Staying Fit Away From Home: 5 of the Best Hotel Gyms in New York City
Posted August 7, 2009 , add a commentThis is the first part of a series showcasing the best gyms in hotels across the United States. We’ll start with the most populated city: New York, and work our way through popular U.S. destinations. Travelers venturing to New York know they are in for some walking but what if your trip is all stuffy business meetings and thinking outside the box? (Raise your hand if you’re in corporate America and hate that phrase.)
To keep your fitness routine going while you’re away, consider one of these hotels that really put some thought into their gyms.
The New York Palace offers top of the line equipment and 7000 sq.ft. of spacious fitness center and spa.
If you find yourself without running shoes and workout clothes, (because you’re like me and forgot to pack that sort of thing) don’t sweat it (heh). The New York Palace offers complimentary sneakers and workout clothes! Each of the many cardio machines has it’s own personal screen. Also free? Bottled water and fruit.
Trump International Hotel and Tower:
Personal trainers at your service at the Trump International Hotel and Tower, NYC.
If you are a Plus One Active user, you will certainly find access to that as well as the internet in this hotel’s fitness center. On top of having free personal trainers at your service, the center also can provide, upon request, a comprehensive fitness evaluation and nutritional counseling beyond ’stay out of the carb-filled mini bar in your room, Missy/Mister.”
The Affinia Dumont in New York City has a Fitness Concierge!
Complimentary Experience Kits come in yoga, running, and strength-training flavors and they are yours if you stay at this fabulous hotel. In addition to the Experience Kits, the Affinia Dumont boasts a beautiful fitness center that is sure to get your mojo moving. The Fitness Concierge (swanky!) “can offer fitness-related information about the neighborhood. And he can act as your personal trainer in our fitness center, or provide a complimentary fitness evaluation by request. (Yours, not his.)”
The Hyatt and the Grand Hyatt:
The Hyatt can deliver workout clothes to you room within an hour. (Charges apply.)
Trusted source TODAY loved this chain of hotels for their 24 hour fitness centers, as well as the service (gym clothes delivered to your room within an hour.) “Some locations even offer customers a Garmin Forunner, a wrist-top GPS monitor, which you can borrow from the concierge and use during your run.“ TODAY went on to rate the fitness facilities a 5 out of 5. {source}
The W
With three locations in New York City, The W covers a lot of ground both in geography and with their stunning “Sweat” centers. Like the New York Palace, each cardio machine is outfitted with it’s very own screen. No peeking!
While there are many more hotels in New York that boast beautiful workout centers, you and I both know the trick is motivating yourself to get into one. With so much to do in New York City, you’d be hard-pressed to find me on a treadmill when I could be taking pictures of the sights of The Big Apple. Still, these hotels seem to get it right.
Photo credits: The New York Palace, Trump International Hotel and Tower, The Affinia Dumont, The Hyatt and the Grand Hyatt, and The W.
Cape Pines Motel, Buxton, Outer Banks, North Carolina
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Cape Pines Motel, Hatteras Island, Outer Banks of North Carolina
“Our rooms are so clean, you would think your MOTHER works here!” claims the Cape Pines Motel. That sounded good to me; cleanliness is always at the top of my list when choosing accommodations. But though the Cape Pines more than lives up to its reputation for being immaculate, I soon discovered that this charming old brick motel had so much more to offer, not the least of which was its gracious owners, Bill and Angie Rapant.
The Rapants purchased the Cape Pines in July of 2006 after years of dreaming of owning their own motel. Both had worked in the hotel industry - Bill most recently as the controller at the Plaza Athenee on Manhattan Island in New York City, which is rated one of America’s finest hotels. With their backgrounds, Bill and Angie know what service and hospitality is all about, and they set out to provide guests with the most enjoyable vacation experience of their lives.
In order to achieve this goal, they gradually remodeled each of the motel’s 29 rooms, upgrading where appropriate, but restoring the original wood floors and classic tongue-in-groove knotty pine walls and ceilings wherever possible. With the addition of custom linens and modern amenities such as mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, cable TV, and free wireless internet, the Cape Pines has mixed vintage and cozy in a way that makes guests feel they have stepped into the living room of a favorite uncle.
Vintage knotty pine walls make for a cozy home away from home
Original wood floors have been restored wherever possible
Built in phases over a number of years, the motel’s 29 rooms are split between a two-story main building and a row of Courtyard cottages that overlook the pool. In addition to standard and deluxe rooms, one-room efficiencies have a fully equipped mini kitchen with stove, sink, and full size refrigerator; while suites are configured with a living room, full kitchen, and one or two bedrooms.
