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  • Best Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector for Travel (2026 Review)

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    Wondering if you need a carbon monoxide detector for travel? Hotels and vacation rentals don’t always have working CO alarms, and carbon monoxide poisoning kills travelers every year. Here’s the portable detector we never travel without and why it could save your life.

    Traveling is incredible. You get to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. But there’s one thing most travelers overlook that could literally save their lives.

    It’s not travel insurance. It’s not a first aid kit. It’s something even more fundamental to your safety.

    It’s a portable carbon monoxide detector.

    I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t that being a bit paranoid? Unfortunately, no. After researching the risks and hearing real stories of travelers who didn’t make it home, I never travel without one anymore. And once you read what I’ve learned, you won’t either.

    Quick Answer: Do I Need a CO Detector for Travel?

    Yes. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills travelers every year in hotels, vacation rentals, and Airbnbs worldwide. Many accommodations lack working CO detectors, and laws vary by country. A portable carbon monoxide alarm is an inexpensive, potentially life-saving device that should be in every traveler’s suitcase. We recommend the First Alert 10-Year Portable CO Alarm.

    Why Carbon Monoxide is a Serious Travel Risk

    Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the silent killer for good reason. It’s invisible, odorless, colorless, and tasteless. You cannot detect it with your senses.

    What Makes Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?

    Carbon monoxide is produced from any fuel-burning source, including:

    • Furnaces and boilers
    • Gas stoves and ovens
    • Water heaters
    • Fireplaces and chimneys
    • Dryer vents
    • Heating and air conditioning systems
    • Generators (common in areas with power issues)
    • Cars and boats

    According to the Journal of Travel Medicine, CO has 200 to 250 times greater attraction to the hemoglobin in your blood than oxygen. When carbon monoxide leaks into a room, it aggressively displaces oxygen in your bloodstream, essentially suffocating you from the inside out.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 400 people in the United States die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year, with thousands more requiring emergency treatment.

    ⚠️ Critical Fact: You can be poisoned and die in your sleep without ever waking up. Early symptoms mimic common travel ailments like jet lag or food poisoning, making CO especially dangerous for travelers.

    Why Hotels and Rentals Are High-Risk

    The problem isn’t just that CO exists. It’s that when we travel, we enter unfamiliar spaces where:

    • Systems may be improperly installed
    • Equipment is poorly maintained
    • Ventilation is inadequate
    • CO detectors are missing, broken, or have dead batteries
    • Laws requiring CO detectors vary by country and region

    This can happen anywhere. Luxury five-star hotels. Budget motels. Vacation rentals. Historic inns (which we love staying in, but their old heating systems can be risky). Brand-new condos. Airbnbs. No accommodation type is immune.

    And here’s the kicker: you can’t count on the property having a working carbon monoxide detector. Standards vary wildly around the world, and even in countries with strict laws, enforcement is inconsistent.

    Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

    Early detection is absolutely critical because symptoms progress quickly:

    Early symptoms (often mistaken for other illnesses):

    • Dizziness and confusion
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Fatigue and weakness
    • Shortness of breath

    Advanced symptoms:

    • Difficulty walking
    • Increased heart rate
    • Chest pain
    • Vision problems
    • Loss of consciousness

    Severe exposure leads to:

    • Brain damage
    • Organ failure
    • Death
    💡 Important: If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately, call emergency services, and seek medical attention. The American Red Cross recommends that even if symptoms improve, CO exposure can cause delayed neurological effects.

    Real Stories: When CO Poisoning Happens to Travelers

    I’m not being paranoid or overly cautious. These are real stories of travelers who encountered carbon monoxide poisoning. Some survived. Some didn’t.

    The Iowa Family in Tulum, Mexico

    A family of four from Iowa died in their sleep when carbon monoxide mysteriously leaked into their vacation condo in Tulum, Mexico.

    They went to bed one night during what should have been a dream vacation. None of them woke up.

    The source of the CO was never definitively identified, but investigators suspected a faulty water heater or gas system. The rental had no carbon monoxide detector.

    The Ireland Vacation That Nearly Ended in Tragedy

    One traveler lived to tell his story but suffered severe consequences after CO poisoning during a trip to Ireland.

    He woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and passed out. He came to, tried again, and passed out a second time, this time suffering a seizure. When his wife awoke to the sound of him hitting the floor, she also passed out.

    Suspecting carbon monoxide, he managed to tell his daughter to open the window and stay by it. They survived, but he reported suffering carbon monoxide symptoms even months after the incident, including persistent headaches and cognitive issues.

    The apartment they rented had no CO detector.

    These aren’t isolated incidents. Stories like these happen every year, all over the world. Most don’t make international news.

    The Common Thread

    In nearly every case of traveler CO poisoning, the accommodation either had no carbon monoxide detector or had one that wasn’t working. You cannot rely on properties to protect you. You have to protect yourself.

    Why We’re Extra Cautious in Historic Hotels and Old Inns

    We absolutely love staying in historic hotels and charming old inns. There’s something magical about sleeping in a building with centuries of stories. These properties are beautiful, well-maintained, and offer incredible hospitality. But here’s the reality: historic buildings often have older infrastructure that can pose higher carbon monoxide risks.

    What makes historic properties higher-risk for CO:

    • Aging heating systems – Older boilers and furnaces may have cracks or inefficient combustion
    • Original fireplaces – Charming but potentially problematic chimneys and flues
    • Period-appropriate ventilation – Built before modern ventilation standards
    • Vintage water heaters – May not have the same safety features as newer models
    • Retrofitted gas systems – Modern gas lines installed in old buildings
    • Complex layouts – Additions and renovations over decades can create ventilation issues

    ⚠️ Important Note: This doesn’t mean historic hotels are unsafe. Most are meticulously maintained and inspected. But the combination of older systems and beautiful period features means we’re always extra vigilant with our portable CO detector. It’s a small precaution that gives us complete peace of mind.

    That’s exactly why our First Alert CO detector comes with us to every single historic property we visit. It takes 10 seconds to set up on the nightstand, and we sleep soundly knowing we’re protected.

    First Alert portable carbon monoxide detector for travel safety

    Best Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector for Travel: First Alert Review

    After researching options and using it for years while traveling to historic hotels, old inns, and vacation rentals, my top recommendation is the First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

    Why This Is the Best Travel CO Detector

    Feature Details Why It Matters for Travel
    10-Year Battery Sealed lithium battery lasts entire life of alarm No battery changes needed while traveling; always ready to use
    Compact Size 4.8 x 4.8 x 1.8 inches Fits easily in suitcase; doesn’t take up valuable packing space
    Loud Alarm 85 decibel alert Wakes even deep sleepers; audible throughout hotel room
    LED Display Shows temperature with blue backlight Easy to read at night; dual purpose as room thermometer
    No Installation Just set it on nightstand or dresser Ready to use in seconds; no tools or wall mounting required
    TSA Compliant Allowed in carry-on and checked bags Can pack without airport hassles
    Price Around $50 One-time investment for 10 years of protection

    First Alert carbon monoxide alarm with LED displayFirst Alert carbon monoxide alarm with LED display

    How It Works

    The First Alert CO alarm uses an electrochemical sensor to detect carbon monoxide in the air. When dangerous levels are detected, it sends out a sharp, loud 85-decibel beep that will wake you up immediately.

    This model meets UL and NFPA safety standards for carbon monoxide detection, ensuring reliable performance when you need it most.

    The LED display shows the current room temperature (a nice bonus feature), and the blue backlight makes it easy to read in the middle of the night without being too bright or disruptive.

    Real-World Travel Testing

    We’ve taken this detector to historic hotels with old heating systems, charming country inns with fireplaces, mountain cabins, beach rentals with questionable ventilation, and countless Airbnbs. It’s incredibly easy to pack, set up takes literally 10 seconds, and it gives us peace of mind every single night.

    The temperature display is actually useful too. We’ve discovered some hotels keep rooms way too warm or cold, and we can adjust accordingly.

    Pros and Cons

    ✅ Pros:

    • No battery maintenance for 10 years
    • Compact and travel-friendly size
    • No installation or tools required
    • Loud enough to wake heavy sleepers
    • LED temperature display is useful bonus
    • TSA-approved for air travel
    • Reliable electrochemical sensor technology
    • Wall mount option available (though not needed for travel)

    ❌ Cons:

    • Higher upfront cost than battery-replaceable models (but worth it for travel convenience)
    • Must be replaced after 10 years (alarm will notify you)
    • Slightly bulkier than some ultra-compact models

    Where to Buy

    You can purchase the First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm on Amazon for around $50.

    It’s a one-time investment that provides protection for a decade of travel. When you consider what you spend on travel insurance, nice luggage, or even a good packing organizer, $50 for something that could literally save your life is beyond reasonable.

    Portable carbon monoxide detector on hotel nightstandPortable carbon monoxide detector on hotel nightstand

    How to Use Your Portable CO Detector While Traveling

    Step-by-Step Travel Setup

    1. Pack it in an accessible place
    Keep your CO detector in your carry-on or near the top of your suitcase. You want to be able to set it up as soon as you arrive at your accommodation.

    2. Place it strategically in your room
    Set the detector on your nightstand, dresser, or bedside table. It should be:

    • Near where you sleep (within earshot)
    • Away from windows and doors (drafts can affect readings)
    • Not blocked by luggage or other items
    • On a flat, stable surface

    3. Check that it’s working
    The First Alert model has a test button. Press it to verify the alarm is functioning. You should hear the loud beep and see the LED display light up.

    4. Leave it on for your entire stay
    The detector should remain active 24/7 while you’re in the room. The 10-year battery means you never have to worry about it dying.

    5. What to do if the alarm goes off

    See also

    Three panel collage showing fall activities in Milford Pennsylvania including woman on firepit balcony at Hotel Fauchere, colorful autumn downtown street with historic buildings, and Raymondskill Falls waterfall cascades in Pocono Mountains"Three panel collage showing fall activities in Milford Pennsylvania including woman on firepit balcony at Hotel Fauchere, colorful autumn downtown street with historic buildings, and Raymondskill Falls waterfall cascades in Pocono Mountains"
    • Immediately evacuate the room and get to fresh air
    • Alert hotel staff or property management
    • Call emergency services (911 in US, 112 in Europe, or local emergency number)
    • Do NOT re-enter the room until it’s been inspected and declared safe
    • Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (CO effects can be delayed)

    ⚠️ Never Ignore the Alarm: Even if you feel fine, if the CO detector goes off, take it seriously. Carbon monoxide poisoning can make you feel confused or drowsy, which might cause you to dismiss the alarm. Always evacuate first, ask questions later.

    Packing Tips for Air Travel

    The First Alert CO detector is TSA-compliant and can be packed in either carry-on or checked luggage. Here are some tips:

    • Carry-on is preferable (you’ll have it immediately upon arrival)
    • Wrap it in soft clothing to prevent damage
    • Keep the instruction manual (it explains it’s a CO detector if TSA asks)
    • No special declarations needed at security

    We’ve traveled with ours through dozens of airports in multiple countries and have never had any issues. Check out our full guide on packing tips for more travel essentials.

