The grounds at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY

The 132-room Hotel Terra is a trendy, eco-friendly ski lodge; it may look like your typical Jackson Hole hotel from the outside, but once inside it proves to be a step above — and a touch more  stylish –than many other area hotels. The lobby has fireplaces and the requisite antler-adorned walls, but they’re complemented by bright, modern furniture, accent walls, and funky light fixtures. The rooms are equally sleek but a tad cozier, with dark wood furniture, moss-green throws, modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, and organic toiletries in the bathrooms (complete with radiant flooring). Though families are welcome, couples will especially love this romantic lodge for its sexy rooftop Jacuzzi and the delicous Osteria restaurant that boasts an impressive wine list. But perhaps most importantly, the hotel is just a short walk from the slopes. After all, isn’t it always about location, location, location? Check out more amazing photos of the hotel after the jump or read the full review here >>

The lobby at the Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY

A One-Bedroom Suite at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY

The rooftop jacuzzi at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY

Osteria restaurant at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY

The spa at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole; Jackson Hole, WY

Hey — have you heard? Valentine’s Day is next week. And if you haven’t made plans for your significant other — or just a newer two-some — it’s time to get on it! Our ideal date would simply be a night in a top-of-the-line suite in one of our favorite cities (especially this time of year..brrrr), Miami. We found our five fave rooms to make some sweet, suite love in.

THE HOTEL: DREAM SOUTH BEACH
THE SUITE: JUNIOR SUITE

The Junior Suite at the Dream South Beach; Miami, FL

THE SEX APPEAL: Tricked-out lighting and offbeat decor set the tone at this funky addition to the South Beach hotel scene. Although the sitting and sleeping spaces are actually combined, the oversize, plush king bed makes for a fantastic sleep — and should things get hot and heavy on the couch, it’s not far to the bed. If it gets really hot, there’s even more good news: The Dream has windows that actually open for a delicious breeze. Head upstairs to Highbar for a nightcap on one of their retro wicker lounges before holing up in your suite for the night.

THE PRICE: $995/night

See more photos of the Junior Suite >>

Check out more of our steamy suites after the jump!

THE HOTEL: THE SETAI
THE SUITE: STUDIO SUITE CITY VIEW

The living room of the Studio Suite at the Setai; Miami, FL

THE SEX APPEAL: Sleek and understated, the Setai practically exudes luxury. The real romantic draw here, though, is the bathroom: The sumptuous, black-and-white granite space has Jack-and-Jill vanities for pre-Valentine’s primping (use the amazing toiletries from Laura Tornatto), a rainfall shower and a huge soaking tub. The kicker? The suite’s tub is actually built into the living room, making for a very easy exit to the bed. If you need a pick-me-up to making the loving last all night long, brew yourself an espresso on your in-room Lavazza.

THE PRICE: $659/night

See more photos of the Studio Suite >>

THE HOTEL: THE VICEROY
THE SUITE: ONE BEDROOM SUITE

The One Bedroom Suite at the Viceroy; Miami, FL

THE SEX APPEAL: Despite its rather corporate, Downtown location, the Viceroy has a SoBe vibe thanks to impeccable design by celeb decorator Kelly Wearstler. Plug your iPhone into the dock and throw on some sexy tunes, toss on a sumptuous Sferra robe and get comfortable in the quirky-but-sophisticated suite. The four-poster bed, fully-stocked fridge and kitchenette can make travelers from a world away feel right at home — so things can get freaky fast — and you can have your pancake breakfast the next morning, too.

THE PRICE: $445/night

See more photos of the One Bedroom Suite >>

THE HOTEL: MARRIOTT DORAL GOLF RESORT AND SPA
THE SUITE: SPA MASTER SUITE

The living room and patio of the Spa Master Suite at the Marriott Doral Golf Resort and Spa; Miami, FL

THE SEX APPEAL: Great for active couples, the Spa Master Suite offers sweeping views of the five lush golf courses that you finished the Back Nine of earlier. The room provides plenty of space (its almost 1,100 square feet), complete with a full wet bar and icemaker, dual-sink bathroom with Jacuzzi, and a dreamy bed, too. Since you’re stuck on the property — there’s nothing around the hotel — the Marriott provides the perfect place to spend some serious QT with your significant other.