The two story main building
Unlike other hotels and motels on the Outer Banks, many of which focus on the beach, the Cape Pines is nestled in the heart Buxton, a sleepy traditional fishing village where everything is within walking distance. The local grocery store is just across the street and several good restaurants are close at hand. Nearby, fisherman still load crab pots on old fishing boats every morning and chug out to sea.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
But even those who come to the Outer Banks for its exquisite beaches will not be disappointed; just a short stroll away is the entrance to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is gateway to more than 100 miles of clean, white sand beach and home to the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Best of all, in addition to offering very affordable rates (standard rooms are priced at $49-69 off season and $99-119 in season, while suites are offered at $79-99 off season and $139-159 in season), all courtyard rooms at the Cape Pines Motel welcome pets for an additional, nominal additional fee.
Story and photos by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels
CHEAP WORLDWIDE FLIGHTS IN WEEKEND SUMMER SALE
Posted , add a comment) As the British summer fails to deliver yet again, now is the time to book a cheap flight to a sunny destination.
Netflights.com has launched a massive summer flight sale, with last-minute prices on flights to hundreds of fantastic destinations worldwide, including cheap flights to Bangkok, bargain flights to New York, great value flights to Orlando for families, and super savings on Sydney flights.
Dreaming of a holiday in Dubai? Netflights.com will take you there for as little as £218. Prices like these won’t last long - Netflights.com will be selling thousands of cheap flights for July to September departures until midnight on Monday.
Now is the perfect time for travellers seeking some summer sun, with cheap flights to hundreds of destinations around the world. At Netflights.com, thousands of prices have been cut and countless great flight deals can be found, like return flights to New York from only £315, and return flights to Bangkok from an amazing £358. Netflights.com has some of the lowest flight prices on the web, so take advantage of this great offer today!
To book, visit www.netflights.com or call a Netflights.com travel expert on 0844 493 1234.
Vieux Montreal: Exploring a Touch of Europe - Montreal, Canada
Posted July 30, 2009 , add a commentVieux Montreal: Exploring a Touch of Europe - Montreal, Canada
I got off the bus ride not expecting it to be so cold. Making my way to Old Montreal (about 5-10 minute walk), I stopped at Brisas Le 808 to warm up and downed two cups of coffee. I told the owner it was delicious, savouring the smoothness. I mentioned it was better than Tim Hortons. “Don’t talk to me about Tim Hortons” the owner said with a smile. I laughed.
Leaving the restaurant, I decided I had to buy another layer of clothing with three other light layers I was wearing. I bought a fleece jacket to keep me warm and now a souvenir with “Montreal“ in front.
I headed back to Rue Notre Dame my starting point. I walked around the property of Musee du Chateau Ramezay built in 1705, once residence for Claude de Ramezay, the 11th governor of the colony. Benjamin Franklin tried to persuade Quebec to go against the British rules but failed. Now this museum displays coins, furnishings, tools and more from the 18th and 19th century.
Hotel de Ville (1872-1878) is Montreal’s City Hall. Modeled after the one in Tours, France, it was here that president Charles de Gaulle of France marked Canada’s 100 birthday shouting “Vive le Quebec libre” (Long live for Quebec) much to the separatists delight but the federal government, who invited him, was not amused.
Across the street is Basilica Notre Dame de Montreal (Our Lady of Montreal). Opened in 1829, for $5.00 you can have a quick 20-minute tour of the inside’s gorgeous carved linden wood altar, a 7,000 pipe Casavant organ and stained glass windows depicting the parish’s history and biblical passages.
Though the cathedral dominates Place d’Armes, this square is full history. The red-stone Romanesque eight stories Edifice New York Life, was Montreal’s first skyscraper in 1888. Next door is Edifice Aldred (1931) resembling the Empire State Building, completed the same year. Now pigeons flock this area making their mark around the statue of Paul de Chomedey, Montreal’s founder along this cobbled square.
Banque de Montreal (1847) is Montreal’s oldest bank.
Montreal was born in 1642. The Obelisk (1893) near rue St. Francois Xavier has the names of Montreal’s pioneers. Around the Obelisk are benches to have a quiet break and relax.
No more signs of rain. The sun struggled to get out. I headed back onto Rue Saint-Paul, the oldest thoroughfare in the city, dating from 1672. This city has a feel of Europe. Walking along this windy, narrow cobbled streets. With cars passing by, I secretly wished for pedestrian only. I loved the different colourful signs of the shops and restaurants displaying their address number. It reminded me of Salzburg.
I sauntered down Rue Saint-Paul trying to find a restaurant to eat then found myself at Place Jacques-Cartier, named for the French explorer. Plenty of outdoor restaurants on this cobbled street. Unfortunately there were no colourful flowers inside the huge pots in the middle of the square on the mid May, in front of the Statue of Nelson (1809).
