Hotel safety & savings tips

Many corporate clients are operating on a tight budget for business expenses, and part of my job is finding the best rates for flights and hotels for travelers. The flight part is easy--it is the hotels where there is a gray area.  Anyone can search online for a cheap rate, but many do not take into account location and safety issues that should be a part of the decision for choosing where to book.  I stand firmly that I will not book any hotel that I feel is unsafe; be it due to location, or type of hotel/motel.  Sure the "X" hotel is cheaper and in the area they want to stay, but not only is the area unsafe, but the property has doors that open to the outside like a motel.  Why even risk it?  And lets not even have the conversation of bedbug possibilities…

Safety is important, and below I've outlined some guidelines to consider for when you travel and stay in a hotel:

• If possible, choose national hotel chains with indoor room entrances
• Use your business card for your luggage tag inserts, never your home address
• Ask for 2 keys when checking in so the perception is you will not be alone
• Avoid staying on the ground floor and when possible, choose a room close to the elevator
• Use your deadbolt when in the room
• NEVER use the "clean my room"  or "pre-order breakfast" door hangers
• Always put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you leave the room

For the best rates on hotels, at FROSCH we have various vendors we use for below market rate at many hotels including the major chains.  This is another perk of using a travel agent, as you will receive preferential rates for not only hotels, but car rentals, vacation packages, and various other travel expenses as well.  Often, even if the nightly rate you receive is the normal published rate to a hotel, FROSCH has relationships with many hotels whereby we can provide you with special amenities including early check in and late check out, complimentary breakfasts, and room credits.

By Debra Burman-Gisby.

Graffiti hotel

Would you stay in this crazy hotel room? It's in a hotel called Au Vieux Panier in Marseilles, France.  Every year, the hotel offers up a blank canvas in the form of blank hotel rooms to local artists and designers who let loose their paintbrushes (or, in this case, spray paint nozzles) to create a work of art.

In this case, the artist embraced the unexpected by offering up a high-contrast, unbalanced room: half chaotic street art imagery, half quiet, clean white. Could you get a good night's sleep in this room?

(via Honestly...WTF)

Where in the world is Stephanie Serino? (Eat your heart out, Matt Lauer!)

Hint One: She zip-lined through the rainforest, snorkeled in a cave, and explored ancient ruins.

Hint Two: She stayed in a Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite with plunge pool and outdoor shower.

Hint Three: It was only four hours from NY!

Click here to discover the answer.

Agent Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation

By Ralph Cooper. Photo: Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation.

I recently had the privilege of staying at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation,  a 35-acre property set on Lake Oconee in Georgia. This is a beautiful property located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia. The transfer from Atlanta takes approximately 90 minutes. 

There are many great activities on the property, with five 18-hole golf courses within easy driving distance, a 26,000 square foot spa, skeet shooting, and many water activities in Lake Oconee. The hotel has beach access to the lake and Jet skis are one of the activities available.

The hotel has many hiking trails and Segway rides for the less walking inclined. It's especially nice this time of year with the crisp autumn air and the bright fall foliage. The kids' program is great as at all Ritz-Carltons, with an outdoorsy bent that focuses on the local flora and fauna with nature hikes, scavenger hunts, fishing, and arts and crafts. 

There are a variety of dining options with three excellent restaurants; my personal favorite was Gaby's by the Lake whose motto is "No Shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure!" The menu included great BBQ, with a surprise ingredient of Coca Cola in the sauce, and a variety of chefs' special touches including grilled watermelon!

Overall a wonderful spot for a meeting or a long weekend.

Agent Review: Hotel Splendido

Only a few hotels in the world are known as true celebrity favorites. Among them, Antibes' Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc and Hollywood's Chateau Marmont have themselves gained celebrity status, and have even starred in feature films. A lesser-known member of that club is the Hotel Splendido, a luxurious villa in Portofino, Italy and an Orient Express hotel. 

Hotels for Pets

photo by ftzdomino

A new era of luxury travel has arrived... for our pets. Rather than fretting about whether the pet sitter gives the puppy just the right amount of attention and care-- or worrying about kennel-related illnesses-- some pet owners are choosing to board their furry friends in posh pet hotels... or bring them along for the ride.

