From October 28 to November 2, the more than 330,000 daily visitors of this iconic place will have the opportunity to admire and take photos with these majestic characters, symbols that pay homage to the cultural wealth of Mexico and keep the tradition of the Day of the Dead alive in one of the busiest places in the world.

One of the great symbols of the Day of the Dead is the iconic skeleton, “La Calavera Catrina.” The artist who created it was José Guadalupe Posada, originally from the State of Aguascalientes. Posada began producing illustrations of death in 1882.

The State of Aguascalientes was present and enamored New Yorkers and visitors in the iconic Times Square with the exhibition of La Catrina, almost 10 feet high, which represents the passion of Aguascalientes and its culture. This unique exhibition, in one of the nerve centers of global culture, highlights not only the color and history of the Catrinas, but also the deep respect and celebration of life and death that characterizes the Mexican people.

As one of the states of greatest cultural importance in Mexico, Aguascalientes offers an unparalleled Day of the Dead celebration. Here, travelers can experience the most deep-rooted traditions of the holiday, which come to life through art, music and community events that honor the past and celebrate the present. The combination of rich history, artistic expression and warm hospitality makes Aguascalientes an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in one of Mexico’s most important cultural celebrations.

At the same time, from October 26 to November 3, the Calaveras Cultural Festival is taking place in the city of Aguascalientes. This festival pays tribute to the world-renowned José Guadalupe Posada, creator of “La Calavera Garbancera”, an icon of the Day of the Dead celebration.

The post Aguascalientes’ La Catrina shines in New York’s iconic Times Square appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Leaf Peeping in New York
Hitting the road to see fall foliage is a quintessential experience in the Northeast. While New England gets all the buzz, the Finger Lakes and Lake Placid tucked into New York’s Adirondack Mountains have phenomenal opportunities to enjoy the autumnal hues of the season. For best hotel deals and less people, do your road trip mid-week to enjoy winery hopping near Hammondsport on Keuka Lake or exploring Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy. Don’t miss driving up Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway for a summit view from New York’s fifth highest peak.

Get “Vitamin Sea” on a Short Cruise
Fall cruises are traditionally cheaper, have less people, and typically have great weather. MSC Cruises has a 4-night jaunt from Port Canaveral, Florida to the Bahamas. You’ll overnight one night at Ocean Cay so you can enjoy a private island vibe both at sunset and sunrise. You could score big with last minute deals for that cruise run as low as $209 per person.

Wellness in Wisconsin
When you think of a wellness destination, Wisconsin likely doesn’t come to mind first. About an hour and a half northeast of Duluth and nestled on the shoreline of Lake Superior is Wild Rice Retreat. If you need to nurture your creativity or nourish your spirit, try one of their guided retreats or go on a solo getaway to stay in one of their Scandinavian-inspired cabins. You’ll find your Zen in one of their yoga classes or taking in the view from their Lake Superior overlook while enjoying nutritiously dense meals during your stay.

Go for Adventure in Utah
Visiting Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks is bucket list travel for many and fall is a fantastic time for a road trip from Zion National Park in southwest Utah to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Moab.
Scenic Byway 12 connects Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park. The All-American drive is jampacked with jaw dropping scenery. Grab a pizza at Escalante Outfitters and don’t miss out on the delectable pies in Capitol Reef. You’ll earn the splurges logging miles hiking in the parks.

Written by: Jennifer Broome, Editor-in-Chief for The Hotel Guide

The post Fun, Fall Getaways Await appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Guests who just can’t wait to be king will feel atop Pride Rock from the comfort of THE LION KING’s Royal Suite at Hilton New York Times Square, conveniently located three blocks away from Minskoff Theatre where guests can see the magic come to life on Broadway.

“Each detail of THE LION KING‘s Royal Suite has been meticulously curated to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience completely inspired by Disney Theatrical Group’s iconic musical,” said Thomas Caska, general manager, Hilton New York Times Square. “At Hilton New York Times Square, we’re committed to providing guests and families with an innovative stay from check-in to check-out. Whether guests are staying with us to experience either of our two Disney on Broadway suites, witness the magic of the theatre or simply take in all that Times Square has to offer, our property offers a memorable home away from home in the heart of the Big Apple.”

