That’s what our President did this week – he and the missus parked in the Waldorf Astoria’s Presidential Suite, and you can too. Assuming you have $7K.

What’s it like? Well every president since Herbert Hoover has stayed there, as well as plenty of other international Big Cheeses, like Khrushchev, de Gaulle, and possibly Rick Seaney.

It has four bedrooms, a rocking chair once owned by JFK and a writing desk that was Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s.

If you happen to be president of the U.S., they’ll even hand-monogram the towels for you, upon your visit. That alone is enough to makes me consider campaigning.

Too steep? Well, bunk with a friend — but at least you can afford the airfare – if you use FareCompare’s deal finder for flights to New York.

Thanks, Gadling!

Yes, only in Idaho (I think) can you stay in a giant Beagle.

Just go to the Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho (population 942); the inn only has the one unit – the giant dog (seen at left, with smaller “decorative” dog beside it) – but they call it a B&B anyway, and it’s yours for $92 a night.

Amenities? Well – they have no phones, no TV – but they do have a nice breakfast, thick fluffy towels – and a nifty gift shop, where you can buy wooden Beagle statues (or other dogs) – all hand-carved by the proprietors using chainsaws. They’re a manly breed out in Idaho, you better believe it.

And yes, the Dog Bark Park Inn is pet-friendly. Bring Sparky and BoBo.

So retro – in a good way. And why not? Beagles are the most charming of dogs.

Thanks to the Los Angeles Times for finding this gem.

When the economy tanks, too often people become predators – and prey.

And according to USA Today, the hotel industry is increasingly feeling the effects of this. Most of the crime is theft, of course – as it always is – along with vehicle break-ins (just another form of thievery).

So what to do? You know what to do. I’m just here to remind you.

1. Anytime you’re in your room, make sure the door is shut and locked (bolt and chain, too).
2. Don’t bring expensive jewelry with you when you travel. If you do, keep it in the hotel safe – but you might want to check the extent of the hotel’s liability, just in case the safe is robbed.
3. Don’t open the door to strangers. So no ordering in. If you’re too tired to go out to eat, pick up something on your way back to the hotel.

See the rest of the tips — on Rick Seaney’s blog — right here.

Read a VERY disturbing report today…Travelista Christopher Elliott says hotels are trying to save money, so they’re cutting back on all those things like little bottles of shampoo or little bottles of lotion – you know, the stuff that makes you go, “Oooh, nice place!”

Well, that’s what I’d always say.

But hold on, it gets worse – places that serve free breakfast may not be doing that much longer, either. Or, you’ll find less variety (farewell, sausage links).

This saddens me. Oh, not that I’ll notice. I don’t think Motel 6 is real big on a lot of this stuff anyway.

The Daily News has put together a handy list of Valentine Weekend package deals at a number of Manhattan hotels, and we liked this one:

“The Marmara Manhattan’s Valentine’s Weekend package includes two nights’ accommodation in a one-bedroom suite, a dozen roses – plus rose petals on the bed – Champagne, chocolate-covered Turkish-delight candies and a Kama Sutra kit for adventurous couples looking to indulge their sensuous side. Priced at $699.”

Turkish-delight? Anyway, yeah, it’s a little expensive, but hey – we’re talking New York City here. If you want rock bottom prices, you may have to share your space with rodents (see “Worst Hotel“).

That said, there are cheaper hotel deals on the list – just click here to see them all.

And if Florida is your idea of romance (sensuous oranges?), click here for great deals. ]]> http://standarduprightposition.com/2009/02/02/cheap-hotel-deals-in-new-york-city-for-frisky-valentines-day/feed/ 0 http://standarduprightposition.com/2009/01/27/10-dirtiest-hotels-in-the-us/ http://standarduprightposition.com/2009/01/27/10-dirtiest-hotels-in-the-us/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:22:46 +0000 anne http://standarduprightposition.com/?p=4064

Looking for a dirty hotel? Okay, looking to read about a dirty hotel? You, my friend, have come to the right place.

TripAdvisor has the list – and boy, is it a horror show.

I won’t keep you in suspense: the winner (based on TripAdvisor reviews) is the Hotel Carter in New York City, which garnered such comments as this gem from a guest who clearly knows her wildlife.

“Roaches, rats, mice, horrible smells, dirty sheets, horrifying bathrooms, outlets that hang out of walls… Just to name a few, but the worst part about it was that at 4am I woke up to a bunch of guys breaking into our hotel room while we were sleeping!!” -Jasmine, on the Hotel Carter

Funny, the hotel’s website mentions nothing about hot-and-cold running rodents. But in the future, Jasmine, here’s a tip: any New York City hotel that advertises rooms for $110 a night, just might be a wee bit on the skanky side.

Mobil has just announced its “Annual Star Awards” for 2009.

As you know, 5-stars is best.

So what state can boast the most 5-star hotels? Well, as the Governor would say, Cal-ee-four-knee-uh.

See the listings for all the states, along with restaurants and even spas – right here.

Resorts – like the Atlantis on Paradise Island, across the bridge from Nassau – are up to some new tricks in an effort to lure in tourists.

From time to time, they book big name acts like the Jonas Brothers (well, it’s a big name to 12 year old girls) – but tickets to these concerts are sold to guests only. You don’t know the Jonas Brothers? Trust me, they helped Atlantis book about a gazillion hotel rooms.

Hey parents! The hotel has booked them again – for March, April and May – if you have ‘tweens at home, start packing.

Just finished reading a stomach-wrenching article on one of “the world’s greatest hitchhikers” — bed bugs. Yes, they are popping up everywhere, according to a company that “bug proofs” mattresses — and you want to leave home without ‘em — and return that way, too.

TIP: When you get into your hotel room, whip out that flashlight you always carry (okay, start carrying one) and examine the edges of the mattress for “dark brownish to black spots or stains that could indicate bed bugs” and if you see that, run screaming through the night. Actually the article doesn’t say what to do if that’s the case, but I’d opt for screaming.

TIP: Never put your suitcase on the floor or the bed of your room — always use the luggage rack.

TIP: When you bring your suitcase home, don’t empty it in the house — empty it in your garage (I’m not kidding, that’s what they say).

See more bed bug tips, right here.

The new Crowne Plaza Milwaukee-Wauwatosa is not just a mouthful – it also features a “Women’s Executive Level” (7^th floor) — which is for women – except, men can book there, too. Got that?

They are trying something new – okay, it’s not really new -remember NYC’s old Barbizon Hotel, for women only? Anyway, the Milwaukee people want women execs to feel comfortable, so they’re giving them lots of “amenities” like Victoria Secret robes and blow-dryers and vanity mirrors.

Turns out men want that stuff too! So, it’s for everybody! And this way, it’s not a sexist thing!

Want to know what traveling women really want? I’ll tell ya. They want peace and quiet for play time.

They want to do stuff no one has time for at home, like – oh, exfoliating your elbows. Or finally pasting on that stupid “facial-rejuvenating mask” that someone gave you for Christmas that’s supposed to make you look young again but won’t but maybe this time it will if you do it just right.