For those who think a vacation is only as good as one's travel partner, there's PAW, a website that reviews pet-friendly hotels around the world. A number of hotels lure animal-loving guests with special amenities-- gourmet dog biscuits, complementary leashes, and walking services.  Pets can even join in on the family fun at Walt Disney World's Luxury Pet Resort. 

Airports, too, accommodate traveling pets and service animals with grassy relief areas or, in some instances, state-of-the-art animal lounges like the one at the Frankfurt airport , which took in everything from horses to geckos during the disruption caused by the Eyjafjallajokull volcano last year.

Do you have any tips for traveling with pets?  Share a comment on our Facebook page!

Agent Review: The Redbury in Hollywood

article by Caitlin Murphy. Photos courtesy The Redbury by sbe.

The Redbury by sbe is Hollywood’s newest hotel, located by the iconic Hollywood & Vine, across the street from Capitol Records, and around the corner from the Pantages Theater. If you are looking to be within walking distance of all the activities Hollywood has to offer, this is it.

The Redbury has 57 flats that are meant to have a home-like atmosphere. They have three different categories: studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom flats. As you exit the elevator, there are floor to ceiling photos of old Hollywood celebrities on the walls. Each flat has its own kitchen so you can stay for a night, a week, or however long you need to. The rooms have a bohemian, rock and roll feel to them. They are retro, but contemporary. They even have an old record player that works with a stack of records to choose from. This is the perfect hotel for those here on business, but also for guests looking to see the sights during the day and have some fun at night.

The Redbury has an exclusive guest-only bar called the Library Bar located on the second floor. The bar can also be extended to VIP friends of guests staying at the Redbury, but it is not open to the general public. It is meant to be a place to relax with friends and listen to music, or enjoy their outdoor courtyard called the Glade. The Glade is a great space for events, and at night, it is draped with white lights and candles.

On the first floor is their acclaimed restaurant Cleo, a Mediterranean inspired restaurant that was voted one of LA’s best new restaurants by Los Angeles Magazine. All of the dishes here are exquisite, and are served as small plates which are meant to be shared by the table. The restaurant has an open kitchen so you can see the wood-burning oven and the chef’s at work. The décor is trendy but still approachable. Reservations are highly recommended, and be warned that it gets loud as the night goes on, but only because everyone is enjoying themselves.

As a guest at the Redbury, you also receive VIP access to the sbe Hospitality Collection. This provides exclusive entry into sbe's hotel, dining and nightlife destinations all over the city including Katsuya, XIV by Michael Mina and The Bazaar by Jose Andres to name a few. This hotel is a fabulous addition to the Hollywood scene, and a great experience for someone looking for a fun, hospitable, and impressive gastronomic experience.

Hotel Pets

Last week we gave you some tips on how to capture memories of the exotic wildlife you might see on your next African safari.  But perhaps you're in the mood for something a little tamer, a cuddle from a friendly cat or dog when you've left your own best friend at home.  Here are some of our favorite hotel pets...

Mavis and Beau at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

A knowledgeable source says that these two "Canine Ambassadors" are either the laziest dogs ever or the ones who get the most exercise.  We suspect it's the latter-- guests can reserve times to take them out for a walk, and in beautiful Vancouver, that's the best way to get around.  Mavis and Beau are great with other dogs, and the hotel is pet-friendly with a gourmet pet menu, in case you plan on bringing along your own best friend.

Fa-raon at Hotel le Bristol in Paris
There are lots of hotel and shop cats in Paris, but we think that Fa-Raon is the fanciest, and, with a bright green Hermes collar, the best-dressed.  Who better to represent one of the poshest hotels in Paris? 

Monty at Montage Deer Valley

A new resort, a new puppy!  Monty, the Bernese Mountain dog, is now 6 months old and fits right in at the luxurious new mountainside resort in Utah.  He's growing before our eyes (and getting BIG!) and he loves to romp in the snow and welcome guests to the hotel. 

Goldfish at Hotel Monaco

Maybe you get a little lonely when you travel, but don't want the responsibilities of caring for a pet on the road.  At Hotel Monaco (in various cities around the US) they give you your own goldfish to keep you company in your room.  You don't even have to feed it-- the staff will take care of everything!