    Additional Hotel and Rental Safety Tips

    While a portable CO detector is your best protection, here are other ways to reduce your carbon monoxide risk while traveling:

    Before You Book

    • Ask if the property has carbon monoxide detectors installed
    • Read recent reviews for any mentions of safety concerns
    • Choose accommodations with good ventilation when possible
    • Be extra cautious with older buildings or properties in regions with lax safety standards

    When You Arrive

    • Check if there’s a CO detector in the room (many won’t have one)
    • If there is one, test it if possible
    • Look for fuel-burning appliances (gas stoves, fireplaces, water heaters)
    • Note the location of windows and how to open them quickly
    • Request a room away from furnace rooms, parking garages, or loading docks

    During Your Stay

    • Open windows periodically for fresh air circulation
    • Never use generators, grills, or camping stoves indoors (the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that portable generators produce more CO than modern cars and can be deadly in enclosed spaces)
    • Don’t run your car in an attached garage (even with the door open)
    • Report any strange smells or sounds from heating systems immediately
    • Trust your instincts – if something feels off, request a room change

    Additional Travel Safety Resources

    Carbon monoxide safety is just one aspect of travel security. Make sure you’re prepared with:

    Travel essentials including First Alert carbon monoxide detectorTravel essentials including First Alert carbon monoxide detector

    Common Questions About Travel CO Detectors

    Do hotels have carbon monoxide detectors?

    It varies widely. In the United States, many states require CO detectors in hotels, but enforcement is inconsistent. Internationally, requirements vary significantly by country. Many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals have no CO detectors at all, or have detectors with dead batteries. You cannot rely on the property to protect you.

    Can I bring a carbon monoxide detector on a plane?

    Yes. Portable carbon monoxide detectors like the First Alert model are TSA-compliant and allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. You don’t need to declare it or remove it during security screening. We’ve flown with ours dozens of times without any issues.

    How often do I need to replace a travel CO detector?

    The First Alert 10-Year model has a sealed battery that lasts for the entire life of the unit. After 10 years, the alarm will notify you that it needs to be replaced, and you’ll purchase a new unit. This is much more convenient for travel than models requiring regular battery changes.

    Is a portable CO detector as effective as a permanent one?

    Yes. Portable CO detectors use the same electrochemical sensor technology as permanently installed units. The First Alert model meets UL safety standards and provides the same level of protection. The main difference is portability and power source (sealed battery vs. hardwired).

    What if my CO detector goes off but I feel fine?

    Evacuate immediately anyway. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause confusion and drowsiness, which might make you unable to recognize the danger. Additionally, CO effects can be delayed, and you may feel fine initially but develop serious symptoms later. Always get to fresh air, alert property management, call emergency services, and seek medical evaluation.

    Do I need a CO detector for every type of accommodation?

    Yes. Carbon monoxide can leak in any building with fuel-burning appliances or systems. This includes luxury hotels, budget motels, vacation homes, Airbnbs, cabins, RVs, and boats. The type or cost of accommodation doesn’t determine CO risk. Old buildings and properties in areas with lax safety regulations pose higher risks, but CO incidents can happen anywhere.

    Can I use my home CO detector for travel?

    If it’s portable and battery-powered, yes. However, most home CO detectors are either hardwired or require regular battery changes, making them less convenient for travel. The First Alert 10-Year model is specifically ideal for travel because of its sealed battery and compact size.

    Will a CO detector detect natural gas leaks?

    No. Carbon monoxide detectors only detect CO, not natural gas (methane) or propane. Natural gas has an added odor (smells like rotten eggs) to help detect leaks. If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

    How much does a good travel CO detector cost?

    The First Alert 10-Year model costs around $50. While there are cheaper options available, the sealed 10-year battery and reliability make this model worth the investment. It works out to about $5 per year of protection.

    The Bottom Line on Travel Carbon Monoxide Safety

    Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real, preventable risk that kills travelers every year. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. You can’t count on hotels or vacation rentals to have working detectors. And by the time you experience symptoms, it may be too late.

    A portable carbon monoxide detector is one of the most important safety items you can pack. It’s more critical than travel insurance, more valuable than an expensive suitcase, and more life-saving than any other travel gadget.

    The First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm is compact, reliable, maintenance-free, and gives you peace of mind everywhere you travel.

    Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, family, or pets to luxury hotels or historic inns, budget motels or vacation rentals, this small device could save your life.

    More Travel Safety & Planning Resources

    This travel safety guide was last updated on February 13, 2026. We regularly review new carbon monoxide detector models and update our recommendations based on real-world travel testing.

     

    Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.

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    Heather

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  • ICE blasts Hilton after emails allegedly show hotel refusing rooms to immigration agents

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    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    A Hilton-branded hotel in Minneapolis is facing scrutiny after allegedly canceling reservations made by federal immigration agents, prompting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to publicly question the decision.

    Emails that ICE shared on social media appear to show staff at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Lakeville Minneapolis informing individuals associated with reservations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that the property would not allow ICE or other immigration agents to stay.

    Hilton did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

    “We have noticed an influx of GOV reservations made today that have been for DHS, and we are not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property. If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation,” an email from a staff member at the Hilton-branded hotel allegedly reads.

    KAROLINE LEAVITT WARNS ‘PEOPLE WILL BE IN HANDCUFFS’ AS FEDS ZERO IN ON MINNESOTA FRAUD SCANDAL

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers question a man about his status on Lake Street near Karmel Mall in Minnesota on Dec. 10, 2025. (Christopher Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images)

    “Please pass on this info to your coworkers that we are not allowing any immigration agents to house on our property.”

    A follow-up email several hours later then allegedly stated, “After further investigation online, we have found information about immigration work connected with your name and we will be cancelling your upcoming reservation. You should see a proper cancellation email in your inbox shortly from Hilton.”

    DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital in a statement: “Hilton has launched a coordinated campaign in Minneapolis to REFUSE service to DHS law enforcement. When officers attempted to book rooms using official government emails and rates, Hilton Hotels maliciously CANCELLED their reservations.”

    “This is UNACCEPTABLE,” said McLaughlin. “Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?”

    The exchange prompted the official ICE account on X to post screenshots of the conversation.

    DHS REVIEWS CITIZENSHIP CASES FROM SOMALIA, OTHER HIGH RISK COUNTRIES FOR POSSIBLE FRAUD

    “Hey @HiltonHotels — why did your team in Minneapolis cancel our federal law enforcement officer and agents’ reservations?” the post asked.

    Minneapolis skyline and downtown buildings under winter conditions.

    A general view of downtown Minneapolis on Dec. 4, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    The revelation of the alleged hotel cancellations comes as CBS News reported Monday that the Trump administration has begun a large-scale deployment of DHS personnel in Minnesota as part of an expanded federal crackdown tied to a widening fraud scandal in the state.

    CBS News reported the crackdown could involve roughly 2,000 agents and officers from ICE’s deportation branch and Homeland Security Investigations.

    Ashley Carnahan is a writer at Fox News Digital.

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  • The Most Ambitious Hotels to Open Around the World in 2025

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    The travel industry has a problem with words. Walk through any luxury hotel conference, and you’ll hear the same ones lobbed around like currency: “authentic,” “experiential,” “transformative.” Marketing teams deploy them with the confidence of people who’ve never actually stayed anywhere transformative. The couples booking their anniversary trips debate them endlessly—she wants “authentic,” he wants “comfortable,” they both say “experience” like it’s something you can order from room service.

    But the hotels that opened in 2025 suggest the industry might finally be asking better questions. After surveying this year’s most ambitious openings across six continents, a pattern emerges: The properties worth anyone’s time aren’t selling comfort, authenticity or even experience. They’re selling something rarer: the chance to move through the world differently, even temporarily.

    The thread connecting them isn’t luxury or location but obsession. Behind each property stands someone who looked at conventional wisdom and chose violence. The couple who decided their Cretan hotel’s roof should be someone else’s olive grove. The architect who thought Prague’s most oppressive Communist-era tower just needed better lighting and a sense of humor. The chef who built an entire restaurant around the radical idea that garbage doesn’t exist.

    These hoteliers aren’t chasing trends or conducting market research, but building the hotels they wish existed, then betting there are enough like-minded travelers to fill them. They’re right. In an age when every city has the same glass tower with the same infinity pool serving the same burrata, the real luxury has become specificity. Hotels that do one thing—whether that’s zero-waste dining or gorilla voyeurism or forcing you to walk five days just to check in—and do it with the conviction of people who’d rather be perfect for some than pleasant for all.

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    Paul Jebara

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  • Loveholidays just launched a huge sale for 2026 breaks – here’s a travel editor’s favourite hotels from it

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    Black Friday might be long gone, but it’s not too late to secure yourself a 2026 holiday on sale. Why, I hear you ask? Because online travel agent Loveholidays has launched its New Year sale early, with deals on holidays throughout 2026. Think resorts in Rhodes, skyscrapers in Dubai, beachfront hotels in the Canary Islands and even city breaks across the pond in the likes of New York and Las Vegas. 

    You have the flexibility to secure a holiday for next year with deposits starting from just £19 per person and convenient pay-monthly plans. In short, you can lock it in now before the Christmas madness and worry about the finer details next year. You can also challenge the brand on its price promise, through which it offers to beat any deal on the same holiday if you find it cheaper elsewhere. 

    As Creative Content Writer at HELLO!, I write about must-visit hotels across the globe on a weekly basis. So, I guess you could say I have a strong nose for a good hotel – plus the ability to decipher which ones will give you bang for your buck. 

    These are my top hotels to visit in 2026 from the Loveholidays sale…

    Crete might just be my favourite of all the Greek islands – and next on my hit list when I visit is the five-star Akasha. It’s a high-end boutique hotel that features lots of light wood and azure accents. 

    The architecture is sleek and contemporary, with many rooms featuring private outdoor hot tubs or plunge pools on the balconies. As beautiful as the rest of the island is, I probably won’t want to leave the resort. 

    Caves Beach Resort Hurghada

    This hotel feels straight out of The Flintstones. It is designed to look like a mountain of stone and rock – and as such, there are no traditional hotel corridors. Instead, you walk through dimly lit, cave-like passages. 

    Every room (or cave, should I say) features rock-textured walls, wooden accents and furniture carved to look like stone. It’s visually quirky, actually fun and adult-only… my kind of place. 

    Paramount hotel in New York

    The vibe of the Paramount in New York City is a mix of theatrical glamour and traditional ‘boutique’ energy, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Times Square. 

    Think of it as a base camp for exploring the Big Apple. And in my opinion, the central location makes it perfect for first time visitors to the city as you’ll be right in the middle of the action.

    Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah

    I’m staying at this hotel in Dubai in spring and I cannot wait. It’s swanky, in a prime position on the Palm and has uber-modern rooms. 

    The vibe is like Scandinavian simplicity had a baby with Dubai luxury: lots of light wood, floor-to-ceiling windows and neutral tones. Catch me on the sun loungers by that glistening pool.