THE LION KING’s Royal Suite

The awe-inspiring spacious one-king one-bedroom deluxe suite allows guests to experience the peace and beauty of the Pride Lands. Upon arrival to the suite, guests are immediately transported to the Serengeti with details paying homage to Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway, including large woven basket art, plants nodding to the sweeping grass that spreads across Africa’s plains, hand-painted Rafiki-inspired patterns that embellish the room’s furnishings and a large Rafiki sketch print framing the suite’s entryway. Guests will also encounter fabrics used in the musical displayed on soft goods including rugs, pillows and bedding, with wood touches decorating the space.

Throughout the suite, Pan-Asian-inspired woven baskets adorn the walls, bird puppets fly from the ceiling and hand-painted patterned chairs provide a soft place for guests to land while taking in framed costume sketches from the musical throughout the suite. In the bathroom, guests will find a lush, vibrant jungle oasis with artificial plants, contrasted by the warm Serengeti elements in the room.

THE LION KING’s Royal Suite experience package includes:

• One round of two Hakuna Manhattan cocktails or two Serengeti Sunrise mocktails
• A wake-up call from the Broadway musical’s own Rafiki, Tshidi Manye
• A thematic sleep mask, specialty memento item – a one-of-a-kind autographed costume rendering from one of the musical’s actors, and complimentary Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway merchandise
• Thematic Simba S’mores dessert amenity
• Daily full breakfast buffet for two people
• Daily parking
• Available for purchase, guests staying in the suite will receive access to a special rate exclusive to guests of this suite for Premium Seats for Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway.

Available now, guests can visit the hotel’s website, contact NYCTS-SALESADM@hilton.com or call (212) 913-9488 to reserve the suite. Rates for THE LION KING’s Royal Suite start from $500 per night. Terms and conditions apply.

During their stay, guests can also experience the hotel’s reimagined lobby and food and beverage offerings. Designed by Chicago-based firm, The Gettys Group, the interior public space design is inspired by old and new NYC – The Gilded Age meets MoMA in the heart of Times Square. Upon arrival to the hotel, the transformed ground and sky lobbies feature seasonal art installations curated by Celine Mo of Dinner Gallery, a contemporary gallery dedicated to developing and presenting emerging artists.

As guests take the journey to the sky lobby 15 floors above Times Square, they will be welcomed into a brand-new bar and lounge, 42nd & Sky, which overlooks Times Square and features craft cocktails and an elevated bar menu from Executive Chef Jason Routzahn. Here, guests can also indulge in the Hakuna Manhattan and Serengeti Sunrise. Additionally, the hotel has introduced Long Acre Market, an expansive gourmet market with a barista bar featuring La Colombe products, as well as freshly made and made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

For fans of Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway, all guests of Hilton New York Times Square can celebrate the magic of the show and enjoy the musical-inspired thematic cocktails, a Rafiki wake-up call upon request and purchase special merchandise from the show at Long Acre Market.

THE LION KING’s Royal Suite complements the hotel’s Aladdin’s Times Square Palace Suite celebrating Disney’s Aladdin the Musical. The suite launched last July also in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group and is designed by Devin Sparkles Design. Hilton offers several themed suites across its properties globally, and these two showcase why it matters where guests stay when visiting The Crossroads of the World.

Hilton New York Times Square participates in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. The hotel is located at 234 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036. For reservations, please visit Hilton.com or call (212) 913-9488.

The post “The Lion King’s Suite” Arrives at Hilton New York Times Square appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

The multi-million-dollar investment will inaugurate the opulent 3,500-square-foot “Manhattan Suite” on the top floor of the 25-story hotel, introduce the signature Rossano Ferretti salon and Spa Nalai in their new locations, and bring upgrades to the hotel’s premier specialty suites.

“We are thrilled to unveil this remarkable transformation as we celebrate our 10th anniversary,” said Laurent Ebzant, Area VP/General Manager of Park Hyatt New York. “The introduction of the Manhattan Suite and the upgrades to our existing product reflect our unwavering commitment to providing guests with the most tailored and elevated hospitality experience. We are confident this renovation will set the standard for the next decade of excellence in New York’s luxury hotel landscape.”

