Luxe Worldwide Hotels Blog

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…

The holidays are a time to gather around family, eat delicious treats and listen to festive songs. But it’s also a prime travel and shopping season—so why not be super-efficient and accomplish both in one fell swoop?

Now you can. Enjoy special room rates and perks in the best shopping cities around the world at participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels. Over 40 Luxe Worldwide Hotels are offering holiday travelers who love to shop wonderful holiday packages to help make this season fun and affordable for all.

Pack your bags and head for the top shopping destinations of Paris, London, New York City, Spain, Los Angeles and beyond. Visit the boutiques of Rodeo Drive, the Champs-Elysees, SoHo, Portal d’Angel, or La Mercerie for some unforgettable travel and shopping adventures.

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you can enjoy the best holiday destinations and shop to your heart’s content by booking a stay at one of these participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels.

Hotel Griffon—San Francisco, CA

Includes complimentary town car service Mon-Fri 7 am—11 am, daily complimentary coffee and tea, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, twice daily housekeeping, complimentary parking, Westfield San Francisco Centre VIP Passport to Savings booklet which includes discounts to over 50 retail outlets and free shipping on purchases of USD $100 or more at Nordstrom; 10 day supply of foundation of your choice at Bare Escentuals; free hair care consultation and hair care products at Aveda; USD $50 off a USD $200 purchase at Juicy Couture; and 15% off at Kate Spade. Valid until December 30, 2011. Black Out Dates: November 29 – December 1 and December 6-9, 2011.

Rates starting from: USD $194.

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Wine Country Inn—Palisade, CO

Includes continental breakfast, wine tasting at Mesa Mall, and a Shopper’s Delight gift bag (exchange your shopping voucher at customer service for a Shoppers Delight gift bag which includes a USD $25 Mesa Mall gift card that can be used at any of the stores and restaurants, a coupon for a free personalized ornament, a coupon for a free 4 X 6 Photo with Santa, and several coupons for special discounts at stores such as Cabelas, Herberger’s, The Children’s Place, The Gap and others (one voucher per package). Valid until December 24, 2011.

Rates starting from: USD $127 + taxes.

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Hotel Arioso—Paris, France

Includes breakfast, a 10% off shopping voucher for the Galeries Lafayette shopping mall, a 15 minute relaxing massage (not available on Sunday), Internet, and evening tea in front of the fireplace or in your room. Valid until January 30, 2012. Black Out Dates: December 28-31, 2011 and January 20-24, 2012.

Rates start at EUR 185 (minimum 2-night stay; must be booked 6 days prior to arrival date).

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Hotel Royal San Marco—Venice, Italy

Get a complimentary room upgrade, plus daily breakfast, a bottle of Italian sparkling wine and free minibar. Enjoy a transfer to the island of Murano by private motorboat, a two-hour tour of kilns and local glasswork (departs from San Marco from 9 am to 2 pm, open return by public boatbus). Valid until December 31, 2011.

Rates start at EUR 95 (minimum 2-night stay required).

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Eurostars BCN Design—Barcelona, Spain

Includes BCN Christmas shopping card with discounts for shopping on a range of men’s and women’s international brands. Valid until December 19, 2011. Black Out Dates: November 29, 2011.

Rates start at EUR 104.

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

Sapporo Grand Hotel—Sapporo, Japan

Includes JPY 500 Starbucks gift card per guest per stay.

Valid until December 29, 2011.

Black Out Dates: December 24, 2011.

Rates start at JPY 19000 (taxes included).

For reservations, click here.

GDS Code: HOL / Promo Code: HOLS

We should forewarn you—you’ll likely need to pack some extra luggage for all the shopping you’ll do…or pack light and buy a whole new wardrobe at your destination!

For a full list of participating Luxe Worldwide Hotels, please click here.

*All rates are subject to availability at each individual property

It used to be that you had to visit Paris, France and stay in one of those great hotels near the main shopping avenues such as Champs Elysee or Rue de Rivoli, to be within walking distance of the famous names of haute couture.

No longer is this true.  If it is the brands behind haute couture that intrigue you, just stay at the famed Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, the only hotel located on Beverly Hills’ renowned “Walk of Style,” and be just steps away from some of the most famous brands of fashion that are found in Paris.

If you want to know exactly just how many steps this is, we walked it and carefully counted them, just to be sure.

Photo by Tim Wilson

We found that the closest fashion house to the hotel is just 10 steps away: the house of Gucci.  Next closest are two, Prada and Cartier, both just 15 steps away. Chanel is a bit further, but still only 20 steps, then Dior with 45 steps and Armani with 60 steps.  The furthest is Tiffany & Co., which is 100 steps away.  All are well worth it…

There is much more shopping on Rodeo Drive.  We just got stuck in these marvelous stores and did not measure the closeness of the other stores. Given the great Southern California weather, we would suggest for you to continue your walk, take a few added steps and soak it all in — but maybe not all in one day.

Should you become overloaded with shopping bags, or just simply “shopped out,” I am sure you will be grateful for the proximity of the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, a place where you can go back to your room, kick off your stilettos and just sit quietly to marvel at your purchased “loot,” — that is, before you regain your strength to head out and give another try at browsing through another store or two.

If you ever wanted to be in the heart of the palpable energy found in Manhattan, there is a best-kept secret that very soon will not be a secret at all. The recently opened property, Eurostars Wall Street hotel, finds itself in the midst of the international ‘high achieving ambiance ’ of downtown New York City yet, surprisingly, it also offers a respite from the chaos of it all.  Its sleek Manhattan-style contemporary décor presents a blend of the Spanish heritage of its parent company, coupled with the signature comforts and service of a Luxe Worldwide Hotels member property.

The Eurostars Wall Street boasts a coveted location, prized by both business people and families.  If you are on a business trip, you will delight in its proximity to the New York Stock Exchange and the center of New York City’s international financial hub. It also is a great place to bring your colleagues for one-on-one meetings or for conferences with many, in the well-appointed boardrooms.  Complimentary wireless Internet is anywhere you want it, throughout the hotel.

And the advantage of it all, is that there is no need to be bored in the evening or travel far…  The downtown nightlife lights up in the evenings and, within walking distance, there are choices that range from delectable eateries to bars and clubs.  If you bring along family members or simply on a leisure trip, the hotel’s proximity to some of the city’s major historical attractions, including World Trade Center memorial and the trendy Tribeca neighborhood, as well as easy access to the world of famed ‘Broadway’, is one of its great conveniences.

The boutique hotel’s size and style are deceptive, given its locale.  Each of its oversized 54 guestrooms has recently been renovated and blends contemporary touches with cathedral ceilings and luxurious marble bathrooms.  As is the case with the Luxe Hotels brand, personal service is a hallmark of the experience the hotel offers its guests.

It’s a great New York City find…