    Flamingo – Las Vegas, USA

    Flamingo hotel

    With decor consisting of neon pink, green and gold, this hotel screams Vegas. It’s an iconic landmark that’s unashamedly bold and bright, with massive updates planned for its 80th anniversary next year. 

    And if the vibe wasn’t unique enough, the hotel is home to an actual 15-acre tropical garden in the middle of the desert, complete with real Chilean flamingos, exotic birds and turtles. It’s somewhat of a peaceful, lush pocket inside a crazy city.

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    Josie O’Brien

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  • ‘That big event that happened a few years ago…’: Woman travels to Las Vegas. Then ‘security’ says they’re doing mandatory room checks

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    You’re settling into the bed of your hotel room when, suddenly, you get a knock on the door.

    What’s going through your mind? Maybe someone ordered you a Room Service surprise? Maybe there’s an issue with the hotel? Or maybe something strange is afoot?

    A user on TikTok recently sparked discussion after recalling her own bizarre hotel experience. Specifically, she’s asking why the hotel decided to inspect her room—twice.

    What Happened In This Las Vegas Hotel Room?

    In a video with over 146,000 views, TikTok user Sylvia Longmire (@spintheglobe) recounts a strange experience she had at the LINQ Hotel in Las Vegas.

    According to Longmire, she was in her room one morning when she suddenly got a knock on the door.

    “I had my Do Not Disturb sign on the door, so I was surprised that somebody was knocking so strongly,” she recalls.

    When she got to the door, she saw that the person knocking was a security guard. The reason he was there? To perform a “mandatory room check.” According to Longmire, the guard claimed that, following the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, this had become standard practice.

    Longmire says that, while she’s a supporter of law enforcement, the perceived effort of the security guard was fairly low.

    “He just went in my room and just kind of walked around and looked at things,” she recalls. “He said, ‘OK, everything looks good,’ and he left.”

    Longmire suspects that, seeing she was a non-threatening wheelchair user, he probably assessed that she was not a threat. Still, she felt uncomfortable, with the thought going through her mind that the man could have been someone posing as a security guard who really wasn’t one.

    It Happens Again

    The following day, Longmire got another knock on the door—again at 10:00 am, which Longmire says woke her up.

    “It’s Vegas. Nobody is awake at 10:00 am on a Friday morning in Vegas,” she says.

    Longmire attempted to yell to whoever was at the door, as leaving the bed given her disability can take a fair bit of time. 

    Soon, Longmire learned it was another security check. She countered that the security had been there yesterday, that she’s disabled, and that she can’t easily come to the door. The security guard from the night before then showed up and informed the other security guard that they did not need to inspect her room.

    “I don’t know how legal that is,” she says of the experience. “I would not have said no simply because, again, I’m all in favor of security—but this was unusual.”

    Are Room Inspections Normal in Las Vegas?

    While some commenters claimed that this was not typical, a small detail in Longmire’s story shows why her room may have been inspected so many times. In short, she was using the Do Not Disturb sign.

    On Reddit, numerous users have noted that room inspections have become especially common since the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, especially if one uses a Do Not Disturb sign for days on end. Users on Facebook have made similar claims. Some say that these inspections only begin after two or three days; others say they can happen at any time.

    Hotels do not hide this fact. Often, stipulations that random room checks can occur are in the terms one agrees to when they book a room.

    Some hotel chains have made this promise openly. For example, Caesars Entertainment announced in 2018 that room checks would be performed every 24 hours if someone had a Do Not Disturb sign on the door. The LINQ, where Longmire was staying, is a Caesars property.

    The TikToker Responds

    In an email to The Mary Sue, Longmire said that she’s now aware that this is standard practice industry-wide. As far as why the hotel did not inform her of this, she says that she checked in using a QR code at a kiosk and never actually spoke to a worker during the check-in process.

    “I definitely should have called the front desk to find out if this was legitimate,” she wrote. “However, I kind of froze in the moment and the security guard was very firm that they needed to come in my room. Maybe it’s because I’m a woman, maybe it’s because I’m very compliant with law enforcement and authority that I let him into my room without really questioning it. Obviously, hindsight is 20/20 and I would’ve behaved differently had I had a bit more sense.”

    In order to improve this experience for others, Longmire recommended some changes.

    “I definitely would’ve appreciated it more if he had been doing the inspections with a female security guard,” she shared. “When he was in my room, despite being in a very official-looking uniform and just making a cursory inspection of my room, he did not leave the door open and I felt very unsettled while he was in there alone with me. Again, that is on me for not setting some boundaries but I just froze in the moment from being so caught off guard.”

    She said that, following the incident, she asked the front desk about it, who claimed an independent company performed the inspections. That said, the front desk said they would make a note about her disability so room inspectors could be mindful of the longer waiting period for her to answer.

    @spintheglobe The weirdest thing happened to me in my hotel room at the LINQ in Las Vegas yesterday morning and this morning, and I need somebody to tell me if this is legal. #lasvegas #linq #solotravel #solotraveler ♬ original sound – Sylvia Longmire

    In the comments section, users felt disturbed by the possibility of someone asking to enter their room.

    “As a woman alone I would have told the security officer that I’m calling the front desk to verify his presence,” said a user.

    “The October 1 mass casualty event may have been avoided if room checks were done at that time,” countered another. “Maybe they should have warned you to expect room checks during the your stay.”

    “You are totally valid in your concern! Why did the Linq not warn you about potential room checks or that they had extra security going around at check-in?” questioned a third. “It’s scary enough travelling alone as a woman, and there are so many horror stories about women being attacked in their rooms. What has happened to hospitality and customer service?”

    The Mary Sue reached out to The LINQ via email and Longmire via website contact form.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Braden Bjella

    Braden Bjella

    Braden Bjella is a culture writer. His work can be found in the Daily Dot, Mixmag, Electronic Beats, Schon! magazine, and more.

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  • Manhattan’s Jewel Box Celebrates 95 Sparkling Years

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    New York’s grande dame, The Pierre, knows how to throw a soirée. Last night, the elegant Taj Hotel celebrated 95 years as a beacon of Upper East Side glamour with a ‘Red Diamond’ gala that brought together residents, diplomats, stars and influencers for an unforgettable evening of vintage Manhattan magic.

    Nearly 500 guests, from silver-haired luminaries to fresh-faced Gen Z tastemakers, donned black tie finery to toast The Pierre’s storied history in its famous ballroom. Sipping champagne beneath glittering chandeliers, partygoers were transported to a more gracious era, when the hotel played host to everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and Aristotle Onassis to Audrey Hepburn.

    The entertainment was a love letter to old New York: A Marilyn Monroe impersonator cooed while Deanna First sketched partygoers and professional ballroom dancers swirled across the stage in a swish of satin and sequins. Historic treasures, like archival photos and a $195,000 0.6-carat pink diamond, were displayed without fanfare (or security).

    Getty Images Deanna First.

    But while the gala paid homage to The Pierre’s glamorous past, the crowd reflected its vibrant present. Among those spotted in the sea of tuxedos and gowns: hotel residents, foreign dignitaries, reality TV stars, Instagram celebrities and even the odd baby or two nestled in couture-clad arms. The evening proved that after nearly a century, The Pierre can still create indelible Manhattan moments.

    Courtesy of Lola Tash Lola Tash and Jessica Wang.

    “I was transported back to the galas of the Gilded Age,” Lola Tash told Observer. The Canadian actress and brains behind the satirical, relatable meme account My Therapist Says was “reminded once more why New York is magical.”

    Getty Images Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe.

    “The Pierre is my American Home away from home,” Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe told Observer. His godmother lived in The Pierre, the prince said, noting “the happiest of my memories are right here” and calling the historic property “the hotel love of my life.”

    Courtesy of Grace Aki Grace Aki.

    Experiencing the hotel’s cinematic history firsthand was a highlight for Grace Aki. The gallery of treasures glowing behind glass displays made the night “all the more special,” Aki told Observer.

    “Like stepping into history,” was how Viola Manuela Ceccarini described the event. “The elegance, the legacy and the energy in the room—witnessing generations of excellence converge under that red diamond, a symbol of timeless prestige and the enduring spirit of New York.”

    Courtesy of Lori Altermann The star of the show poses with Lori Altermann.

    “Everywhere I turn, I see New York’s elite—beautiful celebrities and even Marilyn Monroe!” quipped Lori Altermann. “The fashion, the food, the hotel—everything is fabulous!” Altermann told Observer. “It’s a celebration of luxury,” said Namani Shqipe.

    Getty Images A Rolls-Royce awaits.
    Getty Images Guests enjoyed ice-cold Grey Goose Altius.
    Getty Images
    Getty Images Monica Danae Ricketts.
    Getty Images Evie Evangelo.
    Getty Images
    Getty Images Daria Matkova.
    Getty Images ‘Queen of Versailles’ Jackie Siegel.
    Getty Images Lorna Luft and Jill Martin.
    Getty Images Ramona Singer.
    Getty Images Andy Yu.
    Getty Images Sara Fivessi.
    Getty Images Kate Saucedo and Dymond Veve.
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  • The Glamorous History of The Pierre: Manhattan’s Iconic Hotel Turns 95

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    When The Pierre Hotel opened its doors in 1930, it instantly became a playground for Manhattan’s elite. Over the past 95 years, this iconic hotel has witnessed everything from the repeal of Prohibition to jewel heists and Hollywood scandals, all while maintaining its reputation as one of New York’s most glamorous destinations. From its $15 million debut to hosting Hollywood royalty and surviving the Great Depression, The Pierre has remained a beacon of glamour in the heart of New York City since 1930.

    A Complete History of The Pierre Hotel

    Image by Nextrecord Archives / G

    The Early Days: A Playground for Manhattan’s Elite

    When The Pierre Hotel opened on October 1, 1930, casting its 714-room shadow over Central Park, it instantly became the playground for Manhattan’s elite. Merely four months later, E.B. White’s Ballad of the Hotel Pierre was published in the New Yorker, describing it as home to “The little band that nothing daunts/this year’s most popular debutantes.” This was true. Prospective debutantes had started booking the ballroom for their November entrances in June, months before the luxury hotel opened. 

    Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel posing in her suite at The Pierre during her first visit to New York City, on March 10, 1931.
    Getty Images

    Within a year, the film and stage star Ina Claire was sinking into a club chair at the hotel as she discussed with journalists whether she would be divorcing John Gilbert. (She claimed she would not. She would.) In 1932, Coco Chanel called The Pierre home during her first visit to New York. And that same year, the famed “Tobacco King” Arthur Mower refused to leave his Pierre bed for his stepdaughter’s early morning wedding . 

    Little wonder no one wanted to leave. Every inch of the 41-story hotel offered an almost otherworldly spectacle. The 60-by-100-foot ballroom where those debutantes waltzed was paneled in mirrors flanked by rose marble columns imported from French quarries. The chandeliers above sparkled with traces of ruby crystals from the room that would become known for the “swankest presentation balls” given for the city’s “spoiled darlings.” Attendees might make their way to the Grill Room, which was decorated to resemble an “undersea garden.” Wall panels and ceiling murals replicated ocean foliage, and the carpet was woven with images of seashells and sea urchins. In the upstairs dining room, paneled in hand-carved French walnut, interspersed with gold brocade hangings, Auguste Escoffier, the father of French cooking, prepared the hotel’s first meal.

