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Spring Fever
You've survived another cruel winter, and you're ready for tulips, pastels and...spring break! You haven't had time off since the holidays, the kids are out of school and you're tired of the same old forecast: gray skies and a dreary 28 degrees. It's your time to bask in the sun and feel the warm breeze. But, where to go? You've been to all the usual places, and you definitely want to steer clear of the beer-swigging college kids and MTV cameras. That's where we come in. Mobil Travel Guide has some fresh picks for places to usher in spring. Check into the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, where the elegant and cheerful rooms have balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean or Newport Harbor, and the fabulous spa and pool will help you relax. Or head to the St. Regis Monarch Beach, located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The Tuscan-style resort on the beach feels a million miles away. If the desert is more your style, try the Phoenician in Scottsdale, the epitome of luxury (and there’s lots to do for the kiddies, too). In Florida, stay right in the middle of the action in Miami -- but surrounded by cool sophistication -- at the Setai in Miami Beach, where you can relax in the fabulous spa and enjoy delicious global cuisine at night. Or bask in the breezy elegance of the St. Regis Fort Lauderdale, where you can lounge by the oceanfront pool all day. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is another great spot. Play tennis all day and then sip cocktails by the ocean at night. You’ll return so relaxed and refreshed, you won’t even care what the forecast says. |
Hotel Ratings:
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Five-Star - Four-Star
- Three-Star
- Two-Star
- One-Star
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The St. Regis New York NY Located just off Fifth Avenue, the St. Regis reigns as New York’s grande dame. Opened in 1904, this Beaux Arts landmark defines elegance with its gleaming marble, glittering gold leafing and sparkling chandeliers. The guest rooms are elegantly decorated in soft pastel colors with Louis XVI-style furnishings. The Astor Court is the perfect place to enjoy traditional afternoon tea. Renowned for its famous Red Snapper cocktail and bewitching Maxfield Parrish mural, the King Cole Bar is a favorite of hotel guests and locals alike. Be sure to ask the bartender why crafty Old King Cole is smirking. |
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Read more about The St. Regis New York NY Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Hotels Read Mobil Hotel Inspector Reviews for all Mobil-Rated Four- and Five-Star Hotels. |
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XV Beacon Boston MA Dazzling and daring, XV Beacon is the hipster’s answer to the luxury hotel. This turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts building in Beacon Hill belies the sleek décor found within. This highly stylized, seductive hotel flaunts a refreshing change of pace in traditional Boston. Decidedly contemporary, XV Beacon employs whimsical touches, like the plaster busts found at reception, to wink at the city’s past. Original artwork commissioned specifically for the hotel by well-known artists decorates the walls of both public and private spaces. The eclectic guest rooms and suites are decorated in a palette of rich chocolate browns, blacks, and creams. Rooms feature canopy beds with luxurious Italian linens and gas fireplaces covered in cool stainless steel. Completed in crisp white with simple fixtures, the bathrooms are a modernist’s dream. Guests can take a breather in the rooftop whirlpool while taking in the breathtaking view of the Boston skyline. |
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Read more about XV Beacon Boston MA Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Hotels Read Mobil Hotel Inspector Reviews for all Mobil-Rated Four- and Five-Star Hotels. |
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River Street Inn Savannah GA This inn has rooms with four-poster beds and French balconies with views of the Savannah River. Wine and appetizers are served in the afternoon and homemade chocolates are delivered to each room in the evening. |
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The Tremont Chicago IL Located just off North Michigan Avenue and a half block from the John Hancock Building, this historic hotel is popular with business travelers. The welcoming lobby features hardwood floors, arched ceilings, and a living room—complete with a piano and fireplace. Amenities are limited and guest rooms are on the small side, making the hotel not especially convenient for families, but the cozy rooms are attractively furnished in soothing shades of yellow, green, and cream and retain some of the building's historical character. The hotel's restaurant, Mike Ditka's (see), serves steaks and chops in a clubby setting. |
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Read more about The Tremont Chicago IL Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Hotels |
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Holiday Inn Express New York City Fifth Avenue NY This Holiday Inn Express, located just west of Fifth Avenue, is a "down the block" neighbor of Times Square and its many Midtown activities, including theaters, restaurants, and shops. This simple, no-nonsense hotel is suitable for business travelers, tourists, or those traveling with families. A friendly staff welcomes guests in the relaxed, compact setting of the lobby, and guest rooms include amenities such as coffee makers, two phone lines, and work desks. |
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Read more about Holiday Inn Express New York City Fifth Avenue NY Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Hotels |
