Friday, July 26, 2013

5 Apps For Your International Travels To Save Time, Frustration, And Money

Contributed by Sarah Janousek

More than 25 million Americans will depart on an international vacation this summer, many of which take place in August after camp and sports programs come to an end and before school begins again. With bag and weight limitations, travelers must make important decisions about the items they pack.  What many travelers may not realize is that some of the most useful tools for traveling can be downloaded right onto their mobile phones and save them time, frustration and money so they can enjoy as much of their vacation as possible. 

• AllSubway: Save time and money by sticking to public transit. This app helps you navigate 151 different metropolitan transit systems across the globe like a pro. Best yet, it’s available off-line so you’re able to navigate anywhere, anytime.

• iTranslate: Another free app that will save the day! Need to converse with a waitress or hotel manager and forgot how to say a word or phrase? The iTranslate app can translate more than 60 languages and also includes an extensive dictionary at your fingertips.

• Vonage Mobile: International phone fees can become an unexpected high-ticket cost without proper pre-planning. Before you take off, invite friends and family to download the free Vonage Mobile app and you can keep them up-to-date on your awesome adventure, whether by phone, text, video or all of the above! International calls to the U.S. are free over Wi-Fi.  With over two-thirds of European hotels providing free Wi-Fi, it’s easier than ever!  Imagine the trip treat you can buy the family with the money saved!  

• TripAdvisor Offline City Guides: This free city guide will come in handy when you find yourself strolling through a European city with a sudden urge to grab a bite or deciding last minute to take a day trip to an Italian coastal village.  With this app, you can read reviews of restaurants, attractions and hotels with no data roaming charges.  

• BillPin: Traveling around the world with friends or extended family is one of the best parts of being abroad, but figuring out rent and splitting expensive checks at restaurants can be tricky, especially in foreign currency! This free app helps track expenses and exchange rates - and avoid the awkward “you owe me” conversation.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Refund.me Expands To India, France And Poland Lowering It's Fees To Better Defend Air Passenger Rights Worldwide


The ‘no win, no fee’ online platform and mobile app announces it is reducing its commission to only 15% of successful claims as it celebrates its first anniversary
In just 1 year since its launch, the worldwide service provider has already processed claims from 73 countries and 153 airlines
refund.me, recently recognized for its innovative design by the Sabre Travel Network, takes another important step in its mission to defend passenger rights worldwide

 refund.me, the international service provider which helps passengers claim their right to compensation for flight delays, cancellations, missed connections and diversions, has announced its newest international expansion to India, France and Poland. With an estimated combined annual traffic of 300 million passengers[1], these three markets represent a significant milestone in refund.me’s mission to defend passenger rights worldwide.
refund.me’s website, widget and mobile app are now offered in five languages: English, German, Spanish, French and Polish. The cloud-based, largely automated and specially developed system provides passengers a real-time assessment of their claim based on refund.me’s worldwide flight monitoring. The system also relies on an algorithm which takes into account the complex EU regulation which defines compensations of up to € 600 ($800) for flight delays, cancellations, missed connections and diversions.

In light of its success in its first year of operation, refund.me has lowered its commission to only 15% (plus VAT) of successful claims. This comes as refund.me continues to strive to become the traveller’s best friend and to make passenger rights more accessible worldwide. The company will continue to operate on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis which includes going to court at no extra cost to enforce valid claims.

Eve Buechner, founder and CEO of refund.me, underlined: “We are pleased to announce our expansion to India, France and Poland and the reduction of our commission to 15% as these are important steps forward in our mission to defend passenger rights worldwide. Our presence in these markets means hundreds of millions of passengers will have convenient access to their rightful compensation. Clearly a worldwide platform and mobile app like ours is a hassle-free solution that passengers accept to effectively claim their right.”

In April of this year, refund.me also launched in the UK, US, Spain, Argentina and Mexico in its push to become the international traveler's best friend.

