Awesome Travel Ideas for Hotels, Restaurants and Bars

Summer is quickly winding down. Labor Day is next Monday, kids are starting school again and family vacations are ending. We want to offer some trendy, travel ideas for you to consider. In addition, the door is fast closing on the great outdoors.

But there are some places you will want to visit anytime of the year. Here’s a list of awesome ideas for hotels, restaurants and bars. Even the most ardent TV & Pop Culture lovers will want to put down their remotes. Get off the couch and see the world! Take advantage of these travel ideas.

Hamilton Hotel: VEEP
“I’m the Vice President of the United States, you stupid little f–ckers!”.

Vacation like the ultimate TV star this Fall in Hamilton Hotel’s Selina Meyer Presidential VEEP Suite in Washington DC. In collaboration with HBO, the hotel designed this unique, one-of-a-kind Presidential suite. It commemorates the network’s Emmy award-winning series “VEEP.” Curated in conjunction with set designers and prop masters from the series’ production and HBO. Implemented by Terri Jannes Interiors, the experience includes iconic original props like the Presidential Resolute Desk. In addition, find a presidential seal area rug, a grandfather clock, an oversized portrait of Selina, and other marquee photographs, art and decorative objects.

Mister Paradise: The Shining & A Clockwork Orange
“Here’s Johnny!” – Jack Torrance

Mister Paradise brings the highest quality bar experience without the austere to the East Village. The cocktails are named after a piece of pop culture ephemera, such as the Dr. Angel Face and Cafe Disco. Even Stanley Kubrick enthusiasts will enjoy the subtle hints to the director’s iconic films. As a result, all green bathrooms are inspired by the nightmarish Room 237 from the infamous 1980 film, The Shining (sans the womanly spectre). Further, the restaurant’s Red Room, primarily used for private events, pays homage to the set designs of A Clockwork Orange.

The Resort at Pelican Hill: The O.C.
“You’re A Cohen Now, Welcome To A Life Of Insecurity And Paralyzing Self-Doubt”

Take a trip down memory lane with the The O.C’s infamous couple, Marissa Cooper and Ryan Atwood. Head to Newport Beach and hit all the fan favorite spots in the beloved O.C. It’s the perfect way to experience life like the Cohen’s and Cooper’s. While you are in town, head over to The Resort at Pelican Hill for the ultimate vacation in Newport Beach. This luxury resort is set on 504 acres by the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach.  The Resort at Pelican Hill® features: 128 two-, three- and four-bedroom villas with magnificent coastal views and an unparalleled array of appointments. It immerses guests in the absolute finest of everything. In addition, there are 204 luxuriously appointed bungalow guest rooms and suites with private terraces. Plus, a rejuvenating Five-Star spa; an iconic “Coliseum Pool,” one of the largest circular pools anywhere with tiered decks and luxurious cabanas. Finally, golfers can enjoy the Pelican Hill Golf Club with 36 dramatic holes by Tom Fazio, nearly all with ocean panoramas.

The Ledge: Mean Girls
“On Wednesdays, we wear pink”

The Ledge is a monochromatic pink bar that channels the California swinger bars of the 1970’s. Here, guests can feel like the ultimate mean girl, Regina George. Also, you will bask in the splendor of the pink tiered bar, pink wallpaper and pink tiled floor – similar to Regina’s own pink decorated bedroom. While Amy Pohler won’t be serving mocktails, guests can order the Watermelon Spritz for an all-pink moment, and there is happy hour every day from 5-9!

Peppi’s Cellar: The Sopranos

Located underneath the Italian restaurant Gran Tivoli, Peppi’s Cellar is accessible only via winding staircase and through the restaurant’s working wine cellar, creating a secluded subterranean space that channels an old-school bar in Rome and appears to be straight out of an episode of the Sopranos. Therefore you can eat and drink like Tony Soprano. Seat at one of the room’s numerous candlelit tables and if necessary, in true Tony Soprano fashion, speaking in hushed tones at one of the bar’s several private booths. Regardless of where you sit, expect to indulge on upscale Italian bar fare. Try your choice of drink from Peppi’s massive spirits collection. Here’s cheers to hoping your night at Peppi’s goes smoother than most of Tony’s did.