The Manhattan Suite promises an authentic New York experience with the refined comforts of a home away from home. Situated in a private wing on the hotel’s top floor, this exclusive suite will boast the unique option to connect with two guestrooms, each featuring 140-square-foot balconies with stunning views of Central Park.

Together, these spaces will form a luxurious three-bedroom wrap-around suite, featuring 3.5 bathrooms, a spacious living area with a dining table for eight, a fully stocked wet bar, a butler’s kitchen, and a private office. Reflecting the city’s dynamic energy, the suite’s design will combine geometric and organic elements with a sophisticated palette of rich natural materials, skyscraper slate, and jewel tones. The minimalist decor will seamlessly blend luxury and tranquility, incorporating dark and light imported travertine stone, rich walnut paneling, and walls adorned with natural cloth.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, nearly 18 feet in height, will reveal breathtaking views of the skyline and Central Park, allowing natural light to illuminate the suite by day and city lights to enchant by night. The space will also serve as a gallery, showcasing a curated collection of furnishings and decor from renowned artists, sculptors, and designers.

Guests will enjoy a restful sleep with soft linens from Sferra on Bryte Balance king-size beds, which feature multi-sensory, AI-powered technology designed to combat jet lag, promote faster sleep onset, and ensure a longer, more restful slumber. The luxurious bathrooms will elevate the guest experience, offering amenities from Le Labo® and the latest hair dryer by hair maestro Rossano Ferretti. The lavish Master Bathroom will include a dual vanity, a walk-in rain shower, an oversized marble soaking tub, heated marble floors, a Toto electric toilet, and a TV embedded in the mirror.

While the Rossano Ferretti Hairspa relocated to a stunning new location in June, the fall will mark the reopening of the Spa Nalai, moving closer to the hotel’s famed indoor saltwater pool. By January, the hotel will unveil its revamped specialty suites, which will seamlessly blend understated elegance with vibrant city energy. An exciting addition to these enhanced suites will be the introduction of fireplaces on all the rooms with outdoor terraces.

This 10^th-anniversary refresh reinforces Park Hyatt New York’s commitment to offering highly personalized service and exceptional experiences, all through a contemporary lens for today’s discerning traveler. Built on a foundation of award-winning service, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Park Hyatt New York continues to lead with prestige and sophistication in the heart of the city.

For pricing and booking information on the Manhattan Suite, please call +1 (888) 974-5528.

The post Park Hyatt New York Announces Multi-Million Dollar Renovation appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting line-up of creative programming for the spring and summer seasons,” said Zaw Oo, General Manager of M Social Times Square New York. “This programming is all-encompassing, with offerings from sports and games to arts and culture, and food and beverage categories. We’ve created a thoughtful and comprehensive range of offerings to ensure that each of our guests can enjoy a fun and unique experience at M Social Times Square New York this summer.”

Timed with the start of the PGA Championship, M Social Hotel Times Square will debut its very own golf simulator, which is designed for all levels of players, beginner to pro. The experience will pop up at M Social’s rooftop bar and lounge, Beast & Butterflies, in partnership with Golf Pro Delivered and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. Opening its doors on May 13^th, the golf simulator experience will feature hundreds of famous golf courses for guests to practice hitting signature shots on. Guests will be able to reserve 50-minute time slots for $100 per hour, and reservations can be made for parties of 1 to 6 people; groups larger than six can contact msocialny_sales@highgate.com for reservations. Guests will also be able to sip on exclusive menu items only available on this menu, such as the “Jack Bonded.” You can book your reservation here.

Returning for another year is M Social’s live music series, MLive², which features live music every Thursday night at Beast and Butterflies from 6-9:30pm. M Social’s new resident artist, Melaner, will perform live each Thursday, offering  a traditional Afro-Latinx rhythm with modern pop and jazz influences. Nestled in an intimate yet approachable setting, guests will now be able to enjoy carefully curated libations while listening to some of Melaner’s hottest hits.

Lastly, M Social Times Square will partner with St. Germain for a one-day-only “Garnish Your Spritz” cocktail activation. From 4:30 to 7:30pm on May 16^th, guests who purchase a St. Germain spritz will be able to garnish their drink with things like edible flowers and fruits for a one-of-a-kind DIY cocktail experience. Guests will also have Insta-worthy photo opps, with items like branded St. Germain umbrellas, carafes, stirrers, and golden arches for photo worthy moments.

