On Our Radar: $1 Rooms at the JW Marriott LA Live

On Tuesday, February 15th, the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. Live is celebrating its birthday by giving away 10 packages worth almost $4,000 for just $1. We're hoping to head to LA ourselves so this chance couldn't have come at a better time! There's plenty to do with the Nokia Theatre, the Staples Center, and the Grammy Museum next door and the LA Zoo, the Hollywood sign and more nearby.
Here's what the packages include:

• A night in the Chairman Suite, the hotel's most lux at 1,566 square feet with views of the LA skyline
• Two glasses of champagne at gLAnce Wine Bar
• Breakfast for two at LA Market restaurant
• Valet parking

The "Happy Birthday" package goes on sale at 8:00 a.m. PST on February 15th for $1.00. The deal is valid for a Friday or Saturday night stay between August 6, 2011 and September 10, 2011. To book enter code ES6 at www.lalivemarriott.com/birthday. 

Viceroy Decorator Now Designing Clothes

Kelly Wearstler, decorator of the gorge Viceroy hotels (that's the Viceroy Miami, above), is branching out and designing a line of clothes. “So much of my influence in interior design comes from fashion, and everything relating to fashion, from jewelry, which can be reminiscent of sculpture, to the colors and silhouettes that I find in clothing. This feels like a natural evolution,” Wearstler told WWD.

The collection includes dresses, tops, jackets, skirts and more.

Jewelry is also in the line.Wearstler said she is inspired by stones she finds on her travels, particularly trips to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

The Kelly Wearstler fall 2011 collection will be available at Bergdorf Goodman and other stores starting in august.

Beach Week Day 5: Soho Beach House Miami

The recently opened Soho Beach House Miami is everything its sister properties in New York, West Hollywood, Berlin and the originals in Britain are: chic, fun, and exclusive. We never turn down an invite to the members-only club in the Meat Packing District (and neither would we at the Beach House); but the easiest way to get in is to book a room in one of the hotel's fifty bedrooms- then you have access to both pool areas, the beach club, and the rest of the private lounges.

Also in the Soho Beach House, the Cowshed spa offers everything from massages and facials, to blowouts and manis. Cecconi's Italian restaurant is open to the public; but doesn't give you access to the after hours areas of the Beach House. Hotel rates begin at $400, memberships begin at $900/year. Sigh.

Beach Week Day 2: Vegas "Beach" Scene

We know there's no real beach in Las Vegas; but those hoteliers have spent billions recreated beaches at their hotspots. We bet you can drum up at least as much fun at these "beaches" than one of mother nature's.

With the biggest beach in town at 11 acres, our first choice would be Mandalay Bay's but unfortunately it's closed this winter. The good news is that it'll be back better (and possibly bigger?) than ever this spring.

The Hard Rock Hotel, above, has a crazy albeit young beach scene with the daily Rehab party and fun Tahitian cabanas.

The Encore's pool (pictured above) may be lacking sand but it has plenty of French Riviera- inspired style and its price point encourages a slightly more mature crowd. Look for the cabana package that includes a guest suite and cabana each day starting at $600 with code WUCAB.

Tao Beach at the Venetian is an extension of the huge nightclub with daytime parties featuring well known DJ's.

Beach Week Day 1: St. Barth

We're in the middle of the snowiest winter in our lifetime (on the east coast, at least) so there's no better time to start our annual beach week. First up is the Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France.

This boutique hotel is one of the chicest options on what is arguably the chicest island in all of the Caribbean. Room options include a simple garden or beach rooms, suites and the new 3-bedroom Flamands villas.

There's an on-site restaurant and a Molton Brown spa.

Save a beach chair for us!

Special Rates for the Palazzo and Venetian

We had such a great time at the Palazzo for Anne's bachelorette that we're tempted to go back by the special Internet rates starting at only $129/night. Sure there are plenty of new places opening all the time in Vegas; but what we love most about the Palazzo and the Venetian is their location right in the middle of everything on the strip, the Canyon Ranch Spa, the over sized rooms and the great restaurants and clubs like Tao and Lavo on site. Book your room by January 31st and use the code EPOXJAN.
Photo courtesy of The Palazzo.

