Congratulations to The Stafford London by Kempinski! In the June issue of Travel + Leisure, the annual World’s Best Awards survey gave the property a rating of 98.40, rating them number two among the Top 10 World’s Best Service City Hotels Overall of 2012! With such an incredible staff (Executive Head Concierge Frank Laino was named ‘Best Concierge in the World’ by Luxury Travel Advisor) we’re not surprised!

Amongst the top are Milestone Hotel in London, Eliot Hotel in Boston, and Park Hyatt in Milan. Find out more: http://bit.ly/KnbkQF.

In the heart of London, The Stafford London by Kempinski is just steps away from BuckinghamPalace(and is rumored to be a haunt of the Royals themselves!). On Sunday, June 3, 2012, they will host a traditional British Street Party to celebrate the mark of Queen Elizabeth II’s sixty year reign and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Guests will indulge in a selection of foods showcasingBritain’s finest ingredients, champagne cocktails will be served, and a live Jazz trio will entertain the crowd.

Tickets at £100 per person and include all food and beverage. Reservations are required. Please call the hotel at +44 20 7493 0111 or email rsvp.london@kempinski.com to purchase a ticket.

For newlyweds who want to spend their honeymoon in a major city, Starhotels Collezione’s centrally-located hotels provide the value, convenience and location every honeymooner dreams of. Whether it’s New York City, Paris or Rome, Starhotels’ properties have their right address for brides and grooms to venture into the heart of their destination.

New York City

New York City offers activities that cater to just about any personal interest.  There, The Michelangelo New York City is steps away from Times Square, the Theater District, Fifth Avenue and Central Park.

• FOR SIGHTSEEING: From the tip of Manhattan on up, every neighborhood has a distinct look and flavor with many public attractions. Museum fans have plenty of choices, from the well-known Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, and MOMA to specialty galleries and historic landmarks. A Broadway show is a must-see, too. Couples can make their baseball preferences known at home games for the New York Mets or New York Yankees. Or take in basketball or hockey games at Madison Square Garden.
• FESTIVE FINDS: In September, during the 11-day Feast of San Gennaro, jaunt to Little Italy to taste Italian-American delights. Later that month, watch the culinary world’s biggest names at the Food Network’s New York City Food and Wine Festival. In October, the 10^th annual openhousenewyork offers a closer look at the Big Apple’s architecture. On October 31, get dressed in your scariest for the annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

Paris

With romance, Paris says it all. In the exclusive 1st Arrondissement near Chanel, Castille Paris is a short stroll to the Louvre, Opera Garnier and Place Vendôme.

• FOR SIGHTSEEING: It’s best to explore Paris on foot. The Marais, one of the oldest and most colorful quarters, has a mix of shops, cafés, galleries, and landmarks. Buy the day’s lunch from traditional food markets such as the Marché d’Aligre. Along with the Louvre, visit Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station with French impressionist masterpieces. Along with seeing The Eiffel Tower, couples can explore public parks like Tuileries Gardens, or take a cruise along the River Seine. Then, perhaps, end the night with a show at the Moulin Rouge.
• FESTIVE FINDS: Every September, The Paris Autumn Festival celebrates contemporary art, music and theater, while Salon des Musiciens honors all forms of music. Revel in Paris’ museums and monuments on one special night in October, called Nuit Blanche. The fall Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival celebrates this wine-producing region. Photography lovers should snap up November’s Paris Photo.

Rome

From religious sites to piazzas, couples can find much to see, taste, and discover in the Eternal City. Plus, they can stay in either the Starhotels Metropole or Starhotels Michelangelo.

• FOR SIGHTSEEING: Visit reminders of Rome’s architectural legacy: the Colosseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum. In the Vatican, couples can wander through St. Peter’s Basilica, look up inside Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and explore papal tombs. Museo e Galleria Borghese is a must-visit to learn about Renaissance and baroque art. Climb up the Spanish Steps for crowd watching and perhaps spend a night out in Trastevere. And, as the saying goes, throw a coin in Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit.
• FESTIVE FINDS: September marks the start of the soccer season. Home to two rival teams, AS Roma and SS Lazio compete in the Stadio Olimpico. During the International Storytelling Festival, tales from around the world come alive. Each fall, Sagra dell’Uva celebrates the harvest of the grape and November’s Rome Jazz Festival ushers in international performers.

Florence

Florence is home to Italy’s best-known museums and cathedrals. Two Starhotels’ properties are found here: Starhotels Michelangelo and Starhotels Tuscany, which is in north Florence’s business area.

