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Places To Stay
Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Places To Stay
- Published on Saturday, 25 June 2011 15:09
- Written by Laura Blum
The Mayans got it wrong: 2012 won't mark the end of the world so much as the opening of
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem hotel in Israel.
A mere hop from Jerusalem's Old City, this luxury joint rises over the busy corner of King David and Agron Streets. Its history is just as eventful.
The Waldorf's prior incarnation, the Palace Hotel, was built in the 1920s by the Supreme Muslim Council, helmed by the mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini. Grand and opulent, the Palace was the Arab answer to such Jewish-owned delux hotels as the King David. That it was partially built on the remains of a Muslim cemetery only added to its mystique. After opening in 1931, the Palace was soon leased to the British authorities; later it would house the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Still today one of the jewels in Jerusalem's crown, the building has undergone a nip/tuck restoring its original façade with the soaring arches and arabesque flourishes. A mix of Greco-Roman, Ren
aissance, Gothic, Romanesque, neo-Moorish and Mamluk elements, it boasted private bathrooms (unheard of in the country at the time), three elevators and central heating.
What didn't original architect Nahas Bey include in his designs? The Waldorf Astoria's new fitness suite, two spas, two restaurants and a lobby bar -- not to mention 223 rooms spread among five extra floors, bringing the total to ten. If you're tempted to book a room or merely to fantasize that you could, head over to www.waldorfastoriajerusalemhotel.com
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
30 Agron Street
Jerusalem, Israel 94130
Barn On The Pond: Woodstock's Premier Destination for Vacation Rentals and Special Events
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- Category: Places To Stay
- Published on Monday, 06 June 2011 23:13
- Written by Brad Balfour
BARN ON THE POND ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING
Woodstock's Premier Destination for Vacation Rentals and Special Events
Woodstock, NY (June, 1 2011) - The upstate New York Catskill region welcomes its newest addition and premier year-round country destination, Barn on the Pond. Nestled between popular and historic locales Saugerties and Woodstock, the rustic and uniquely elegant barn-style vacation rental and event space sits perched on approximately four acres of lush private property overlooking magnificent mountain views. Whether staying for a meditative yoga retreat or a quaint country wedding, Barn on the Pond offers guests endless possibilities in rural entertainment and leisure by combining modern luxuries and amenities with Old-World charm - redefining the country getaway experience.
Virginia's Luxe Inn at Willow Grove Grand Opens
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Places To Stay
- Published on Thursday, 14 April 2011 05:58
- Written by FFTraveler Staff
Five-star accommodations arrive in Virginia's horse and wine country as The Inn at Willow Grove grand opens its doors
ORANGE, VA – April 2011 – After enjoying a fall 2010 soft-opening, The Inn at Willow Grove, which borders the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country, has unveiled the final touches of a nearly 24-month restoration and renovation. Here, exceptional accommodations, replete with butler service, welcome the most discerning of travelers seeking sophisticated, yet understated five-star services and accommodations.
The Inn at Willow Grove, owned by David and Charlene Scibal, rests on a 37 acre estate dating back to 1778 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn’s extensive renovation included a complete refurbishment of existing facilities, as well as the creation of 11 stunning designer guestrooms and cottage suites and a fine-dining restaurant, Vintage, that has been garnering rave reviews.
Interior designs, created and vetted by Charlene Scibal, a former chef and art gallery owner, reflect an “urban meets plantation” vibe with crisp, elegant décor infused with 18th century architecture and heritage. Guestrooms and suites feature Anichini linens, wet-bars, gas fire places, Jacuzzi soaking tubs, private sitting rooms, serene porches, king size beds, flat screen televisions and complementary Wi-Fi. Brilliant artwork adorns the estate’s walls and pairs perfectly with textiles that blend leather with burlap and stripes with graphics.
Celebrate The British Royal Wedding Without Leaving United States
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Places To Stay
- Published on Wednesday, 23 March 2011 23:28
- Written by FFTraveler Staff
SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL ( March 23, 2011) - Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, South Florida’s award-winning AAA Five-Diamond Award luxury retreat, will host a special spa day to celebrate the historic nuptials of Kate Middleton and Prince William of Wales on April 29th. Guests are invited to attend a private viewing of the Royal Wedding amid the elegance of ESPA, Acqualina’saward winning oceanfront sanctuary spa. Large screen TVs will broadcast Royal Wedding coverage throughout the day and scrumptious British nibbles including crumpets, tea sandwiches and cookies will be served complimentary in the spa’s relaxation lounge.