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Restaurant Ratings:
- Five-Star
- Four-Star
- Three-Star
- Two-Star
- One-Star
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Alinea Chicago IL A dimly lit corridor provides the dramatic entrance to Chef/Owner Grant Achatz’s stunning restaurant. Once inside, you can catch a glimpse of the spotless open kitchen and watch a team of chefs cook with scientific precision. The four intimate dining rooms, appointed with dark mahogany tables, provide the perfect setting for the adventurous cuisine. The restaurant offers two types of menus: a 12- or 24-course degustation feast. Steaming eucalyptus leaves, smoking cinnamon sticks or lavender air-filled pillows are just some of the unusual elements that may be incorporated in the presentation of some dishes. The knowledgeable and affable wait staff are passionate about every guest’s experience and deflate any sense of pretension. |
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Read more about Alinea Chicago IL Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Restaurants |
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Meritage Boston MA Chef Daniel Bruce’s passion is mixing wine with food. Accordingly, his Meritage, located in the Boston Harbor Hotel, offers more than 900 bottles. He pairs his eclectic, seasonal dishes with wine flavors rather than varietals, progressing from light to heavy. Fennel-cured smoked salmon is matched with sparkling wines, while herb- and -mustard-marinated filet comes with a pairing of robust reds. All menu items are available as large or small plates. |
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Read more about Meritage Boston MA Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Restaurants |
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Cafe Boulud New York NY Daniel Boulud is the renowned star of a small empire of French restaurants extending from Manhattan to Las Vegas. Cafe Boulud is a less formal version of his haute temple of French gastronomy, Daniel. But “less formal” is a relative term. Cafe Boulud is a majestic space, perfect for quiet conversation and intimate dining. The service is helpful and unobtrusive. The chef is a whiz at pleasing the palate and offers a choice of four la carte menus: La Tradition (French Classics and Country Cooking), La Saison (The Rhythm of the Seasons), Le Potager (Vegetarian Selections from the Farmers’ Market), and Le Voyage (a menu inspired from a changing international destination— Mexico, Morocco, etc). The wine program is ambitious, and the staff is eager to assist with pairings, making the experience a small slice of Parisian perfection. |
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The Odeon New York NY Odeon is the original hipster diner. This sleek, retro space, located in TriBeCa, has been serving delicious brasserie fare like perfect frisée au lardons, thick and juicy burgers, and steak frites to the masses of fabulous locals for almost two decades. Brunch is a must, but if you are in the area late at night, it is also a hotspot to grab a bite to tide you over until morning. Celebrities of the Robert De Niro caliber are bound to be tucked into booths, so keep an eye out. |
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Twin Anchors Restaurant and Tavern Chicago IL Make no bones about it: Chicago is a meat-and-potatoes kind of town, and there are few things that native Chicagoans like more than a great slab of ribs. Choices abound, but a local favorite is Twin Anchors Restaurant and Tavern in the Old Town neighborhood just north of downtown (and a fairly short cab ride away). Although this former speakeasy was reincarnated as a restaurant in 1932, it maintains its hole-in-the-wall appeal, complete with diner-style booths, linoleum tabletops, a jukebox stocked with an eclectic mix of tunes, and an extensive collection of beers. The real attraction, however, is the ribs—rumor has it that they were Frank Sinatra’s favorites. Order them zesty, like a local, and then let the feast begin. The menu may be limited, but the portions are generous. If ribs aren’t your style, the hamburgers and filet mignon are also excellent. Be prepared for a long wait, though; this 60-seat restaurant fills up fast. This popular setting was used in the film Return to Me. |
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Read more about Twin Anchors Restaurant and Tavern Chicago IL Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Restaurants |
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Spa Ratings:
- Five-Star
- Four-Star
- Three-Star
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Spa at Mandarin Oriental - New York, New York This sleek hotel marries Asian sensibilities with New York panache, and its 14,500-square-foot spa is its showcase. Bamboo and natural stone are used throughout, while Chinese, Ayurvedic, Balinese and Thai healing therapies are the highlight of a visit to this facility. Signature therapies celebrate the spa’s Eastern heritage with Lomi Lomi massage, Chakra balancing and Ama releasing Abhyanga. This spa is capped off by a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with a magnificent pool where swimmers can lap up the city skyline views. |
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Read more about Spa at Mandarin Oriental - New York, New York Read more about Mobil Star-Rated Spas |
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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago This spa, located off Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, features five soundproofed treatment rooms, ideal for escaping the noise of the city. Melt away with a Swedish, hot stone, sports conditioning or scalp rejuvenating massage. The elixir paraffin wrap combines olive stones, lavender, juniper berries and grapefruit to produce baby-soft skin. A variety of therapies, including manicures and pedicures, pamper and primp hands and feet. The facility also features a fitness center and indoor swimming pool. |