• FOR SIGHT SEEING: A legendary square, the Piazza della Signoria is a historic center and an outdoor sculpture exhibit with a replica of Michelangelo’s David and other important statues. (See the real guy at Galleria dell’ Accademia.) Uffizi Gallery is world famous for its paintings and sculpture collections, with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge dating back to Florence’s medieval days, as goldsmith and silversmith shops are found here. Fashionistas can buy quality leather goods in artisan workshops and at San Lorenzo Market. And fully explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or known as Duomo.
• FESTIVE FINDS: In September, Festa della Rificolona revives Florence’s ancient traditions with parades of lanterns and costumes. Also that month, savor quality wine during Wine Town Firenze. Couples will have to wait until late September 2013 to check out the biennial Mostra Mercato Internazionale dell’Antiquariato, an antiques fair.

Venice

A floating city, Venice is a destination unto its own, and nothing is more quintessential than taking a gondola ride. For lodging, couples can stay at Splendid Venice, the city’s only contemporary hotel.

• FOR SIGHT SEEING: Headquarters for the Republic of Venice for 1,000 years, Doge’s Palace is now a museum where visitors can peek into rooms used by heads of government. For crowd-watching, sit in the Piazza San Marco. Basilica di San Marco reflects the city’s Byzantine heritage, with precious objects and works of art brought in from distant places.
• FESTIVE FINDS: In early September, screen stars and starlets are in attendance at the Venice Film Festival. If couples happen to visit that month, they can cheer on teams of gondoliers competing in Regata Storica, a race along the Grand Canal. For those who can until next February to visit Venice, Carnevale goers will be parading around in elaborate masks and costumes.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Intense, unpredictable and unique in the world of surfing, Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy pitches six former world champions in a USD 25,000 showdown on boards that range from retro single-fins to contemporary triple-fin thrusters. As powerhouse Australian Mark “Occy” Occhilupo prepares to defend his clean-sweep in last year’s inaugural competition, former champions around the world are already queuing up to take him down.

The contest is hosted aboard the luxury Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. And with all competitors, judges and spectators staying at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, a 96-bungalow private island resort, the camaraderie on the water spills onto the beach each night around cocktails and campfires, dinner and dancing.

Guests booking Kuda Huraa’s all-inclusive four or seven night Champions Trophy package – available from August 27 to September 2, 2012 only – can get right on top of the action with competition day passes aboard the luxury surf vessel Four Seasons Explorer, and three half-day surfing passes with Tropicsurf. Back on land, they’ll also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes during the nightly Sundowners at Sunset Beach while relaxing in one of the Maldives’ top resorts – voted “The Best of the Best” in the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) annual Readers’ Travel Awards 2011. The package also includes a 60-minute Surfer’s Massage and round-trip airport transfers by speedboat.

So what else is the event offering this year? Six ex-world champions, thrilling competition surfing on perfect reef-break waves and, new for 2012, a local division showcasing some of the Maldives’ most up and coming surfers on their home breaks.

For more details, visit the official Champions Trophy website at www.surfingchampionstrophy.com.

From the ultimate luxury surf competition, to up-close encounters with majestic manta rays, there is surely something that will excite even the most discerning traveler. Want to learn more? Read on…

Surfing Champions Trophy 2012: Hosted in conjunction with TropicSurf, this year’s Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will wave in six ex-world champions including powerhouse Australian Mark “Occy” Occhilupo, returning to defend his title, August 27 through September 2. Guests can get up close to the action through Kuda Huraa’s all-inclusive four- or seven-night Champions Trophy Package, with competition day passes aboard Four Seasons Explorer.

Seabar Opens at Landaa Giraavaru: Guests who prefer a more relaxed evening scene can head to Landaa Giraavaru’s new Seabar. This ocean-side setting includes a deck-side space where nine DJs will keep this lounge buzzing nightly from 9 p.m. to midnight. Landaa’s barmen will groove to their own mix, pouring exclusive cocktails and an extensive menu of wines and champagnes by the glass.

Meet Olivia the Turtle: After a year-long recovery from a severe head injury in Landaa Giraavaru’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, Olivia the Olive Ridley turtle was released back into the wild this past February. Equipped with a satellite-tracking device mounted on her carapace, Olivia’s journey will be monitored to keep track of, and learn from, her movements.

Countdown to Manta Season: Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is also getting ready for “Manta season” – June through December – where manta rays will gather in large groups in the waters around Landaa Giraavaru. Manta Ray Expert Guy Stevens will invite guests to safely view these graceful creatures by snorkeling or on a speedboat or as a “researcher of the day.” To further encourage a visit to the Maldives during this season, the “Manta Watch” package presents value-added savings for manta ray seekers.

