Recently in Westin Category

Cupcakes Forever!

Friday March 12, 2010

cc_sunday_mimosa_large.jpgA Slate.com business columnist thinks the rise of cupcakes is a bubble heading for a crash. I say who cares when we all profit from the irrational exuberance! Here's a round-up of tasty cupcake options near Starwood hotels around the country.

Your first order of business in LA, after checking into the Westin Los Angeles Airport, should be to head to Cupcakes Couture in Manhattan Beach. The shop creates some of the fanciest cupcakes I've seen, including such treats as the "Sunday Mimosa," (pictured) a champagne sponge cake filled with orange curd and topped with citrus frosting and blood orange "caviar," and the "Little Miss Sunshine," a strawberry cake with strawberry jam, vanilla frosting and topped with a vanilla macaroon.

Sweet Revenge, a few blocks north of the Four Points by Sheraton SoHo-Village, knows its customers aren't kids: it offers wine and beer pairing suggestions for its cupcakes. Try pairing the decadent "Dirty" with a Peroni or another pale lager.

Up in Seattle, you can order online from Cupcake Royale and have a dozen delivered to the W Seattle, or have them waiting for you when you swing by the Capitol Hill location. Sadly, it's too late to get the "Deathcake Royale," but the chocolate mint gets high marks and is available all year 'round.

[image via Cupcakes Couture]

recent articles

more More

Starpick the Westin Arlington Gateway

Thursday March 11, 2010

Westin Arlington Gateway Outside Photo.jpgArlington, Virginia is located a stone's throw from Washington, D.C.'s many museums and cultural landmarks, but it has plenty of attractions of its own that are worth exploring. If you've never taken the time to check out the many faces of Arlington, here's the chance. The Westin Arlington Gateway is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to find yourself exploring one of Virginia's most fascinating towns. The Westin Arlington Gateway is one of the newest hotels in the Washington, D.C. area, with 336 comfortable guest rooms that feature the Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath and a host of amenities. Spend your day visiting the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, touring the Pentagon, or catching a few rays at Gravelly Point Park. Back at the hotel, you can get in a workout at the 24-hour fitness center, go for a swim in the indoor heated pool, or soak away your cares in the Jacuzzi. Enjoy a divine dinner at Pinzimini, an Italian steakhouse, followed by a cocktail at Pinzimini Bar, and you'll promise to return to this charming area before long. Of course, the Westin Arlington Gateway is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.

recent articles

more More

Casino del Cavaliere.jpgWhen it comes to accumulating wealth and prestige in Renaissance Europe, it's hard to top the Medicis. From the 14th to the 18th centuries, the prominent Florentine family and political dynasty acquired some of the greatest works of art of all time, inspiring scores of artists and altering the landscape of European culture for generations to come. To get an idea of just how influential the Medicis and their associates were, pay a visit to the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. Located along the banks of the River Arno, the vast palace was purchased by the Medici family in 1549 and later was the home of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Napolean even used it as a headquarters in the late 18th century, but by the early 20th century, King Victor Emmanuel III decided to donate it to the people as a massive art museum. Today, anybody can gaze upon the endless masterpieces that were once reserved for the elite, from the works of Raphael and Rubens in the Palatine Gallery to the Medici portraits in the Royal Apartments, a 14-room suite used by the family that had every conceivable luxury. Of particular interest is the Porcelain Museum. Located in the Casino del Cavaliere (pictured), the Grand Duke's former retreat, it contains works from some of the most renowned porcelain factories in Europe, including daily items from the Doccia factory near Florence, and several large dining services from Vincennes, a Parisien factory. Be careful not to bump into anything, as it's all rather pricey. Starwood has three properties in Florence, including the luxurious Westin Excelsior, Florence.

[image via museumsinflorence.com]

recent articles

more More

Open Air Art on Detroit's Eastside

Wednesday March 10, 2010

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit is a 1924 landmark, surrounded by downtown Detroit's most stylish historic skyscrapers. In contrast, the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood, just two and a half miles away on the city's eastside, seems like the country. Here, the rural landscape is defined by old shingled houses and grassy vacant lots. Most of the region is pretty poor, and pretty desolate, but there is one segment of Heidelberg Street that will make any visitor grin. Colorful circles dot the asphalt, smiling faces line the sidewalks, teddy bears cling to the tree trunks, and painted tires litter the lawns like oversized Life Savers. This is the Heidelberg Project, a 20-year-old open-air art exhibit created by local artist Tyree Guyton and his grandfather Sam Mackey.

