It's summer here in Denver and the team at Screen Pilot is in full blown travel mode. We've been traveling for business, vacations, weddings, family trips...you name it. Being in the business of hospitality and travel, it's in our nature to keep a close eye on the season's trends and how our personal experiences at hotels and resorts can both inspire and motivate our professional efforts.Sitting around the lunch table recounting our trips and adventures, we thought it would be fun to invite you into our conversations about some awesome places we've been recently - and a few we've got on our bucket lists.Arielle Rubenstein, Social Media SpecialistBucket List Stay:SoHo House New YorkI'd love to stay at SoHo House because they're really on top of a few current trends - besides immaculate style. They are technically a "members club" for people working in creative fields, and locals can use the club as a shared co-working space and cafe. Non-members can stay, but you can't book instantly - you can request dates and they'll decide whether to accept. I think this exclusivity speaks of the trend towards a new type of luxury travel.[caption id="attachment_5393" align="aligncenter" width="1800"]
Photo Credit: www.sohohouseny.com[/caption]On the food and beverage front they have a full restaurant, whose bar serves an extensive drink menu. The booze continues in your guest room, where a bartender will come to your room and use your stocked mini-bar to mix you a cocktail while you're getting ready. If that's not appealing to a modern (millennial) foodie/ luxury traveler I don't know what is!Pro Tip: For room size, you can choose from cozy, small, medium, or big. I like how that's different than, say, "Queen" or "Double Queen". While this may seem like a small detail, I think the transparency about room size is a bit trendy as well. My sister stayed in a "Cozy" room in NYC and said that the closet and bathroom were really spacious and even had a rainforest shower, which shows their nod towards the trend to maximize space where it counts.Chris Lau, Director of Search MarketingCurrent Favorite Stay: The Alfond Inn, Winter Park, FLI really liked the cool artwork that is displayed throughout the entire property. There's also an awesome grand piano once you walk into the main lobby. Overall, there's a great South Florida inspired vibe throughout the hotel. It's hard to get the feel of Florida in a hotel/resort without making it too cheesy. I felt they did a wonderful job at not going over the top. The rooms were immaculate and comfortable and there was great customer service from the staff.[caption id="attachment_5392" align="aligncenter" width="450"]
Photo Credit: The Alfond Inn's Instagram @thealfondinn[/caption]Travel Tip: The drinks at the bar were fantastic. Their mojitos were meticulous made with every fresh ingredients. I went during the summer and the pool was a great bonus of course in Florida. Nicely kept and not overly crowded.My next bucket list hotel is Turtle Bay Resort. As an avid golfer, I find that this property has some of the most scenic views on the golf course. Also, after watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the property, views and uniqueness just makes me want to stay there.Valerie Erwin, Account ExecutiveMost Memorable Stay:Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Orlando, FLI couldn't possibly list all of the personal touches and displays of impeccable customer service this property exudes. From gifts and handwritten notes on pillows at turndown for birthdays, anniversaries, or no reason at all - to the genuinely authentic hospitality offered by all of the staff. Granted, this is a Disney property, so you can credit it to the "magic" or the wonder of the Disney brand, but after years of marketing hospitality, this place is even more impressive to me as a model for what guests deserve in terms of a stay experience, because of the guest loyalty it creates. My family is proof; we've selected this property, among innumerable options in the area, for weeklong annual stays for over 20 years.[caption id="attachment_5391" align="aligncenter" width="1288"]
Photo Credit: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa TripAdvisor[/caption]Visitor Tip: Try to get a room with a lagoon view in the main building, the view offers the best look at fireworks (and the scenery), and the main building location gives you the quintessential experience of this Victorian-styled hotel. By being in the main building versus others on the ground, you'll get a front row seat to the jazz band that sometimes plays at night from the 2nd floor bar, or the pianist masterfully executing songs on the lobby's grand piano, that typically plays during the daytime.
"Here's a photo from our trip this past December. That's my Mom, Richard (Grand Floridian employee), and myself upon our arrival. Richard has been a greeter on property since I was around four years old, and seeing him is a highlight of every trip."Bucket List Hotel: I'm in the midst of planning a trip to Vancouver next year and stumbled across this dreamy location: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. While vastly different than my pick described above, as a Colorado resident who loves, loves, loves the outdoors, even the URL "Wild Retreat" speaks to my soul. Moreover, reading through their website, their customer service seems to be top-notch. For example, you can pre-order a Arc'teryx base layer, fleece, Gortex jacket or other product made for adventure by calling the resort in advance of your visit, and they will arrange for the color and size of your choosing to be waiting for you upon your arrival... sign me up.Rachel Anderson, Senior Digital PR & Social Media ManagerFavorite Hotel:Hotel San Jose, AustinI'm not even sure Hotel San Jose should be classified as a "hotel" - it just seems too average a word for what this incredible property offers. It's been several years since I've stayed there, but I cannot (and don't want to) ever seem to get my time there out of my head. Everywhere I've stayed since gets measured up to Hotel San Jose instantly - and the bar is high, people.[caption id="attachment_5388" align="aligncenter" width="900"]
Photo Credit: www.sanjosehotel.com/gallery[/caption]It's located on South Congress Avenue, a crazy busy street - and is just a few blocks from downtown in the heart of one of Austin’s favorite neighborhoods. However, it is an oasis amongst these things. Tranquil and secluded, with ultra-modern, bungalow-style rooms - this place is a combination of all my favorite things. An amazingly hip pool, open air bar with great cocktails, and super lush gardens with pristine landscaping. During my stay, we rented city bikes right outside the hotel and cruised downtown (a two minute ride) for all the food, music, and fun Austin is famous for. BRB...booking flights to Austin as we speak...Pro Tip: Request a room that doesn't face/neighbor the pool or bar. That being said, the team on-site throws some absolutely awesome events that even the locals enjoy, so be sure to check those out before retreating to your quiet accommodations.