    Bettmann Archive Miss Elizabeth R. G. Duval, a prominent member of New York society, and Sidney Wood, a well-known tennis star, sit on the steps inside The Pierre in 1933.

    From Waiter to Hotelier: The Story of Charles Pierre

    But The Pierre didn’t begin in those gilded rooms. It began in a kitchen, with a Corsican waiter named Charles Pierre Casalasco, who learned the trade from his father. When Louis Sherry dined at the Savoy Hotel in London in 1903, the American restaurateur noted a young waiter watching him with eager attention. Casalasco was “awed by this former waiter who had become proprietor of a smart dining room in New York.” Sherry was so impressed with the waiter’s desire to learn more about the hospitality business that, when he returned to New York, he made Casalasco his assistant. There, the waiter quickly dropped his surname in favor of being known simply as Charles Pierre. At that time, it was almost a forgone conclusion that New York’s debutantes were introduced at Sherry’s ballroom. Charles Pierre, tasked with organizing these splendid events, became “the favorite of the younger set, married matrons and the dowagers.” 

    Smart set, Mrs. Robert Goddard and Mrs. Roland Hazzard, in front of The Pierre.
    Bettmann Archive

    When Charles Pierre opened his own Park Avenue restaurant in 1920, his devoted group followed him. In 1930, their social set husbands, like Walter Chrysler, Edward Hutton, and C.K.G. Billings, helped finance his dream, The Pierre Hotel, which reputedly cost a staggering $15 million to build. In retrospect, too much may have been spent on those underwater-themed murals. By 1932, during the Great Depression, a petition of bankruptcy was filed—but Charles Pierre was kept on as managing director to run the hotel. 

    Disciplined and knowledgeable with a European flair, Charles Pierre ran the hotel with aplomb.

    Penske Media via Getty Images

    The Return of the ‘High-Class Hotel’

    When the repeal of Prohibition came in 1933, he rejoiced. No hotel man was more excited by the prospect of liquor coming back on the menu again. He declared that Prohibition had destroyed American appreciation for wine—and really any liquor that did not come from a bathtub. Now, a “new generation will have to learn all over again how to drink.” He intended to outfit The Pierre with a wonderful cellar to teach them. He planned gala celebrations. People could now gather for cocktails at his newly opened supper club, the Corinthian Room. He promised, “The next few years will see the rejuvenation of the high-class hotel.” 

    A young woman enjoys the luxuries of room service at The Pierre in 1943.
    Getty Images

    He was correct. But sadly, Charles Pierre would never see the heights to which his hotel would climb. He passed away in 1934 at the age of 55 from appendicitis. He was too weak from an abdominal infection to be saved by medicine flown in from Florida in what was described as a “13-hour airplane race against death.”  

    But his legacy lived on in The Pierre Hotel.

    Bettmann Archive Joan Crawford at The Pierre on January 22, 1959.

    Celebrities like Joan Crawford and Claudette Colbert would flock there, as well as younger disciples. By 1938, following her father’s death, the 13-year-old heiress Lucetta Cotton Thomas was spending $1,416 a month (approximately $32,000 today) to live at the hotel. Eloise at The Plaza had nothing on her. By that time, the hotel belonged to oilman John Paul Getty, who quipped that it was his “only above-ground asset.” 

    In 1944, the hotel—and the room prices—were the subject of scandal. It was found that munitions manufacturer Murray Garsson had housed and paid the hotel bills for key personnel in the army’s Chemical Warfare Service in what was known as “Operation Pierre.” In 1942, the decorator Samuel Marx had redone the hotel’s dining room in red, white and blue, and commissioned murals of early American life for the Grill Room, so it was certainly a patriotic wartime pick. However, officers knew that, when traveling to New York City, they had a $6 daily stipend. As even young Lucetta Cotton Thomas could have told them, rooms at the Pierre cost somewhat more. Garsson may have received $78 million in government contracts, but was imprisoned for bribery in 1949. Still, no one at the trials said that they did not like staying at The Pierre.   

    Bettmann Archive Ginger Rogers gets her Daiquiri-toned French lace dress fitted by its designer, Richard Meril, in preparation for the “Prestige Award from France” fashion show at The Pierre Pierre.

    1950s Glamour and The Birdcage Bar

    By the 1950s, the hotel had reached new heights of glamour. Chief among the novelties was The Birdcage, a plexiglass bar suspended above the rotunda. It was splashily advertised as “a rendezvous for cocktails.” Charles Pierre, who once prophesied that people would flock to his hotel for drinks, would have been pleased.  

    In the coming years, the hotel would not only be home to the city’s toniest citizens, but Hollywood royalty. Joan Blondell noted that, when her dog “gave birth to seven puppies, the manager of the Pierre hotel assisted the vet in delivery.” Audrey Hepburn stayed there throughout the filming of that quintessential New York movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. During those years, she was feted at the hotel with a gala hosted by Countess Alexandra Tolstoy. The meeting would inspire one of her future roles in War and Peace.  

    Audrey Hepburn, who won Hollywood’s Academy Award for her performance in the film “Roman Holiday,” is ecstatic after finally receiving her Oscar at a special ceremony in at The Pierre. Sharing her enthusiasm is fellow winner William Holden
    Bettmann Archive via Getty Images

    The fact that in 1958 the hotel became a co-op, where guests could buy apartments, only added to its appeal. Especially as those apartment owners included Aristotle Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor, the thought of visiting New York from Middle America may have been exciting on its own. The thought of running into Elizabeth Taylor in the lobby of the hotel you were staying at was almost overwhelming.

    Penske Media via Getty Images Bill Buckley and Nan Kempner at an annual gala held at The Pierre.

    Jewel Heists and Fashion Royalty

    By 1967, the hotel underwent a transformation also fit for royalty. The new owner, Peter Dowling, commissioned Edward Melcarth to paint the rotunda’s iconic trompe l’oeil mural. Inspired by 17th-century palaces, Melcarth claimed that he wanted to “make people feel very special and important when they walk into this room. The figures are heroic in scale because I want to rehumanize man as an individual. We’re not digits on a computer card.” The people in the mural, accordingly, were not confined to the past. The painting features columns and Greek gods in recline, alongside “a hippie boy and mini-skirted girl” meant to depict a modern Adam and Eve. Rather to her surprise, Melcarth’s mural also boasted a depiction of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. (Kennedy asked to be removed from the picture. Melcarth accommodated by partially disguising her, but a discerning visitor can still spot her image.)

    Pat Nixon leaving The Pierre to go shopping.
    Penske Media via Getty Images

    Visitors would get a less agreeable thrill when burglars broke into the hotel on January 2, 1972. On that day, four reportedly well-dressed gunmen pulled up to the hotel in a limousine. They handcuffed a variety of employees and guests. After, they proceeded to clean out 47 safe deposit boxes containing approximately $3 million in jewels, before departing, again, in a limousine. The men were arrested within a week, and the jewels recovered, though police recalled it as being one of “the biggest and slickest hotel robberies ever.”

    Penske Media via Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld at The Pierre in the 1970s.

    The flurry of reportage around the jewel theft only increased the hotel’s allure to the fashionable set. In 1970, the designer Karl Lagerfeld, a habitué of the hotel, would say, “I discovered New York from The Pierre . . . Distances in the city were measured only by how far they were from The Pierre.” He did not have to go far to see his friends. Givency, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino were all regulars—Valentino even bought St. Laurent’s Pierre apartment in 2007. 

    Getty Images Andy Warhol outside of The Pierre in 1985.

    Pat Nixon, not to be outdone by Jackie, had designers bring their creations to her while staying in a suite at the hotel. In 1975, Betty Ford went to see the first Chanel Fashion show in the country, held, predictably, at the hotel Coco herself had loved. By 1976, Jackie Kennedy was on the premises once more, this time with Valentino for his show benefiting the Special Olympics. Television Dynasty star Joan Collins showcased her hats at the hotel in 1985, with Andy Warhol in attendance. The hats were lovely, but did prompt a reporter to wonder, “When, besides for lunch at the Pierre, would someone wear a large straw hat?” This seemed as much an inducement for many to lunch at The Pierre as it was for them to do away with hats.

    Getty Images Richard Nixon at The Pierre in January 1969.

    The Pierre on the Silver Screen

    By the 1990s, the hotel again found itself connected to Hollywood, although this time in front of the scenes. Al Pacino twirled in The Pierre ballroom for the famed tango scene in 1995’s Scent of a Woman. The penthouse served as the Anthony Hopkins character’s home in 1998’s Meet Joe Black. And, following the $100 million renovation The Pierre underwent in 2013, it was featured in the heist movie Ocean’s 8. Considering its legacy, there could certainly be no more fitting hotel for a film about a group of well-dressed female jewel thieves. 

    Jacqueline Kennedy with American diplomat/businessman Sol Linowitz outside of The Pierre.
    Penske Media via Getty Images

    Ron Galella Collection via Getty Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach at The Pierre.

    Today, the hotel is celebrating 95 years, an admirable accomplishment in a city where new establishments seem to pop up nightly. Perhaps part of its success has to do with the respect its owners have shown towards its storied legacy. Right now, the restaurant offers a tribute to Auguste Escoffier, and the mural, lovingly repainted in 2016, ensures that the rotunda is considered one of the most romantic rooms in New York. The details and owners may have changed, but The Pierre remains as glamorous and beloved as it was by those long-ago debutantes and Charles Pierre Casalasco himself. 

    Getty Images A view from Central Park of the Pierre (left) and Sherry Netherland hotels on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City. Both buildings were designed by Schultze and Weaver.

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  • TRY THIS: Cloudland at McLemore Resort in the North Georgia Mountains

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    Breakfast at Croft on Saturday morning offered a view for the ages. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    RISING FAWN, GA. – Drive a couple of hours north of Atlanta into the North Georgia mountains, and there are many awe-inspiring sights to see. From the gorgeous mountain views to the winding roads through small towns, you’re bound to witness God’s artistry at work. But up in the city of Rising Fawn is a resort that combines the beauty of North Georgia with the amenities of a first-class stay. For Atlantans, Cloudland at McLemore Resort might be the staycation destination you didn’t know you needed. 

    Cloudland at McLemore Resort is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, and since I have experienced stays at multiple Curio Collection properties in Georgia, I believe I can state that this is one of the best. Tucked away in a small town and far enough away from Atlanta’s traffic and congestion, Cloudland was the perfect weekend getaway. The fact that my family and I didn’t need to catch a flight or drive more than three hours to be at a resort made the staycation even better.

    The Cloudland library offers books to guests who might want to kick back with some of the classics in a relaxing environment.
    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Upon entering Cloudland, a library open to all guests without an opening or closing time, sits to the right of the lobby. Large with plenty of comfortable places to lounge, the library quickly became the place I rested every night of our stay. The library wasn’t just for show. There were copies of classic novels such as Ian Fleming’s “Goldfinger,” John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath,” and what library would be complete without F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Beautiful and Damned.”

