Historic Hotels of America™ New Romance Super Site is Source for Getaways, Weddings, Celebrations

Jekyll Island Club, Georgia, a member of Historic Hotels of America which has just launched a super site dedicated to romance © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

WASHINGTON, DC- Looking for a weekend getaway or a romantic vacation or a destination wedding? HistoricHotels.org/Romance is your source for romance inspired travel and heartfelt ideas. Use Historic Hotels of America as your guide to plan a luxury retreat, a garden wedding, or a romantic night out on the town. From romantic escapes to reunions, weddings to honeymoons and of course, anniversaries, Historic Hotels of America turns romantic celebrations into life’s most cherished moments. With over 260 historic hotels, inns, and resorts, Historic Hotels of America is home to the largest collection of romantic hotels. When history meets romance, nothing can be sweeter.

Historic Hotels of America has launched its all new romantic escapes e-guide, featuring more than 150 pages of new and expanded content highlighting its most romantic historic hotels, more content and destinations continue to be added. From romantic getaways to reunions, weddings to honeymoons and anniversaries, the new HistoricHotels.org/Romance puts romantic historic hotels and destinations in the spotlight, turning romantic celebrations into life’s most cherished moments. HistoricHotels.org/Romance has a number of inspirational sections for travelers to peruse the site’s many romantic escapes, including:

Romantic getaways. Historic Hotels of America has romantic inns, hotels, and resorts that blend history, luxury, and location into the ultimate destination, perfect for weekend getaways or vacation stays. Home to one of the world’s largest free-span dome, the West Baden Springs Hotel (1902) in French Lick, Indiana is an architectural wonder and just one of many marvels that will take your beloved’s breath away during your stay. This hotel has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark French Lick Springs Hotel (1845), also located within French Lick Resort boasts a spa that offers the best in tranquility, the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing treatment with your loved one. Travelers can select from more than 30 romantic hotels in the upper Midwest.

Grand Hotel (1887) on Mackinac Island, Michigan is the ideal location for a couple to steal away for a romantic getaway. In addition to the hotel’s five-course dinner served in the Main Dining Room, the Woods Restaurant, an opulent Tudor mansion accessible only by horse-drawn carriage, nestled in the wooded interior of Mackinac Island.

Weddings. Ambiance, architecture and history blend to create a storybook wedding. In Paso Robles, California where orange rays streak through lush gardens, your wedding photos will be works of art thanks to the Paso Robles Inn’s (1891) breathtaking gardens. With a number of outdoor wedding venues to choose from, couples can exchange their vows next to a babbling brook, then dance the night away at a fireside patio reception. Select from more than 19 romantic hotels in California.

Eureka Spring, Arkansas is often known as “The Wedding Capital of The South.” The 1886 Crescent Hotel’s (1886) picturesque location atop West Mountain and its proximity to Thorncrown Chapel make the hotel one of the most photographed wedding ceremony and reception sites in the contiguous six-state region.

Honeymoons. Create the honeymoon experience of your dreams and sweep your new bride or groom off their feet. Historic hotels are the perfect backdrop to set off on your newlywed celebration. The Caribe Hilton San Juan (1949) is the perfect locale for your romantic honeymoon with tranquil waves lapping at the shore of the secluded beach and seductive trade winds swaying into exotic gardens. Guests will come to understand why this AAA Four Diamond award-winning San Juan beach resort is the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon, or select from four romantic hotels in Puerto Rico.

As Waikiki’s only true destination resort, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Honolulu (1955) has everything newlyweds will need for the most romantic honeymoon including breathtaking beaches, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, scenic views, and fun activities. Or select from the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa (1901), the first lady of Waikiki, or The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort (1927) the pink palace of the Pacific.

Celebrations. Take time to celebrate life’s special moments. From engagement parties, anniversary getaways and life’s other important celebrations, Historic Hotels of America has just the right setting to commemorate your important milestone. The Lord Baltimore Hotel (1928) in Baltimore, Maryland is the ideal setting for an engagement party, bridal shower, or anniversary party. With a great city-center setting, The Lord Baltimore is the perfect location for all of your out-of-town guests with attractions and shops mere steps away. The French Kitchen sits at the top of the lobby’s grand staircase in the historic mirrored Versailles Room, and focuses on market-driven interpretations of classic French bistro fare, perfect for your special party or event. Travelers can also select from over 28 romantic hotels in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia region.