The 480-room hotel is located at 226 West 52nd Street, in the heart of Times Square and walking distance to New York’s best attractions including Broadway, the Theater District, Central Park, and Fifth Avenue. For more information about M Social New York or to book an upcoming stay, visit https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/new-york/m-social-hotel-times-square-new-york/ or call +1-646-459-5884.

The post M Social Times Square New York Unveils Summer Initiatives appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Eventi touts a timeless, clean, and modern sensibility throughout the hotel and is deeply connected to the very vibrancy found within Manhattan. The refreshed guest rooms and suites are an understated expression of the city’s energetic spirit where guests can retreat from the hustle and bustle while still being in the center of the best the city has to offer.

A new palette and furnishings instill an aesthetic that exudes an edgy albeit polished respite. Warm wood floors and stark metals accentuated by smokey blue hues instill a calm haven, parallel to the bustle of metropolitan living. Natural finishes and upholstery were also taken into consideration, complemented with marble and gray wool to accomplish a rough-luxe hybrid.

Ranging between 275 to 1,685 square feet, each loft-like space was designed with purpose, nodding to both style and function. Enhancements include fresh carpeting, new wall treatments, drapery and a series of new furnishings, from beds and desks to sofas, lounge chairs and rugs.

Upgraded in-room entertainment systems ensure guests can stream their favorite series and music seamlessly. Plush Frette linens, Atelier Bloem bath products, floor-to-ceiling windows inviting abundant natural light into the spaces, city views including the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and the High Line Park in select guestrooms, are all part of the Eventi experience.

In tandem with the guest rooms, each of the 55 residential-style specialty suites also underwent extensive enhancements extending to new furniture, color schemes, light fixtures and more. As a premium room category, offerings range extensively within each space, including a Jacuzzi tub, expansive private balcony, sleeper sofa, separate parlor, pool table and more.

New artwork is also gracing the halls of Eventi, curated by Soho Myriad, along with select pieces in guest rooms and suites. This new artwork joins the hotel’s impressive hyperlocal art program that brings Manhattan’s eclectic creative community inward.

Accompanying Eventi’s spacious guest rooms and suites are a series of robust amenities which include the 1,000-square-foot fitness center open 24 hours, custom-designed PUBLIC bikes, valet laundry service, daily social hour, complimentary access to Wag! Premium for guests with pets and more.

Eventi also offers three distinct restaurants and two bars on-site, with Skirt Steak as their newest concept. Open daily for dinner and weekend brunch, James Beard-winner, Chef Laurent Tourondel (of BLT fame), offers a menu focused distinctly on a perfectly grilled skirt steak.

“We are incredibly excited to debut Eventi’s enhanced and updated guest rooms to new and returning guests just as New York City gets ready to kick off the thrilling fall season,” said Daniel Entenberg, General Manager of Kimpton Hotel Eventi. “Our new guest rooms, Chef Tourondel’s talents, and close proximity to phenomenal city sights make Eventi the perfect New York City homebase.”

For additional information about Kimpton Hotel Eventi, please visit www.hoteleventi.com.

The post Kimpton Hotel Eventi Reimagined and Reborn appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

The post Rochester, NY – Award-winning Golf Destination appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

“Despite the current challenges and new guidelines that will define the future of events, it remains clear that face-to-face meetings are essential to conducting meaningful business,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company’s President and CEO and Co-Chair of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition. “We are pleased to offer this new Virtual NYC Site Tours resource to assist planners in continuing to book New York City for the future from the security of home.”

The following New York City hotels and event spaces, among others, are offering virtual site inspection options:

• New York’s premier convention center, the Javits Center is offering a video tour of the building’s unprecedented expansion, which will add 1.2 million square feet of space upon its expected debut in 2021.
  
  
• Meeting planners seeking a boutique hotel experience in downtown Manhattan can explore online resources provided by Andaz Wall Street, The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, and
  
  
• Classic hotel brands like InterContinental New York Barclay, InterContinental New York Times Square and the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge continue to provide resources for event professionals, during this time of social distancing.
  
