Heaven on Ocean Drive

Let's face it...hotels in Miami's South Beach (SoBe) district are all over the place. In terms of quality, it’s got it all—ranging from well known, big-name chains like the Loews and the newly opened W South Beach, to the infamous (and uber-expensive) Delano to the dozens of boutique hotels and a handful of cheap (and dirty) holes in the wall.

Any SoBe hotel search on TripAdvisor will return results that would shock—and likely terrify—even the most seasoned of travelers. With nearly every hotel in SoBe boasting a “great location” (perched atop a nightclub that parties till 7 a.m.) and  “excellent amenities” (cockroaches with your turn-down service and a used bar of soap with a few stray hairs), choosing a hotel in SoBe is quite the daunting task. Who do you trust—the hotels, the reviewers or both?

With all these factors in mind, you can imagine my stress at booking a recent trip to SoBe for a three-day weekend. But somehow, the stars aligned, and my hotel dreams came true.

Envision a place where the perfectly decorated, chic hotel rooms look exactly like the photos online. Scratch that—they look BETTER. Now picture a spot where the people at the front desk actually smile (and I promise you this is a rarity in SoBe!). Some even, dare I say it, seem genuinely happy. The place I’m talking about is...The Betsy Hotel, of course.

With a contemporary tropical/colonial design, The Betsy is a true standout in Miami’s hotel scene. I cannot begin to say enough great things about this place, what with its nicest housekeeping staff on earth and impeccable safari-esque décor. The daylight-filled rooms are highlighted with features like plantation shutters, rich wood floors and vibrant accent colors that pop from the clean white palette.

The hotel occupies a primo spot at the tail-end of Ocean Drive—making it extremely close to all the restaurants, nightclubs and shopping, but still quiet enough to get a good night’s sleep once the fun is done. The hotel sits right across the street from the beach (hello chair/umbrella service!), boasts a delicious restaurant called BLT Steak, and features an amazing porch out front to people watch, grab a bite to eat or hide out from summer showers while sipping a cocktail. The Betsy has even incorporated sustainability into its design, with various green elements, including low-flow fixtures and Energy Star A/C systems, among other things.

The Betsy is a bit of Old World charm (after all, the hotel originally debuted in 1942 and played host to many U.S. troops during WWII before being completely renovated recently) mixed with modern luxury. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy. Luxurious without being over-the-top. And, most importantly, it’s the kind of place you can kick back, relax, be pampered and think, “I could get used to this.”

--Jessie Bove

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I don’t consider myself an expert food maven or restaurant critic, but I do know a few things here and there about what makes a great customer experience—whether it be a shopping or dining environment. And conversely, I also know what makes one horrible. Allow me to explain and entertain you with the details…

Firstly, I’ve never been a fan of Las Vegas—I don’t gamble, have no interest in seeing The Thunder from Down Under and find Barry Manilow intensely creepy. Combine that with the stale-cigarette-scented casino aroma looming around every corner, which makes me want to yak, and that pretty much closes the deal. However, when business calls, I’m there. So on my most recent trip to Sin City, I took the opportunity to sample several restaurants, some new establishments mixed with a couple oldies. The results were mixed, but I’ve managed to categorize the main standouts as the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

First off, the Good goes to Wazuzu in the new Encore casino, the Wynn’s sister property. The casino/hotel itself was gorgeous, and the food and service at the Pan-Asian restaurant were equally on par. It was a delightful experience and a delicious meal.

Next up, the Bad award goes to Margaritaville. I know what you’re thinking (“well duh!”), but I’m referencing their margaritas! You’d think a place called Margaritaville would at least have good margs! But no…I sampled one of the worst margaritas I’ve ever tasted.

And now, for the grand finale, the Ugly goes to…drum roll please…VooDoo Café! Sitting atop the 50th floor of the RIO (where trailer park meets glam) and wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the restaurant seemed promising—if not a little cheesy (I figured, it’s Vegas, what ISN’T cheesy!)—from its pictures online, and at least it boasted a great view and was in my price range.A Vegas local highly recommended the restaurant, so we took her word for it. And boy were we wrong. It was ugly from the start, with a rude hostess and a waiter who was odd and apathetic (he probably wonders why he never makes any good tips). We didn’t even get a seat near the windows, and were stuck in a leopard-print booth for 20 minutes until we begged and pleaded to be moved to a table with a view that had opened up. The atmosphere was gloomy, desolate and quiet—except for the sound of old '90s music blasting in the background (think Monica and Brandy’s “The Boy is Mine” or anything Sheryl Crow). The place felt old and abused, smelled weird and had the tackiest decorations. What had looked possibly fun and kitschy online, turned out to be like a Mardi Gras-themed aisle in Part City gone awry. When I asked the waiter to recommend a good cabernet, he immediately asked me if I was at least 21 years old, giving me a look that said he clearly was sure I wasn't. Couldn’t he have at least answered my question first? We should have gotten up and left after the moment we sat down, but at 8 p.m. in Vegas, I didn’t want to think of the work involved trying to get into another restaurant last minute.