Despite the chilly weather I still sat outside, near the door, at L’Aventure Pub and savoured the Caesar salad and glass of white wine, watched a few people walk by. The waitress told me the forecast of 22C was expected today. Yeah right?
Energized and ready to go, I walked back to Rue Saint-Paul, stopping at Marche Bonsecours (1847), a beautiful classical revival style building. Once a market, a parliament of United Canada, a City Hall, now home to upscale boutique and art shops. The outside the intrigued me with the six cast-iron Doric columns and the silver dome.
There are plenty of narrow cobbled streets that branch off like Rue Saint-Dizier. Oh, the reminders of Europe.
Next-door is Notre-Dame de Bonsecours, founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys, the oldest church in Montreal built in 1771 over the ruins of an earlier chapel. It is free to tour inside of the altar, statues, and stained glass windows but on my way out I did slip some money in the box.
Just in front to the chapel, down Rue Bonsecours, is Maison Pierre du Calvert (Calvert House). Built in the 18th century, Pierre du Calvert supported the American Revolution. He met with Benjamin Franklin here in 1775. Paul was jailed from 1780-73 for giving money to the Americans. Now this is a bed & breakfast and a restaurant.
Ah Montreal. Elle est une belle ville (it is a beautiful city.) I’ll be back.
Viva la Summer: London
Posted , add a commentEditor’s Note:This is the third installment of Viator’s Viva la Summer, a special series encouraging everybody to hit the road this summer and unleash their inner traveler. Each week we’re selecting a “Traveler of the Week” from a featured destination, which earns you bragging rights and a $50 Viator Gift Certificate. Happy summer travels! Previous destinations? Las Vegas and Rome. Next week’s destination? New York!
Haven’t heard of Viva la Summer? Here’s the deal - as part of Viator’s celebration of summer 2009, we’re pointing a spotlight at top summer destinations around the world. This week’s featured destination is London (see below for some of our favorite things to do in London).
The first order of business: we’re pleased to honor our Viva la Summer traveler of the week. This week it’s David C. from the USA. He just submitted this photo taken on a Private Viewing of Stonehenge on a Stonehenge day trip from London. Do we love the photo? Yes! Do we love the fact that David is standing alone amongst the stones at Stonehenge? Yes! For being selected as Viator’s Viva la Summer traveler of the week, we’re sending David a $50 Viator Gift Certificate.
David among the stones, on a Private Stonehenge tour from London.
Viva la Summer, Viva London!
London is just about perfect in summer - not too cold, not too wet, not too crowded (at least compared to mainland Europe). Plus the dollar has strengthened against the pound, making London more affordable for Americans (and Canadians, and Australians, and Kiwis…) to enjoy the sights of London without completely breaking the bank. Viator has more than 100 tours and things to do in London to help you make the most of a trip to England’s political and cultural capital. Here are some of our favorites:
- Travelers can experience a great deal in one day in London with tours like the London Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including a private tour of the Tower of London and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Other activities that help travelers explore many of the elements that make London such a popular destination include The Original London Sightseeing Tour: Hop-on Hop-off and the London Morning Tour including Changing of the Guard; and the Skip the Line: Buckingham Palace Tour, during which, for a limited time the Palace’s state rooms are open for viewing while The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland. For travelers exploring beyond the borders of the city, the 12-hour England in One Day Trip includes visits to Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Stratford upon Avon.
- Stonehenge Experiences - An excursion from London that shouldn’t be missed is a trip to view the ancient monoliths that date back more than 5,000 years and hold as much mystery and intrigue as the Royal family. An experience reserved for the summer months is entree inside the “inner circle of stones” - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that takes place either during sunrise or sunset, available from Viator.com during the Private Viewing of Stonehenge including Bath (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Lacock. Other excursions guarantee small groups or additional visits to important sites like Windsor Castle, Oxford and Lacock, the setting for many movies and television dramas, including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
- Soar the Skies on the London Eye - A strong complement to the historic and classic architecture of London is the modern and sleek London Eye that takes its passengers more than 443 off the ground to take in views that stretch to more than 20 miles of landscape and include Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Experiences available through Viator.com include London Eye: Skip the Line Tickets; the London Eye: Champagne Experience; and London Eye: Romantic Private Capsule for Two with Champagne.
- London for the Family - Most activities in London suit even the youngest visitors quite well but there are a few special experiences particularly geared to the younger set. The Private Tour: Harry Potter Black Taxi Tour of London takes travelers from Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron in one of London’s famous black taxis with room for five wizards or Muggles. Other sources of excitement for the kids include the Medieval Banquet and Merriment by Torchlight; the London Rock Legends Small Group Tour by Minivan; Horse Riding in Hyde Park; and the London Duck Tour.
-Viator Travel Team