    “I think this sets the tone for the kind of resort we are,” LeAnn Johnson, the concierge, said. 

    A night view of the pool at Cloudland at McLemore Resort. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Outside near the pool and heated jacuzzi, a fire pit helped keep guests warm on a cool night. The image of sitting by the fire pit or in one of the comfy love seats or rocking chairs stayed with me after I had gone upstairs to our room. One of the best parts of staying at Cloudland was that it wasn’t difficult to navigate the grounds. The fitness center (which includes a Peloton studio), library, and cafe (The Pocket, which offers guests complimentary cocktails from 5-7 p.m.), are all on the main level along with the lobby. The rooms are very comfortable, and the view from our room on the fourth floor offered a look at the pool area below and the Georgia mountains above. The views alone are worth staying at Cloudland, seriously.

    The spa, Selah, offers all of the comforts of full-service spas in Atlanta, but there was something peaceful about getting a massage in the mountains. My masseuse for the day, Anela, was wonderful and patient. After the one-hour massage, I felt light and rested. Anela said that was normal.

    “It’s called massage-brain,” she joked. “One of the girls came up with that, and I love it.”

    The on-site spa, Selah, can be booked by guests and non-guests. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    She was right, I had massage-brain and it was wonderful. After the massage, I received a guided tour of the property from Johnson. Despite only having worked at the hotel since May, Johnson was well-versed in the ins and outs of the property, which opened for business in May 2024. She and her husband live 10 minutes away and watched the project go from idea to 245-room luxury hotel and resort. 

    The on-site dining options make a stay at Cloudland a one-stop stay. Cloudland has four restaurants: Auld Alliance, Croft, Skyside, and The Craig.

    Croft’s fried cherry pie (above) can be served with or without vanilla ice cream. The writer preferred the former. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Dinner at Croft was excellent. The salmon was good, but the side of roasted mushrooms stole the show. There’s a fried cherry pie on the dessert menu that I would recommend to anyone who asks me. I might recommend it even if they don’t ask. Our server, Stephanie, recommended the pie be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. She was right, because the two paired perfectly. 

    Skyside, located next to the outdoor pool, offers a dining experience that offers guests an even closer look at the mountains.

    “It’s like dining in a tree house,” Johnson said. 

    From interior designs, which include a large wooden topographical map of the North Georgia mountains, to large framed photographs done by local photographers like Kim Hubbard, Cloudland at McLemore Resort is a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. It’s within a couple of hours’ drive of the city, but a world away.

    The great room at Cloudland at McLemore Resort includes a topographical map of the North Georgia mountains made of wood.
    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

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  • Efforts underway to fill empty merchant spaces at Signia hotel in San Jose

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    SAN JOSE — Wide-ranging efforts are underway to find merchants to fill the empty ground-floor spaces along two sides of the Signia by Hilton San Jose, endeavors that could help lift the downtown economy if they succeed.

    Colliers, a commercial real estate firm, has begun to scout for dining establishments and retailers for the hotel tower at 170 South Market St.

    “We are looking to lease about 30,000 square feet of spaces at the Signia,” said Nick Goddard, a senior vice president with Colliers. “We are going to put some high-end restaurants in some of those spaces. These will be very fine, swanky dining establishments.”

    Some of the spaces will be leased to retailers, such as personal salons and spas, according to Goddard.

    “We are already getting inquiries from some top-level restaurants,” Goddard said.

    The spaces are for the sides of the building that front on the Paseo de San Antonio and South First Street, according to Goddard.

    “Marketing efforts are not the problem with filling these spaces, it’s the uncertainty of the time and cost it will take to permit and occupy the spaces,” said Bob Staedler, principal executive with Silicon Valley Synergy, a land-use and planning consultancy.

    Finding more merchants for downtown San Jose is deemed crucial ahead of the potential influx of visitors expected to attend three mega sports events that are slated to occur in the South Bay during 2026.

    “The City of San Jose needs to step up and provide proactive assistance in filling these key spaces,” Staedler said. “The wait-and-see approach has not been working to date. We don’t need to wait until after 2026 to realize that this is a problem.”

    The 541-room, 22-story Signia by Hilton is San Jose’s largest hotel and was seized by its lender, BrightSpire Capital, through a foreclosure on May 12.

    The lender’s foreclosure placed a value of $80 million on the hotel, which was 41% below the $134 million loan for the property.

    During a July conference call with Wall Street analysts to discuss financial results, BrightSpire discussed its plans for the hotel in the wake of the foreclosure.

    “Our intention is to make much-needed and neglected physical and operational improvements to the property ahead of significant events taking place in the Bay Area through mid-2026,” BrightSpire CEO Mike Mazzei told analysts. “We want to do things that we need to do to get that hotel fully operational and in peak condition before those events.”

    The hotel fell into some level of disrepair as the prior ownership group was preoccupied with three court proceedings that were filed in an attempt to retain control of the property, according to BrightSpire.

    “During the protracted foreclosure process, the hotel experienced meaningful deferred maintenance,” Mazzei said. “There was some distress at the asset. There were just basic things like elevators. Some elevators were not operating and offline.”

    BrightSpire has signaled the possibility that it might attempt to sell the hotel after the major sporting events next year.

    San Jose hotel operators hope to capitalize on the Super Bowl, multiple matches for the FIFA World Cup, and several of the games of the men’s college basketball tournament that are being held in the South Bay in 2026.

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  • Gant Travel Unveils Hotel Personalization Platform to Maximize Traveler Relevance and Revenue Recovery

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    BLOOMINGTON, Ind., July 17, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Gant Travel, a trailblazer in modern corporate travel solutions, has launched a powerful new automated personalization tool designed to enhance the traveler experience and capture unrealized hotel bookings. By analyzing transactional and behavioral data across the individual, company, and broader client base, Gant now delivers hyper-targeted hotel offers with perfect timing and precision.

    “Too often, hotel options are served generically,” said Patrick Linnihan, CEO of Gant Travel. “We’ve built a system that speaks to the traveler’s history, their company’s travel patterns and behavior. It’s personalization with purpose. Travelers are responding positively, since we launched this automation last year we have seen an 2% increase in hotel attachments.”

    This innovation from Gant, named simply “Hotel Concierge,” addresses a long-standing challenge in the travel industry: the lost opportunity when travelers skip hotel bookings at the point of sale. Gant’s new solution leverages personal history, organizational preferences and policy, and peer behavior to drive intelligent hotel recommendations.

    By meeting travelers with relevant options at the right moment-after flights are booked but before the trip is finalized-Hotel Concierge enables companies to increase hotel attachment rates without relying on generic reminders or static content. Right now, for hundreds of Gant accounts, when a traveler books a flight on an online booking tool without a hotel, Gant automatically offers five personalized hotel recommendations to match their trip via email.

    With this system, travel managers gain improved hotel compliance and supplier utilization, while travelers enjoy smarter, more relevant suggestions-without the clutter. The result is a more intuitive, conversion-optimized booking experience that feels effortless yet personal.

    Gant’s approach integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, requiring no new app downloads or user behaviors.

    About Gant Travel

    Gant Travel is a forward-thinking travel management company that blends personalized service with cutting-edge technology to create smarter travel solutions for modern businesses. Learn more at www.ganttravel.com.

    Source: Gant Travel

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  • Price Comparison for 4- and 5-Star Hotels in 10 Most Popular Tourist Cities

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    Tourism Surge Pushes Hotel Prices Up: Hotelin.com Analysis Highlights Growing Demand for Premium Accommodations


    NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Hotelin.com research highlights the rise in 4- and 5-star hotel prices in the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Key factors driving this trend include increased tourism demand, luxury accommodations, sustainability efforts, and global economic instability. Here’s an overview of price changes from 2024 to 2025 for the top cities:

    Istanbul
    Prices for 5-star hotels in Istanbul increased significantly from 2024 to 2025. In 2024, luxury hotel prices typically started around $150 per night, while premium locations like Sultanahmet or along the Bosphorus cost more. By 2025, prices had risen to an average of $200 to $250 per night, driven by growing tourism demand and upgraded luxury services.

    London
    The average price for 5-star hotel rooms in London saw a noticeable increase from 2024 to 2025. The cost of a standard 5-star room was approximately $260 per night in 2024, while premium rooms in central London began around $645. By 2025, prices for similar rooms ranged from $520 to $793.5, reflecting higher demand for luxury stays and new luxury openings in the city.

    Paris
    For 5-star hotels in Paris, the price increase was more modest for standard accommodations. Prices went from $287-$519 in 2024 to $336-$600 in 2025, depending on the location and hotel. The premium segment saw more significant jumps due to high demand ahead of the 2025 Olympics, with increases ranging from 10% to 20%.

    Dubai
    In Dubai, 5-star hotel prices fluctuated moderately. In 2024, prices ranged from $123 to $354 per night, depending on the property and location. By 2025, prices were expected to increase to around $171 to $325 per night, reflecting a price rise of 5-10%. Some properties saw more significant increases due to the growing demand for luxury stays.

    Hong Kong
    In 2024, the average price for 5-star hotels in Hong Kong ranged from $94 to $215 per night. By 2025, prices increased to about $165-$190 per night, depending on the location and availability. This rise reflects the steady demand for premium accommodations.

    New York
    New York saw the highest price growth at 31.6%. The average price for a 5-star hotel room in 2024 was $597 per night, with variations depending on location and amenities. By 2025, the average price dropped slightly to $566 per night but still reflected a 10-20% year-over-year increase.

    Tokyo
    In Tokyo, 5-star hotel prices saw moderate increases from 2024 to 2025. Rates in 2024 ranged from $700 to $1,200 per night, and by 2025, prices for top-tier accommodations ranged from $850 to $1,500 per night, reflecting inflation and heightened demand for luxury stays in central districts.

    Hotelin.com analysis reveals that New York experienced the largest price increase, driven by high demand and limited room availability, while Dubai’s market showed more moderate growth. Factors such as inflation, improved services, and event-driven pricing contributed to the rise in hotel prices across these major cities.

    Source: Hotelin

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  • Mvix Digital Signage Launches Enterprise EMS Integration to Enhance Hospitality Event and Space Bookings

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    STERLING, Va., April 2, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Mvix Digital Signage, a leading provider of enterprise digital signage solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its native integration suite with Delphi EMS. This seamless EDI will enable hotels, resorts, and event venues to seamlessly display real-time availability for event spaces, meeting rooms, banquet halls, and conference centers through digital signage screens. By delivering up-to-the-minute updates and automated scheduling, this technology enhances the guest experience while optimizing space utilization and streamlining booking operations.

    “This integration is a game-changer for our hospitality clients,” said Mike Kilian, Executive Vice President of Mvix. “By integrating our digital signage solutions with this state-of-the-art, enterprise-level event management systems, hotels can instantly showcase their daily/weekly event space listings and meeting room calendars without the need for any manual updates.“

    Mvix’s best-in-class digital signage solution integrated with Delphi’ robust hospitality management system and hotels can further improve guest engagement while reducing reliance on printed materials and minimizing front-desk congestion. This ensures key information is always accessible at crucial touchpoints such as lobbies, lounges, hallways, and conference areas, creating a more efficient and interactive communication strategy.