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The Spa at The Carlton Club, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago This spa, located at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, has five elegant treatment rooms where massages, facials and body treatments are delivered by a professional, polite staff. Deep tissue, Swedish, healing stone and aromatherapy massages are wonderful ways to reward yourself. The adjacent state-of-the-art fitness center has treadmills, stair climbers, elliptical trainers and stationary bicycles equipped with televisions and VCRs to entertain you while you work up a sweat. |
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City Guides at Howstuffworks: In-Depth Travel Info
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Montreal, Quebec Montreal has year-round activities and attractions that make it a great city to visit -- Mont Royal Park, Saint Joseph's Oratory, Old Port at Chateau Ramezay, Bonsecours Market, Notre Dame Basilica, and Montreal Botanical Garden to name a few. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Montreal | |
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Miami, Florida Miami is known for its steamy weather, cool, blue-wave beaches, a thriving fashion scene and flashy nightclubs. But there's another side to this cosmopolitan beach town: neighborhood Cuban restaurants, beach bums basking in the sun, and a world-class art scene. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Miami | |
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Washington, District of Columbia From its monuments and landmarks to its diverse neighborhoods, the nation's capital attracts more than 20 million international and domestic visitors each year. The famous sights and museums (many of which have free admission) and a year-round calendar of special events make Washington, DC, one of the world's top tourist destinations. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Washington | |
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Phoenix, Arizona "The Valley of the Sun" as Phoenix is popularly known, or simply "the Valley", boasts more than 325 days of sunshine each year. Azure skies, warm temperatures, rugged mountains, endless outdoor activities, world-class golf, fine dining, and numerous Five-Star resorts lure 13 million travelers to the Valley annually. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Phoenix | |
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Chicago, Illinois As the cultural and commercial center of the Midwest, Chicago attracts both leisure and business travelers, and has attractions to fit pretty much any interest, from families in search of a thrill at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel to couples strolling hand-in-hand along Oak Street Beach. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Chicago | |
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Dallas, Texas Everything's bigger in the Lone Star State. This is one reason the "Big D" holds a special place in the hearts of many Texans. Surrounded by a Metroplex that covers 12 counties and spans nearly 9,000 square miles, Dallas lives up to its new tourism slogan: "Live Large. Think Big." |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Dallas | |
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Denver, Colorado A cosmopolitan city saddled in historic Western roots, Denver's where skyscrapers line the bustling downtown streets, their facades framed by the magnificent Rocky Mountains looming in the distance. And with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the city's 20,000 acres of parkland are packed with outdoor enthusiasts, even in winter. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Denver | |
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Houston, Texas Houston has struck a comfortable balance of big city opportunities and small town ideals. While a jaunt to Johnson Space Center is a must for a first-timer, a trip to the historic Houston Heights and its charming Victorian homes and unique shops shows the flip side of this metropolis. |
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| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Houston | |
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Las Vegas, Nevada Whether coming for a well-earned vacation or planning around your convention schedule, you'll want to make the most of every minute you spend in this bright city. Many visitors leave feeling they only sampled a small amount of all Las Vegas has to offer, so make sure you’re in the know before you go. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Las Vegas | |
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Los Angeles, California Home to one the world's most popular amusement parks (Disneyland), Los Angeles provides numerous activities and attractions--you can hike in the nearby mountains and hills, visit top-notch galleries and museums, check out bands, watch obscure films that no one else in the country gets to see, shop at cool local boutiques, and eat delicious, healthy food. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Los Angeles | |
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Nashville, Tennessee The "Nashville Sound" is heard all over the world, and visitors to Music City USA are among its most loyal audience. Besides the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville's popular attractions include the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center or the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Nashville | |
