CasaSugar

Do You Reuse Your Hotel Towels?

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:52 -0700

When staying at a hotel, I always reuse my towels if I'm staying for more than one night. Almost all hotels leave cards in the bathrooms asking guests to do so, and studies show that the majority of guests do. Are you in the majority?

Home Away From Home: Stockholm's Hotel J

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:41 -0700

Stockholm's Hotel J is a super chic chalet influenced by the fine craftsmanship of yachting with a distinct Scandinavian twist. Bright and airy, the interiors' chairs and sofas are upholstered in thick white wrinkly cotton and also feature clean-lined contemporary light oak furniture. The hotel has a gorgeous view of the Stockholm harbor, and guests can rent sailboats or taking sailing lessons.

"Nautical by nature," the hotel is filled with boating accents throughout, such as sail remnants and model sailboats, but knickknacks are kept to a minimum. I love the calm vibe of the hotel. Beds are dressed in blue and white stars and stripes, but not in a kitschy way. Stockholm, here I come! Take a tour when you read more.

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Would You Want to Stay at the "Hotel of Doom"?

CasaSugar — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:30:34 -0700

Located in North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, the Ryugyong Hotel is also known as The Hotel of Doom and The Phantom Hotel, since construction on the hotel had been abandoned for over 16 years. Recently, however, construction started again, and there are rumors that it may be finished by 2012. This three-sided pyramid was named "The Worst Building in the History of Mankind" by Esquire magazine, but don't let that description stop you. Tell me: if this building was ever finished, and if you ever had reason to travel to North Korea, would you stay in it?

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Betsey Johnson to Design an Eloise-Inspired Suite at the Plaza

CasaSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:27:56 -0700

Betsey Johnson is diving headfirst into her first hotel collaboration with a suite inspired by Kay Thompson's Eloise for New York's most prestigious address, The Plaza Hotel. Once the dust of New York Fashion Week settles, she is due to begin designing a two-bedroom suite in the character's signature pink-and-black palette. This shouldn't be much of a stretch for the designer, who dressed her own Manhattan penthouse in head-to-toe pink (shown left). The suite, as you might expect, will balance Johnson's notoriously wild style with the Plaza's brand of luxury, and should be a treat for adults and young guests alike. Of the collaboration, Johnson has said:

I'm tickled pink to be designing the Eloise Suite at the Plaza. When I recently moved uptown and my first granddaughter was born, I rediscovered Eloise and hoped that something magical would happen between me and my favorite hotel. This is the perfect pink combo!

Can't wait to see it! Would you like to stay in Johnson's Eloise-inspired suite?

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Guess Which Beatle This Hotel Room is Named After?

CasaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:00:14 -0700

Today, 09/09/09, marks the day that the entire digitally remastered Beatles catalog is being released by Apple. Additionally, The Beatles: Rock Band video game launches, making this a very Beatles-esque day to celebrate. So to honor this day in Beatles history, can you tell me which of the Fab Four had this hotel room named after him?

Great Decorating Ideas From the Hotel Saint Cecilia

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:00:15 -0700

Austin's South Congress Hotel Saint Cecilia expertly mixes styles, eras, and patterns in the design of its rooms and public spaces. The uniting factor throughout the space is the hotel's inspiration. The hotel was named in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry, and the Rolling Stones circa early '70s, writer William S. Burroughs, and artist Andy Warhol all serve as muses for the hotel. Comprised of five suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios, this hotel is a must-visit spot the next time you hit Austin. See my favorite decorating ideas from the Saint Cecilia.
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10 Design Ideas to Steal From London's Haymarket Hotel

CasaSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:00:43 -0700

Although I don't have any sojourns to London in my foreseeable future, I can't get the Haymarket Hotel out of my mind. At around $400 for the smallest room, a stay there is probably out of the question, too. Never say never though, right? So for the time being I thought I'd see if I can't pick up any decorating tips from the boutique hotel to create my very own Haymarket at home.

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Home Away From Home: London's Haymarket Hotel

CasaSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:00:53 -0700

I have died and gone to hospitality heaven. London's Haymarket Hotel, designed by Kit Kemp, is a stunning example of the sort of marriage between contemporary and traditional design I have been searching for. In this case, it's classic English style that gets a modern lift, as traditional furniture shapes, including many antiques, are updated with bold patterns, playful scale, and thoughtful palettes. Each suite has an individual look, though many share similar furnishings upholstered in their own colors and fabrics. So for frequent travelers, each visit to the Haymarket will be a new experience. From the black, white and yellow lobby with its captivating Tony Cragg sculpture to the "Soholistic" gym with its sleek 60-foot pool lit by ever-changing colored lights, you feel a bit as if you're sightseeing without stepping out onto the streets of London. Take a tour when you read more.

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Design Ideas From My Tour of the Ace Hotel New York! Part II: The Lobby

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

If you saw Part I of this slideshow (The Loft Suite), you know I was recently invited to tour the new Ace Hotel in New York. I've always been a fan of the boutique hotel chain's vintage industrial aesthetic, but I particularly loved the prep school/university library feel of Ace NY's lobby. Tall ceilings, original floor tiling, old wooden tables, giant columns, cozy, quiet seating, and a well-bound collection of dusty books made me feel like I'd stepped into a scene from School Ties - although Matt Damon was nowhere to be found. There are plenty of clever design ideas for you take from this lobby, even if a trip to the Big Apple isn't in your plans.

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Design Ideas From My Tour of the Ace Hotel New York! Part 1: The Loft Suite

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

During a recent East Coast getaway, I was invited to tour the new Ace Hotel in New York, and I've got photos to prove it! My love for Ace is no secret, but until now I haven't had the chance to visit one. I hoped the hotel would live up to its good press and photos, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. As with the boutique hotel chain's other outposts, a campy, vintage-industrial aesthetic rang true here, and inspiration was also drawn from the history of the building and city. First, take a peek at the loft suite and get some clever design ideas for your home. Each floor boasts only one of these 825-square-foot corner rooms, so you're in for a treat!

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