This international expansion to three rapidly growing travel markets comes as refund.me is celebrating its one-year anniversary today, July 24th. After its launch last year, refund.me received its very first claim the following day and has gone on to process claims from 73 countries, 153 airlines and over 260 airports, winning passengers’ trust across the planet. Likewise, it has been recognized by the Sabre Travel Network for its innovative business model and its utility for travel agents and travelers alike.  

Moreover, refund.me has rolled out its brand new 2.0 widget, offering affected passengers a more user-friendly and accurate service. Indeed, since its birth a year ago, refund.me has consistently worked to improve its product and is proud to unveil this new widget which will help passengers effectively claim their right.

Despite a recently proposed revision to EU Regulation EC 261/2004 which could increase the threshold for compensation to 5, 9 or even 12 hours, passengers can continue to conveniently claim their right thanks to refund.me.
The process is simple: To file a complaint, the affected passenger quickly fills out an online form, and refund.me handles the process from there. The customer is only required to pay a now reduced 15% commission (plus statutory VAT) only if the claim is settled successfully. This allows passengers to avoid the complicated and time-consuming bureaucratic process and claim up to € 600 ($800) simply by entering their flight and other data in the Advanced Business Logic (ABL) of the cloud-based refund.me system. 

About refund.me
refund.me is an international service provider that helps passengers enforce their claims to compensation for flight delays, cancellations and missed connections quickly and easily. Thanks to its specially developed, high-precision Advanced Business Logic (ABL) system, claims can be submitted through the website or the free mobile app. refund.me can quickly enforce claims of up to €600 according to EU Regulation 261/2004.
This start-up created in July 2012 has made it its mission to make passenger rights worldwide transparent and attainable. Under its current services, refund.me also helps bus, ship and rail passengers file and enforce their claims under the relevant EU regulations (EU 181/11, EU 1177/10, EC 1371/07). With regard to air travel, passenger rights have been enforced for hundreds of customers in 73 countries from 5 continents and 153 airlines.
The corporate headquarters of refund.me are located in Potsdam.

Monday, July 22, 2013

14 Ways To Enjoy New York City's Swankiest Spots For Free (Or Cheap)

Contributed by Jennifer Polland And Melissa Stanger

New York may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but many people don't realize that it's entirely possible to enjoy even the city's swankiest spots for free or cheap.
From a subterranean food court inside the Plaza Hotel to little-known lunch deals at some of the city's best restaurants, here are 14 ways to enjoy New York City's fanciest venues without spending a fortune.

Jean-Georges is known as one of the best restaurants in New York City, but a meal there can cost hundreds of dollars — except at lunch, when there's a $38 price-fixed menu, one of the best deals in the city.

Each year, millions of visitors pass through the Metropolitan Museum of Art and pay the full admission price of $25. But many people don't realize that admission is "suggested." (It actually costs as little as a penny to enter the museum.) The best time to visit is on a Saturday night, when the museum is open late and has live music without the crowds.

Located in the basement of the Plaza Hotel, the Plaza Food Hall is home to dozens of food vendors selling everything from sushi to macarons at (relatively) affordable prices.

King & Grove, a boutique hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has a gorgeous rooftop pool with a spacious deck that's open to the public for a small fee of $35 ($45 on weekends).

Manhattan's biggest spenders drop millions on priceless works of art at Christie's Auction House, but the masterpieces are open for free public viewing before each auction.

People drool over the dry-aged steaks at Brooklyn's iconic Peter Luger Steakhouse, but steak for two costs about $100. What most people don't know is that at lunchtime, Peter Luger offers a hamburger made with the same premium-quality meat for $11.50—a fraction of the dinner price.

With cover fees and jacked-up drink costs, a night at a jazz club can cost a hefty amount—but not at Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, a beautiful upscale jazz venue inside the Time Warner Center with large windows overlooking Central Park. Top acts play at the late-night sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesday for a fraction of the price of a normal session. (There's a $5 cover and a $5 menu.)

Hidden inside the elegant lobby of midtown's upscale Le Parker Meridien Hotel, there's a raucous hole-in-the wall burger joint (aptly called the Burger Joint) that's tucked behind a heavy red curtain. The menu is simple—burgers, fries, beer—but cheap.