    “Our goal is to help hotels optimize their event and space booking processes while also improving operational efficiency,” added Kilian. “By streamlining these operations, hotels can maximize revenue opportunities, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the guest experience-leading to higher satisfaction and increased repeat bookings.“

    This end-to-end EMS integration is now available for facilities using Delphi EMS and looking to enhance their event and space booking strategy with digital signage. For more information on how this integration can benefit your hospitality business, visit www.mvix.com

    About Mvix Digital Signage
    Mvix Digital Signage has been a leading provider of enterprise-grade digital signage solutions since 2005, delivering innovative and scalable display solutions to businesses across multiple industries, including hospitality, healthcare, corporate, and education. With a focus on automation, cloud-based technology, and user-friendly interfaces, Mvix helps organizations enhance communication, engagement, and branding.

    Contact Information

    Evan Magner
    Marketing Project Coordinator
    communications@mvix.com
    866.310.4923

    Source: Mvix

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  • NT Maritime Partners With Princess Lodges and Westmark Hotels to Modernize Communications Across 9 Alaskan Hotels

    NT Maritime Partners With Princess Lodges and Westmark Hotels to Modernize Communications Across 9 Alaskan Hotels

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    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, September 25, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    NT Maritime, formerly known as netTALK Maritime, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Princess Lodges, a division of Princess Cruises, and Westmark Hotels, a subsidiary of Holland America Line, to revolutionize communications systems across Alaska. This partnership marks a significant step forward in unifying and upgrading their technology infrastructure with cutting-edge, next-generation solutions.

    Under this multi-year agreement, NT Maritime has revamped the existing PBX systems, deploying and managing a state-of-the-art unified communications platform across all properties. The project encompasses over 4,000 extensions distributed across offices and guest rooms, spanning nine hotels and approximately 20 office locations throughout Alaska and Canada.

    Staff and guests benefit from an enhanced suite of in-room communication options, including the ability to schedule housekeeping visits, place room service orders, and set notifications to be alerted when the Northern Lights appear—enabling them to fully immerse themselves in Alaska’s natural beauty from the comfort of their balconies.

    Additionally, a forthcoming update will provide hotel staff with access to high-quality voice communication, full-featured chat messaging, and other advanced management tools via a dedicated mobile application. This will ensure seamless, unified communication across all hotels, transportation hubs, and data centers.

    NT Maritime’s extensive experience in delivering advanced communication systems to ships at sea made it the ideal partner for this ambitious project. The same level of sophisticated, user-friendly communication technology that has been successfully implemented in maritime settings will now be available to both staff and guests at these land-based properties.

    “With the challenging Alaskan winter conditions, our proven technology and expertise in deploying communication solutions in demanding environments, such as cruise ships, positioned us as the perfect choice for this deployment,” said Garry Paxinos, CTO & CAIO of NT Maritime.

    This partnership underscores NT Maritime’s commitment to delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the guest experience and streamline operations, no matter how remote or challenging the environment.

    About NT Maritime

    NT Maritime serves as a leading communication intelligence and IT Solutions provider, specializing in the development and operation of mission-critical communications networks. Additionally, it offers Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity, location services, contact tracing and access controls, along with cutting-edge Telehealth technologies tailored for the global maritime industry.

    About Princess Lodges

    Princess Lodges, a division of Princess Cruises, the largest cruise and tour operator in Alaska, is responsible for the operation of Alaska Land Tours and the land portion of Cruisetours. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company offers a wide variety of Alaska land tours and Alaska train tours in conjunction with Princess’ Alaska cruises, providing visitors with the best ways to see the majestic “Land of the Midnight Sun”—by land and by sea. Princess also owns several luxury railcars known as Princess Rail.

    Source: NT Maritime

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  • Looking for a Place to Stay? Check Out Top Local Hotels | Entrepreneur

    Looking for a Place to Stay? Check Out Top Local Hotels | Entrepreneur

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    Entrepreneur asked Foursquare to dig into its data, to reveal which small businesses America loved the most. Together we created America’s Favorite Mom & Pop Shops™, a list of 150 local, independently owned and operated businesses across 10 categories — including, yes, lodging establishments.

    To see every category, as well as the methodology behind the list, click here. Below are the 15 companies included in the lodging category.

    1. Abakee Cottages

    Laconia, NH | Company website

    If you’re looking for a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Abakee Cottages is the perfect lakefront destination for you and your family. Situated on the sands of Lake Winnipesaukee, Abakee Cottages gives you views of the White Mountains, Mt. Chocorua, the Ossipee Range, and Mt. Washington. This destination inn is located at the end of a private road and gives you access to a protected beach area safe for children. With a 58-year history, this mom-and-pop business has been providing families with a memorable place to vacation for generations.

    The cottages themselves are private, well separated, beautifully furnished, and provide access to outside grills and picnic tables. If you need a laundromat or a supermarket, or want to visit the nearby church or the Weirs Beach recreation area, all are located a short drive away. You can also easily make a day trip to the nearby mountains, as well as local golf courses and restaurants. A gallery of the Abakee cottages can be found on its website if you want to check out the architecture and amenities before your stay.

    2. Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort

    Daytona Beach, FL | Company website

    If you’re looking to land in one of Florida’s favorite vacation spots, Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort could be your perfect destination. With 214 rooms, this large resort offers everything from complimentary homemade donuts in the morning to putting greens and shuffleboard courts, heated pools and hot tubs both indoor and outdoor to outdoor BBQ grills. Vacationing with your furry friend? Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort is also pet friendly for dogs up to 40 pounds.

    Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort offers a variety of different room styles to fit whatever type of stay you’re looking for. Just you and your honey? Check out the King Garden rooms for a comforting, romantic stay. If you’re bringing the family along, this resort offers various suite options so that everyone has a place to sleep. Order colorful and whimsical beach-themed drinks at the outdoor tiki bar, which gives you a sublime view of the ocean. Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort also has larger banquet-style rooms if you’re looking for a place to host a birthday party, a corporate event, a reunion, or whatever you’re needing to celebrate.

    3. Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast

    Missoula, MT | Company website

    At Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast, you will be hosted by Brady and Elaine Anderson-Wood, native Mountanans who have been working for years to preserve and educate people on the wildlife and history of the area. The lodge itself is three stories, offering gorgeous views of the Bitterroot River and Missoula Valley. This bed and breakfast is decorated to highlight the region, offering guests an inside look into Missoula’s history through a vast selection of books and family heirlooms.

    The second floor of the lodge houses two private guestrooms, named The Sagebrush Suite and The Bitterroot Room. Because this B&B is so small, it’s a great vacation spot for your family to have a private, remote, and comforting experience all to yourselves. Then you can walk down to Hawk Hill House, the main facility, where you’ll find a gift shop, the kitchen, and dining areas. If you want to see the space before you book, photos of the wooded, spacious, themed rooms can be found on the B&B’s website.

    4. Paniolo Ranch Bed & Breakfast Spa

    Boerne, TX | Company website

    Occupying 100 acres of lush hills and forests. this spot is perfect for a weekend break from city life, with several options of private cottage-style rooms. Paniolo Ranch has also become well known for hosting weddings and other types of events, offering all-inclusive packages to help take the planning stress off your shoulders. This inn also has an onsite spa, gym, and art studio to keep you active and creative during your stay.

    Paniolo Ranch gets its name from the Hawaiian word for cowboy, which perfectly captures the aesthetic of this inn — a marrying of “Hawaiiain aloha spirit with Lonestar traditions.” You can view the different rooms on their website in order to pick the best one for your stay. All are beautifully decorated with a rustic, vintage, homely style, each suite alive with its own character. The spa offers services like therapeutic massages, hot stone massages, and scalp passages. Local activities not far from the B&B include local vineyards, trails, caves, shops, and theme parks, so there is lots to do on the property and in the surrounding area.

    Related: How New, Small Business Owners Can (and Should) Be Protecting Their Brand

    5. GreenTree Inn

    Sedona, AZ | Company website

    GreenTree is a spacious inn with a variety of rooms, and a welcoming place for those visiting beautiful Sedona. Lounge by the pool that’s decorated with cabanas, a large fire-pit, a hot tub, and grand views of Thunder Mountain. The hotel is located near famous Arizona attractions like Red Rock State Park, where you can explore hiking trails, ride horseback, mountain bike, and more. If you’re looking for a water-based excursion, the hotel is also not far from Oak Creek Canyon, where you can swim and fish.

    GreenTree rooms include a deluxe king option (if you and your spouse are looking for a romantic getaway) and suites and rooms with double beds (if you’re bringing the family or a group of friends). The rooms are decorated in a clean, minimalist, modern style that highlights Arizona attractions and culture. Here you can enjoy in-room coffee, continental breakfast, flatscreen TVs, and crisp air conditioning (vital for those Arizona heatwaves). GreenTree is the perfect place to rest your head after a day of sightseeing around Sedona, taking in the natural wonders of Arizona.

    6. Mathis House

    Toms River, NJ | Company website

    Mathis House is a Victorian bed & breakfast with an elegant tearoom, where guests can enjoy a weekend retreat or simply dine in for afternoon tea. This inn provides five-star service to any travelers passing through Toms River, NJ, whether you’re looking for a solo stop on a work trip, a romantic getaway with your sweetie, or a fun place to stay with your family. It also rents their larger community spaces for club meetings and events.

    This historic, three-story mansion was built in 1898 and houses a grand porch, portico, parlor room, dining room, library, lawns and a carriage house. But the showstopper is definitely the tea room, where you can be transported back to Victorian times and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea of scones, sandwiches, soups, and aromatic pots of tea. Rooms are decorated with ornate wooden furniture, floral tapestries, beautiful arched windows, and chandeliers.

    7. The Pierpont Inn

    Ventura, CA | Company website

    This historic hotel has been operating in Ventura since 1910, with 79 guest rooms and grand suites. With beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and sprawling rose gardens and bluffs, The Pierpont Inn is perfect for everything from a weekend getaway to a wedding venue. If your pup enjoys the beach as much as you do, The Pierpont Inn is also dog friendly, so you can enjoy this special hotel together.

    If you’re looking for a little more privacy, in addition to hotel rooms the Pierpont Inn also offers two separate cottages with beautiful exposed ceilings, brick fireplaces, and vintage furniture. If you’re looking to bring the whole family, this hotel also has several suite options so that everyone has a place to stay. Explore the nearby neighborhood of historic Ventura which is full of artisanal restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, bars, and breweries. Information regarding booking the 6,000 square feet of flexible space for events can be found on their website.

    8. Eagle Crest Resort

    Redmond, OR | Company website

    It’s always sunny in the high desert of Central Oregon. This full-service resort typically sees over 300 days of clear skies a year, making Eagle Crest the ideal destination to get your Vitamin D fix. And this destination has everything you could possibly want, including golf courses, a spa, restaurants, and spaces for events and meetings.