Reunions. Family history is born out of love and strengthened when those roots are cherished. For this reason, historical, romantic settings lend way for great family reunion inspiration. One of America’s most scenic routes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect setting for romantic drives and family adventure. Winding through North Carolina, this scenic highway boasts hazy mountains and colorful woodlands, idyllic for a family reunion getaway. The Green Park Inn (1891) in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is a reunion favorite with generations of history peaking in the High Country mountains. Choose from over 12 hotels in the Carolinas.

“This is a year-round campaign launching in time for Valentine’s Day. Romance is not just one day a year, it is year-round at our historic hotels,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Love stories are breathless moments that stand the test of time. Write your next chapter at one of the many Historic Hotels of America, where ambiance, architecture, and history blend to create timeless romance. Historic Hotels of America is the largest collection of the most romantic hotels anywhere. Whether you’re courting, celebrating, rekindling, or reminiscing, we have the romantic escape for you.”

From booking a romantic getaway with your stunning sweetheart or planning the next family reunion, take a look on HistoricHotels.org/Romance where Every Day is Valentine’s Day at Historic Hotels of America.

Historic Hotels of America^® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation^® for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Founded in 1989 with 32 charter members, today, Historic Hotels of America has more than 260 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated properties.  More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance. For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org.

To receive the free Discover & Explore e-newsletter each month with advance notice about Insiders Savings, special discounts, epic package, and up and coming events in historic hotels in 30 countries, plus free or reduced rate admission to historic and cultural sites, click here.

To view the Historic Hotels of America 2015 Annual Directory eBook, click here.

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

moralcompasstravel.info

Check out our newest travel site for special deals, insiders’ tips at tidbitts.com: http://www.tidbitts.com/karen-rubin/where-in-the-world

Historic Lord Baltimore Hotel Reopens After Total Restoration to Grandeur

The historic Lord Baltimore Hotel reopens after a complete renovation that has restored its grandeur.

The Lord Baltimore Hotel, one of the crowning architectural jewels of Baltimore, Md. when it was built in 1928, reopens with a grand ribbon cutting on March 27 after being completely restored and transformed by Rubell Hotels

Every surface has been touched by craftsmen, artisans, artists and designers to bring the hotel back to life.

The grand French Renaissance landmark, a member of Historic Hotels of America, features 23 stories comprised of 440 guest rooms and suites, more than 20.000 square feet of event space, several dining and lounging spaces, one of the city’s only rooftop event spaces, and more. The landmark hotel is included in the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

Rubell Hotels, a family-owned business well known for transforming architecturally significant historic hotels into affordable cultural hubs, acquired the property in March 2013 and immediately began applying the vision of owners Mera, Don, Jason and Jennifer Rubell – combining their love of art and architecture with a bright, modern feel. Interior designer Scott Sanders, formerly the lead interior designer at Ralph Lauren, who specializes in distinctive residential and commercial interiors for notable clients and properties, spearheaded the design, which typifies his “New American Style.” Inspired equally by classic men’s haberdashery and the six historical Lords Baltimore, Sanders has used traditional menswear fabrics in unconventional ways, resulting in an interior that seamlessly combines a fresh, clean modern look with all the warmth and grandeur of a historical property.

“Since the first time I laid eyes on the Lord Baltimore Hotel, I knew that I had to become a part of this architectural gem that is such an important piece of Baltimore’s history,” said Mera Rubell of Rubell Hotels. “Over the past year, my family and I have become immersed in Baltimore’s art, culture and community and it feels like a perfect fit.”

Upon entering the grand lobby, guests feel as if they are in a “social living room,” complete with a massive gold Murano glass chandelier, towering glossy white columns and intimate groupings of mid-century inspired lounge seating. Complimentary high-speed internet is available throughout the hotel as are 50” high-definition televisions with 60 complimentary HD channels. The LB Tavern, just off of the lobby, is a communal gathering space where guests can enjoy cocktails in a library-like setting. Seven large, multi-colored Candida Höfer photographs of libraries of the world, on loan from the Rubell Family Collection’s museum in Miami, are featured throughout this space, and additional lounge seating gives this corner of the hotel a chic and sophisticated atmosphere.