Lastly, the food was horrendous. I got this strange lobster dish, which basically looked like they had exploded the body cavity of a lobster and injected it with 10 pounds of shredded crabmeat, complete with little pieces of shells throughout every bite. The only saving grace, I kept telling myself, was that at least this would make a great story for the Retail Design Diva.

--Jessie Bove

Photo: The VooDoo Cafe in RIO, Las Vegas.

Hello Hong Kong!

Oh W Hotels, how I love thee! And now, with their latest property debuting in Hong Kong, I have even more fabulous hotel space to dream about. That’s right, I’m talking about the new W Hong Kong from W Hotels (a line of boutique hotels owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.). Located in a waterfront skyscraper in the heart of the city’s new commercial, entertainment and cultural district, W Hong Kong features 393 guest rooms, including 42 suites. The hotel also introduces Asia’s first Bliss Spa and boasts two signature restaurants, a 73rd-floor modern fitness facility, 8,200 sq. ft. of convertible meeting and event space, and the W lounge experience. Owned by Sun Hung Kai Properties, W Hong Kong marks the W brand’s third property in Asia and its first in China. 

A press release from Starwood describes the hotel like this: “Offering a sensory multiplex of contemporary design and comfort, W Hong Kong embraces the heritage and mysticism of traditional Chinese culture. The hotel’s lead designers, Yasimuchi Morita of Glamorous Corp. and Nic Graham of g+a, have created an environment that offers unique and complementary interpretations of Mother Nature in their respective spaces within the hotel. Elements of wood, stone, water, fire and metal used generously throughout the hotel’s colorful spaces and rooms seamlessly blend with the W brand’s signature design elements. The hotel also showcases original works by several renowned artists including Lee Bul from Korea as well as Daniel Crooks and James Angus from Australia.”

With unobstructed views of Hong Kong’s skyline, the hotel is the centerpiece in the new 92-story Cullinan complex, and connects directly to the 1-million-sq.-ft. Elements luxury shopping mall. And then of course, there’s the pool. Oooh, the pool, the pool, the POOL! With breathtaking views and bursting with colorful artwork, it’s the city’s most highly elevated hotel swimming pool--and quite a beauty.

Should I ever have a convention to attend in Hong Kong, I know where I’m staying! (Now to figure out how to get the W Hotels added to that “preferred suppliers” list…)

--Jessie Bove

Roped In

I'll admit it, I love researching online. Any reason to peruse the Web in search of that golden nugget of crucial information and I'm there! My latest excuse has been DDI's very own Color & Materials Specifiers' Conference (which is right around the corner). Scouring the Web, I've come across some interesting material usage. Tons of projects out there are experimenting with bizarre, creative and unexpected materials--and just when you thought cardboard boxes had no re-usable purpose other than sitting in storage until the next time you move! The best part is that many new materials being used are both beautiful and sustainable.

Speaking of which, one of my favorite materials projects I came across recently is the Maedaya Grill & Sake Bar in Richmond, Melbourne, Australia. This two-story restaurant, which was designed by Australian firm Architects EAT, features Manila ropes that hang from the ceiling, seemingly melding the ground floor dining room and sake bar together. According to TheCoolHunter.net, "the rope idea was inspired by the classic design of sake bottles, which were traditionally fastened with ropes."

Have you seen any inspiring color and materials projects lately? Let us know here!

--Jessie Bove

Dining Ouch

Dining out in New York these days may bring on a critical case of sticker shock. Restaurants in the Big Apple have always been expensive--but prices have soared in just the past few months. The $15 breakfast is now the $25 breakfast. The $20 lunch is now the $40 lunch, and the $50 to $60 dinner is now the $80-$100 dinner. That glass of wine that used to be around $8 is now $12 to $15. And that $6 dessert is now $9 to $12. What’s worst: portions have been reduced in many cases, as well. Dine at one of those fancy-smancy, small plate restaurants, and you can drop a bundle trying to leave well fed. At one popular Manhattan eatery, I found an entrée that I wanted; then decided that the pumpkin-filled ravioli would make a nice appetizer. It was listed at $24, under main plates, so I asked if they could make it as an appetizer--say about half the regular portion [for half the price, hopefully], and I was stunned when the waiter said that the dish only consisted of five small raviolis to begin with--too small to halve. Twenty-four dollars, and it didn’t even contain any meat. If I had ordered an appetizer--most ranged from $18 to $35--an entrée and a dessert [no salad], my bill would have been more than $80, without beverages, wine or tip. [And this was not La Grenouille.] Now, consumers not only have to worry about high gasoline prices, but, when they eat out, they are feeling the same pressure at the table that they are feeling at the pump.

