary stay at one of 24 participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels. A new winner will be chosen every day for all the 29 days in February. You may just be the one to receive a call from the General Manager notifying you that you won. So don’t loose out and check out the great specials and make this Leap Year one to remember.

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel – Beverly Hills, California

Enjoy an American breakfast for two for only USD $29 (including tax and tip) and valet parking for USD $9. Valid until Dec. 31, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $299 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel – Bel Air, California

Receive a USD $29 off of your entire stay and enjoy a daily American breakfast for two for only USD $29 per day. Valid until Jun. 30, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $230 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Luxe City Center Hotel – Los Angeles, California

Stay in an Executive Suite for USD $229 and pay only USD $9 for overnight parking  (maximum three-night stay). Valid until Dec. 31, 2012. Must book by Feb. 29, 2012. Blackout dates: Jan. 22-24, Jan. 27-29, Jan. 31, Feb. 1, Feb. 11-12, Mar. 5-7, Mar. 14-24, Mar. 26-29, Apr. 14-18, Apr. 21-25, May 10-11, May 16-19, May 21-23, Jun. 4-7, Jun. 13-21, Jun. 28-30, Jul. 1, Jul. 9-11, Jul. 16-18, Aug. 6-10, Aug. 15-18, Aug. 20-24, Oct. 9-11, Oct. 21-23, Nov. 3-6, Nov. 16-18, Dec. 30-31.

Rates start at: USD $229 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Elan Hotel —Los Angeles, California

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, wine and cheese reception upon check-in, complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and a complimentary bottle of wine (additional taxes apply). Valid from Feb. 1 – 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $229 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

The Hotel Wilshire – Los Angeles, California

Receive a free upgrade to the next level room type and a 29% discount on the hotel parking fee. Valid until Dec. 31, 2012. Must book by Feb. 29, 2012. Additional taxes apply.

Rates start at: USD $233 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Hotel Griffon – San Francisco, California

Includes valet parking for USD $29 ($40 value) and complimentary Wi-Fi. Valid from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $219 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Sedona Rouge Resort & Spa – Sedona, Arizona

Receive a USD $50 resort credit good toward REDS Restaurant or the hotel spa. Stay a minimum of 3 nights and get 1 night free for every 3 nights booked. Valid until Feb. 29, 2012. Blackout dates Feb. 10-12, Feb. 17-19.

Rates start at: USD $189 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort – Casa Grande, Arizona

Get 29% off the best available room rate for an Executive Suite or Penthouse room (discount already included). Valid until Dec. 31, 2012. Must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at:  USD $73 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa – Dallas, Texas

Stay 3 nights or more and get 29% off of the best available room rate. Valid until Dec. 31, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $192 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Hotel Wales – New York, New York

Book the Leap Year package and receive USD $29 off your room rate and a USD $29 voucher to famous Sarabeth’s restaurant. Reserve online and save even more as our best rates are guaranteed on Hotelwalesnyc.com. Two-night minimum stay required; discount already included. Valid until Dec. 31, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012 (14 day advanced booking required).

Rates start at: USD $176 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Beekman Tower Hotel – New York, New York

Upgrade to next room type for only 29 cents upon check-in (based on availability and added taxes apply). Valid until Mar. 1, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $199 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Penn’s View – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Enjoy complimentary champagne, an individual birthday cake, (must show proof of birthday). Maximum 2-night stay. Valid from Feb. 24-May 5, 2012. Blackout dates: Mar. 14-16, Mar. 24-26, Apr. 15-19, Apr. 26-28 and May 5, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $129 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

The Lofts Hotel—Columbus, Ohio

Upgrade from any room type to a Deluxe King Suite for only USD $29 more. Two night minimum stay is required for Saturday arrival only. Black out dates: March 2-3, July 14-16, October 22-24 and November 12. Some dates require minimum night stay. Valid until Dec 31, 2012 but must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $149 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

The Listel Hotel – Vancouver, Canada

Get upgraded to an Artist Series Suite for just CAD 29 more. Valid until Dec. 31, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: CAD 202 (plus room tax).