440 guest rooms and suites feature dark wood tones with clean lines, contemporary art, velvet drapes and plush mattresses that leave guests feeling like they are in a luxurious loft. Every guest room includes complimentary high-speed internet, a television with 60 HD channels, refrigerator, coffee maker, digital safe and bedside charging station. Four penthouses overlook the Lord Baltimore’s two rooftop areas, which feature a panoramic view of downtown Baltimore. The rooftop gardens and penthouses are available for private events. Guests can also enjoy the new state of the art gym with a range of LifeFitness equipment.

In keeping with the history found in every nook and cranny of the hotel, the Lord Baltimore’s updated Calvert Ballroom highlights the space’s original scenic murals, crystal Baccarat chandeliers, and six balconies, which are symbolic of the six Lords Baltimore. Sanders added a chic modern layer to the event space by choosing layers of gold textured wallpaper, platinum gray linen wallpaper with glossy white trim and a swirling array of gray, black and gold carpet.

“The Lord Baltimore Hotel highlights everything that is special about Baltimore – history, cuisine, art and architecture,” said Gene-Michael Addis, general manager. “From our modern yet comfortable guest rooms and suites to our unmatched meeting spaces and sweeping views of downtown, the Lord Baltimore appeals to everything that a guest or visitor to Charm City could ask for.”

The Lord Baltimore Hotel features unparalleled dining options including its signature restaurant, French Kitchen, which offers classic French fare in contemporary preparations. Inspired by the familiar bright colors used in Matisse paintings, Sanders transformed the historic Versailles dining room using a bright, modern aesthetic. Additionally, guests can enjoy the LB Bakery, a contemporary take on a small-town American coffee house, featuring house-made breads, pastries, salads and sandwiches.

Art exhibitions are planned throughout the public spaces and will highlight local, national and global artwork. Additionally, the hotel will feature a signature gift shop, SideShow, an outpost of the American Visionary Art Museum’s museum shop.

The Rubell family – whose Rubell Family Collection in Miami is widely acknowledged as one of the top contemporary art museums in the world – is known for its talent in discovering emerging artists, emerging cities, architectural gems and emerging neighborhoods. The Rubells believe deeply that the key to the economic success of a city is dependent on its cultural relevance. They often invest deeply in areas they feel have strong cultural potential, and their transformation of the Lord Baltimore Hotel indicates the beginning of what is sure to be a long-term commitment to the cultural life of Baltimore.

On Thursday, March 27, the Lord Baltimore Hotel will hold an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. featuring Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Councilman William Cole and other dignitaries.

The Lord Baltimore Hotel is located at 20 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201. More information can be found at www.lordbaltimorehotel.com.

For more travel features, visit:
www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin
www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin
travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate
‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures
Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Historic Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont has Sugar Season Escape Package

Warming hillsides and a hint of maple in the air from sap boiling in sugar shacks makes springtime in Vermont one of the sweetest times all year. The Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont, an historic property in a quintessentially New England village,  is offering a special Sugar Season Escape Package which includes:

– Accommodations in a luxurious guest room

– Breakfast each day

– Complimentary use of the resort’s Racquet & Fitness Club including indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and work-out facilities

Rates start at $164 per night midweek and $194 per night on weekends. The special is valid March 11, 2012 through May 24, 2012.

The resort features 142 distinctive guest rooms outfitted in classic Vermont style with modern touches, four restaurants, and The Spa. Woodstock offers a 18-hole golf course with picturesque views from nearly every green.

Travelers will appreciate the abundance of culturally rich activities in and around Woodstock. Downtown Woodstock is filled with antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, specialty food markets and more. Guests can enjoy day trips to nearby points of interest such as Calvin Coolidge’s birthplace in Plymouth or the spectacular Quechee Gorge, also known as Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” For those who want to explore the great outdoors there’s hiking, biking, tennis and more.

For more information visit woodstockinn.com or call 1.800.448.7900.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin