9 Caribbean and Mexico Resorts Offer a Giveaway a Day via Twitter

The Halloween hype is heating up as Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts (MARCAM) announced their new interactive Trick or Tweet campaign: ParadiseByMarriottTrickorTweet.com Consumers are encouraged to log on to Twitter and follow @MarriottResorts for the opportunity to collect 27 special offers throughout the month of October from Paradise by Marriott’s nine resorts in seven destinations: Aruba, Curaçao, Cancun, Grand Cayman, Puerto Vallarta, St. Thomas and St. Kitts.

Beginning October 1st, MARCAM will announce a daily “Trick or Tweet” via its Twitter account: @MarriottResorts. A new link will be tweeted each day that will take followers to that day’s “Trick or Tweet” surprise, which will range from cooking lessons and tequila tastings to free hotel nights and room upgrades. Followers will be able to download a voucher for that day’s offer, which is then redeemable at the specified resort through December 20, 2010.

“Who says trick-or-treating is just for kids? We’ve taken an age-old tradition and put an adult twist on it, not to mention added value,” stated Michelle Bozoki, Director, Marketing Communications for Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts. “All of our loyal Twitter followers will have the opportunity to collect a Halloween ‘goody bag’ of 27 offers and discounts while Trick or Tweeting and then redeem them over the next year when they’re ready to vacation at one of our nine resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico.”

Each day’s Trick or Tweet link will only remain active for 24 hours before a new one is posted for download. A total of 27 different offers will be announced on Twitter throughout the month – each providing a discount or freebie to one of the nine participating resorts, with just four days of the month offering a link to “Tricks” instead of “Treats.”

Daily “Tweet Treats” will include:

• Free round of golf at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort
• Free room upgrade at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
• Mexican Cooking Class & Lunch for two with Executive Chef Fred Ruiz at CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
• $75 food & beverage credit at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
• 5^th night free at Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino

To start collecting Halloween treats, consumers simply have to follow @MarriottResorts for the daily Trick or Tweet link, register (only the first time they enter the site), and then download a new voucher each day. The certificate will be valid at the specified resort and guests can redeem each voucher once per room. Vouchers are only valid for paying guests of the hotel. Other terms and restrictions may apply.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Luxury at Hotel Carl Gustaf

As the warm weather of summer fades into the cool breezes of autumn, planning will soon begin for the festivities surrounding the Thanksgiving holidays. Your fall calendar will undoubtedly fill quickly with chores, obligations, activities and events leading into the national holiday – so be sure to schedule early a quick Caribbean escape to the charming Hotel Carl Gustaf, located on the small island of St. Barths in the French West Indies. With the Thanksgiving Holiday Escape, you’ll be able to let go of holiday stress amid the sophisticated ambiance and unparalleled service of this world-class resort.

Hotel Carl Gustaf sits atop a hill overlooking the capital city of Gustavia just a short stroll from the island’s gorgeous Shell Beach. With the Thanksgiving Holiday Escape, you’ll reside in one of the hotel’s one-bedroom, 800 sq foot suites, artfully decorated with hand-carved wooden furniture and an array of furnishings that create a French-Caribbean atmosphere. The suite boasts a private plunge pool, a spacious living room, a separate bedroom, a fully-equipped kitchenette and a marble-floor bathroom with a multi-jet shower. Sink into the high-thread-count linen sheets on your king-sized bed, curl up under the plush blanket, and listen to soothing music on the i-Pod player or watch a movie from a wide selection of DVDs. In addition to a six-day, five-night stay in the one-bedroom suite, the Thanksgiving Holiday Escape includes:

• Chilled bottle of wine served in your suite upon arrival
• Daily continental breakfast served in your suite
• 5-day car rental (excluding insurance and fuel)
• Dinner for two at the Carl Gustaf Lounge (excluding beverages and caviar)
• One-hour massage ‘tete-a-tete” in the Boutique Spa by Carita
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Free access to the fitness center and hydrozone “Blue Spa”
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access in your suite

The Thanksgiving Holiday Escape starts at 2,525 Euros; $3641.40 US (at time of press, value is USD $3,642 and may fluctuate). The Thanksgiving Holiday Escape must be booked by October 31, 2009. Local government taxes of 5% are not included.