THE PRICE: $453/night

See more photos of the Spa Master Suite >>

THE HOTEL: W SOUTH BEACH
THE SUITE: SPECTACULAR STUDIO

The Spectacular Studio at the W South Beach; Miami, FL

THE SEX APPEAL: As if the W chain wasn’t sexy enough to begin with, its Miami outpost oozes glamour, with natural design touches and ocean-view terraces in every room. The Spectacular Studio’s unique design manages to feel warm despite its graphic black-and-white color blocking. The Cippolino marble-covered bathroom is incredible, too, with an oversize, glass-door shower that practically invites someone to take a peek (in a good way, of course). Just let the four shower heads do their work and rain all over you.

THE PRICE: $689/night

See more photos of the Spectacular Studio >>

RELATED LINKS:

• Five Presidential Suites for President’s Day
• Best Hotels to Go Topless in Miami
• Thousands of Photos of Romantic Miami Hotels

We know Las Vegas is all about glitter and glitz — especially at an uber-trendy night club like Tao at the luxe Venetian. And although every girl packs at least one sparkly item for a trip to The Strip, it seems these girls forgot to pack a few things. Check out our thoughts after the jump, then write your caption for this photo in the comments section below!

The line for TAO at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino; Las Vegas, NV

Oyster.com Says: Girls, we think you forgot something — perhaps your pants?

It’s time to get wet, y’all! With Spring Break just around the corner — and the rest of us here dying for a warm-weather vacation — we thought about where we’d wanna party in the sun. Check out the hottest pool parties around the globe, and then tell us: Which is your favorite pool party?

THE HOTEL: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino; Las Vegas, NV

The Pool at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; Las Vegas, NV

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: Easily one of the most popular with the bachelor-and-bachelorette set, the weekly Sunday Rehab Pool Party is notorious for bringing in huge (but sexy!) crowds. An eight-hour affair (it starts at noon), the party is known to bring in top party DJs from around the globe including Paul Oakenfold and Bad Boy Bill who spin tunes that range from Top 40 pop hits to banging house beats.

Check out more sexy hotel pool parties after the jump!

THE HOTEL:  Bahia Principe San Juan; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

The swim-up bar at the pool at Bahia Principe San Juan; San Juan, Dominican Republic

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: Party-seeking, money-saving folks flock to this vibrant all-inclusive resort in the middle of nowhere — which doesn’t seem to bother its guests. In addition to its lively pool activities, the hotel features regular karaoke and a bitchin’ disco where plenty of people boogie down.

THE HOTEL: Room Mate Grace; New York City, NY

The indoor pool at the Room Mate Grace; New York City, NY

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: Well, for starters, Room Mate Grace offers New York City‘s only swim-up bar — practically in the lobby. (There’s also a 24-hour steam room and sauna to enjoy, too.) But the party to check out here is on Wednesday nights for the gay-friendly crowd; tales from nights here have been legendary. The hotel’s location isn’t so bad too, located smack in the middle of the city: The heart of Times Square.

THE HOTEL: Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; Los Angeles, CA

The pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; Los Angeles, CA

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: This iconic, literal LA landmark is not only situated on Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, but is also a serious celebrity haunt, particularly so for its nightly pool parties. The velvet rope is difficult to get past, but if you do, expect to see more than one starlet making out in a cabana with her boyfriend of the week. Drinks are pricey, but alas, so is fame.

