Luxe Worldwide Hotels Blog

Did you know that Bogotá is known as the “Athens of South America?”

Maybe not… Yet comparing Bogotá, the largest city in Colombia, and the fourth largest city in South America, to that ancient city, makes sense when you consider that Bogotá is filled to the brim with 162 national monuments, nearly one thousand architectural landmarks, universities, libraries, galleries, 45 theatres and 20 cultural centers. It boasts 57 museums, 35 libraries, 20 public squares, 7 promenades and groves.

Yes, it can be exhausting but ever so adventurous to explore…

“Bogotanos” as those from Bogotá call themselves, are a spirited people. They are passionately proud of their heritage and precise Spanish diction, value family and practically “inhale” life through food, art, and culture. This spirit permeates life in Bogotá.

So to catch that “contagious” joie de vivre that the Bogotanos have so naturally, get on a flight to Bogotá and, when there, choose to stay at the Grand House Hotel, for it provides easy access to the historic center and the best of museums, theatres, galleries, shopping and nightlife in Bogotá. Located in the heart of the city, Grand House also features breathtaking architecture and design, with clean-cut lines and loft architecture throughout the hotel. Each of its 64 suites features marble bathrooms with jacuzzis or shower jets, a minimalist aesthetic and all incorporate the principles of Feng Shui to ensure a perfect combination of modern comforts and historic Columbian charm.  Guests enjoy access to five meeting spaces, a 24-hour full-service business center with concierge services on site, a state-of-the-art spa with private sauna, steam bath, massage room, and spacious gym.

Location matters, as we all know…A few blocks away from the most important financial, business and cultural centers of the city, the Grand House is 10 minutes from the popular G Zone and T Zone areas known for their array of top restaurants and nightlife, with easy access to important landmarks like the botanical garden José Celestino Mutis, La Quinta de Bolivar, the national observatory, the planetarium, Maloka, the Colpatria observation point, the monument of the American flags, and La Candelaria (the historical district of the city). After a full day of taking in the city’s best museums, parks, shopping and crowd-watching in the public squares, indulge in local favorite desserts like figs with arequipe or strawberries with cream (postre de natas and cuajada con melao) or grab a Canelazo, a hot drink from the Altiplano prepared with aguapanela and cinnamon.

When you’ve hit your satiation point, stop back at the hotel for a moment of respite in the hotel’s jacuzzi and grab a glass of wine before you head out for round two – delighting in gastronomical feats and nightlife in Bogotá.

So the next time you’re scratching your brain as what new adventure to explore, head to Bogotá and join the Bogotanos in their embrace of the good life. Make Bogotá your new playground.

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.

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.

The City of San Francisco has an endearing charm that fascinates, inspires and grips the heart. Tony Bennett’ famous song said it just right, “I left my heart in San Francisco,” and so do all who come…

Many who have fallen for the City by the Bay—Mark Twain, Tony Bennett, Otis Redding, John Lennon, Duke Ellington, and Oscar Wilde, to name a few, have all written about the city’s inescapable allure. Author William Saroyan captures the enthralling nature of San Francisco best: “No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living…Every block is a short story, every hill a novel. Every home a poem…”

When you finally give in to the city’s inescapable draw and find yourself in San Francisco, book your stay at the stylish boutique Hotel Griffon, for it offers a quintessential San Francisco experience. Voted “Best Boutique Hotel” and “Best 24 Hour Getaway” by San Francisco Magazine, Hotel Griffon, (62 guest rooms and suites) is situated along the trendy Embarcadero waterfront and offers astounding views of San Francisco’s Bay front.

Not enough can be said about San Francisco, whether you are in town for business or pleasure.  The city lights up your senses: sights—when you take in the breathtaking views from the Golden Gate Bridge; sounds—try a night at the Opera, Symphony or hot jazz club; tastes—browse  through Fisherman’s Wharf, try a delectable clam chowder in a fresh sourdough bread bowl and then make your way to Ghirardelli Square, where you will arguably find the best hot chocolate of your life; experience a cable car ride to Lombard Street (best known as the steepest street in the world); or take a walk across Union Square—the ultimate shopper’s destination, and then head over to Chinatown for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

If it’s business that brings you to this glorious city, the Hotel Griffon, a certified green hotel, offers easy access to the Moscone Convention Center, AT&T Park, One Market Plaza, the Embarcadero Center, the Ferry Plaza, and the Yerba Buena Center. The hotel boasts a fully equipped business center with complimentary printing service, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, same-day laundry & dry-cleaning, complimentary town car service to the Financial District, and a top floor boardroom with private terrace, perfect for those decision-making deals.

And after a full day, whether spent in taking in San Francisco sights or participating in meetings, you may want to first indulge in some rest and relaxation (a warm bath with the Eco-friendly bath amenities) and then try Perry’s restaurant & bar on the Embarcadero, famous for their prime steaks and hamburgers, followed by nite caps at some of the city’s best local jazz clubs and the not-to-be-missed Bi-Rite ice cream.

In the words of Walter Cronkite, “Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible.”  Just don’t forget the linger part — and plan an extra day or two…