  
• Planners seeking high-end accommodations for Fortune 500 companies and executive attendees of corporate events can consider The Peninsula New York and The Pierre New York when planning ahead.
  
  
• Convene caters to gatherings of up to 615 people, with conference rooms, event spaces and rooms for breakout sessions at various locations citywide, with many of their venues offering 360-degree tours online.
• NYC’s world-class cultural institutions serve as one-of-a-kind event backdrops, including the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Historical Society, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New Museum, and Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Events, among others.
• For delegates seeking a memorable experience on the water, consider Bateaux New York, Hornblower Cruises & Events, Spirit Cruises, and World Yacht
  
  
• For those planning galas and other large events, Manhattan Center and The Times Center are home to high-capacity ballrooms and theaters.
  
  
• To tap the NYC rooftop-event trend, consider venues such as 230 Fifth and Hotel 50 Bowery‘s The Crown bar.
  
  
• Those interested in holding their event at a unique venue should look no further than world-renowned sporting arenas Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium, or iconic concert and nightlife venue Webster Hall, which reopened last year after undergoing renovations.
  
  
• Glasshouse Chelsea and The Lighthouse are among many venues with views of New York City’s iconic skyline.

“While in-person site visits are not possible at the moment, event professionals can still explore New York City’s unparalleled meeting options online,” said Jerry Cito, NYC & Company’s Executive Vice President of Convention Development. “No matter a group’s size, budget, or needs, the City’s iconic hotels and world-class event spaces are ready to welcome back delegates when the time is right. We hope that this new digital tool–along with the ongoing support of our dedicated team–is helpful in planning ahead.”   

Organizations interested in being featured on nycgo.com/virtualnycsitetours can fill out this participation form. Additional resources for meeting planners can be found at nycgo.com/makeitnyc.

The post NYC & Company Launches ‘Virtual NYC Site Tours’ for Meeting Planners appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

On Saturday, December 1, Miracle on Madison Avenue will reappear on New York’s most luxurious shopping destination for its 32nd annual shopping event. Miracle on Madison Avenue is a day for shoppers and visitors to check off their holiday gift lists, as 20 percent of the day’s sales will benefit The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Pediatric Programs. The Society of MSK is a volunteer led organization that works to ensure the wellbeing of patients, raise funds for cancer research and treatment, and provide public education on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.

Organized by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), shoppers will experience the magic of Miracle on Madison Avenue with a merry embrace from MSK’s beloved therapy dogs, the Caring Canines, and Victorian costumed carolers strolling up and down Madison spreading good cheer. Participating stores are prepared to warmly greet customers with holiday treats, champagne toasts and in-store festivities. “Madison Avenue boutiques always feature the most sought after holiday gifts, but on Miracle Saturday, purchase of those gifts directly supports the care of children treated by the extraordinary team at MSK,” said Matthew Bauer, President of the Madison Avenue BID. “This 32 year Madison Avenue tradition is remarkable not only for its longevity, but for the decades-long commitment that our boutiques have for both their clients and for children in need.”

Miracle on Madison Avenue will begin at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. between 57th and 86th Street. Shoppers are encouraged to share their holiday shopping experience on Twitter by using the hashtag #MiracleonMadison. For more information on the festivities and the complete list of participating store, restaurants and galleries visit http://www.madisonavenuebig.org

The post 32nd Annual Miracle on Madison Ave. appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Texas boasts the 100 year anniversay of the San Antonio Zoo along with incredible equine beauty in Denton. Still want something fun to do in the Lone Star State? Head on over to Port Arthur and partake in a myriad of incredible adventures.

As you discover new places, how about the MGM Grand’s new “Stay Well” suites? Perfect for that health and wellness-conscious traveler. The New York Hilton is showcasing it’s broad shoulders as the largest property in the Big Apple.

Want more? Visit the Sirtaj Beverly Hills where you are minutes from the epicenter of opulence or venture to the Conrad Hong Kong. Both properties boast an impeccable array of amenities and are memory-making stays in and of itself.

Ever wondered what it’s like being the child of a travel blogger? Check out Christa’s Column as she sits down with three pint-size travelers who revel in what makes our business so much fun.

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

Happy Travels!

The post Summer Travel is the best. appeared first on The Hotel Guide.