THE HOTEL: Breezes Trelawny Resort; Montego Bay, Jamaica

Billiards tables in the pool at Breezes Trelawny Resort and Spa; Montego Bay, Jamaica

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: This value-minded resort (OK, the rooms are a bit dingy and dated) places its emphasis on its killer pools — including a kids-only one with an 84-foot waterslide. The all-inclusive spot has mediocre food, but lots of fun in the sun — the family pool features in-water billiards, tables, and other resort-organized activities. Head to the lobby bar at night to keep the party going.

THE HOTEL: Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino; Las Vegas, NV

The jacuzzi at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino; Las Vegas, NV

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: Off the strip location aside (it’s actually in the older Downtown area), the Golden Nugget boasts all the bells and whistles of its mega-resort counterparts, but at a more reasonable price, too. Since its 2005 renovation, the pool‘s become the main attraction: Known as the Tank, it’s three stories tall and features a large waterslide that winds through a massive shark tank. Don’t worry, though, you won’t get bit.

THE HOTEL: The Standard Miami; Miami, FL

The pool at the Standard Miami; Miami, FL

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: The adults-only (14+) Standard is about a mile from the beach, but it’s still super hip. The 24-hour pool attracts a sexy following  — probably because the hot tubs stay open, too. Did we mention the 24-hour sauna is coed, too? While the hotel itself may have a lower-key vibe, the full South Beach glitz scene is only a $12 cab ride away, should body paint and bottomless drink pool parties not suffice.

THE HOTEL: Riu Negril Club All-Inclusive; Negril, Jamaica

The pool at the Riu Negril Club All-Inclusive; Negril, Jamaica

WHY SPLASH AROUND HERE: For whatever reason, the Riu Negril attracts one of the friendliest, party-focused crowds out of any hotel we’ve reviewed. Maybe it’s the very solid buffet food, but likely because of the lively scene — the pools are packed with revelers at pretty much any hour. And although rooms are sparse, a beach vacation here is well worth the not-so-hefty price tag.

RELATED LINKS:

• The Best Topless Pool in Miami
• Sexy Nude Beaches
• Top Spring Break Spots

]]> http://blog.oyster.com/the-wildest-hotel-pool-parties-23376/feed/ 0 http://blog.oyster.com/travel-news-tuesday-whats-new-5-23327/ http://blog.oyster.com/travel-news-tuesday-whats-new-5-23327/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:41 +0000 Carolina http://blog.oyster.com/?p=23327

The mess known as La Lohan. (Credit: Michael Williams/startraksphoto.com)

• After a disastrous first stay at the Chateau Marmont, Lindsay Lohan is back terrorizing the notorious Hollywood property. Reports say she partied hard last weekend, but she’s denying it, obvi. [HotelChatter.com]

• Talk about in-flight entertainment: Super Bowl Champs, the New York Giants, continued to celebrate their victory on the flight back to New York City. Watch the video. Seriously. [Gadling.com] 

• British singer Florence Welch, of Florence + the Machine, set fire to her room at The Bowery Hotel in New York after getting drinks with Kanye West. Whoops. [Gothamist.com]

• San Francisco International Airport has gone all Zen on us: The airport has built an on-site yoga studio in Terminal 2, equipped with mirrored walls and mats to borrow. [ABCNews.com]

• Aruba is offering the Pats a serious consolation prize. So while Eli Manning hangs with Mickey, Tom Brady might be in the Caribbean. If Gisele’s gonna wear a bikini, we bet the whole team shows. [USAToday.com]

• Atlantic City just approved a “Tourism District Master Plan” that includes facelifts for the Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue, and more nightlife at Steel Pier. Bring on the diving horse! [ACWeekly.com]
  

Credit: PRK / PR Photos

As tradition goes, the NFL Super Bowl MVP gets a trip to Disney World for all of his hard work put forth during the past season. And since many of us are Giants fans here, we couldn’t help but potentially plot this for weeks: Where would our MVP Champ stay when visiting the amusement park (slash mini world of all things Mickey)? Plus, Eli already has an affinity for travel — he got married at the One & Only Palmilla — so we figured we’d help him plan his Orlando vacay. Check out our favorite Disney hotels for Eli Manning and his family after the jump, and then tell us: Which hotel would you stay at in Disney World?