For reservations, click here.

Quinta Las Acacias – Guanajuato, Mexico

Enjoy one dinner for two for only USD $29. Your third night is only USD $29 (minimum 3 night stay). Valid until Dec 31, 2012. Must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: USD $176.

For reservations, click here.

Hotel De Buci – Paris, France

Enjoy a daily buffet breakfast for two for EUR 29 and upgrade to the next room category for only EUR 29 (based on availability during check in). Valid until Dec. 31, 2012 and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: EUR 260.

For reservations, click here.

Hotel Lumen Paris Louvre—Paris, France

Get 29% off of our best available room rate and enjoy free Wi-Fi when you book by Feb. 29, 2012 (minimum 2 night stay, full deposit required, and no cancellations accepted).

Rates start at: EUR 188. Rate available from Jan. 2– Apr. 30, 2012, Jul. 5 – Aug. 26, 2012 and Nov. 1 – Dec. 27, 2012. Blackout dates: Jan. 20-26, Feb. 14-16, Feb. 24-28, Mar. 2-7 and Mar. 27-29, 2012.

For reservations, click here.

Senator Gran Via 70 Spa Hotel – Madrid, Spain

Receive a 29 EUR discount voucher for a spa treatment or service at the hotel spa (1 voucher per reservation). Valid until Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: EUR 89.

For reservations, click here.

Hotel Roger de Lluria – Barcelona, Spain

Get 29% off your booking. Includes breakfast buffet, welcome drink, Wi-Fi, and taxes. Non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. Valid until Feb. 29, 2012. Black out dates: Jan. 1, Feb. 25-29. Minimum 2-night stay required.

Rates start at: EUR 110. Discount already included in the rate.

For reservations, click here.

Casa Romana Hotel Boutique – Seville, Spain

When you book any room by Feb. 29, 2012, you will get daily breakfast, dinner for two, and access to a complimentary minibar for an additional EUR 29 per person per night.

Rates start at: EUR 138, valid until Dec. 23, 2012.

For reservations, click here.

Hotel Opera – Madrid, Spain

Includes welcome drink at El Cafe de La Opera, breakfast, and a complimentary bottle of Cava. Valid from Jan. 1—Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at EUR 212 plus tax.

For reservations, click here.

Martin’s Relais – Bruges, Belgium

Includes daily breakfast buffet for two and a complimentary bottle of champagne (one per stay). Minimum two-night stay required. Valid until Mar.15, 2012. Blackout dates Feb. 10-11, 2012.

Rates start at: EUR 138 (plus tax).

For reservations, click here.

Establishment Hotel– Sydney, Australia

Enjoy continental breakfast for two for only AUD 29 (additional taxes apply). Valid until Feb. 29, 2012.

Rates start at: AUD 349.

For reservations, click here.

Harbourside Apartments—Sydney, Australia

When you book by Feb. 29, 2012, enjoy a one level upgrade for only AUD 29 (minimum 2 night stay).

Rates start at: AUD 209. Valid until Dec. 31, 2012. Rate will be adjusted manually upon check in.

For reservations, click here.

*All rates and offers are subject to availability at participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels.

Visit www.luxehotels.com for a full list of participating hotels and additional details on their special offers.

So it’s the day after, New Year’s Eve that is, and there is that natural let down, especially in light of the postponement of the Tournament of Roses and the football game of the year, the Rose Bowl game. It’s day 1, of 2012, and it’s clear that the New Year deserves a morning lift.

Got a great idea… Head over to the now famous The Wave Sunday Brunch at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, where you can dine and mingle with crowds of like mind, searching for that extra something to do…

Except this time, on New Year’s Day, you are in for an extra special treat. While brunching on the fresh lobster and clams, or maybe a selection from the omelet station (a crowd favorite) and, a bit later, another selection from the delectable desserts, you will get to hear prominent British saxophonist and bandleader, Mike Parlett. He has played alongside some of the world’s biggest names – artists such as Jeff Lorber, Roy Ayers, Lulu (singer), The Jones Girls, Take That, Jazz Africa, Simply Red, Joey Negro and M People.  A musical talent borne of the 1980 jazz music genre, Mike Parlett performs at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Jazz Café, Café Royal, the Royal Albert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and many other establishments both in the UK and US.