While visiting Hotel Carl Gustaf, be sure to plan a day at the Carita Spa. Indulge in some gentle pampering, choosing from a range of beautifying services or health and revitalization therapies.

Dopplr Acquired, Hotel Prices Hit the Floor and A Hotel for Cougars

A daily roundup of the top travel news from around the web for 9/28/09.

• San Francisco Hotel Package Caters to Cougars [TravelPost]
• Dopplr confirms being acquired by Nokia, says nothing will change (for now) [TechCrunch]
• Stowe – The Best in the USA? [Journey etc.]
• 4 Ways to Have a Mexican Adrenalin Adventure [Frommers]
• U.S. Hotel Prices Hitting the Floor [Journey etc.]
• The Ivy Hotel’s Ultra Lounge Turns into a Wine Bar [Journey etc.]
• Celebrating Oktoberfest in Fort Worth [CitySpur]

Celebrating Oktoberfest in Fort Worth

Brewmaster Jamie Fulton has announced that The Covey Restaurant & Brewery will host its second annual Covey Oktoberfest, bringing a taste of the historic festival to the Hulen Street restaurant on Friday, October 9, from 3:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 10, from 11:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.

The weekend will feature a special Oktoberfest buffet for guests to sample Bavarian classics including assorted fresh Pumpernickel and Rye breads, German coleslaw, German potato salad, pickled beets, braised red cabbage, bier bratwurst, knackwurst and sauerkraut, wiener schnitzel, beer glazed pork hocks, and Black Forest cake. The buffet is $15.00 (beverages not included).

This local brewmaster is making his own history too, by bringing home medals from across the world for his hand-crafted brews, including the 2008 World Beer Cup® Gold Medal Champion (Vienna-Style Lager category), Vienna Lager.

Established in April 2006, The Covey Restaurant and Brewery is a brew pub that’s two venues in one: a comfortable pub with a full bar and a casual yet elegant restaurant with an extensive menu and custom-crafted, award-winning beer, brewed on site.

Brewmaster Jamie Fulton and executive chef Sean Merchant periodically feature special menus and beer tastings at The Covey. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11:00am – 11:00pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:00am until midnight. The kitchen and dining room close each day at 10:00pm; to-go orders are available during kitchen hours. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 3:00pm – 6:30pm. Kids eat free on Sundays.

After a successful launch of Oktoberfest last year, Mr. Fulton will continue the restaurant’s Oktoberfest tradition during which ten percent of proceeds from the weekend go to First Command Educational Foundation (FCEF), a Fort Worth-based non-profit that promotes education through scholarships and financial literacy programs across the country. FCEF will use the funds donated from this event to award scholarships exclusively in the Fort Worth community.

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Loft 610 Urban Restaurant & Lounge Names Tre Wilcox as Executive Chef

Loft 610 Urban Restaurant & Lounge announced today the naming of Tre Wilcox as Executive Chef of its Plano restaurant. Chef Tre assumes culinary responsibilities immediately with a limited menu preview on Saturday, October 3 and the full menu debut on Tuesday, October 6.

“We are reinvigorating our commitment to fine cuisine by having Tre lead our kitchen,” said Brian Twomey, owner of Loft 610. “Tre has a unique way of creating exciting flavor combinations without making the dishes too ‘out there.’ We want the menu to be comfortable and approachable. The food at Loft 610 will be prepared simply, but expertly.”

Dallas native Chef Tre began his culinary career at age 16 and quickly moved from the fast food world to gourmet cuisine. He was hired as a grill cook by Kent Rathburn at the five-star Dallas eatery Abacus, and quickly rose through the ranks to become Chef de Cuisine. In 2007, Chef Tre gained national notoriety and showcased his passion for finer food on Bravo’s third season of “Top Chef.” In the last year, he has served as a private chef as well as a national spokesperson for cookware.

Loft 610 Urban Restaurant & Lounge offers a sophisticated downtown dining experience complete with exposed steel structures, reclaimed brick and polished concrete floors, replicating the ambience of an old warehouse. The restaurant opened in December 2007 and quickly established itself as a place for upscale dining outside of the downtown Dallas area, receiving Dallas Observer Critics’ Pick and Best of Dallas accolades.