THE HOTEL: DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA

The view from the balcony of a one-bedroom suite at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Orlando, FL

WHY ELI SHOULD STAY HERE: Easily the most luxurious property within the park’s confines, the Grand Floridian is a great resort for families — including new ones, thanks to its highly-supervised Kids’ Club and 10-minute monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. (Eli and his wife Abby welcomed their first child Ava back in March 2011). The family can feel free to spread out — standard suites here sleep five — and will have plenty of dining options, although the restaurants on-site are a bit pricey. Bonus: The parents can hit the 24-hour, well-equipped gym together to stay in fighting shape, then head to the renowned spa for a bliss-inducing treatment while enlisting the help of one of the hotel’s babysitters.

THE HOTEL: DISNEY ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

The grounds at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge; Orlando, FL

WHY ELI SHOULD STAY HERE: If Eli and Abby want little baby Ava to see some cool things, the family should look no further than the Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you can spot free-roaming gazelles and giraffes at any given moment. This relatively luxurious resort boasts high style: It was modeled after an East African safari lodge, which makes guests feel closer to the Ivory Coast than Orlando. Plus, the Lodge has every kid-friendly amenity in the book: Babysitting, cribs, and supervised children’s activities, along with extended park hours and other amazing perks.

THE HOTEL: DISNEY BOARDWALK VILLAS

The pool at Disney Boardwalk Villas; Orlando, FL

WHY ELI SHOULD STAY HERE: The Mannings can enjoy all the creature comforts of home by staying in one of the Boardwalk’s large villas, including a fully-equipped kitchen and private balcony. Plus, the Boardwalk offers the best of both worlds: It’s a bit of a trip to most of the amusement parks (except for Epcot, which is within walking distance) but also is one of the few Disney resorts to actually offer both fine dining and nightlife on site. Days here can be fun, too: There’s a large pool, and the hotel is set on Crescent Lake, where the family can fish, boat or just take in the scenery.

Now, you tell us: Where would you want to stay at Disney World?

We’ve been a bit obsessed with the City of Sin as of late (Maybe it’s because we’re dying to go!), but with its inflated room rates and over-the-top glitz, we can’t afford to always go gamble in Vegas. Thankfully, there are some pretty sweet casinos far off the Strip (and we mean far) where you can still win — or lose — some big bucks. Check out our seven favorites and take a chance at one of these spots.

THE HOTEL: The Trump Taj Mahal; Atlantic City, NJ

The entrance to the casino of The Trump Taj Mahal; Atlantic City, NJ

WHY GAMBLE HERE: Although gaudy and dated in terms of its decor, the Taj offers up a huge casino over 3500 slot machines and 200 table games. There’s also a Baccarat pit, poker room and a Simulcast facility to place your racing bets.  Plus, the hotel has a prime spot on the beach boardwalk and has a wide range of dining options, including the upscale Italian restaurant (and editor favorite) Il Mulino.

Check out more non-Vegas casinos after the jump!

THE HOTEL: Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino; Scottsdale, AZ

Blackjack tables at the Radisson Fort McDowell; Scottsdale, AZ

WHY GAMBLE HERE: This LEED-certified spot boasts incredible desert views, fire pits, and a plethora of entertainment options including the casino (duh), a large, heated pool to splash in, and close-by, top-notch golfing. The casino’s lounge has nightly live music, and the hotel runs different promotions monthly, including slot tournaments (though we’re really not sure how you’d win one of those) and keno training. Plus, guests of the hotel receive $10 in free play when they register for the Casino’s Players Club.

