More Fees!

As the market shifts again, watch out for those annoying resort fees; if you have not seen them yet, they are here and more are coming.  From Las Vegas to Maui to Florida, resort fees are popping up everywhere.  Personally, I would rather have it all included in the room rate rather than feeling nickel and dimed.  If you are not able to negotiate them away (always ask) you should calculate their value to you to ensure you are actually getting some benefit.  Read the fine print to ensure you are able to take advantage of EVERYTHING included.

First Cabins in Japan

A small hotel chain in Japan has created a whole new concept based on rooms themed as first class airplane suites.  Their rooms are a little larger than most traditional Japanese rooms yet not as spacious as a regular hotel and at the right price points. Oh and they have rules like one person per "cabin," and in that cabin you'll find everything you need for a short stay, including pajamas and basic toiletries. Bathrooms are shared, but super clean locker room/sauna-style, and floors are sex-segregated, so no sharing your cabin (at all). As you'll be sacrificing some privacy and the focus is on short stays, nightly rates begin from about $27. Locations are prime, though, near very central transportation hubs and energetic neighborhoods. I find this concept both ingenious and terrible; what do you think?

Grandma's Hotels in Bali

Grandma’s Hotels is a small chain located primarily around the Island of Bali.  They are not a hostel but a budget chain located in prime locations and very discounted pricing.  While I don’t like the name, the brand has its purpose.  Check them out for yourself.  

A small hotel chain you have probably never heard of before...

A small hotel chain you have probably never heard of before and should try because it will not break your pocket book and has a flair for fun!

Twenty Five Hours Hotels located in Europe: Zurich, Vienna, 2 in Frankfurt and 2 in Hamburg; one coming soon to Berlin.  Their slogan is “come as you are” and they have a laid back warm feeling to them with many complimentary perks such as free bike rentals, free BMW mini car rentals, free wifi, free breakfasts and more.  Best of all they are always affordable.  Give them a try.

In-Room Juke Box? Yes, please!

New Omni Purchases

5 hotels were purchased by Omni in the past month or so and all took the Omni name starting on July 1, 2013. These properties are: Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin; La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.; Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif.; the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C.; and the Homestead in Hot Springs, Va. This latest purchase has grown the Omni portfolio of hotels to 56. Congratulations, Omni!