    When you stay at Eagle Crest, you can book specific tee times for you and your guests on one of their three distinct courses: the Challenge Course, the Resort Course, and the Ridge Course. The resort also offers golf lessons if you’re looking to improve your swing. The extensive spa menu offers massages, facials, and waxing services, including standout treatments like the “Age Maintenance Facial” and therapeutic massages. Dine in at one of this resort’s many eateries, including the casual Aerie Café, the spacious restaurant Niblick’s & Greene’s, or even dine poolside. Eagle Crest resort has something for everyone in the family and will keep you entertained your whole vacation.

    Related: The Most Common (and Preventable) Mistakes Small Businesses Make — and How to Avoid Them

    9. Capitol Reef Resort

    Torrey, UT | Company website

    Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey, Utah spans 58 acres of beautiful mountain views and close access to the entrance of the nearby national park. This resort is not like other resorts, offering incredibly unique types of stays from Conestoga Wagons to even TeePees! This resort is famous for their wagons, which are based on authentic 19th century designs with wooden bunk beds and traditional textiles, if you’re looking for an authentic Utah experience. If you’re looking for more of a traditional hotel stay, Capitol Reef also offers a variety of cabins, suites, and traditional rooms.

    Dine in at the Pioneer Kitchen which serves guests breakfast and dinner. The standout breakfast dish is the iconic pioneer breakfast which is served with a choice of bacon, sausage, pork chop, vegetarian patty, grilled Utah trout, or sirloin steak. The dinner menu offers an array of classic dishes like short rib, steak sandwich, burger, pork chop al pastor, and even has options for you herbivores, like the vegan stuffed poblano pepper and the spinach & mushroom manicotti. Lounge by the heated outdoor pool that gives you a sublime view of the Red Rock Cliffs. Capitol Reef Resort knows that many of its guests will be staying with them in order to access nearby outdoor adventures, so check out the list on their website of nearby trails and attractions.

    10. Mother Earth Motor Lodge

    Kinston, NC | Company website

    The Mother Earth is a hotel with history, offering guests a fun, retro experience. This lodge was originally built in 1963 as a motel to accommodate downtown shoppers and automobile travelers from the nearby highway. In the 60s, Kinston was a thriving town for food, fair, shopping, and music, with famous musicians like James Brown coming through the lodge. After closing for a few years, the lodge was transformed into the inn it is today in 2008, when it was renamed the Mother Earth Motor Lodge.

    This lodge has a total of 44 rooms including standard rooms, suites, and rooms that accommodate longer stays. Common areas include a kidney-shaped pool, built to replicate the original pool, grills, picnic tables, shuffle board, and a 9-hole mini golf course. Immerse yourself in the past at the Mother Earth Motor Lodge, which is decorated to take you back to the pop art and bright colors of the 1960s. Next to the lobby you will find the Ram Neuse Room, which is big enough to host events and meetings if you’re looking for a place to throw a party in the Kinston area.

    11. Gazebo Inn

    Myrtle Beach, SC | Company website

    If you want a nostalgic experience at affordable prices, as well as the luxury of being right on the beach, the Gazebo Inn is for you. Enjoy access to the luxury experience of laying by the oceanfront pool and hot tub, easy access to the beachfront, and scenic private balconies. The Gazebo Inn is conveniently located near local attractions like Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, the Market Common, the Boardwalk, and the Promenade. This hotel is the perfect spot for a romantic, beachside getaway, or a school vacation with the whole family.

    The Gazebo Inn offers a variety of accommodations including king rooms, queen studios, double studios, and allows guests to choose what their view will be. If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach with your little ones, some attractions close to the Gazebo Inn you should check out are Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Savannah’s Playground, and the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. And of course, enjoy long days lounging on the sands of Myrtle Beach.

    12. The Equus

    Honolulu, HI | Company website

    Planning your next Hawaiian vacation? The Equus Hotel Honolulu is a charming family-owned and operated boutique hotel that immerses you in authentic Hawaiian hospitality. This hotel is unlike any in the area, carrying on paniolo history with its equestrian-inspired design and antique east-Asian décor. This hotel is located near one of the nation’s biggest shopping centers, Magic Island Beach Park, and the Ala Wai marina.

    Choose from room king rooms, doubles, and even rooms with beautifully crafted bamboo beds. All the rooms have warm yellow walls, comfortable wooden furniture, and equestrian details to highlight the history of the area. In the lobby you will find the Paniolo Bar & Café, where you can get scrumptious breakfast dishes in the morning and enjoy cocktails in the evening. They even host local live music acts throughout the week to immerse you in the island’s artistic culture. Nearby outdoor attractions include the Honolulu Zoo, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Waikiki Beach, the aquarium, and much more.

    Related: How Small Business Owners Can Maximize Productivity Despite Limited Budgets and Resources

    13. Kenoza Lake View Manor

    Kenoza Lake, NY | Company website

    This charming manor has been in operation since the 1950s, providing guests with a throwback experience in Sullivan County, NY. Decorated in the Pastiche style, it still features original paint colors and historic furniture to transport guests in time. And with over 23 acres of land, it’s the perfect getaway from NYC. Room options include deluxe king, deluxe queen, and mini queen, so that you can customize your experience to your party size.

    Sprawling green fields surround this manor, which makes this inn the perfect destination if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the nature of rural NY. The rooms are adorned with gold-framed mirrors, antique wooden furniture, marbled bathrooms, and ornate curtains. Kenoza Lake View Manor is located directly adjacent to Bethel Woods, Jeffersonville, Callicoon, Narrowsburg, Livingston Manor, and Kenoza Lake itself if you’re looking for a getaway that gives you access to outdoor adventures. In additional to the cozy hotel rooms, enjoy communal areas and fire pits with your friends and family.

    14. Menemsha Inn & Cottages

    Chilmark, MA | Company website

    Established all the way back in 1923, Menemsha Inn & Cottages has made quite the name for itself in Martha’s Vineyard. Originally DeWolf Thompson’s sheep farm, this hotel has become a historic site, with many families returning year after year. Close by you will find attractions like Lucy Vincent Beach, Larsons Fish Market, kayaking in the Pond, and more. The Nixon family have run this inn for 28 years, constantly working to restore the buildings and surrounding farm in order to preserve the location’s history.

    Guests at Menemsha Inn & Cottages have many choices of room types which include one and two-story stand-alone cottages, a whole floor of the original farmhouse, and even larger rental homes if you’re looking to bring a larger group to the property. As a guest, you’re given exclusive access to Chilmark’s Atlantic beaches, reserved for residents of the area, with its clear waters and jaw-dropping sunsets. This inn also offers in-room massages, basketball, tennis, hiking trails, and much more to help you unwind and relax.

    15. Hotel Blue

    Lewes, DE | Company website

    If you’re looking for a getaway in Deleware, Hotel Blue is conveniently located right near Lewes Beach. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re desiring a classy, comfortable hotel with access to the Atlantic Ocean. Bringing the little ones along? Check out the nearby whale-watching opportunities! Once you’ve splashed in those ocean waves, lay by the pool back at Hotel Blue, which offers stunning beachfront views.

    Hotel Blue has excellent amenities like a sauna and pool, and a wide room selection, from queen-bed suites to studio suites, and even tower suites. Hotel Blue’s convenient location situates guests a two-minute drive from the closest ferry, and a twenty-minute drive to the closest airport. With tiled fireplaces, cozy linens, and incredible views, these hotel rooms provide the quintessential romantic weekend away. Prices are unbeatable for beach proximity, so make sure to check this spot out the next time you’re vacationing in Lewes!

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    Sofia Wolfson

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  • Fathom Companies Announces Newest Management Acquisition: The Brunswick Hotel in Brunswick, Maine

    Fathom Companies Announces Newest Management Acquisition: The Brunswick Hotel in Brunswick, Maine

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    The Gateway to Maine’s Midcoast, The Brunswick Hotel Will Begin a Renovation in 2025


    PORTLAND, Maine, July 26, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Portland-based hospitality company Fathom Companies announced today that effective immediately, it will take over the operations and management of The Brunswick Hotel in Brunswick, Maine. The company also oversees the management of the iconic Press Hotel, the award-winning Canopy Portland Waterfront and the new Weldon Hotel in Portland, Maine.

    Located in the heart of downtown Brunswick and adjacent to Bowdoin College, The Brunswick Hotel opened in June 2011. Considered the gateway to Maine’s Midcoast, the hotel is 30 minutes north of Portland and the Portland International Jetport. The town of Brunswick offers the quintessential Maine experience to explore as a destination itself or as travels bring guests on a coastal road trip. The culinary, shopping, theater arts and entertainment experiences in Brunswick are undergoing a rejuvenation, and the renovation and renewal of The Brunswick Hotel will be a welcomed addition. 

    Brandon Hussey, VP of Hospitality Management at Fathom Companies, said, “We are delighted to manage The Brunswick Hotel, and look forward to an exciting 2025 renovation plan of this property in Maine’s beautiful Midcoast region. The Brunswick Hotel and their restaurant, Noble Kitchen + Bar, has been an established and vibrant part of the community in this area and we see a lot of potential moving forward, starting with an investment in upgrading all of the 51 rooms and lobby reception area.” Hussey continued, “Our expertise in boutique hotels, F&B operations, branding and creating a unique guest experience — particularly with our existing successful portfolio in Maine — is a great match for this property and its team. We’re excited for the transformation ahead.”

    More information on The Brunswick Hotel can be found on thebrunswickhotel.com or @brunswickhotelmaine and @noblekitchenbar on social media. For more information on Fathom Companies, visit www.fathomcompanies.com.

    About Fathom Companies

    Fathom Companies is comprised of two main divisions: a hospitality management arm that focuses on operations, sales, marketing, revenue management, and accounting and a real estate investment and development arm concentrating on developing and providing consulting services for ground-up construction, historic renovations, and repositioning of hotel, office, residential, and mixed-use properties. Fathom continues to expand its hospitality portfolio through development, ownership and/or joint venture partnerships as well as third-party management agreements. To learn more about Fathom Companies, visit www.fathomcompanies.com. Follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    Source: Fathom Companies

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  • These credit cards can help you save big on travel to Orlando – MoneySense

    These credit cards can help you save big on travel to Orlando – MoneySense

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    How to use credit cards to save on your stay

    With the right loyalty points, you can stay in Orlando for free (resort and parking charges still apply). I always look at Marriott properties first, since I have a Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. The card has an annual fee of $120, but it gives me an annual free night’s stay at Marriott properties, worth up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. (One Marriott Bonvoy point is worth $0.0117 on average when redeemed hotel stays.) Additionally, I can transfer any of my American Express MR Points, which I collect with the American Express Cobalt Card, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio. This ability to transfer makes it incredibly easy to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

    featured

    Marriott Bonvoy American Express

    go to site

    Annual fee: $120

    Welcome offer: earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

    go to site

    Card details

    Interest rates 21.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
    Income required None specified
    Credit score 725 or higher
    Point value 1 Marriott Bonvoy point = $0.0117 on average when redeemed for eligible flights or hotel stays..