Hey, we’re all living in Gouge City. The latest Zagat restaurant guide for New York City says that restaurant prices are up by 71 percent since 2001, increasing the cost of a meal at a better restaurant from around $84 to $143.

By the way, here is a recipe for pumpkin ravioli, by Wolfgang Puck (click the link). I think I’ll just make my own, thank you!

--Diva

Never Leave Your Hotel Room...Ever

Going to a spa is SUCH a pain. Last time I went on vacation I couldn't even bring myself to traipse all the way to the spa, so I ordered an in-room massage. Now, don't roll your eyes and act like you have no idea what I'm talking about. Apparently, there are a lot of people like me, at least in the Westin Hotels & Resorts focus groups. The mega-hotel-leader has taken our laziness and desire for relaxation to a whole new level with the design of its custom in-room spa experience. Now, when you visit a Westin Resort, you'll find two beds in your room: the one you sleep in and a massage bed. Forget about a massage table--table, schmable--at Westin it's a big, heavenly bed.

Aptly titled, the Heavenly Spa by Westin Nova is a 31-inch, all-white spa bed, designed by Oakworks, which includes heated AeroCel padding with double fleecing and a fully padded face cradle. While typically your face is unattractively smashed into said cradle and blankly staring at the floor, you won't have to worry about that at the Westin. Well, your face will still be unattractively scrunched, but, below you'll be delightfully staring at a shelf that holds aromatherapy oil and flowers, making your relaxation experience complete. Ahh...they think of everything.

To prove that they really are the best hotel in the world, they also include a spa basket filled with aromatherapy scents, a CD with relaxation music and "healthful treats" like dark chocolate (okay, I'm in love!). Westin is truly a pioneer in the industry, completely redesigning the hotel spa experience by adding it right into their rooms. How incredible is that?!

But, it gets better. They take this relax/recharge thing very seriously, which is why Westin developed the Westin Renewal Council, made up of six lifestyle experts. I know, it seems preposterous, but it is actually a real job title. The panel includes trainer for the stars David Kirsch, psychologist Dale Atkins, style guru Vern Vip, organizational expert Donna Smallin, futurist (whatever that means) Jane Buckingham, and celebrity chef Akasha Richmond. Wow! I want to know if I can hire this team, they could completely makeover anyone's life. Wait, you know what that means--a reality TV show is just around the corner. And if it's not, it needs to be in the works. Now.

Westin also encourages its guests to participate in evening rituals that involve everything from relaxation lessons to tastings and art installments--all with the intent of helping "guests connect with each other and the culture of their surroundings."

Okay, seriously, where do I sign up?
Westin is completely innovative in their consistent, upscale client offerings, design and overall care for their guests. Where else can you find that?

The program is rather new and is only featured at 64 Westin properties, so if you've experienced their spa bed and renewal services, do tell! Meanwhile, I'm searching to find which Westin properties offer these goods and I'm booking a trip today...

--Heather Strang

Summertime, and the Living's Easy

Ah, summertime. The season of capris, Coronas, and the Caribbean. Until of course, you find yourself in a hotel filled with bed bugs and a view of the ocean you can only see if you stand on your tip toes. Thanks a lot Internet photos! Turns out, I'm not the only one frustrated by false online hotel advertising. So, to help the travel challenged, Expedia released "Insiders' Select," complete with a ranking system and reviews of the best hotels throughout the world. Travelers can now find the best hotels from Budapest to Bolivia. And that means I can book my trip to Cozumel with confidence knowing that the Cozumel Palace All-Inclusive has a 91.01 rating and makes for an "awesome honeymoon!" (per the traveler opinions). Of course, the happy honeymooner review only reminds me of my own failed honeymoon, which means I probably won't be going to Cozumel now, but alas, I can hardly blame Expedia for that! According to Expedia, the hotels featured represent the top 1 percent of the more than 70,000 hotels on the site. Talk about an overwhelming amount of options. The good new is--this feature is actually pretty handy and is extremely user-friendly. Although, I'm a bit confused, is a score in the 70s bad? The Claridge Hotel in Argentina receives an "excellent" traveler review, but only a rating of 74.53. What does that mean?! Oh well, no system is perfect. Insiders' Select does give me all the info I need on a hotel in one shot. Making my life and summer easier--thanks Expedia! Now, bring on those Coronas...

-Heather Strang

A Grocery Store Restaurant?

You wouldn't expect a major grocery retailer to keep quiet about a new venture. So, Safeway broke a lot of rules when it opened a standalone eatery, Citrine, located in Redwood City, Calif., in early June. The company is calling this newest enterprise an "experiment," and I'm wondering of what--food quality? PR viability? Or, are they tricking us with reverse psychology and thereby generating more press by not saying anything? You got me, but either way, I'm interested.

Apparently, Safeway realized they were missing out on a huge chunk of the money pie by not investing in the restaurant business. You see, our cultural loss is Safeway's gain. While the American people's time to cook dinner is almost non-existent, the prepared food market within grocery chains is flourishing, as is restaurant growth. To cash in, Safeway started the restaurant, complete with a test kitchen for its prepared foods sections, offering everything from Thai barbecue chicken for $12.49 to margarita pizza for $8.99 and grilled fish for under $14. Not bad. The set-up is genuine American style--customers order from the counter and take food out or eat in--quickly. Why are we in such a rush? Oh, that's right, we're the country that absolutely adores over committing and working ourselves into the ground (or am I just speaking for myself?). Well, one man's insanity is another man's prosperity. While reviews aren't yet in on Citrine--which is, by the way, a yellow gemstone--people are taking notice. And there are whisperings and reported Craigslist sightings of more Citrine restaurants to come. But, shhh...don't tell anyone. I wonder what's next--a Safeway Doggie Day Care? Your guess is as good as mine, but it is a tad bit exciting to see a grocery retailer going so far outside of the box. In fact, I'm pretty sure a grocery store running restaurant is in a completely different box. Way to go Safeway!

--Heather Strang

Aqua Fantasy

Aqua Dome...it just sounds cool, right? It's the name of a  new 140-room hotel and spa complex in Tirol Therme Längenfeld, the Tyrolean Alps in Austria. Aqua Dome is one of the six VAMED Vitality World resorts, all located in Austria. And its futuristic, ethereal, outdoor thermal spa, Talfrische, is quite a sight to behold.

At first glance, the three thermal bowl-shaped pools could easily be mistaken for some sort of strange satellite dishes. The pools, which are connected to the indoor pools via two brooks, look as if they were floating above ground, 26 ft. in the air--a design that the spa says is meant to increase the feeling of weightlessness.

The pools are only about 4.5 ft. deep and each offers a different experience. The Brine Pool, which is the largest of the three, enhances the bathing experience with underwater and overwater music and light effects. The Massage Pool is just that--a giant hot tub with warm water jets to massage away aches--and features a geyser at the center. The Whirl Pool offers millions of air bubbles to invigorate and soothe the skin. The pools are situated in the midst of landscaped gardens designed by the artist Peter Paul Tscheikner.

According to TheCoolHunter.net, the dome-ceiling, glass-walled thermal spring hall Ursprung (Origins) is the main indoor area, complete with two pools and a waterfall. From there, two canal pools connect to the outdoor area with the three pools, Talfrische (Freshness Valley). "With its illuminated structures and steaming vessels it resembles the potion-making lab of a gigantic but friendly sorcerer," says TheCoolHunter. Other features of Aqua Dome include a beauty center and spa known as Morgentau (Morning Dew), a resting room called Besinnung (Reflection) and a viewing terrace called Umsicht (View). There are also multiple saunas, a steam cathedral, fitness center, a kids' area, medical center and restaurants.

I don't know about you, but I'm suddenly thinking Austria sounds pretty good right about now...

--Jessie Bove

Ladies First

Perhaps a first in the hospitality industry, a Grand Rapids, Mich., JW Marriott hotel due to open in September will feature a women-only 19th floor and lounge. The reasoning behind it is the growing population of female business travelers, who make up half of all business travelers, said Andrea Groom, spokeswoman for the hotel.

"A lot of women are saying they're not feeling like they're safe when they're traveling to a strange city," Groom told The Grand Rapids Press. "They don't necessarily want to go down to a lounge and feel like they are getting hit on by guys."

For about $30 more than the normal rate, female clientele can enjoy chenille throw blankets, ionic hair dryers, jewelry holders and special bath products in these rooms--and a nice glass of wine after a long flight in the lounge without unsolicited male conversation.

It seems like a good idea, and definitely sets Marriott apart from the competition, which should benefit the hotel chain...but maybe not. Some are already concerned whether this is discrimination, and if it is, in fact, against the law. So, does this mean non-smoking floors are against the law if smokers are prohibited? Come on..let's not get too carried away here.

I think it's a great concept. And pointing to the growing number of female business travelers, I've seen many new magazines that target this consumer as well. And I bet TravelGirl will be the first to cover this new destination.

--Rachel Brown