Snow Shots at the Dream Hotel

If you can't beat the cold with a beach getaway, you may as well enjoy it! Guests of New York's Dream Hotel are treated to a complimentary Snow Shot, a blend of Stoli Vanilla vodka & Godiva White Chocolate liqueur, in the hotel's 14th floor Ava Lounge. What better way to celebrate NYC's transformation into a winter wonderland.

Snuggie Loving at San Francisco Hotels

On a 10 degree day, there's not much more appealing than snuggling on a sofa, which is why the Snuggie Love package caught our eye. Snuggie Love package is available at the Personality Hotels in San Francisco (including the Kensington, shown below) and includes:

• A Monkey Snuggie (unleash your inner animals)

• The Snuggie Sutra book (think Kama Sutra in a Snuggie. Try positions such as “Sleeve it to Beaver,” “The Snorgy” and “Viewmaster.”)

• A 4-pack SKYY Flavored Vodka Mini Bottles (get the party started)

• Late check out (for more monkeying around)

Rates start at $159 a night.

On Our Radar: Hotel 1000 Seattle

Seattle is an exciting city and off our beaten path. The handful of visits we've had there were full of good food, good people, and plenty of new sights. Next time we visit, we'd like to stay at the Hotel 1000 a boutique hotel downtown which is in walking distance of galleries, restaurants and shopping like the Pike Place Market. In our favor, Hotel 1000 is more Frasier Crane than grunge; but you can get your music fix at the clubs within walking distance. The guest rooms have Asian and Northwestern accents, Thai linens and spa worthy bathrooms (the tubs fill from the ceiling!). And not surprisingly the rooms are stocked with techno-gadgets like electronic "do not disturb" signs, 40" LCD tv's,  and - our personal favorite- free WiFi. There's even a roof-top dog run and some serious virtual reality golf games. Rooms start at $215 per night.

On February 27th, Hotel 1000 is hosting a big Academy Award party. Tickets are $50 to $75 with proceeds benefiting Reel Grrls which "empowers young women from diverse communities to realize their power, talent and influence through media production."

An Evening with the Stars includes:
Appetizers
Cocktail on arrival
Two drink vouchers
A swag bag
Red carpet photo ops
Prizes for best celeb look-alike and best outfit
Hotel 1000 will provide live entertainment and a telecast of the Academy Awards
Party starts at 4:00 p.m.

Girls Getaway Package at the Setai South Beach

This is the time each year when we plan a little trip to Miami. It's just so easy and we always have fun. We're looking at new hotels to check out; but we still wanted to pass on this Girls Getaway package at the Setai. If you haven't been, it's simply one of the most sophisticated, lux property on the beach. We love the asian design influences, the floor to ceiling windows in the rooms, and the proximity to just about all of our favorite spots in SoBe. 

The Girls Getaway Package at the Setai includes:

• A bottle of Taittinger Champagne and Chocolate Truffles in the suite
• Two 60-minute treatments in The Spa at The Setai
• Complimentary Aperitif when dining in The Restaurant at The Setai
• VIP entrance to a South Beach lounge or nightclub
• Complimentary bottle with a VIP table reservation any Opium Group nightclub (like Mokai where Dwayne Wade is having his bday, Mansion and Set among others)
• Champagne makeover and private shopping experience at the Saks Fifth Avenue Club in Bal Harbour with an exclusive fifteen percent off
• The Setai Grand Breakfast each day
• Fifteen percent off the Asprey Boutique, located in the Setai lobby
• Personalized pre-arrival experience by one The Setai’s dedicated concierges (not sure what this is but we're intrigued!)

On Our Radar: Lady Gaga Monster Ball and the Luxe City Center LA

If you missed Lady Gaga last year, this is a great opportunity to see her. The Luxe City Center in LA adjacent to the Staples Center finished a remodel and is offering a couple of premium Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour packages. Whether you live on the west coast or you need a break from freezing temps elsewhere, the show on March 28th would be blast.

Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour "Suite" Platinum Package in a Luxe  Premium Suite

• Two lower level tickets for Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour Concert on March 28;
• Valet parking
• Early 10 a.m. check-in at hotel;
• Get your bubbly on with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne
• Box of Godiva Chocolates
• Dinner for two at Flemings Prime Steakhouse (includes a cocktail, appetizer, entree, and dessert for two)
• $200 Visa gift card so you can shop like a rock star (think leather leggings)
• Lady Gaga Hardcover Monster Ball Program

This package is available for $3,500 for one night (based on two guests) and is exclusive of taxes and tips.

Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour "Suite" Diva Package in a Luxe Executive Suite

• Two lower level tickets for Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour Concert on March 28
• Valet parking
• Early guaranteed 12 noon check-in at hotel
• Bottle of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne
• $150 Visa gift card to enjoy a "Diva Dinner" at the restaurant of your choice
• 2 Lady Gaga Monster Sunglasses

This package is available for $1,900 for one night (based on two guests) and is exclusive of taxes and tips.

To make a reservation for these exclusive packages, call 213-748-1291. 

Moroccan Dream, Hotel #2

Since I'm going to Morocco in spring and it's so damn cold here and the streets of NYC are full of icy brown sludge I thought it was befitting that my second hotel post reflect where my mind is currently at right now...warmer climates and exotic interiors!  During my lodging research for my spring sabbatical I found a chic retreat located in Essaouira, Morocco called Dar Beida. This white structure from the 1960's era is located in an old port city in the west of Morocco.  Designed and decorated by the British owners, they scoured local flea markets and Souks to fill the interiors with vintage objects and furniture resulting in a warm and eclectic atmosphere.  Collections of skulls such as bird, dolphin, camel and cows found washed up on the Moroccan shores or collected from the desert, were arranged on the walls which create pattern and shadow.  The owners added bulbous shaped fire places to most of the 4 bedrooms.  But, now back to my day dream filled mind! The rooftop bedroom pictured just below which opens up onto a rooftop terrace is where I take retreat, sipping on, hmmmmm, well some yummy local drink of course, soaking in the warm sun light, catching the comforting breeze from the dry desert and enjoying the salty scent from the nearby shore.  Spring just can't come fast enough!

On Our Radar: Montage Laguna Beach Shopping Spree Special

We'd love to finish our shopping (and take the edge off the holiday stress) by spending a couple of nights at the posh Montage Laguna Beach. Their Shopping Spree Special includes:

• An ocean view room for two nights
• Transportation to the nearby South Coast Plaza with its 200 stores including Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Bloomie's
• $50 breakfast credit with in-room dining or their restaurant The Loft
• Passes to the VIP Suite at South Coast Plaza with complimentary refreshments and package check
• Daily lunch for two at Quattro Café
• The best part: complimentary gift wrapping!

Rates start at $545 per night.

New Year's Eve at the W Hotel Washington, D.C.

The W Washington, D.C. is the hot spot for New Year's Eve in the nations capital. Just a block from the White House with the best views in the city, the W is throwing an exclusive soiree including an appearance from Doug E. Fresh, premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres and more until 3 in the morning.

There are a limited supply of tickets to the party on the POV terrace for $140. Room packages including tickets to the festivities start at $499. There's also an option available that includes dinner at the J & G Steakhouse. We're big proponents of a steak dinner before a big night out and here it's all under one roof! Best feature about all of the overnight packages is the 2 p.m. checkout.

Find out more information at the W's website.

The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas for New Year's

If you don't have New Year's Eve plans, and have a spare $5,000--this is the deal for you: Head to the brand spanking new Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and welcome in 2011 at the Jay-Z and Coldplay concert. The deal on Jetsetter includes:

• 2 nontransferable invitations to the live New Year’s Eve concert featuring Jay-Z and Coldplay at 10PM at the Chelsea Ballroom (attire: black tie);
• A Terrace studio room for three nights

• Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub Preview Party at the Cosmopolitan on December 30th at 10PM (including exclusive nightclub performance by Florence and the Machine)
• A $300 gift card for a NYE dinner at either Blue Ribbon Sushi, Comme Ca, Scarpetta, Jaleo, STK, and Estatorio Milos
• A $50 dining food and beverage credit to any signature bar or lounge on property (applied at hotel check-out); 
• A buffet breakfast on New Year’s Day at Wicked Spoon
• A New Year’s Day barbecue on the Boulevard Pool deck from 1-4PM (featuring a performance by Mavis Staples).