“I am excited to take on this new challenge,” said Chef Tre. “Loft 610 is a beautiful restaurant with a top notch kitchen, and I know we can create a lasting impression on people that want a fantastic meal. We hope to reverse the traffic flow on the Tollway during weekend nights. We’re only 10 minutes from Highland Park and we aren’t in Uptown, but everything else about Loft 610 is.”

Joining Chef Tre in the kitchen will be longtime friend and Abacus colleague Jermaine Brown, who will take over as Executive Sous Chef. Brown is leaving his current position as Executive Sous Chef at Abacus to reunite working with Chef Tre.

“We have been operating with a sensational front of house under the leadership of Vice President of Operations, Chad Holland, and we now have perfected the entire picture,” added Twomey. “Loft 610 will be a very special place, and we have all the elements necessary to be one of the top restaurants in the country. I am so pleased with what we can offer to our community.”

Loft 610 serves lunch and dinner daily with a late-night kitchen open on Thursday through Saturday nights. The restaurant and lounge have several secluded dining areas for private parties and banquet events.

“Our pricing is affordable for everyday occasions,” said Twomey. “We’ve created a menu that allows people to enjoy a fantastic night out without having to take out a second mortgage. This is not just a special occasion restaurant.”

Mixing Cars and Cocktails, Hiker found in Grand Canyon and Traveling by Freighter

A roundup of the top travel news for today.

• The Right Way to Mix Cars and Cocktails [Luxist]
• Body of Overdue Hiker Found in Remote, Rugged Area of Grand Canyon National Park [NPT]
• Taking the slow boat: travel by freighter [Vagablogging]
• Eyes Wide Shut Halloween Masquerade at St. Regis Monarch Beach [Informed Traveler]
• Austin is Great this Time of Year [TravelPost]
• O2 Lounge – Rooftop Bar of the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow with Breathtaking Views [CitySpur]
• Aspen’s Hotel Jerome Turns 120 in Grand 1889 Style [Hotel Chatter]

O2 Lounge – Rooftop Bar of the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow with Breathtaking Views

This is a guest post from Sergey Logvinov, the Director of Public Relations at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow. Discussing the launch of Moscow’s newest upscale nightlife destination.  Look below the article for a hi-res image gallery of the lounge.  Can’t wait to make it out to Russia now!

Moscow with its numerous churches and historical buildings is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of the world. The Ritz-Carlton not only adds to Moscow’s beauty but also helps visitors to behold it in all splendor and glory – from the stylish rooftop bar O₂ Lounge, located on the 12^th floor of the hotel.

The dome made of glass and steal enhances the special O₂ Lounge ambiance by natural daylight and space. Exclusively designed furniture, the trendiest music beats and famous DJ’s from around the globe take the guests to a relaxed and cozy getaway in a secluded urban oasis like environment.

The bar’s cocktails match the unique and colorful views of Red Square and the city center. The barmen have created the menu of drinks that combines both best international favorites and local specialties. The ingredients are natural: freshly squeezed juices and fresh berries. “Ma(r)ry me blondie” is made of yellow tomato juice and vodka and is served with a lobster claw. “Berry Mojito” explodes in the mouth with a stunning taste of fresh strawberries and blackberries. A special place on the menu is given to Champagne of various kinds and sizes, up to the fifteen-liter giants. A guest wishing to open a bottle with the traditional hussar’s method by using a saber, will have the opportunity to do so; the bartender will be happy to assist.

The O₂ Lounge also offers a sushi bar with oysters and lobsters, one of Moscow’s finest and freshest. Famous Japanese chef Seiji Kusano flies in twice per week the best and finest fish quality one can buy for delicious sushi and sashimi from the world’s largest and best fish market Tsukiji in Tokyo. Guests can enjoy the healthy and light Japanese classics prepared in front of their eyes by a team of Japanese chefs at the sushi counter in the bar.