JJ’s Hideaway: Saturday Night Fever
“She can dance, you know that? She got the wrong partner of course, but she can dance” – Tony Manero

Opened this month, JJ’s Hideaway is a post-punk dystopia that pays homage to the bars/club scenes of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The venue is complete with hot pink neon signage, reclaimed pews from a local church and the pièce de résistance – a light-up, disco dance floor so visitors can do their best John Travolta impersonation. Lastly, there will also be a roster of DJs to get guests grooving to the latest hits as well as the classics (so yes, you can anticipate the Bee Gee’s Night Fever and Stayin’ Alive).

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Photo: Hamilton Hotel




MGM Resorts International Resorts and Restaurants Honored with AAA Four and Five Diamond Awards

Bellagio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino Resort
Courtesy of: Bellagio Las Vegas

Once again, MGM Resorts International (http://www.mgmresorts.com/) continues to receive industry accolades for their luxury Las Vegas properties.

MGM Resorts International recently received 28 esteemed AAA Four and Five Diamond Awards for its luxury resorts and fine restaurants. These awards continues to solidify the company’s position among the world’s most elite.

The company was the recipient of seven prestigious AAA Five Diamond Awards, including two resorts at CityCenter which opened their doors less than a year ago.

“The AAA awards are the gold standard by which all resorts and restaurants are measured, providing a trusted source to help travelers determine where to stay and dine,” said Corey Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International. “We are honored to receive 28 Four and Five Diamond Awards, acknowledging our company’s continued commitment to excellence and affirming the experience guests can expect to enjoy at these resorts and restaurants.”

The impeccable service, accommodations and fine dining at CityCenter’s ARIA Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas have earned both properties Five Diamonds, an exceptional feat only accomplished by a small group of distinguished hotels, and of these, only a select few received the honor within the first year of operation. In addition, Sage at ARIA was named CityCenter’s first Four Diamond restaurant.

Bobby Baldwin, CityCenter’s President and CEO, said, “From inception to operation, our goal with CityCenter was to create a resort destination that provides guests with services and amenities unmatched in the world. To receive the highest honor in the industry with the AAA Five Diamond Award is a reflection of our commitment to this promise and to delivering unforgettable experiences for each guest from arrival to departure.”

Bellagio continues to lead Las Vegas luxury resorts becoming the first hotel and casino in the city to receive its tenth consecutive AAA Five Diamond Award. In addition, Julian Serrano’s renowned restaurant, Picasso, has also been awarded its tenth straight AAA Five Diamond Award and Le Cirque received the distinction for the eighth consecutive year. The honors, once again, make Bellagio the only hotel in the United States to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants. Further adding to its dining accolades, Bellagio’s Jasmine, MICHAEL MINA, Sensi and Prime Steakhouse all earned the AAA Four Diamond Award.

For the fifth consecutive year, AAA has awarded SKYLOFTS and Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand the Five Diamond Award for extraordinary service and decadent cuisine. Additionally, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Craftsteak, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Nobhill Tavern, Pearl and Seablue have all earned the esteemed Four Diamond Award.

Impressively, Mandalay Bay, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Monte Carlo also received the respected Four Diamond Award, a testament to the properties’ commitment to quality service and the guest experience. Adding to MGM Resorts International’s award catalog, Aureole, Fleur de Lys, miX and STRIPSTEAK at Mandalay Bay and Andre’s at Monte Carlo also received this coveted distinction.

Michael Geeser, AAA Nevada spokesperson, was quoted, “Once again, MGM Resorts International has set itself apart with its exquisite restaurants and resort hotels that are known for the highest quality and service.”




Surf Lanai Restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Surf Lanai Restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian hotel
Surf Lanai Restaurant

The Surf Lanai Restaurant is located in the luxurious The Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Oahu. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is also known as the “Pink Lady” … a truly Hawaiian landmark.

Surf Lanai Restaurant is a terrific outdoor restaurant, that showcases a wide variety mainland classic dishes that are dressed with local Hawaiian ingredients, and served with Hawaiian style.

This upscale, outdoor beachside cafe can be found next to the The Royal Hawaiian Hotel pool.

The Surf Lanai Restaurant serves both a great tasting al fresco breakfast, as well as a delicious lunch service.




Understanding the Science of Appetite

Human beings love food and we’ve always had a very complicated relationship with food. Following the non-stop news of worldwide famine, human history has actually been characterized by too little to eat rather than too much.

Ever wonder why our appetite is such a powerful driver of our behavior, and more importantly, how can we reel it in? Full article