The historic Empire Hotel serves classy cocktails at its rooftop bar, which has views of Lincoln Center and the Upper West Side. Overtime NYC, a happy hour deals site, offers great deals at this hotel, like half-priced drinks at the bar.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses the latest and greatest modern art exhibits, including the infamous Rain Room. Admission normally costs $25, but on Friday nights visitors can pay what they wish.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses the latest and greatest modern art exhibits, including the infamous Rain Room. Admission normally costs $25, but on Friday nights visitors can pay what they wish.
REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Tickets to performances by the New York Philharmonic are typically expensive and hard to come by. But the world-renowned symphony orchestra plays for free in several New York City parks during the summer Concerts in the Park series.

The price of Broadway tickets has skyrocketed in recent years, but it's still possible to get discounted tickets to the hottest Broadway shows at the TKTS booth in Times Square, which offers discounts of up to 50% off to same-day performances.

New York is home to some of the most exclusive—and most expensive—restaurants in the world. Twice a year, dozens of the city's best restaurants offer affordable price-fixed meals during NYC Restaurant Week. Summer Restaurant Week starts on Monday.

The hipster-friendly Ace Hotel in Manhattan's trendy NoMad neighborhood is home to Michelin-starred restaurant The Breslin, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and luxe rooms that cost upwards of $250 a night. But it's possible to enjoy the hotel's cool ambiance—and free Wi-Fi—by hanging out in the lobby.



Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/free-and-cheap-things-to-do-in-nyc-2013-7?op=1#ixzz2Zoqm5oLe

Friday, July 19, 2013

Seven Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels In Central Florida Offering Enticing “End of Summer Value Rates”


. . . Special Rates At The Seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels
Provide A Great Way To Take in Such Upcoming Events As
Night of JoyMickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and
The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival;
& To Experience New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom® Park

 There is still time to make plans to experience the special events being conducted at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Central Florida this fall, such as Night of Joy, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival. A great way to experience these events, and/or to check out the wonders of the recently expanded New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom® Park, is by taking advantage of the special“End of Summer Value Rates” that are being offered by the seven Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels from August 1-September 30, 2013. In addition to their ideal location an easy walk to the shopping, dining and entertainment venues at the Downtown Disney® Area, these seven Official Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels also provide complimentary shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and to Downtown Disney®. As a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2013 Downtown Disney Deals” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from over 30 merchants on Downtown Disney® area dining, entertainment and shopping.

The Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels’ “End of Summer Value Rates” are:
·    Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates from $75 per room, per night
·    Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa – rates from $95 per room, per night
·    DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – rates from $109 per suite, per night
·    Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $89 per room, per night August 1-15, and from $79 per room, per night August 16-September 30, 2013
·    Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista Downtown – rates from $93 per room, per night
·    Royal Plaza Hotel – rates from $79 per room, per night
·    Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort – rates from $80 per room, per night. 

For more information on the “End of Summer Value Rates,” or to make a reservation, visit www.DowntownDisneyHotels.com , specificallyhttp://www.downtowndisneyhotels.com/2013-summer-value-rates (or http://tinyurl.com/kqnbvkd ). Some blackout dates may apply.

Taking advantage of the special rates also will enable you to enjoy such other benefits of staying at one of the seven Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels as:
·    Disney tickets available to purchase at each hotel
·    Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® golf courses
·    Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
·    and ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Special events at the Walt Disney World® Resort include:
·    Night of Joy – September 6–7, 2013, at Magic Kingdom® Park
·    Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – select nights September 10 – November 1, 2013, at Magic Kingdom® Park
·    Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival – September 27 - November 11, 2013, at Epcot®.

New Fantasyland, which is the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom® Park, offers more immersive enchantment and interactive experiences. It features two new themed areas:  Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus. Enchanted Forest attractions and experiences include Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid; Be Our Guest Restaurant; Enchanted Tales with Belle; Ariel’s Grotto; and Gaston’s Tavern. Storybook Circus attractions include:  The Barnstormer; Dumbo The Flying Elephant; Casey Jr Splash ‘N’ Soak Station; Pete’s Silly Sideshow; and Fantasyland Station. New Fantasyland will feature more additions through 2014, which will include Princess Fairytale Hall, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Among the many coupons featured in the “2013 Downtown Disney Deals” booklet are discounts at Rainforest Café, T-Rex, Wolfgang Puck Express, Steve Baker Caricatures, Lego Imagination Center, Planet Hollywood Downtown Disney®, House of Blues® Restaurant, La NoubaTM by Cirque du Soleil®, Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, Bongo’s Cuban Café®, and Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.

