Superbowl XL

With the biggest game of the year fast approaching, (not counting the Texas Longhorn's National Championship which will always reign as number one game of the year), people from all over the country are flocking to Detroit to see if they can catch the Superbowl. Here's an idea...utilize the "Spa" search option on hotelbook.com, beat the crowd, miss the pricey tickets and watch the game from the comfort of one of the 5,000 hotels on hotelbook.com. It doesn't make you less of a fan to be comfortable (or pampered) while you cheer on the Steelers. (A special shout out for Neil, the biggest Steelers fan I know).

Hawaii for me...jealous?

Bryan (my legally bound beau) and I are going to Hawaii! We booked a hotel through hotelbook.com last week, the Outrigger Reef on Waikiki, and are gearing up for getting "leid" in July (Ha ha, am I allowed to say that Mike?). I'm sure you're all incredibly jealous, but I was hoping anyone who has previously enjoyed the Aloha State might offer some tips for while we're there. I have a cousin on the big island who will take us to some remote areas, but I'm especially interested in finding a great deep sea fishing trip for said beau. 

Help! If you're not too green with envy, that is.

Valentine's Day in Paris

It’s about that time of year again.  Everywhere you turn, it seems as if red and pink are the only two colors, and teddy bears and heart shaped boxes full of mystery chocolates fill supermarket aisles. While some people – mainly the husbands and boyfriends of the world - may think Valentine’s Day is a contrived and commercialized holiday concocted by evil Hallmark executives, every woman dreams of a knight in shining armor, riding in on his white stallion (or private jet, in this dream) to sweep her off to a far away destination. And where else but the most romantic city in the world? Paris, of course!

I had the most amazing opportunity to visit Paris while I was in college, and I absolutely fell in love with it city. It must be something in the air (4 words: The Bachelor in Paris), but there’s just something so dreamy and romantic about the City of Lights. I didn’t get to stay at a fancy hotel my first time there, but if my knight in shining armor – or I suppose my boyfriend would do - is reading this, there is a Valentine’s Day VIP package complete with champagne, pastries, and flowers at the Champ Elysees Plaza Hotel. A 5 star hotel, right by the Eiffel Tower and all the other beautiful landmarks, shopping, and restaurants that Paris has to offer– what more could a girl ask for? But until then, I guess I’ll settle for a teddy bear and a box of chocolates.

South Beach Sighting

No, I'm not referring to J. Lo's new drama that couldn't even be called a good excuse for a guilty pleasure, I'm referring to my sister-in-law spotting Spike Lee at her hotel there earlier this week.  Search Miami Beach on hotelbook.com for the best selections, and you'll see that just like on the show, dancing and beautiful people, are everything there.

Grey's Anatomy and Seattle

I am paying homage to my new favorite show's success at this year's Golden Globes (o.k. maybe success is a stretch, so homage to their recognition). In honor of Grey's Anatomy's nomination for best television drama and Sandra Oh's Golden Globe for best actress in a supporting role for her work on the Seattle-based show,  check out some of the options for places to stay when visiting. Especially The Edgewater the only hotel in Seattle on the water's edge.

Finding a hotel for the World Cup

Finding and locating a good hotel during the 2006 World Cup may be difficult.  No doubt the big chains will be full or hoarding their rooms until the last minute.  To help you find an independent hotel that may still have availability, we created a special section for the 2006 World Cup TM on hotelbook.  We have options at 9 of the 12 host cities in Germany.  Many of the properties have a minimum length of stay requirements so be sure to search for multiple nights.

And one last thing - GO USA!!!

Official Site for the 2006 World Cup

I love Wyoming in the Winter...

I saw it, I read it, and even though it was filmed in Canada, "Brokeback Mountain" has inspired me to go to Wyoming soon.  When my brother was at the University of Wyoming, I visited once, but only saw Laramie.  Hotelbook.com had some good options in Jackson Hole, so even though it won't be a tent up on Brokeback, I can sample a bit of the elusive cowboy romance just by being in a cowboy state - one besides my Texas home that is.

