Holiday Inn Key Card Hotel

Stealing from the Hotel?

Have you ever taken the amenities; shampoo or soap? A hanger? The letterhead? or maybe something more substantial? Is it stealing or is it a gift from the hotel included with the room rates. Besides wouldn't there be a note that the item is for sale or you will be charged for it?

I think most of the smaller items are OK to take home. The marketing gurus want you to remember what a great time you had at their hotel. But have you ever taken larger items? What about the hanger? Is that a gray area? You don’t really need it, just has a great logo that would look nice in your closet.

Have you ever been to a hotel where you love the key? I don't mean an electronic key, but rather a real key with a logo on the keychain. I love those and quite frankly, cant resist. There was a time when I had to have the match box from every hotel I stayed, it was an obsession. I was able to stop the habit cold turkey after the house almost went up in flames.

Most hotels do want you to take amenities with logos, but some of the more substantial items should stay in the room like ash trays, sheets, pillow cases, umbrellas, silverware, plates, alarm clock, CD/DVD player, towels and bathrobes. These items can be for sale thru the hotel and their websites. www.shopmarriott.com, www.hyattathome.com, and www.whotelsthestore.com are a few that I have used.

I enjoyed the article from our friends at Travel + Leisure Magazine, Stealing Hotel Amenities: Right or Wrong? by Lynn Yaeger. www.travelandleisure.com/articles/stealing-hotel-amenities-right-or-wrong Lynn admits to finding the heavy ivory linen dry cleaning bag irresistible. What do you find irresistible?

Las Vegas getaway

My favorite places to stay in Vegas...
1. The Four Seasons Las Vegas. This is my families favorite hotel. The attention to detail by the staff is the best. Not being a gaming hotel located inside the Manadaly Bay gives it the best of both worlds. An oasis from the hustle and bustle of Vegas, yet the convenience of the best wave pool, lazy river and other amenities of the Mandalay.
2. The Wynn. For a shopping weekend this is the place to stay. Directly across from the Fashion Show Mall. The rooms are beautiful and tasteful. The casino does not seem overwhelming to me like most on the strip.
3. The Bellagio. Great location and always seems to be a buzz in the Casino. The rooms are spacious and luxurious.
4. The Venetian. Their standard rooms are suites. I love their rooms and have always had a great experience at this hotel.
5. Treasure Island, TI. To get rooms at times between $69 and up, this is the hotel with great value, especially since they redid their rooms to a modern TI fit.

My recommendations for Dinning....
1. Michael Mina in the Bellagio. A little pricey, but the Seasonal Tasting Menu is a real treat. (great for a special occasion)
2. Auerole in the Mandalay Bay. The tasting menu and the three course menu are both eclectic. The ambiance is very cool with the "wine angels" flying around the four story temperature controlled wine tower.
3. RM Seafood at Mandalay Place. I love seafood and have had some great lunches here.
4. Todd English's Olives in the Bellagio. Great food with a Mediterranean flare. The views of Lake Bellagio and the fountains are an added bonus.

Anytime delight....
1. Jean Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio. The greatest Sorbet's in Vegas. I recommend the Coconut Sorbet. If sorbet is not your thing, try the amazing crepes.

Entertainment.....
1. Any Cirque du Soleil show. Mystere in TI is probably my favorites. KA in MGM has an amazing stage. I have yet to see O, but here from friends it is the best.
2. Danny Ganns. Opening in Feb 2009 at the Wynn, he is amazing. He has been entertainer of the year numerous times at the Mirage and now cant wait to see him at his new venue.
3. Le Reve. Mr. Wynn knows how to bring the best to his hotel.

Off the Strip.....
1. The Red Rock Bowling Lanes. I have attended two separate parties at the VIP bowling lanes and both experiences have been a blast. They have 12 lanes which are completely private. Music, lights, catered food, cool videos and a real VIP feel.

New York City A-List Report

My A-List Report for New York City starts with Shopping....

Bloomingdale's on 59th Street and Lexington. Arrive by Subway on the Yellow Line N,R or W. Go to the Guest Services desk, show them your out of state license and get an additional 11% off your entire purchase. Take a break and walk across the street to Dylan's Candy Bar (1011 Third Avenue) for a sugar rush. Need some real food? Walk over to Patsy's (200 East 60th Street) for a real NYC Pizza, "old world" style. If pizza is not sounding good, keep walking to Serendipity 3. Located at 225 East 60th Street, Serendipity serves the greatest hot chocolates and frozen hot chocolates depending on your mood.

Hotels are a plenty in NY, let me give you three;

1. The Mandarin Oriental on Columbus Circle. The views are incredible of Central Park and the Hudson River, location location, location. Be prepared to spend $$$$. Well worth it for a special occasion. I love the bedside reading program, always three NY Times Best Seller Books on the nightstand, yours to take if you start a read.

2. The Shoreham at 33 W 55th Street. A midtown luxury boutique hotel with sleek rooms and a hip feel. I think this hotel has always been a value for the quality offered. Always check to see what promotions are being offered, great weekend deals and MOMA packages usually available. Be prepared to pay $289 and up for a standard room. Standard rooms can be small, but hardly noticed because they are so cool!

3. The Millennium Broadway Hotel in the heart of Times Square. I have always enjoyed my stays at this hotel because of the proximity to Times Square and Subway access. I recommend staying above the 40th floor because of the street noise from Times Square. Sunday stays are usually discounted 20% off the lowest rate.

If you are shopping in SoHo or Canal street area and want a great meal, try Bread Tribeca at 301 Church Street. They have a fixed menu from 5-8pm for $25. I have had Sunday Brunch here and multiple dinners, never disappointed with the food.

For a restaurant with ambiance and stellar views, Asiate inside the Mandarin Oriental on Columbus Circle. Floor to ceiling views of Central Park and numerous awards for decor make this a must for a special occasion. The menu is Asian inspired with a french flare. You will spend a pretty penny, but it can be very affordable for lunch or even brunch. Reservations are highly recommended directly at +1 (212) 805 8881 or at http://www.opentable.com/, make sure to request a table by the window.

Josie's Restaurant (565 3rd Ave at 37th Street) is one of my favorite restaurants for sushi and New American cuisine. The food is fresh, healthy and natural. It is worth a taxi ride and you will still be spending less than eating in Times Square. Josie's has been quite successful with other brands opening across midtown; Josefina and Citrus to name a couple.