Do you have a favorite hotel animal ambassador?  Tell us all about it!  Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Agent Review: Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy

article and photos by Stephanie Serino, originally posted on her blog. 

Hotel Cipriani is an oasis, the ideal place to stay during the summer. Just five minutes away from the bustle of St Mark’s Square, their complimentary water shuttle was a pleasant way to get to the heart of Venice Island. The hotel dock is steps away from the St. Mark’s Vaporetto stop, making the whole city within easy reach. If I had more time, I would have retreated to their Olympic-sized pool for an afternoon swim during the hottest time of the day. After a Bellini, head back to Venice Island for dinner and strolling.

My “Palladio Suite” was spacious, with a little terrace and a Lagoon view. I loved the bathroom, especially the shower: two heads converging plus the hand-held was wonderful. Room décor was a little Laura-Ashley-goes-to-Venice for my taste, but every detail was perfect. The gardens were charming. Dinner at Cip’s Club looked like a fabulous way to watch the sun setting on St. Mark’s Square.

Check out Stephanie's slideshow to see more photos!  To book, call your FROSCH agent and don't forget to ask about the exclusive FROSCH amenities we offer at this property.

FROSCH Preferred: Hotel Sacher Wien

This FROSCH Preferred hotel is located in the heart of Vienna, directly opposite the Opera House at the entrance of the pedestrian shopping area. Founded in 1876, it's the source of the original Sacher-Torte, a unique and delicious chocolate cake. Since its opening, it has been an Austrian institution and is as much a part of the Viennese life as the St. Stephan’s Cathedral or the Hofburg.  The hotel was renovated in 2005 and offers individually designed rooms and suites that combine modern luxury with contemporary elegance. The suites on the top floors offer magnificent terraces with an outstanding view over Vienna.

Don't miss the new Spa, the perfect place for relaxation and indulgence after a day exploring the streets of Vienna. 

Later this week:  Experience the history and art of Austria with an Opera Expert, get some tips on surviving airport delays, and see what's on our 2011 bucket list. 

Featured hotel: Casa de Sierra Nevada in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

A few blocks from the cathedral and main city square of San Miguel de Allende, the boutique hotel of Casa De Sierra Nevada is a mixture of 16th to 18th century Spanish colonial buildings. Its 37-rooms and suites are spread amongst nine Colonial mansions, including: Casa del Parque, a fort in the 17th century and then a customs house catering to the silver trade; and Casa Principal, the former residence of San Miguel de Allende’s Archbishop in 1580 and an official historical landmark.

Each casa, which features two to six guest rooms or suites, is unique. Many feature outdoor courtyards with fountains, small gardens and al fresco corridors that create a true residential feel. Centuries old architecture and individually designed buildings and guest rooms combined with award winning service are just some of the reasons that Casa de Sierra Nevada was named as one of the “Top 10 hotels in all of Mexico and Central America” in Condé Nast Travelers’ World’s Best Awards and Travel + Leisure magazines coveted T+L 500.

Ask your FROSCH travel agent about the exclusive amenities and special rates we offer at this unique hotel.  

Welcome

Welcome to FROSCH Insider, where we’ll share exclusive tips and travel agent secrets to making your trip truly remarkable.  To kick things off, we’re featuring the quintessential vacation destination, France.  Whether you’ve been there a million times or it’s your first time abroad, there is always something new to discover. 

Private rooftop terrace at Le Meurice

Where to go?  Start in Paris and stay at FROSCH preferred hotel Le Meurice.  Ideally located opposite the Tuileries Garden, between Place de la Concorde and the Musée du Louvre, Le Meurice has held sway as the jewel in the crown of French luxury hotels since 1835.  Thanks to its very rich historical background, represented by famous painters, writers and other artists, Le Meurice is both the reflection and the setting for the French Genius of art of living.

FROSCH offers exclusive negotiated rates and amenities to enhance your stay.  For more information, contact your FROSCH travel professional or visit frosch.com. 

Later this week:  Q&A with a FROSCH France expert, biking the Loire Valley with the whole family, shopping and dining guides, and more!