“This is a great time to visit the Walt Disney World® Resort,” said Ed Gilbert, chairperson of the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels’ marketing committee. “The attendance at the theme parks is often lighter, and all of the special events at the Walt Disney World® parks are wonderful. Taking advantage of the ‘End of Summer Value Rates’ is a great way to experience the many offerings of the Walt Disney World Resort.”

Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels (www.DowntownDisneyHotels.com) is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World® Resort hotels that includes:  the 18-story Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel, surrounded by 12 acres of lush tropical landscaping; the newly renovated, sophisticated 1,014-room Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa; the 229-suite Doubletree Suites by Hilton, the only all-suite resort hotel in the Downtown Disney® Resort Area; the 814-room, full-serviceHilton Orlando Resort, featuring seven on-site restaurants; the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista Downtown, which recently completed a $35 million top-to-bottom renovation; the 394-room Royal Plaza Hotel, featuring beautiful oversized guest rooms with two double beds or a king bed, plus a pullout double sofa; and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort, featuring new rooms, a new lobby area, and two outdoor pools.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, more than 3,600 rooms and scores of amenities, the Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Downtown Disney® area, these properties are within walking distance of some of the area's best shopping, dining and entertainment.

For reservations, or more information, visit www.DowntownDisneyHotels.com 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Who Has The Best Airline Food?


Photo courtesy of Air France

Contributed by Katie Kelly Bell
Airlines are lining up the experts to add some polish to the in-flight experience and it’s a welcome improvement.The skies have become an interesting new frontier in dining as the captive audience on an airplane is a great stage to show off national talent. Delta Airlineshas been working with James Beard award winning chef Michelle Bernstein and Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson to impress fliers. For the Olympic Games British Airways enlisted the culinary genius of Heston Blumenthal to create a special in-flight menu. Of course there is always a density of culinary talent in France and Air France does dish up some of the best food at 30,000 feet.
There are many travelers who might well disagree, citing their own lavish (or awful) airline experiences on other airlines. The current online buzz is about the dining on Turkish AirlinesAir New Zealand and Singapore Airlines. Indeed, airline food is such a hot topic, there’s even a website that posts meal ratings and images. Of course I haven’t flown every airline out there, and I can’t speak to every airline’s cuisine, but I’ve logged my share of miles and when I take my seat on Air France I am always well fed. Let’s start with coach cabin (because that’s where most of the world is flying these days). After the cattle call is complete and we are herded into our seats and cruising at 30,000 feet, a lovely thing happens: elegant French people glide through the cabin with a beverage cart teeming with an assortment of libations including Champagne. Real Champagne, in coach. On a recent trip I helped myself to several glasses, which nicely complimented my smoked salmon and cheese. One has to love an airline that freely pours Champagne.


The business class cabin takes things up a serious notch or two. Before departure you get to pop into their fabulous lounges and sip vintage French wines before departing. On board you’ll enjoy selections (such as a Crozes Hermitage Les Meysonniers or a Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux from the Haut-Medoc) from Olivier Poussier, voted World’s Best Sommelier in 2000. The airline has now enlisted the expertise and inspiration of several famed French chefs who are creating special meals for passengers. My flight featured specially prepared dishes from Michelin rated Chef Joel Robuchon (the most starred chef in the world, 24 total and counting). The entrée was Robuchon’s chicken thigh fricassee with sherry sauce, semolina and vegetables. I might have opted for the Sautéed Chinese noodles of a filet of sea bream or the pan seared beef tenderloin, but Robuchon’s special dish was astonishingly savory and rich (given the palate dulling effects of high altitude). And it’s not just the cuisine, it’s the elegant French touches, fetching boxes of Michel Cluizel’s artisanal chocolates, teas from Fauchon, you get the idea.

