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Articles Tagged ‘New York hotel’

Summer in the city: Free fun in New York

Friday, June 6th, 2008

NycsummerblogBy Samantha Chapnick

You can find cheap flights to New York. New York hotels don’t have to be pricey. And you don’t even have to blow your budget on activities and entertainment. This summer, book your New York vacation and take advantage of all the free things to see and do in the Big Apple!

For a brief shining moment before it gets turned into condos or a theme park or any of the other developement-cetric ideas being bandied about, see Governor’s Island it as it has been for the past 400 years. And have fun too! There is a free ferry leaving from downtown Manhattan that only takes a few minutes. Events take place all summer, including the fun opening festival, folk and jazz music concerts, military heritage weekends, and dance events.

I like to take one of the free ranger-led tours and then have a picnic in one of the elm-tree shaded quads. NOTE: There are NO commercial facilities on the island so bring plenty of water! There is one bathroom near the ferry.

ONGOING FESTIVALS
River to River Festival: Downtown’s biggest summer festival. All 500+ music, dance, food and film events are entirely free.

Lincoln Center out of Doors: New York’s pre-eminent cultural institutions answer to the August festival season. This year’s theme is a tribute to Soul-meister James Brown. There’s dancing, dining, and music all August long — and it’s all free.

Shakespeare in the Park: Free shows in a fabulous setting! Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. "Hamlet" runs May 27 - June 29, and "Hair" runs July 22 - August 17. Even though it’s free, you do need to pick up tickets. You can get them the day of the show at the Delacorte Theatre, or, a limited number will be available online.

DYNAMITE DRIVE-INS
Ok, so it’s your rear and not your REO you park at these outdoor movie spots. Get there early and bring a picnic, and you’re in for a fun way to share your favorite films with thousands of other New Yorkers.

Bryant Park movies:
Enjoy a flick al fresco Monday nights from June 16 to August 18. The
park opens for picnickers at 5 p.m.; movies start between 8 and 9.

River Flicks: Pier 54 at 14th Street. "La Bamba," "Almost Famous," "Purple Rain" and more. Wednesdays starting (July 9th to August 20) around dusk (generally 8:30 p.m.).

For Kids: Pier 45 at Christopher Street. Movies include "Bee Movie," "The Wizard of Oz," "E.T." and "Shrek"; Fridays (July 11th to August 22nd) starting around dusk.

CONCERTS
Central Park Summerstage:
Rumsey Playfield in Central Park becomes a world music stage from June
13 through August 17. Free concerts range from gospel music to dramatic
readings. The closest entrance is at 69th Street and Fifth Avenue.

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Dallas hotels offer history, luxury, savings

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

Dallasskyline
By Chris Hill

Many locations claim to have the best spring weather for traveling, but when it comes to Texas, we truly mean it. It’s no wonder that Texas is one of the best Spring Break destinations in the country. But if you want to avoid the crowds and do something a little more unique, stop by Dallas for the great weather and truly unique hotels.

Here are a few of my top picks for landmark Dallas hotels:

We will start our tour with a few historic properties. First is the Hotel Lawrence, a European-style boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas. The history of the Hotel Lawrence dates back to 1925. The lobby takes you back to the glory days of Dallas. Wood-panel walls give you the warmth of coming home. The rooms are small and efficient, like the rooms at a New York hotel — without the NYC price tag. Every part of the hotel has been reinvented to bring you the finest guest comfort, convenience, personalized service and amenities. Best of all, it is wrapped in a luxurious, European-inspired, interior-designed package. You can get a great deal at the Hotel Lawrence most any time, but it currently is running Special Savings of up to 25% off your stay.

If you are looking for more elegance, then The Adolphus should be on your rounds. Built in 1912, by Adolphus Busch (of Budweiser beer fame), the hotel’s rooms are a mix of old and new, with English country decor and sleek, marble baths, as well as modern amenities including high-speed Internet. Critics have called this Texas landmark "the most beautiful building west of Venice." Today, still flaunting its historic finery, the luxury Adolphus hotel shines with $80 million worth of renovations and enhancements in the heart of downtown Dallas. You can feel the history of the hotel as soon as you enter the lobby, with arched ceilings and grand chandeliers, you truly feel like you have stepped back in time. I love the upper lobby with its grand paintings and artwork. If you get a chance, take a peek into one of the many ballrooms and feel the history. Now you can save up to 20% on your stay at The Adolphus during its Spring Sale.

A little farther out of downtown in the Uptown/Turtle Creek area, you find the historic Warwick Melrose Hotel. Built in 1924, this historic Dallas landmark offers many luxury guest rooms with a dramatic view of the city. Each oversized guest room and suite features European marble floors with all the modern amenities. As you enter the hotel, you truly feel the elegance of this AAA Four Diamond Hotel. With rates up to 40% off in April, now is the time to experience this truly luxurious hotel.

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