THE HOTEL: Border House at Crystal Bay; Lake Tahoe, NV

A Double Odds Craps table at the Crystal Bay Casino at the Border House at Crystal Bay; Lake Tahoe, NV

WHY GAMBLE HERE: Stay here if you’re looking for an intimate experience — the Border House has just 10 guest rooms, each of which are quite spacious. The casino is popular with tourists and locals alike; its lounge features killer live music, too. Try your hand at a game of $4 limit Hold’em or roll the dice (literally) on Double Odds Craps.

THE HOTEL: Sandia Resort and Casino; Albuquerque, NM

Slot machines in the casino at Sandia Resort and Casino; Albuquerque, NM

WHY GAMBLE HERE: With an 18-hole golf course, expensive displays of Native American art, and modern, airy rooms, the Sandia Resort is a great spot for anyone checking out the area — even better for those looking to play with a few bucks — as there’s over 2100 slots at this hotel. The casino is also home to New Mexico’s largest smoke-free Poker Room, and even though that’s great (quit smoking, people!), the Sandia also does not serve alcohol on its casino floor. Bummer, dude.

THE HOTEL: Tropicana Resort and Casino; Atlantic City; NJ

The entrance to the casino at the Tropicana Resort & Casino; Atlantic City, NJ

WHY GAMBLE HERE: The Trop is great for a young, party-loving crowd — it has countless bars and lots of cool shopping. But the huge casino is the draw, featuring a plethora of varied-minimum table games and slot machines. Check out Jade Palace (the Asian-inspired part of the floor) to take part in some traditional table games like Pai Gow Poker and Mini-Baccarat. But if the idea of playing an unfamiliar game scares you, you can just place a few chips on a roulette table, too.

THE HOTEL: Talking Stick Resort; Scottsdale, AZ

Some slots in the casino at the Talking Stick Resort; Scottsdale, AZ

WHY GAMBLE HERE: Talking Stick Resort offers a Vegas-style experience — it’s a luxury high-rise hotel with almost 500 guest rooms and myriad restaurants and entertainment options, including its 240,000 square-foot casino. Try your luck in the Poker Room — they offer Texas Hold’em, Omaha and 7-Card Stud — or just sit at one of the 700 slots 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

THE HOTEL: Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort and Spa at Buffalo Thunder; Santa Fe, NM

A roulette table at the Thunder Casino at the Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder; Santa Fe, NM

WHY GAMBLE HERE: Jam-packed with resort-worthy amenities, this outpost of the Hilton chain is great for gamblers looking to check out New Mexico’s capital while feeling like you’re on a tropical vacay. The pools are so gorgeous and the rooms are modern — they feature flat-screens and iPod docks — and there’s an on-site Starbucks for a pre-casino caffeine fix. But don’t expect to hit a major jackpot here anytime soon: A Santa Fe local recently walked away from the resort with almost $300,000. Damn!

RELATED LINKS:

• Hundreds of Cool Casino Pics
• Atlantic City Hotspots
• Caribbean Hotels with Casinos

Sun and sand is great and all, but some (us included) would argue that a beachy setting gets better when the clothes come off. Think of a nude beach as your new and improved wingman — its mere presence allows you to skip the whole how-do-I-get-him-or-her-out-of-their-clothes predicament. So come and get the skinny on our favorite nude beaches for one hot date this Valentine’s Day.

The Nude Beach: Haulover Beach; Miami, FL
The Best Hotel for the Beach: ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa

The beach at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa; Miami, FL

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: Though Miami is topless-friendly just about everywhere, Haulover Beach is the only true nude beach in this spring break hotspot. The waters are crystal clear, the soft sand is debris-free, plus there are tons of on-beach amenities. Haulover has lifeguards (in swimsuits, unfortunately), food and drink vendors, and plenty of organized activities like birthday-suit volleyball, although we recommend not going for the save.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Less than a 5-minute drive from Haulover Beach, ONE Bal Harbour has a prime location for seeing some skin. Plus, this luxury resort has massive suites, a 10,000-square-foot spa, and over $4 million dollars worth of modern art.