    One of my favourite places to stay in Orlando is the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. It’s part of the Disney Swan and Dolphin complex, so regardless of which property you stay at (the Dolphin Resort, Swan Resort or Swan Reserve), you get access to all the amenities, including multiple pools, kids’ activities, swan paddle boats and more. Best of all, these hotels are considered on-site Disney properties, so you get early access to all the Disney World Parks. That extra half-hour to an hour makes a considerable difference since you get to beat the crowds.

    Admittedly, the Dolphin, Swan and Reserve hotels are some of the more expensive Marriott properties, but I’ve also stayed at Residence Inn and Courtyard hotels (both part of the Marriott family) for as little as 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. As a bonus, when you book five consecutive nights at the same hotel using Marriott Bonvoy points, you get one night free. 

    Besides Marriott Bonvoy, I’ve also used HotelSavers via Aeroplan. With HotelSavers, you save up to 30% in points on bookings with select partner hotels. Plus, Aeroplan credit card holders get their fourth night free when booking three nights on points. 

    More ways to save in Orlando

    If you can subsidize your flights and hotels with points, theme park tickets will be your biggest expense. Fortunately, there are occasional deals. 

    Universal Orlando Resort has an offers page that lists all the current promotions. For example, at the time of writing, you can get two days free when you purchase a ticket valid for two parks over three days. Alternatively, you can save 20% on four-night stays at a Universal Orlando Hotel. The hotel offer can be lucrative, as Premier Universal Hotels give your entire party a free Universal Express Unlimited pass, allowing you to skip the regular lines at some of the most popular attractions. The passes are worth as much as USD$124.99 per person, per day. You also get early access to the parks.

    Disney World has similar offers throughout the year for both park tickets and accommodations. It also typically has Canadian-exclusive deals about once or twice a year, and these can be a great way to save.

    For non-theme-park savings, check out the offers page on Visit Orlando. Here you’ll find discounts on dining, shopping, attractions and accommodations.

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    Barry Choi

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  • Insight Partners backs Canary Technologies’ mission to elevate hotel guest experiences | TechCrunch

    Insight Partners backs Canary Technologies’ mission to elevate hotel guest experiences | TechCrunch

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    The hospitality industry is back, baby. And with it comes a chance for technology startups to not only help hotels streamline their operations, but also focus on how they can improve the guest experience.

    “The predominant traveler today was born in an age where they are very comfortable with technology,” Harman Singh Narula, Canary Technologies co-founder and CEO, said. “They have expectations. For example, they want to text message the front desk instead of picking up the phone.”

    And with other options available, like Airbnb, hotels are facing competition in the market — competition that is “really good at technology,” Narula said — and the hotels have to address it. 

    Narula started Canary Technologies with longtime friend SJ Sawhney to provide that technology so hotels can offer better guest experiences, augmented by technology. Narula formerly worked at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and was a management consultant at Bain & Company. Sawhney, who is president of the company, led product and technology at Stayful, a booking platform for independent and boutique hotels founded by the former president of Hotels.com.

    They were part of Y Combinator’s summer 2018 cohort, and at the time they were developing software to handle offline booking processes and get rid of paper contracts.

    Today, the hotel guest management technology company’s platform digitizes the hotel guest journey from post-booking through checkout with tools that manage mobile check-in/checkout, registrations, upsells, guest messaging and digital tipping.

    It’s a concept that has caught on. Canary now works with over 20,000 hoteliers globally at brands like Marriott International, Four Seasons, Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Rosewood and Intercontinental Hotel Group. 

    The company has also grown in the past couple of years as hotels deploy additional Canary tools. Since 2022, the company has grown over 100% in terms of revenue, Narula said.

    Venture capital investors are paying attention. In March, Mews, a hotel SaaS startup, raised $110 million on a $1.2 billion valuation to help hotels better manage their IT. There’s also Life House, which offers software for hotel operators and owners, that last raised $60 million in 2021.

    Now it’s Canary Technologies’ turn. The company closed on $50 million in Series C funding to support a large deployment of its guest-facing AI technology.

    The funding, led by Insight Partners, was preempted by inside investors, Narula said. Though he didn’t give a specific valuation, Narula did say the valuation has now more than doubled since the company’s $30 million Series B round in 2022. Insight also led that round.

    In addition to Insight Partners, existing investors F-Prime Capital, Thayer Ventures, Y Combinator and Commerce Ventures joined the Series C round. This new investment brings Canary’s total fundraising to date to nearly $100 million.

    “In a year that proved tough on growth and execution in the tech ecosystem, we saw Canary thrive and exceed their ambitious targets, prompting us to double down,” Thomas Krane, managing director at Insight Partners, said in a statement. “We continue to be impressed with Harman, SJ, and the team’s tenacity and ability to deliver hoteliers the best-in-class solutions they need most, and are honored to be a part of the company’s journey.”

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    Christine Hall

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  • The Most Incredible Hotel Pools in Southern California

    The Most Incredible Hotel Pools in Southern California

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    Lounging by the pool is a quintessential summer activity—and no one does sunny days and strong rays better than SoCal. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or in need of a summer staycation, you’ll find high-end hotels with picturesque pools all across the coastline. The Pacific Ocean views, tropical vegetation and signature coastal style have inspired local hotels to create poolside experiences that boast luxury across the board, all the way from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Though a well-designed room and first-class service are always a priority, during the summer, a gorgeous swimming pool can seal the deal for travelers. 

    Whether you want panoramic ocean views with plush recliners or prefer a posh pool in the heart of Beverly Hills, your summer oasis awaits. Some hotels even have multiple pools on property, including adults-only options to ensure a peaceful poolside experience without the splashing and screaming. Of course, tasty bites and refreshing drinks make all of the difference, and the best hotel pools provide a tranquil atmosphere alongside sensational service and top-notch culinary programs. Get ready to kick back and relax at the most stunning hotel pools in Southern California this summer. 

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    Allie Lebos

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  • Donald Bren’s Resort at Pelican Hill Will Become a St. Regis

    Donald Bren’s Resort at Pelican Hill Will Become a St. Regis

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    500-acre crown jewel of Irvine Company holdings will be managed by Marriott

    Donald Bren and The Resort at Pelican Hill (Getty, Pelican Hill)

    Donald Bren’s The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach will become a St. Regis. 

    The sprawling resort, including the Pelican Hill Golf Club, will be managed by Marriott International under its luxury group starting on July 1. The 504-acre resort will later join the St. Regis brand, according to sources. Marriott owns the luxury hotel chain St. Regis. 

    Bren’s Irvine Company will continue as the long-term owner of the property. Marriott plans to retain most of the resort’s employees.

    The Irvine Company said the decision followed a “strategic review” of its operations to improve the 5-star experience in order to enhance the resort as a sought-after destination for guests, according to communication obtained by The Real Deal.

    Bren is the wealthiest real estate developer in the U.S. and among the wealthiest people in the country, according to Forbes. The publication pegs his net worth at $17.4 billion. His firm owns 129 million square feet, including 590 office buildings, 125 apartment complexes with 65,000 units, 40 shopping centers and five marinas. Bren is the majority owner of the MetLife building in Manhattan.

    The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of The Irvine Company’s crown jewels. Located at 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, the resort sits along the coast of Newport Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and has 204 bungalows, 128 villas and two 18-hole golf courses on the property. It’s noted for its “Coliseum Pool ” with a blue bottom created by 1.1 million hand-cut glass mosaic tiles. 

    Rates range from $1,095 to more than $5,000 per night, according to the resort’s website. A special extended stay program offers two-bedroom villas for $28,500 to $75,000 per month, or a three-bedroom for as much as $90,000 per month.

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    Keith Larsen

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  • No tickets for Taylor Swift in Toronto or Vancouver? See the costs of an international show – MoneySense

    No tickets for Taylor Swift in Toronto or Vancouver? See the costs of an international show – MoneySense

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    It’s no surprise that in 2023, Swift was the most-searched artist on Stubhub, where fans from more than 110 countries bought tickets to the Eras Tour. (For its role, Stubhub takes a hefty sales fee based on the ticket price.) Toronto was a top international travel destination for American travellers, who get a favourable exchange rate on the price of tickets in Canada. (As of late April 2024, USD$1 is worth CAD$1.37.)

    Canadians are following suit—except they’re heading to Europe. According to Stubhub, for Swift’s remaining shows in 2024, some of the most popular international Eras Tour destinations for Canadian fans are Paris, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Warsaw and Vienna. 

    Fandom doesn’t come cheap, though. In this new world of post-pandemic “revenge travel” and a newfound craving to create special experiences in our lives, in terms of dollars and cents, is the Eras Tour worth it?

    The power of Swiftonomics 

    “Swiftonomics” and its effect on the economy is staggering. The Eras Tour is the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, and the first to gross USD$1 billion. Everywhere the tour touches down, the local economy gets a major boost. 

    According to the CBC, the estimated economic impact of Swift’s three shows in Vancouver is $700 million. And a study in Denver—where Swift played two shows last summer—found that the average amount an Eras Tour concert-goer spent was USD$1,327 (about CAD$1,800) on expenses such as tickets, travel, merchandise, lodging and food. That adds up to more than USD$200 million in direct consumer spending.

    Source: @teach.kids.money

    How to save money on Taylor Swift tickets and more

    Woods’ advice is to take advantage of last-minute ticket releases. To find out about these sales, follow all the legitimate local ticket sellers and promoters on social media, especially in the days leading up to the show. “Any place where you can get a cheap ‘obstructed view’ seat with last-minute releases is the best place to go,” he says. “You could easily fly to a nearby European city—for Swift’s upcoming tour dates—and take the train or a flex bus to lower costs if airfare is expensive, as it’s quick and easy to travel between European cities.” 

    For accommodations, hotels and Airbnbs will likely be pricey or even sold out. Try work-arounds: Do hotels have a waiting list in case of cancellations? Can you rent a room rather than a whole apartment, or find lodgings farther from the city centre? Alternative accommodations like hostels, B&Bs and non-hotel accommodations are possibilities as well. 

    Woods found a house-sitting opportunity in Melbourne, which meant his accommodation was free. (Score!) If you’re willing to take care of a home and possibly a pet in exchange for a free stay, start with one of the leading house-sitting networks, Nomador. If you don’t mind staying outside of a city centre, check out homestay.com, which connects independent travellers and students with host families. You could save a lot of money and experience more of the local culture. 

    Photo courtesy of Ryan Thomas Woods

    Woods also advises taking advantage of Swift-related activities, discounts and promos. In Sydney and Melbourne, he says, “your ticket to Taylor gets you free public transit.” And in Melbourne, “the Queen Victoria market had a Swift-themed night market, and one of the booths was a make-your-own-friendship bracelet.” (Swifties make these and trade them at concerts. It’s also how she met her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who plays football for the Kansas City Chiefs.) 

    What about Eras Tour official merchandise? Concert-goers can buy everything from T-shirts and sweaters to tote bags and glow batons. Prices can vary depending on exchange rate, and due to strong demand, tour merch is usually sold the day before the shows. But many fans are also making their own outfits, and as Woods says, “It could be as simple as doing artwork with a marker on a plain T-shirt.” 

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    Natalie Taylor

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