Onboard the Four Seasons Explorer: Did you know that besides giving divers access to some of the Maldives’ finest dive sites, and being the fastest-cruising liveaboard there, the Four Seasons Explorer offers 16 specialty courses to further heighten diving experiences? The Maldives’ most experience instructors will lead these courses, all of which go toward your Master Scuba Diver qualification. If you’re confidentially advanced in your gear, becoming specialized will be as straightforward as slipping on a wetsuit.    

Want know where to find the White Way’s leading men and ladies following their bows? Paramount Hotel has the scoop. Beginning this month, the legendary Paramount Bar becomes the stage for an ongoing series of monthly late-night “happy hours” where hotel guests, theater aficionados, and New Yorkers who appreciate a fine cocktail and a bit of drama can mix and mingle with Broadway stars.

Beginning tomorrow, April 10, (and taking place on the second Tuesday of every month for the remainder of 2012) the cast of the highly anticipated theater adaption of hit movie Ghost will haunt Paramount Bar. To toast the occasion, a signature Ghost-inspired cocktail featuring coconut rum, pineapple juice, and blue curacao will be served.

On May 31, the British invade as highly-acclaimed London import One Man, Two Guvnors takes over Paramount Bar; the cast will host happy hours on the last Thursday of every month throughout 2012. The libation of choice for these evenings: a New York spin on a Pimms Cup featuring Pimms, lemon juice and simple syrup topped with club soda and garnished with orange wedges, blueberries and blackberries.

And in case hobnobbing with theater A-listers wasn’t enough, guests who show a ticket stub from that night’s performance of the show hosting the happy hour at Paramount Bar will receive 10% off their total bar tab.

Additional events with new shows such as Nice Work If You Can Get It starring Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara will be announced in the coming months.

All cast happy hour events begin at 10:30pm and run until 12:30am; there is no cover charge and all events are open to the public. Featured cocktails for each event are priced at $7.00 per drink. Reservations are not required. 

From Chicago to South Beach to the Big Apple, Don Fraser has been at the helm of elite hotels across the country throughout his more than twenty-five years in the hospitality business.  Now he calls the Paramount Hotel home. Known for his hands-on management style, the Purdue University graduate has a strong track-record for taking distressed assets and turning them into highly successful hotels.

But what about the man behind the title? We got Fraser to answer three personal questions to give insight into the dynamic personality leading Paramount Hotel:

First thing you notice when you enter a guestroom at another hotel?

Organization and cleanliness. If the room is chaos, it sets a negative tone for the entire stay.

 Biggest travel pet peeve?

Not being acknowledged while waiting, whether in line for check in or at the restaurant host stand; a simple smile goes a long way to making someone feel cared for.

Rumor has it New Yorkers avoid Times Square, but as a New Yorker working in Times Square, what are some of your favorites in the overlooked neighborhood?

Bar Centrale is a local secret as it’s tucked into a nondescript brownstone and has a fantastic vibe for cocktails. When it comes to food, I always head to Becco for Italian.  And for those in need of a fun photo opp, the Red Stairs in the heart of Times Square are my pick. They make for postcard-worthy photos.

]]> http://www.prco.com/us/2012/03/27/the-man-behind-the-hotel-meet-the-new-gm-of-paramount-hotel/feed/ 0 http://www.prco.com/us/2012/03/14/the-setai-south-beach-is-home-to-the-world%e2%80%99s-first-dv-club/ http://www.prco.com/us/2012/03/14/the-setai-south-beach-is-home-to-the-world%e2%80%99s-first-dv-club/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:05:04 +0000 Lauren Finocchiaro http://www.prco.com/us/?p=1482

Style, elegance and the hottest spot on South Beach; nightlife in Miami has been redesigned. Expanding upon their already successful retail partnership, Italian designer Domenico Vacca has selected The Setai as the home to world’s first DV Club. And, although created as a members-only experience, guests of The Setai have exclusive access to go beyond the velvet rope.

The answer to Miami’s lack of intimate nightlife spots that mirror the fun, and yet refined atmosphere of a luxury social club, DV Club serves as a meeting place for the city’s cultured, cool, and glamorous set. Members and their guests have access to an intimate lounge space that fits just 100 VIPs.  In addition, members and guests can also enjoy a separate 5,000 sq. ft. roof lounge; the hotel’s 70-seat gourmet restaurant run by Michelin Star-awarded Executive Chef David Werly; a wine cellar with more than 3,000 bottles of rare wines and champagne; and five-star spa services.  The Setai’s highly attentive and intuitive service completes the experience.

