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. 

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.

On Our Radar: Coachella

It may be 77 days away, but the new A|X Armani Exchange ads put Coachella on our minds. The legendary music festival that takes place near Palm Springs, California was the inspiration for the spring ad campaign. “The aesthetic of the A|X Spring 2011 Collection was conceived around casual but sophisticated style and the modern influence of season-less, festival-chic dressing. The emphasis was not on major seasonal shifts but instead on creating looks that possess an overall truthfulness,” said Kate Lanphear, Elle's style director who styled the ads. The photos were shot at the Empire Polo Fields, where the festival takes place.

This year's Coachella festival kicks off on April 15 with Kings of Leon, the Black Keys and ends on April 17 with headliners Duran Duran and Kayne West. Check out Coachella.com for more details.

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. 

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.

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.

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.   

On Our Radar: W New York Hotels Not Home for the Holidays

Can't make it home for the holidays? The W New York is offering business travelers who are stuck in the city a Not Home for the Holidays package so you can avoid the epic journey that Steve Martin and John Candy made in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It include two cocktails and a free room upgrade, plus a comfort-food room service menu featuring treats like butternut squash soup and mom's apple pie. And, for every package purchased, the W’s of New York will donate $25 to the Food Bank of New York City. While this package is themed towards business travelers, it works for your girls' trips, too. After all, comfort food generally makes a good hangover remedy!

While you're there, be sure to check out the W Hotel boutique's global glam collection!

Book on WHotels.com.

On Our Radar: Paris and the Hotel Notre Dame

We leaving on Tuesday for a quick trip to Paris and just booked our hotel yesterday. The paralyzing problem was the number of great places to stay and deciding which amenities were the most important to us. For instance, apartments give you more space and a kitchen for less than the average 4-star hotel; but we're only staying three nights and exploring the bistros, bars and cafes is high on our priority list.

So instead, we opted for a mid-size hotel in an uber-convenient location with tons of style and history too. The Hotel Notre Dame sits just across the Seine from the cathedral and if we're lucky our room will have amazing views. The 400 hundred year old building was recently renovated and each room decorated by Christian Lacroix. The RER (train) stops across the street, so getting there from Charles de Gaulle will be a breeze. It locay right on the river means we'll have no problem traveling between the Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay and the metro will make the rest of our favorites easy to get to as well. We'll be sure to share with you the highlights of our trip - it's been a long time coming. If you have any recommendations while we're there, please share!

On Our Radar: Vdara Las Vegas

This time last year, we were in Vegas celebrating Anne's bachelorette party and since then, the new City Center has opened. When we go this Spring, we're considering one of the hotels there, because of its location (hello center of everything!), the entire project's commitment to environmental sustainability, and its new-ness of course. The Vdara Hotel and Spa, which is next to the Bellagio for reference, is casino-free and non-smoking - two things we can definitely do without in our digs in Vegas.  Its boutique size would be respite in the monstrosity of hotels otherwise surrounding you on the Strip.

The Vdara also is an all suite resort with the smallest rooms starting over 500 square feet. We did get a chuckle hearing that the rooms come with stove and microwaves, because even though we promote getting a six-pack of Gatorade and munchies for your room, we've never had the urge to cook a meal in Vegas.

There is a pool, a holistic spa and smoothie bar and you're not far from the casino at Aria next door. With all that's available in Vegas, staying somewhere that shows some restraint would be a novelty! Rates start at only $159 per night.

Picture courtesy Vdara Las Vegas Hotel and Spa.

On Our Radar: Tempo Miami

Though we usually stay in South Beach when we head to Miami, the new Tempo Hotel, combined with the allure of the Miami Heat and superstar LeBron James may finally be enough to get us to stay downtown. The new 56-room hotel, that will have its grand opening in December, is within walking distance of the American Airlines arena. Add to that a 14th floor infinity-edge pool, Temp Spa, with music-themed spa treatments and Amuse restaurant serving Latin and Caribbean-style food we may not even see Ocean or Collins on this trip.

Plus, rumor has it that the management is actively trying to entice Miami Heat players to live in the Marquis-Residences that share the same building as the hotel, so we may get our Dwayne Wade sighting without hitting Prime 112!