The Nude Beach: Saline Beach; St. Barts
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Hotel Carl Gustaf

View from the One-Bedroom Suite at the Hotel Carl Gustaf; St. Barts, French West Indies

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: One of the poshest islands in all the Caribbean, St. Barts attracts tons of celebs (Beyonce, Jay-Z, Orlando Bloom, Demi Moore, to name a ew) and Saline Beach is no different. This uber-secluded, romantic beach has even been the backdrop for several Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoots. But we advise packing your bags and heading there soon — Andre Balazs’s controversial plans to build a luxury resort along the beach seem to be moving forward.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: The Carl Gustaf embodies the tony French Riviera style of St. Barts with mind-blowing ocean views, first-class service, and a level of exclusivity that comes from having just 14 rooms. This place doesn’t come cheap — but each suite and villa comes with its own private pool or plunge pool and private terrace (many overlooking the ocean).

The Nude Beach: Runaway Bay; Jamaica
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica

The Beach at the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica; Jamaica

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: The nude beach at the Gran Bahia is a good choice for low-key folks legitimately interested in naked sunbathing. The clothing-optional spot sits on the far western edge of the property, and is blocked off by a tall fence so you don’t have to worry about the kids accidentally checking out some T&A. Plus, when you’re in your bathing suit, the clothing-mandatory beach (adjacent to its nude counterpart) is equally as beautiful, and is great for snorkeling.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Do you have to ask? Because the nude beach is on the hotel’s property, of course!

The Nude Beach: Wreck Beach; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver

The pool at the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver; Vancouver, BC

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: While it’s a little too chilly to hit this spot now (shrinkage is not cute), but as Vancouver‘s first — and largest — nude beach, Wreck Beach is visited by thousands of people every year. Right by the University of British Columbia, the spot definitely has a party vibe, but it also serves as a wildlife refuge for bald eagles and kingfishers.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: One of the most luxurious hotels in Vancouver (heck, in all of Canada), the Shangri-La has a Jean-Georges restaurant, a hip spa, and downright sexy marble-and-granite bathrooms complete with flat-screen TVs. Being less than 20 minutes from Wreck Beach is a nice perk, too.

The Nude Beach: Black’s Beach; San Diego, CA
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

The Pool at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa; La Jolla, CA

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: This spot is not for the shy. North America’s largest nude beach, Black’s Beach draws a big crowd with it’s large surfer-friendly waves, picturesque setting along California‘s cliffs, and clothing-optional policies. It’s also an easy drive from La Jolla and Torrey Pines.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: We die for the Spanish-Colonial-style architecture at the Estancia La Jolla. And the outdoor fireplace is a great place to cozy up.

The Nude Beach: Playitas Beach; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort

Playitas Beach at the Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort; Costa Rica

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: Playitas is a gorgeous, untouched beach in super-lush Costa Rica. When we visited, we even spotted monkeys prancing across the sand. Surfers and swimmers alike can enjoy this beach as waves are mid-size – big enough to hang ten but not strong enough to scare off an experienced swimmer.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: The Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort provides golf cart service to the secluded beach, just five minutes from the hotel. Many of the 38 rooms have ocean views, too.

The Nude Beach: Baker Beach; San Francisco, CA
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Laurel Inn

The street outside the Laurel Inn; San Francisco, CA

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: It may not host Burning Man anymore, but this beach still has a reputation for being a fun spot — just without clothing now. Only the northern end of this half-mile stretch of sand, which boasts beautiful views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, is clothing-optional so be sure to read the signs before ditching your string bikini.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Laurel Inn has loads of freebies that make us smile: free Wi-Fi, a free glass of wine at a nearby cocktail lounge, free coffee and tea in the lobby, and free lemonade and freshly baked cookies every afternoon. Don’t you feel free now?