A place to be during summer season is the spacious terrace with an open air bar, illuminated dance-floor and DJ table. Grilled dishes include delicacies such as Australian lamb chops, skewered Jumbo Prawns and U.S. Prime New York Strip Steak.  Whether on the terrace or inside the bar, the guests may enjoy the Hookah pipes – sometimes known as the shisha or hubble-bubble pipe.  These hookahs however will be space age in their design, with a contemporary design manufactured in the Czech Republic from Bohemian Crystal.

Since its opening, the O2 Lounge has received several prestigious local and international awards accolades. To name just a few:

• “Best Elegant Bar 2008”, by Time Out Moscow
• “World’s 20 Best Sky Bars”, by The Times (UK)
• Ranked 16 in the list of The Fabulous 50 Bars and Hotels, but The Sunday Times (UK)
• “Hot Nights 2008”, by Conde Nast Traveler (U.S.)
• “Top 50 Deserving Destinations 2008”, by GQ Travel (UK)
• “Best Summer Terrace in Moscow 2007”, by Time Out  Moscow

Located just off Red Square, next to the Kremlin, in the heart of the cultural and business center of Russia’s capital, The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow features the largest guest rooms and suites providing cutting-edge technological amenities. The fine dining restaurant Jeroboam by the Michelin Star Chef Heinz Winkler, O2 Lounge on the 12th floor with magnificent views of the Kremlin and Red Square, and a full-service spa by ESPA are among hotel’s premium amenities.

Below is a slideshow of the O2 Lounge:

Find more photos like this on CitySpur

2/3 of Americans Likely to Decrease Spending on Dining and Entertainment in the Next 6 Months

While economists are saying the economic tide is turning, people are still not willing to open their wallets and spend money. Two-thirds of Americans say they will decrease spending on eating out at restaurants and reduce spending on entertainment, almost the same number who said so in May (66% and 64% respectively).

Half of Americans say they will be saving or investing more money in the next six months, slightly down from 53% who said so in May of this year. In terms of general spending, just one-quarter of U.S. adults say they anticipate having more money to spend the way they want, again unchanged from the beginning of summer in May when 26% said so.

In May, as people were planning their summer vacations over one-third of Americans (36%) said they would be taking a vacation away from home lasting longer than a week in the next six month. The end of summer tends to mean less travel and now only 28% of Americans say it is likely they will take a week-long vacation in the next six months.

Almost unchanged from May, one in five Americans say they will be likely to buy a new computer in the next six months compared to 21% at the beginning of the summer. Also unchanged is that 7% of Americans would be starting a new business in the next six months compared to 8% who said so in May.

Besides the economy heating up, there is also talk of the residential housing market starting to see some rebound. However, just 14% of Americans say they are likely to move to a different residence and less than one in ten say they will be likely to purchase a house or condo in the next six months. In May, one in five U.S. adults said they were likely to move in the next six months and 9% were likely to purchase a house or condo.

Looking at bigger ticket items, people are still not quite ready for these types of purchases. Just one in ten Americans say they are going to buy or lease a newly manufactured car, truck or van in the next six months, almost the same as in May, when 12% said the same. When it comes to buying a boat or recreational vehicle in the next six months, just 4% say they will do so compared to 5% in May who said they would.

So what?

The economy is still a major issue of concern for people and with the worries surrounding the job market that is probably one of the reasons that people are not ready to start spending yet. When the job market begins to turn around, people would be more secure that they will not lose their jobs or, if they already have, are closer to finding a new job. And, once they have that security they may be willing to eat out more and go to the movies more frequently.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,334 adults surveyed online between September 8 and 15, 2009 by Harris Interactive.

Most Expensive Suite in Vegas, Muder at NYC Hotel and the Spa a Man Can Love

A daily roundup of today’s top travel news.

• A Shocking Murder at the Jumeirah Essex House [Hotel Chatter]
• Yellowstone Grizzlies Are Back on the Threatened Species List [National Parks Traveler]
• A Spa a Man Can Love? [Luxist]
• Why we love our hotel’s soap and shampoo: Three letters: T, S, A [USA Today]
• Tuna Town in Japan Sees Falloff of Its Fish [NYT]
• What’s the Most Expensive Luxury Suite in Las Vegas? [Travel Post]
• Gourmet chef makes organic meals for Costco [SF Gate]

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