After a stint in the Army, Guyton returned to his childhood neighborhood to find it in an astonishing state of devastation. So he started enlivening the vacant houses with bright colors, painting rainbow hued circles, and attaching whimsical scraps to the paint-chipped shingles and porch rails. Over the years, the project has met with lots of controversy, and a couple of the city's mayors have ordered the destruction of several neighborhood houses. But the handful still standing are certainly worth a gander. Take a stroll or a drive down Heidelberg Street and see "The Dotty-Wotty House," "The House that Makes Sense," "Numbers House," and "The House of Words." You might even catch site of Guyton himself, painting and nailing away among the dirty plush duckies and baby blue hubcaps.

recent articles

more More

There's no faster motor sport than Formula 1 racing, where drivers take their cutting-edge vehicles around a track at speeds well over 200 mph. On March 25-28, 2010, the sport makes its way Down Under, where the Australian Grand Prix will draw thousands of racing fans to Melbourne for a dramatic spectacle of sight, sound, and speed. The world's most skilled drivers will drive 58 laps around the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit at Albert Park, with the winner hoisting the cup and basking in the glory that comes with victory in Australia's premier racing event. In addition to the big race, there are a number of supporting events designed to captivate any motoring enthusiast, including a V8 Supercar Challenge - with muscle-cars tearing up the Albert Park Street Circuit - and the Shannon's Historic Demonstration, which brings out the classic Italian racers of the early to mid-twentieth century. But I'm most curious about the MINI Challenge Series, in which drivers pilot identical cars around the track, highlighting the amazing skill and daring of the winner. It just might inspire you to join your local racing club. Guests at the Westin Melbourne might enjoy this high-octane extravaganza.

recent articles

more More

glazeddonuts.jpgPlanning a meeting while you're on the road? Don't forget to order coffee and donuts — or maybe some bagels — to keep the attendees alert and on-task. Here's a list of some of the better options to supply each around the country.

In New York, the clear leader is Doughnut Plant. Made from scratch (even the jelly fillings) fresh daily in decadent flavors such as dulce de leche and crème brulée, a second location will be opening this spring a couple blocks from the Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea. If bagels are more your thing, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company has you covered.

San Francisco's Dynamo Donuts has flavors that'll really help groggy colleagues wake up: varieties include a chocolate donut dredged in chipotle sugar and a lemon-filled dusted with Sichuan spices. Ask the concierge at the St. Regis San Francisco to send someone to pick up from this Mission storefront. Closer to the hotel, Blue Bottle's French press coffee service will help make sure the jolt from the spicy donuts sticks.

Keep their eyes from glazing over in Chicago with an order of Glazed Donuts, available by catering or subscription(!) only. The flavors change weekly, and range from classic apple cider to bing cherry balsamic and maple-bacon-chocolate (pictured). Pair them with coffee from the Intelligentsia near Millennium Park, and you'll be the hippest meeting runner the Westin Michigan Avenue has ever seen.

recent articles

more More

Westin Calgary Room Renovation Photo.jpgThe Westin Calgary is better than ever, having recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation that breathed new life into the Calgary institution. The $35 million project began in 2006 with the hotel's business guest rooms, and continued over the next four years with renovations to the the lobby, restaurant, lounge, meeting space, and the remaining guest rooms. To celebrate its new look, the hotel is offering special Renovation Packages that give you the opportunity to indulge in a fabulous new room for a great rate. You'll enjoy a renovated corner suite featuring plasma television, distinctive carpeting and wall coverings, a balcony with views of the city, and of course, the Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath. Rates start at just $199 for weekends and $299 for weekdays and are good for stays through June 6, 2010. Calgary's a great destination for a springtime escape, with attractions ranging from the Calgary Zoo - featuring Kamala, the painting elephant - to the Glenbow Museum, one of Western Canada's largest museums of history, ethnology, and science. Visit here or call 1-866-716-8101 and mention promo code RNO to book this exciting offer.