And now, on New Year’s Day, Parlett will be performing at the Wave Sunday Brunch at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, adding his own sound of pop fusion jazz (or “Smooth jazz”) to the ambiance.  How lucky is that?

By all accounts, all The Wave Sunday Brunches have been a huge success.  If you missed it so far, by chance, just take a look at this video from a recent November Sunday Brunch, and get an idea of what all the buzz is about…:

And when you are there, consider the possibilities surrounding this brunch. Come back the following week, not just for the brunch, but for the whole Weekend Brunch package, which includes, for a limited time only — a Saturday night stay in a luxurious Executive Suite, an opportunity to laze around the serene pool and, of course, partake in the scrumptious Sunday Brunch — for only $329. (Complimentary parking included, of course.)

It may be a bit indulgent, but then again why not?  It’s really hard to resist…

Wuhan, the most populous city in Central China, (eight million residents) is situated in the middle of the Hubei Province.  It is also one of the most ancient cities in China, with a rich culture and distinct customs. Scenically, it is impressive with the giant Yangtze River (Chang Jiang), the world’s third longest river, and the Han River passing through it.

Yet today it is a modern metropolis—a transportation hub for air, railway as well as ferry traffic, equidistant from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. It is also a commercial centre of finance, industry, trade and science and an intellectual centre, boasting several major scientific, technological and educational institutions.

When venturing out to visit Wuhan, either for its historical beauty or for the business opportunities waiting to be explored, be sure to stay at the New World Wuhan Hotel, with 327 guestrooms, centrally located in the Hankou Business District.  It features the kind of pampering service, attention, and amenities that will make your trip to this remote area, a memorable one. Regardless of what brings you to China, and whatever level of luxury you seek, the Wuhan Hotel delivers—whether it’s a Deluxe Room with floor to ceiling windows and a grocery shopping service, or a Presidential Suite with exclusive access to the Executive Club Lounge, Poolside Garden view and fully equipped kitchen—the New World Wuhan Hotel takes hospitality to new heights.

Take your time when you arrive at the hotel before you venture out after your travels to this remote region. First, indulge in a warm bath in your marble bathroom, slip into your plush bathrobe and treat yourself to room service. Once you feel rejuvenated, consider a game of tennis in the hotel’s floodlit court, or head to the 22-meter outdoor swimming pool to practice your butterfly stroke, then finish this round of stress reduction in the steam room and sauna. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to The Cafe and watch a master chef prepare your meal at live cooking stations right in front of you. Then head out to the streets where you can find lively and impromptu folk music, night markets, flowering Chinese cabbages, rice wine, and lots of eager and friendly hosts.

When you’re ready to explore Wuhan, put on your walking shoes and head over to Jiqing Street to catch the more than 300 unique folk performers. Indulge in the local love for soup by trying the lotus root and pork chop soup, then visit the Guiyuan Temple and the Hubei Provincial Museum for a glimpse into the deep historical roots of the city and its people. Stop by the Yellow Crane Tower—one of Wuhan’s most famous. The roof was constructed with 100,000 yellow glazed tiles resembling a yellow crane about to take flight. Legend has it that the tower was built by a family in gratitude to a Taoist priest who had drawn a crane that could dance on request.

If shopping is on your agenda, then head to the Wuhan World Trade Plaza, Wuhan Plaza, and “the walking street,” HanJiangLu, with over 200 shops. Browse through hundreds of Wuhan souvenirs, or visit the high-end luxury stores, or pick some of that special turquoise that is the pride of local jewelers.

But if you are all about doing business, then know that the New World Wuhan Hotel puts you right in the heart of where the financial  “action” is. You will also be in close proximity to the airport, the railway station, and the Wuhan International Exhibition and Convention Center and have access to superior business facilities with dedicated secretarial support, Internet access and, of most importance, excellent translators.

As the famous Chinese proverb says, “One time seen is better than one hundred times heard about.” So, go see for yourself.