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New York, New York New York's most famous attractions draw hordes of tourists every year, but the heart of New York lies elsewhere -- in the neighborhood hangouts, ethnic restaurants, offbeat museums, Off-Off-Broadway theaters, underground nightspots, and much more. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to New York | |
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Orlando, Florida Simply put, Orlando is the world's top tourist destination. You can enjoy year-round sunshine at world-class resorts, theme parks, and attractions, but there's so much more to see and do. Greater Orlando has many fine museums and galleries, wonderful parks, and many places to see spectacular wildlife. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Orlando | |
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania History does drive tourism in Philadelphia, but it's only the backdrop for this diverse, fast-moving city. People visit for the historic attractions, but they come back for the extraordinary restaurants, award-winning visual and performing arts, and those very special features that exist nowhere else in the world. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Philadelphia | |
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Portland, Oregon Portland's many bridges, with their oft-confusing cat's cradle of on-ramps and off-ramps, may be a challenge to visitors, but they link the east to the west, providing easy access to the diverse neighborhoods' parks, recreation, shopping, and culture. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Portland | |
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Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City boasts 11,000-foot alpine peaks that tower over the skyline, and smooth saline waters that make up the city's namesake inland sea. For many, it's a jumping off point for nearby winter sports -- nearby resorts include Alta, Deer Valley, Snowbird, and Sundance. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Salt Lake City | |
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San Diego, California Everyone already knows a few things about San Diego -- the picture-perfect beaches, surfing, savory Mexican food, and Shamu the killer whale. San Diegans appreciate sun bathing, long boards, and a good fish taco, but a visit to this Pacific Coast metropolis is more than just a day at the beach. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to San Diego | |
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San Francisco, California The beauty of San Francisco is that each neighborhood has a unique personality and charm, and together they make this city one of the best places to wander around for an afternoon. Since San Francisco is a relatively small city (only about seven square miles) it can easily explored in a few days. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to San Francisco | |
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Seattle, Washington While Seattle skies are indeed gray for much of the year, when the skies are clear, you can look westward across the harbor, speckled with sailboats and container ships, to the saw-toothed Olympic Mountains. To the north rises the fabled Space Needle; to the south, you'll find majestic and perennially snowcapped Mount Rainier. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Seattle | |
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Toronto, Ontario Toronto has four professional sports teams, a full slate of cultural attractions and green space galore, plus an idyllic group of islands just a short ferry ride away from downtown. More than anything, however, Toronto is a city of neighborhoods, each one with its own unique character, and many with a distinct ethnic flavor. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Toronto | |
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Vancouver, British Columbia You've heard that Vancouver is gorgeous -- nestled into a fjord-like setting between ocean, mountains, and mighty river. Formally established in 1886 in a coastal rainforest, Vancouver has morphed into a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis. Of course the region's natural beauty remains a big draw, making this an ideal destination in which to combine urban pleasures with outdoor recreation. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Vancouver | |
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Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, known for its Southern charm, is a big city without the big-city attitude. Newcomers and visitors often note how friendly and helpful the citizens are. Popular attractions in this premier city of the South include the High Museum of Art, the Georgia Aquarium and Chastain Park. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Atlanta | |
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Austin, Texas Locals and out-of-towners alike often compare Austin's terrain to Colorado - its anything but flat. Stunning Hill Country vistas, wildflowers in bloom, and an active outdoor lifestyle have made Austin one of the more popular cities in Texas. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Austin | |
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Boston, Massachusetts Boston's compact size, quaint architecture, and acres of green open space give the city an almost European feel. Boston is not so much old provincial capital, but a cosmopolitan city with a decidedly New England charm. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Boston | |
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Charleston, South Carolina Charleston has exquisitely preserved architecture in an extraordinary setting that exudes Southern charm and grace. This genteel town is as much about its people as it is about history and the sights to see. |
| Find out more in the HowStuffWorks's City Guide to Charleston | |
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