recent articles

more More

Westin Heavenly Bed Photo 8.jpgWestin has long been committed to promoting wellness on the road with innovative environments and amenities that help travelers feel their best. Now it's easier than ever to take home some of Westin's wellness-focused products with the opening of the Westin Wellness Store on Amazon.com. It's the first hotel-branded storefront on Amazon.com, and it boasts a carefully-curated collection of wellness focused products, including merchandise from like-minded brands such as Gaiam, Kate's Paperie, Tea Forté and Riedel. The digital storefront also has some of Westin's most beloved products, like the iconic Westin Heavenly Bed (pictured), Heavenly Bath collection, and white tea scented candles and diffusers. To celebrate this historic launch, Westin is offering a $100 Amazon gift card to guests who register and stay twice at a Westin hotel in the U.S. or Canada by May 13, 2010. SPG members need simply to register by April 30, 2010, and stay by May 13, 2010, arriving Sunday to Thursday, to qualify for this offer. For more information or to register, visit here and take that unique Westin experience home with you.

recent articles

more More

Dining in Columbus' German Village

Friday March 5, 2010

pistaciavera.jpgNot far from the Westin Columbus is German Village, a neighborhood of quaint brick homes and cobblestone streets largely kept as they were when they were built by German immigrants in the late 1800s. The neighborhood is now home to charming boutiques and quirky restaurants to match the atmosphere.

Start your day with a cappuccino at the Cup O' Joe on Third Street, the original location of a beloved local chain. At lunchtime, step into Katzinger's Deli and peruse the gourmet cheeses and fancy condiments before ordering an over-stuffed sandwich with a funny name, like "Big Bob's Belly Balancer" or "Rachel & Nicki Got Stuck in a Closet" — or just a classic reuben on rye. Self-serve barrels of house-made pickles (dill and garlic) give you something to snack on while you wait for your order.

In the heart of the neighborhood, Schmidt's Sausage Haus draws everyone from families to college students to conventioneers for hearty German fare, including the oddly named "Bahama mama," a sweet-spicy sausage made from the Schmidt family's secret recipe. Be sure to leave room for their legendary cream puffs — or hold out and head to Pistacia Vera for equally indulgent treats such as macarons, pate de fruits or bittersweet pistachio feuilletine, a chocolate-chocolate mousse cake topped with white chocolate glaze and toasted pistachios.

[Image via Columbus Alive]

recent articles

more More

Westin Puerto Vallarta Room Photo.jpgHow does a last-minute getaway to sunny Puerto Vallarta sound right about now? The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks, so it won't take much to find yourself on a Pacific beach feeling your worries melt away like the ice in your margarita. This spectacular resort is located on 21 tranquil acres, with swaying palm trees and nearly 900 feet of private beach. Spend the day indulging in your every tropical fantasy, from a round of golf at a nearby course to a few hours lounging in an oceanfront pergola at Las Pergolas Beach Club. Take a dip in one of two outdoor pools, or enjoying a pampering massage treatment at The Spa at the Westin Puerto Vallarta, which has seven serene indoor treatment rooms, an oceanfront pergola for outdoor massages, whirlpools, saunas, and hydrotherapy facilities. When the sun dips beneath the horizon, you can savor some expertly-made local specialties at El Palamar Restaurant, or try the inventive fusion cuisine at Arrecifes Seafood & Steakhouse, a beachfront restaurant where the view is just as exciting as the food. Of course, the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.

recent articles

more More
  • About
  • More
Starwood Preferred Guests can now stay updated on the latest travel trends. A core group of experts – including Starwood employees and SPG members – provide updates on unique and noteworthy travel experiences around the world. Get a behind-the-scenes look at exciting Starwood travel destinations and receive daily articles using TheLobby.com widget for your blog, desktop or web page.
spg member corner
Find out recommendations from our SPG members about what to do and where to go when you're on vacation. View the Articles
q & a with spg Sign up now for Starwood Preferred Guest and discover how rewarding membership can be. sign up now
destination spotlight
Brooklyn.jpg

Brooklyn, New York

Just across from New York City, discover this iconic borough, thriving with art, culture and history. Book your trip now!
q & a with spg Looking for advice about SPG? Ask questions to our SPG insiders and other SPG members or answer the questions submitted by others. submit your question or answer