Our Nation's Capital

There is never a day without serious hustle and bustle in Washington D.C. From the Supreme Court confirmation hearings to whatever current scandal hit the papers, dull moments are few and far between. Whether its a visit for wheeling and dealing or for a taste of our nation's history, D.C. ranks high on the list of must see places. As does St. Gregory Hotel & Suites. It's a great place to stay for either business trips or sightseeing that's close to the action AND its so new that it just about sparkles!

First Time Vacation to Las Vegas

I recently returned from my first trip to Las Vegas. While I am not new to casino vacations – I have made more than a few trips to Atlantic City, Biloxi, and even a few Caribbean Resort Casinos - the thought of spending a few days in the midst of the desert didn’t really appeal to me; however, after years of friends and family telling me of the lavish extravagance of the casino hotels, the great food, and top notch entertainment, I decided to finally see what all of the hubbub was about.

Boutique Hotels in Dallas?

Yes! Dallas only has a handful of boutique hotels and two of the best ones are the Hotel ZaZa and the Hotel Lawrence.  The Hotel Lawrence is a European-Style hotel in a building that dates back to 1925.  Its great if you need to be near downtown for business; however, if you want to see and be seen, there is no better spot than Hotel ZaZa. Last time I was there, Jessica Simpson was hanging out the poolside bar, Urban Oasis.  (She was checking me out but I had to pass since I'm married.  Plus Nick was still in the picture at this point. - I can dream a little!) The Hotel ZaZa has a French chateau feel to it and is located "Uptown Dallas" which is just north of downtown. If you stay here, be sure to check out the hotel restaurant and bar, Dragonfly, for great food and superior eye candy.

Hotel Schloessle in Tallinn

I was sent an article recently where Forbes did a little retrospective of their top destinations in 2005.  It seems that Estonia keeps popping up everywhere.  They list it as the "Top Former East Bloc Destination #2" after Budapest and they specifically mention the Hotel Schloessle in Tallinn Estonia (which we feature on hotelbook) as the place to stay.  Just to confirm its elite status, I went to see where Tripadvisor ranked the property and it's the #1 hotel in Tallinn.  So if you are headed to Estonia stay at the Hotel Schloessle or if you have been there, please let us know what you think!

More hotels in Tallinn, Estonia
Hotel St. Petersbourg
Meriton Grand Hotel Tallin
Reval Park Hotel and Casino
Uniquestay Hotel Tallinn

National Champions!

It is a proud day for Longhorn fans everywhere. We went to Pasadena, we saw the Trojans, and we conquered...and were officially declared the National Champions! For more great moves from Vince Young, tune in next year to the Longhorns, or sadly for fans possibly the NFL. But, should he decide to go pro, good Longhorn fans must support our quarterback with a trip to New York to watch the draft. For a great place to stay that's just a hop away check out the gorgeous St. Regis Hotel.

Rose Bowl in Pasadena

I'm sitting between a trash-talking Longhorn (ahem, Leigh) and an overly confident Trojan, but wish instead I were in California enjoying the real scene today. I found some great hotels in the area on the site, including Pebble Beach, Newport Beach, LA proper and, that's right, Laguna Beach (all hail to the OC).  And...Disneyland's only 45 minutes away - check this one out. 

The London Eye

In this podcast, discover the London Eye and the surrounding area. Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is an ultramodern structure that rises high above the London skyline. Learn about the history, the best time to go and hotels near the London Eye.


Download MP3 File to listen with your own player.
My Odeo Channel (odeo/dcd0057198713ba0)

Additional resources:
iTunes Link to Podcast on the London Eye
British Airways London Eye Official Site
London Eye Prices
Saatchi Gallery
London Aquarium
Queensgate Hotel
Dolphin Hotel