On Our Radar: ReTreat Yourself at the Osprey

Sign up no for the ReTreat Yourself ski and snowboard camp at the Osprey at Beaver Creek. The program includes everything we would want in a long weekend, including:

• daily ski/snowboard sessions led by professional women ski and snowboarders
• six yoga classes
• four sessions with a motivational speaker
• a cooking class
• daily breakfast and lunch
• and a B4BC (Boarding for Breast Cancer) party with mini spa treatments

The cost is $1567.95 per person, based on double occupancy.

Sign up for ReTreat Yourself.

On Our Radar: The Lake Placid Lodge Gastronomic Getaway

There's something special about combining travel and cooking classes. We've done it ourselves on a number of occasions and find it a welcome alternative to a spa visit. The Lake Placid Lodge is hosting its first Gastronomic Getaway inspired by the Aesop fable “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse,”  where visiting chefs Sandro Romano of The Modern, Christopher Bradley of Gramercy Tavern and Jean-Luc Le Du, owner of Le Du’s Wines and former Chef Sommelier of Daniel, will leave New York City and spend a weekend in the country at the Lodge. Working with Lake Placid Lodge's Executive Chef, Brian Sutton, they will focus on mainly New York State products and a farm-to-table approach.

The fall getaway is October 21st to October 24th, 2010 and includes:

One on one time with the chefs in and out of the kitchen
Discussion panels revolving around the state of food and beverage in New York and trends
Wine, beer and spirit tastings as well as lessons in mixology
Hiking and foraging
A breakfast canoe trip to an Adirondack island
The reinvention of the s’more and a BBQ competition between the chefs
Local cheese/dairy farm, brewery, and maple sugar farm tours
Tour of a nationally recognized local school focused on responsible agricultural practices

You can either purchase the package as a complete couples deal for $2,995 for the entire weekend or as a daily package at $150 per person per day which include activities and dinner and wine pairings.

For reservations and more information call (877) 523-2700 or visit http://www.lakeplacidlodge.com/Special-Offers/Food-And-Wine-Weekend/

On Our Radar: The Aria Hotel Las Vegas

Thank you Ritu, for sharing your guest post on The Jet Set Girls!


Aria Hotel Las Vegas

I visited Las Vegas for the first time with two girl friends over Labor day and had the pleasure of staying at Aria, the strip's newest hotel. The first thing you will notice as soon as you walk in is the delicious fragrance that the lobby is filled with. Aria had special scent engineers who came up with a unique blend of notes to create the hotel's signature scent. Built with the collaboration of eight different architects and complete with a waterfall and a beautiful fountain at the entrance, the hotel is a sight to be seen in itself. The most differentiating thing about Aria however, is the fact it holds sustainability and eco-consciousness at its heart. Plenty of natural light in the lobby and reusable bathroom product containers are a few noticeable efforts.

Keep your eye out for unique art pieces all around the hotel like a huge gold sculpture right behind the check-in counters called Silver River by Maya Lin. Take the time to walk through the hotel and check out the celebrity chef restaurants like Jean Philippe Patisserie on the main floor (my favorite), Jean Georges Steakhouse, Bar Masa and Shaboo ($300 prix fixe) by Master Sushi Chef Masa Takayama and award winning chef Julian Serrano's namesake restaurant spread out between the first and second floors.

Your stay at the Aria is incomplete without a visit to the "daylife" pool party at Liquid. All you need to do to gain free access is to put on a bikini, throw a cute cover-up on, touch up your makeup and slip into some cute shoes (heels optional) and the hosts in the general pool area will be handing you passes and begging you to hang out at Liquid. What you'll find inside is a smaller, more intimate party compared to the large and crowded parties like Wet Republic and Rehab, with classy party-goers drinking high end tequila and Perrier-Jouet. The top class DJs with uncanny abilities to read the crowd will keep the energy up with the best new house music, mixed flawlessly.

Take advantage of having one of the newest hot spots for nightlife right in your hotel by partying at Haze nightclub. There are some optical illusions built into club to create a "haze" like a moving ceiling of lights and larger than life sculptures. Celebrities make constant appearances and I saw Busta Rhymes perform on my visit.

Staying at Aria will not only give you bragging rights for staying at the newest hotel in the newly revitalized city center of Las Vegas, access to one of the hottest pool parties and clubs but also an excuse to sample some of the newest hotel technology and amenities.