The Nude Beach: Little Beach; Maui, HI
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Makena Beach and Golf Resort

Makena Golf Course at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort; Maui, HI

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: It’s always fun to break the rules, Little Beach does just that. Nude sunbathing is technically illegal in Hawaii, but this rule hasn’t been enforced at Little Beach in years, making it a popular spot to disrobe. Visitors swim, sunbathe, surf, and even keep their eyes open for the occasional whale spotting.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Start your day at the beautiful and scenic 18-hole golf course at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort. The hotel is set on a fabulous snorkeling beach so afterwards you can look at fishies with the kids — or head to Little Beach to bask in all your (nude) glory.

The Nude Beach: San Gregorio; San Mateo, Silicon Valley, CA
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Coxhead House

Coxhead House; San Mateo, CA

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: This popular spot avoids overcrowding by often charging a small admission fee (no one wants to be stacked like sardines at a nude beach anyways…right?) San Gregorio is also one of the most gay-friendly beaches in California, and though the waves can be rough, plenty of on-sand activities, like surf-fishing, take place daily.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: This historic bed and breakfast features just four cozy rooms, outfitted with charming features such as walls full of books, fireplaces, hardwood floors, and chandeliers.

The Nude Beach: Orient Beach; St. Martin/St. Maarten
The Best Hotel for the Beach: Hotel La Plantation

The beach at Hotel La Plantation; Orient Bay, St. Martin

WHY WE LOVE THE BEACH: On the French side of the island, Orient Beach is a popular hangout on the exclusive island of St. Martin. As a marine reserve, the beach boasts fabulous snorkeling and Orient Bay’s sands are lined with restaurants and bars so you won’t have to go far (or put much on) for a bite to eat.

WHY WE WANT TO STAY HERE: Located within an upscale community featuring several resorts, restaurants, and one of the island’s best beaches (well, as far as clothing-required ones go), Hotel La Plantation’s colorful Creole-style villas offer seclusion with well-spaced and stylish tropical rooms, a small but lovely restaurant, a modern pool with chic lounge seating, and beautifully lush grounds.

RELATED LINKS:

• Top Caribbean Hotel Beaches
• Hundreds of Incredible Sandy Oyster Shots
• Best Hotels to Go Topless in Miami

Pooch lovers, rejoice: The 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is around the corner, airing on February 13 and 14. (Check your local listings for exact times and stations.) And since the many participants need to set up shop in New York for the big show, we figured we’d share our hotel expertise, but this time, we’re matching the dog — not (really) the owner — to the best spots for, well, Spot, to call home. Check out more of our hotel picks for different kind of pups, then vote: Which hotel would you stay with your dog at?

THE DOG: Labrador Retriever
THE HOTEL: Affinia Dumont; New York City, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Flickr.com (dog); the lobby at the Affinia Dumont; New York, NY

WHY IT WORKS: Like its sister properties, the Affinia Dumont offers food and water bowls, doggie sidewalk bags, and even the services of a pet psychic through its Jet Sets program. But the Dumont is also known for its fitness focus, and an athletic dog like a lab needs to get its exercise. You can easily set up some extra walks (at an additional fee), or just head over to the East River path nearby for your own free stroll — or run.

THE COST: $25 surcharge; $250 and up for any pet-related damage after check-out.

THE DOG: Standard Poodle
THE HOTEL: Soho Grand Hotel; New York City, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Flickr.com (dog); The entrance to the Soho Grand; New York, NY

WHY IT WORKS: Arguably one of lower Manhattan’s chicest hotels (ideal for the coiffed pooch, who also embodies chicness), the Soho Grand provides many pet-friendly perks for no fee; the hotel simply requests you let them know in advance to ensure booking you and Fido on one of its pet-friendly floors. And since poodles are notoriously pampered, we’re sure it’ll love that room service delivers Hartz-brand animal chow and some special treats, too, right to your (dog)bed.

THE COST: Free!