cheese plate on Air France business class
Just before landing we are treated to yet another dish: Shredded duck on a silky pillow of mashed potatoes.  Hiding underneath is a flaky, crisp Parmesan crust, a nice foil for the rich texture of the duck. Paired with my glass of Henriot Champagne, the dish’s toe curling tastiness is mostly evidenced by the fork licking going on around me; landing seems almost a shame. They don’t skimp on their lounges either; the premiere lounge in Paris boasts a restaurant by Alain Ducasse, a nice way to savor French dining if you’ve only time for an airport layover.
The premium experiences on other airlines are equally impressive, but when one considers the whole plane, including the herd back in coach, I give the nod to Air France for raising the hospitality bar; everyone on the plane gets a nice meal and some bubbly; to that I can only say: bon voyage and  bon appétit

Silversea Cruise Ship Fails CDC Inspection



Silversea CruisesSilver Shadow has failed its most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention inspection, the first time the ship has done so. Silver Shadow earned a score of 84 during a June 17 surprise sanitation inspection.

The CDC's surprise cruise ship cleanliness exam is conducted twice a year, with an 86 considered passing. 

Although details of the inspection are not yet available on the CDS's Web site, the cruise line confirmed the failure to Cruise Critic. 

"On June 17, Silversea's Silver Shadow received an atypical score of 84 during the Vessel Sanitation Program inspection in Skagway," the line said in a prepared statement. "Silversea is deeply disappointed by this specific and only unsatisfactory score and has taken immediate measures to address the issues identified in the inspection report." 

In the statement the company confirmed its commitment to maintaining the "highest standards" in all areas of operations, including sanitation. 

"Following a thorough review of Silver Shadow's procedures, we have taken the necessary measures to ensure that that standards are the best in the industry," the line said. 

Silversea spokesman, Brad Ball, declined to comment on what measures, specifically, the line has taken. 

Before this failing grade, Silver Shadow had never earned a score lower than 92. Its previous inspection, on September 3, 2012, earned it a 95. 

"Silversea is sincerely sorry for the shortcomings in Silver Shadow's evaluation and is committed to ensuring that future inspections result in higher scores in line with the usual Silversea standards." 

Cruise Critic's calls to the CDC have not been returned. 

Contributed by Dori Saltzman

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The 10 Coolest Suites In The World For Elite Travelers


Contributed by Aoife Moriarty, Elite Traveler Digital


FOR THE SPA LOVER

The Alpina Gstaad, Panorama Suite, Switzerland (4,306 square feet) – $10,852 per night

Gstaad Panorama Suite Web
Aside from the use of a $175,000 Range Rover for the duration of your stay, the most expensive suite of this newly opened hotel also offers a private spa and marble-clad Jacuzzi on its upper floor – reached by a grand staircase. Guests can lie back, relax and enjoy the bubbles – and the view – with a spectacular skylight offering a breathtaking window onto the Swiss Alps.Gstaad Panorama Suite 2 Web
The top floor of this three-bedroom duplex also includes fitness and massage areas, featuring the same beautiful timber latticework visible throughout the rest of the impressive 400sq metre space.
With two majestic wood-burning fireplaces included on each floor, this airy Alpine suite is truly the epitome of relaxation.

FOR THE PARTY ANIMAL

Rock Star Suite, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico (2,968 square feet) – $2,624

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta- Bar Web
Loud, brash and full of fun, the audacious ‘Rock Star Suite’ of the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, Mexico is not for the faint hearted.
The suite includes celebrity memorabilia such as Madonna’s black bustier and Shakira’s silk nightgown. With your own private bar added to the mix, it’s the perfect palatial pad for those who want to take the party on into the early hours.