DV Club Miami is open every week from Thursday to Sunday.  Hours are 8:00pm to 2:00am (Thursdays and Sundays) and 8:00pm to 3:00pm (Fridays and Saturdays.)

In recent months it has come to our attention here at PRCo that over-the-top may be back.  More and more luxury hotels are now testing the waters with exclusive experience packages that appeal to travelers seeking the best their chosen destinations have to offer whether  it be sexy South Beach or cultured and cool London.

At The Setai, South Beach it’s simple to become a star. A new $50,000 his-and-hers package partners with two designer labels, Domenico Vacca and Asprey, to offer guests high fashion, stylish accommodations, and ultimate epicurean experiences. Couples that book this package enjoy a full celebrity makeover; men are fitted in a custom Domenico Vacca Suit complete with Asprey diamond and sapphire cufflinks and women are dressed in Domenico Vacca cocktail attire and adorned with Asprey Lily Pad Diamond Earrings. Once the wardrobe is assembled, professional hair and makeup stylists complete the look in the privacy of the guest’s one-bedroom Ocean View Tower Suite. A professional photographer then arrives for a photo shoot to capture the glamour. The couple’s night then ends on  sweet and savory notes; an ultimate champagne tasting in the hotel’s Wine Cellar led by Head Sommelier Dwayne Savoie and featuring Krug bubbly paired with Caspian Seas caviar is followed by dinner prepared by the hotel’s Michelin Star-awarded Executive Chef David Werly.

To mark it’s 100th birthday, The Stafford London by Kempinski is offering guests the chance to explore the true VIP London.  Drawing on its long-standing relationships with iconic U.K. brands, The Stafford’s £100,000 Anniversary Package celebrates the finer things in life.  Components include:

• Luxurious London pied a terre for three nights at The Stafford in either the duplex Guv’nor’s Suite or  more contemporary Penthouse of The Stafford Mews; plus a £10,000 dining credit to spend on epicurean experiences in the hotel’s American Bar, The Lyttelton, or in-room dining throughout the stay
• Effortless airport experience including private waiting lounge, escort through customs/immigration, transfers and more through Heathrow by Invitation
• Chauffeur driven Bentley, Jaguar or Rolls Royce limousine at guests’ beckon call throughout their stay
• Private butler to attend to every need and desire
• Feast fit for the most discerning foodies consisting of a private dinner party in The Stafford’s 380-year-old wine cellars for up to ten guests; a choice of three-course or five-course tasting menu prepared by Executive Chef Brendan Fyldes; and wine pairings by Master Sommelier Gino Nardella
• Bespoke fashions courtesy of famed tailor Henry Poole and hatters Lock & Co; a  heirloom-worthy piece of custom jewellery by London’s top designer Patrick Wyatt; fittings and consolations can be conducted in-suite or at the designers’ shops
• A private portrait photo-shoot with internationally renowned photographer Alistair Morrison (Morrison has shot celebrities from Sir Anthony Hopkins to Helen Mirren to Twiggy and has 82 photographs in the National Portrait Gallery)
• Exclusive London experiences to fill the itinerary including: traditional afternoon tea in an exclusive British setting of either the Royal Academy, Highgrove House or Kensington Palace; a private Champagne or Wine Capsule experience on the London Eye; a half-day spa retreat at a neighbouring establishment; a speedboat tour of The Thames River; and a chance to try the indulgent Mahiki Armada Treasure Chest concoction

Have you seen any other outrageous hotel packages recently?  Share them below.

In celebration of the big win – and in true New York Fashion – nearly 1 million Giants fans gathered in downtown New York City on Tuesday morning for the ticker tape Parade of Champions.  The parade started at the southern tip of Manhattan and worked its way up to City Hall Plaza, where New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg nicknamed the city the “Big Blue Apple” and handed the team honorary keys.

The best part of the festivities? PRCo USA got to join in the fun.  We headed downtown in our Big Blue best and cheered as Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Justin Tuck, Brandon Jacobs and the rest of the New York Giants passed by with the Lombardi Trophy hoisted high above their heads.  Just one of the many reasons we’re proud to be New Yorkers.

Rythm, a beat, and a passion for preservation.  At the end of December 2011, youth from around the Maldives gathered to show off their talent for the traditional Maldivian dance and music known as Boduberu. Organized by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives in conjunction with Male’-based cultural arts institution Varutha,  the multi-day Baa Atoll Youth Boduberu Challenge (which kicked off with an intensive learning workshop) celebrated not only the immersion of youth in a rich cultural tradition, but also the recent designation of the Baa Atoll as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.  Watch the below video for a glimpse into the experience.