On Our Radar: the Montage Deer Valley

The Montage Deer Valley opened this month. Located near Park City and its charming and fun Main Street and just a mere 36 miles from Salt Lake airport, it's easy to get to and loaded with action.  The Deer Valley ski resort boasts the smoothest runs anywhere (always groomed) and the best chili and salad bar we've ever tasted on the slopes. The new Montage resort sits mid-mountain with true ski in/ski out access via the three lifts outside its doors. The lux rooms and suites start at 600 square feet and many have fireplaces and patios. When you go, spend some time (and check out the dudes) at Daly's Pub & Rec, a new American gastro-pub which sports bowling, billiards, darts, Wii  and 80's arcade games. Check out the spread at MontageDeerValley.com.

New Year's Eve at the W Scottsdale

Scottsdale was our first girls' getaway that we featured on The Jet Set Girls exactly three years ago. Sadly, we haven't been back for another visit; but it's in consideration for this winter. We'd love to stay at the W Hotel Scottsdale which opened since our last trip (the Mondrian where we stayed before has closed). The W has a Wet deck, their take on poolside fun; a Bliss Spa for pre party primping or post party detox; Sushi Roku  for the sushi we always get on our girls' trips; and Shade, their nightclub. We also like the Farewell Kiosk where you can check out of your room and print your boarding passes. The only thing we would change is the $9.95 fee for WiFi  in your room. We hoped that hotels were phasing that out by now.

They're also throwing a private party for New Year's with a Carnaval flair which is included in their New Year's Eve package. Here are the details:

• Insider Access to a Carnaval Celebration (tickets are $50 for women)
• One masquerade mask and one feather boa (one per bed)
• One split of champagne to toast the night away
• Hosted reception in the Living Room from 7 to 9 p.m. to get the party started on December 31, 2010
• Complimentary Wheels parking
• A Wonderful Room from $499

By the way, the high in Scottsdale today is 76. That sure beats East Coast weather!

Chateau Marmont Is Getting Ready for the Spotlight

Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere is her latest hotel-based drama and is rumored to do for Chateau Marmont what Lost in Translation did for the Park Hyatt Tokyo. Not that the Chateau Marmont needs the help—it has regularly made the gossip columns since the days of Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe. And as Sofia told the New York Times about the Andre Balazs hotel, “When I started writing my script I thought of this bad-boy character, and thought, ‘Of course he has to live at the Chateau.’ ” We can’t wait to see the movie, which opens on December 22.

On Our Radar: Kimpton on Jetsetter

Kimpton is featured on Jetsetter.com this week with great deals on its hotels in New York, D.C., and Miami. The rates start at only $110 per night at some of the hotels and would be a perfect fit for your New Year's Eve plans, a quick getaway with your honey, or (in our case) our annual girls' night out with our childhood friends.

The Eventi in NY which opened this year has views of the Empire State Building from its floor to ceiling windows. A visit here has been on our to-do list for months.

The Hotel Palomar D.C. is a favorite of ours and we've stayed here a few times. Located near Dupont circle, there's plenty to do close by; but you might be just as happy staying at the hotel and eating at their tasty Urbana Restaurant. All Kimptons are pet friendly, so this is on Anne's list when she's comes to DC.

We've thought about staying in Downtown Miami on our next trip. The Epic Hotel has water views, the Exhale Spa, and the Area 31 seafood restaurant. SoBe isn't far away either if your itching for nightlife.   

Cyber Monday Deals

Thanks to the folks over at Hotel Chatter for rounding up the best Cyber Monday Hotel and Travel deals for us. Included in the list? 30% off the rack rate at the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos--today only! Read the full list of Cyber Monday hotel deals.