FOR THE HIGH FLIER

Peacock Suite, ITC Gardenia, Karnataka, India (5,040 square feet) – $10,000 per night

ITC Gardenia, A Luxury Collection Hotel's Peacock Suite
Peacock Suite - Plung Pool (5)
Fancy having your own helipad? The ITC Gardenia’s lavish Peacock Suite in Bangalore offers just that and also includes bulletproof windows for extra high security.
A favorite of visiting dignitaries and high powered CEOs alike, this is one suite that – just like its namesake – succeeds in making a big impression, with an aquamarine plunge pool and butler service thrown in for good measure.

FOR THE SPACE SEEKER

Presidential Villa, The Royal Begonia, A Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya, China (7,180 square feet plus 16,286 outdoors) – $10,286 per night

Largest Suite - 23573 sq ft
With a magnificent 16,286 square foot of outdoor space on top of an already impressive 7,180 indoor area, this Mediterranean-style villa on Sanya Haitang Bay offers plenty of sprawling room.
These are quarters truly fit for a king, with a luxurious outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and private access to the beach – not to mention a master bathroom housing an oversized oval tub and rainforest showers.

FOR THE WATER LOVER

Ocean Pavilion, Huvafen Fushi, Maldives (3,522 square feet) – $9,200 per night

Ocean Pavilion Terrace Web
Set 100 metres out on the Indian Ocean, these exclusive private over-water residences in the Maldives are part of a solace-seeking holidaymaker’s paradise.
With your own private fibre-optic lit pool flowing from the indoors right to the water’s edge, as well as a sundeck Jacuzzi, guests who choose to stay at an Ocean Pavilion suite are spoiled for ways to cool down from the scorching island sun.

FOR THE PART-TIME DJ

Extreme Wow Suite, W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, Singapore (2,099 square feet) – $4,500 per night

W Singapore
Providing not just exclamations of ‘wow’ but the ‘Extreme Wow’ Factor, this snazzy Singaporean space includes your very own DJ spinning booth and a fully stocked mini bar pantry – perfect for cocktail-making with friends.
W Singapore - Sentosa Cove - Extreme WOW Suite - DJ Booth
Your guests will be fully entertained in this boldly designed and zany suite, which also features a ten-person dining area and a stainless steel Jacuzzi bathtub.

FOR THE ONE WHO PREFERS PRIVACY

Redentore Terrazza Suite, The Gritti Palace Venice, Venice (818 square feet, plus 2,691 outdoors) – $16,200 per night

Gritti Palace resized
If the thought of small talk with other vacationers fills you with dread, then the Redentore Terrazza Suite at the thirteenth century Gritti Palace palazzo could be just the ticket.
Stairway-to-heaven
Take a trip in your private elevator directly from the lobby right into your alfresco-adorned apartment and private 250sq metre roof terrace – unique to the whole of Venice – for the ultimate in hospitality luxury.

FOR THE BILLIARDS BALLER

Nobu Penthouse, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (2,200 square feet) – from $1,999 per night

nobu_770
Enjoy a game of billiards but also require an oversized whirlpool tub, a spectacular outdoor terrace and top notch Japanese cuisine delivered straight to your suite?
Look no further than the Penthouse suite at the Nobu restaurant chain’s first ever hotel – recently opened at Caesars Palace in Sin City. This loud and brassy suite offers in-room dishes from the hotel’s own Nobu Restaurant – the first ever to do so. With space in this expansive suite for up to 45 people at one time, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

FOR THE SPORTS SUPERSTAR

The Bentley Suite, The St.Regis Hotel, New York, USA (1,700 square feet) – $10,500 per night

The Bentley Suite at The St. Regis New York bedroom - Serena WA favourite of tennis player extraordinaire Serena Williams, she’s previously said: “The suites at The St. Regis New York are beyond compare in both design and luxury. The hotel is my undisputed first choice whenever I’m in New York – for style and service. There’s no place like it.” Now there’s a high flying jetsetter you can trust.

FOR THE HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS

Penthouse, Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (5,345 sq ft)- $1,800 per night

Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa - Eva Longoria
Desperate Housewife actress and film star Eva Longoria says of this palatial Mexican pad: “If you want to spend your beach vacation in the lap of luxury, being pampered by a great staff, surrounded by beauty and happily ensconced in a gorgeous penthouse, then Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa is not to be missed!” And who could argue with that?