THE DOG: French Bulldog
THE HOTEL: Aloft New York Brooklyn; Brooklyn, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Flickr.com (dog); The entrance to the Aloft New York Brooklyn; Brooklyn, NY

WHY IT WORKS: We know this was supposed to be about matching the breed, but in the French Bulldog’s case, it’s the owner who makes the dog — and every single Brooklyn hipster owns one of these dogs right now, which should make any out-of-towner with said pup feel right at home. And although the hotel isn’t walking distance from any of NYC’s major attractions, it does provide creature comforts for your dog: most importantly, a free bed to sleep in every night.

THE COST: $100 deposit, which is 100% refundable upon check-out provided there’s no damage, natch.

THE DOG: Siberian Husky
THE HOTEL: 70 Park Avenue Hotel; New York City, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Flickr.com (dog); The entrance to 70 Park Avenue Hotel; New York City, NY

WHY IT WORKS: Mush! Even though there’s no snow on the ground in NYC right now, these snow-savvy pooches need a place to stretch their paws — a hotel that will allow pups of their size. Luckily, 70 Park Avenue welcomes all sorts of dogs, regardless of weight or height. And after a big workout, treat your Husky to one of the hotel’s doggie pedicures for prime pre-show primping.

THE COST: Free!

THE DOG: Chinese Crested
THE HOTEL: W Union Square; New York City, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Flickr.com (dog); The entrance to the W Union Square; New York City, NY

WHY IT WORKS: The W‘s P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) program offers some great perks for the most high-maintenance of dogs (I mean, what’s more high maintenance than this crazy-but-cute pooch), including a pet tag, toy, and special pet snacks. There’s even a pets’ room service menu. The hotel’s Whatever/Whenever requests can apply to pets as well as humans, and wee wee pads, leashes, Bow Ow first-aid boxes and more can be requested day or night. The downside? It’s pricey, and you’ll have to look elsewhere if your dog weighs more than 40 lbs.

THE COST: $25 per day, plus a $100 non-refundable cleaning deposit.

THE DOG: Chihuahua
THE HOTEL: The Muse – Kimpton; New York City, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Flickr.com (dog); The entrance to The Muse - Kimpton; New York City, NY

WHY IT WORKS: The teeniest and fussiest of the bunch, Chihuahuas require a hotel that has all the bells and whistles — and the Muse provides just that. The hotel has a “Pampered Pooch” and a “Hers and Furs” package, starting at $229, which provides in-room pedicures for a guest and her (or his!) dog. Pups also receive a special welcome package upon arrival, with food and treats for them and their human companions. However, the hotel has a two-guest limit per room — but we know the Chihuahua won’t actually take up that much space.

THE COST: Free!

THE DOG: Wheaton Terrier
THE HOTEL: The Benjamin; New York City, NY

Credit: Courtesy of Flickr.com (dog); The entrance to The Benjamin; New York City, NY

WHY IT WORKS: Terriers are all-around great companions, so they deserve a hotel with some fabulous all-around treatment — like The Benjamin offers. The sleep-themed spot is the perfect place to cuddle up with Fido — the hotel’s “Dream Dogs” program provides a plush doggie bathrobe, a doggie DVD (to keep ‘em from getting “bored”), and a dog room service menu. Plus, the doggie bed menu offers different sizes of specially-designed beds to help a terrier of any size slumber soundly.

THE COST: Free, but there’s a cleaning fee should there be visible damage upon your departure.

RELATED LINKS:

• Oyster’s Top Pet-Friendly Hotels Around the Country
• Thousands of Photos of New York Hotels and Resorts
• The Best Business Hotels in New York City

There’s nothing that can be said about Paris that hasn’t already been said before. No other city on Earth draws as much attention for its romance, vibrancy, culture, and history. But anyone in the know realizes that the tourist traps and cliches help protect the city — and its outrageously gorgeous hotels — and keep it true to itself. It’s a rare case of a city that cares about its appearance inside and out.

The view from Superior Room #45 at the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel; Paris, France