On Our Radar: Sheila Kelley's S Factor Retreat

Combining three of our favorite things: Pole dancing, San Diego and a girls' getaway, the Sheila Kelley's S Factor Retreat is on our travel wish list this fall. The weekend is Oct 21-24 at the aptly-named Paradise Point. The weekend's itinerary includes:


October 21 ~ Awaken My S Journey ~ Sheila Kelley chat entitled The Story of S, Elements of the S Factor Movement Path, Elements of the S Factor Erotic Creature Path and How to Use Your Feminine Eye
October 22 ~ Ignite My Feminine Fire ~ Meanderings and Good Mornin' Breakfast ~  Pole Dance Clinic ~ The Beauty Workshop ~ Erotic Creature Intensive ~ Sheila Kelley Chat entitled Igniting Your Feminine Fire and The Male vs. Female Campfire ~ Iemanja Ocean Cleansing Ceremony and Bonfire Celebration
October 23 ~ Understanding My Erotic Creature Journey ~ Sunrise on the Beach ~ Erotic Creature Intensive w/ Sheila Kelley ~ Lap Dance Intensive ~ Sheila Kelley Chat entitled Understanding Your Erotic Creature Journey ~ History and Politics of Female Sexuality ~ S Factor Flight Night
October 24 ~ S-ing My Way Through Life ~ Good Morning Breakfast: experiencing your food through your sensuality ~ S Factor Erotic Creature Discovery ~ Farewell Meditation w/ Sheila Kelley ~ body cleansing self-acceptance ritual

We can only imagine how fit and sexy attendees will feel by checkout time on Sunday! Register at SFactor.com.

On Our Radar: The Toronto Film Festival and the Fairmont Royal York

The 35th annual Toronto International Film Festival which begins today through  September 19th presents the best new movies for film lovers and industry professionals alike. The Fairmont Royal York is the perfect place to enjoy the festival and is offering a special package for festival go-ers.

The Toronto International Film Festival Package includes:


Four pairs of tickets and accommodations on the luxurious Fairmont Gold Floor
Availability Monday September 13, 2010 – September 19, 2010
Continental breakfast
TIFF festival gift bag
Official Film schedule
Program book
Starting from Rates: $459 for the first night, and $359 for additional nights
For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/royalyork

To celebrate the film festival, the Fairmont is serving up a couple of yummy looking cocktails: the TIFF Tini and the Festival  Buzz (pictured below). Try them yourselves!

“TIFF TINI” RECIPE

chilled Fairmont Organic Jasmine tea
1 oz of pear vodka
5 oz of Galliano
freshly squeezed lemon juice
dash of simple syrup.
Garnish with fresh lemon zest.
Gently stirred and served on the rocks in fine china

“FESTIVAL BUZZ” RECIPE
1 oz White Peach Puree
¼ oz Royal York hotel honey
4 oz Moet Champagne
Stir puree and honey in a shaker glass. Pour into a flute glass. Top with champagne.

On Our Radar: Kimpton's Summer Playground Package

We're eager to squeeze a little more fun out of summer, so we chose a Labor Day staycation at Kimpton's Lorien Hotel and Spa. We've stayed there before and love its classy rooms by designer Vicente Wolf, the yummy gourmet shop, and its location at the top of historic Old Town Alexandria.

We haven't been to their Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier restaurant yet and look forward using the $25 credit that was included with the Summer Playground package on some tasty Belgian fare. Anyone headed out of town this weekend? We couldn't bear the traffic; but would love to hear about your travels!

On Our Radar: Teetotum Hotel in Tulum

One of our fave hairstylists just got back from a trip to the Teetotum Hotel in Tulum Mexico and raved about the tiny four room inn. What did she like about it? Top on the list was the friendly staff who went out of their way to make sure she had everything she and her friends needed. She also said that the rooms were large and comfortably decorated --beach-y yet modern with iPod docks and Wi-Fi. While the hotel isn't right on the beach, it offers free bicycles for the short ride.

She raved about the food too, saying it was ridiculously good for the price. Beers and mango margaritas were about $1 and $3 respectively!

We've long been fans of the Riviera Maya for its convenience to the east coast--a non stop flight to Cancun, then a short cab ride and you're in heaven!

Rates at the Teetotum Hotel start at $85 a night.