It's summer here in Denver and the team at Screen Pilot is in full blown travel mode. We've been traveling for business, vacations, weddings, family trips...you name it. Being in the business of hospitality and travel, it's in our nature to keep a close eye on the season's trends and how our personal experiences at hotels and resorts can both inspire and motivate our professional efforts.Sitting around the lunch table recounting our trips and adventures, we thought it would be fun to invite you into our conversations about some awesome places we've been recently - and a few we've got on our bucket lists.Arielle Rubenstein, Social Media SpecialistBucket List Stay:SoHo House New YorkI'd love to stay at SoHo House because they're really on top of a few current trends - besides immaculate style. They are technically a "members club" for people working in creative fields, and locals can use the club as a shared co-working space and cafe. Non-members can stay, but you can't book instantly - you can request dates and they'll decide whether to accept. I think this exclusivity speaks of the trend towards a new type of luxury travel.[caption id="attachment_5393" align="aligncenter" width="1800"]
Photo Credit: www.sohohouseny.com[/caption]On the food and beverage front they have a full restaurant, whose bar serves an extensive drink menu. The booze continues in your guest room, where a bartender will come to your room and use your stocked mini-bar to mix you a cocktail while you're getting ready. If that's not appealing to a modern (millennial) foodie/ luxury traveler I don't know what is!Pro Tip: For room size, you can choose from cozy, small, medium, or big. I like how that's different than, say, "Queen" or "Double Queen". While this may seem like a small detail, I think the transparency about room size is a bit trendy as well. My sister stayed in a "Cozy" room in NYC and said that the closet and bathroom were really spacious and even had a rainforest shower, which shows their nod towards the trend to maximize space where it counts.Chris Lau, Director of Search MarketingCurrent Favorite Stay: The Alfond Inn, Winter Park, FLI really liked the cool artwork that is displayed throughout the entire property. There's also an awesome grand piano once you walk into the main lobby. Overall, there's a great South Florida inspired vibe throughout the hotel. It's hard to get the feel of Florida in a hotel/resort without making it too cheesy. I felt they did a wonderful job at not going over the top. The rooms were immaculate and comfortable and there was great customer service from the staff.[caption id="attachment_5392" align="aligncenter" width="450"]
Photo Credit: The Alfond Inn's Instagram @thealfondinn[/caption]Travel Tip: The drinks at the bar were fantastic. Their mojitos were meticulous made with every fresh ingredients. I went during the summer and the pool was a great bonus of course in Florida. Nicely kept and not overly crowded.My next bucket list hotel is Turtle Bay Resort. As an avid golfer, I find that this property has some of the most scenic views on the golf course. Also, after watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the property, views and uniqueness just makes me want to stay there.Valerie Erwin, Account ExecutiveMost Memorable Stay:Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Orlando, FLI couldn't possibly list all of the personal touches and displays of impeccable customer service this property exudes. From gifts and handwritten notes on pillows at turndown for birthdays, anniversaries, or no reason at all - to the genuinely authentic hospitality offered by all of the staff. Granted, this is a Disney property, so you can credit it to the "magic" or the wonder of the Disney brand, but after years of marketing hospitality, this place is even more impressive to me as a model for what guests deserve in terms of a stay experience, because of the guest loyalty it creates. My family is proof; we've selected this property, among innumerable options in the area, for weeklong annual stays for over 20 years.[caption id="attachment_5391" align="aligncenter" width="1288"]
Photo Credit: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa TripAdvisor[/caption]Visitor Tip: Try to get a room with a lagoon view in the main building, the view offers the best look at fireworks (and the scenery), and the main building location gives you the quintessential experience of this Victorian-styled hotel. By being in the main building versus others on the ground, you'll get a front row seat to the jazz band that sometimes plays at night from the 2nd floor bar, or the pianist masterfully executing songs on the lobby's grand piano, that typically plays during the daytime.
"Here's a photo from our trip this past December. That's my Mom, Richard (Grand Floridian employee), and myself upon our arrival. Richard has been a greeter on property since I was around four years old, and seeing him is a highlight of every trip."Bucket List Hotel: I'm in the midst of planning a trip to Vancouver next year and stumbled across this dreamy location: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. While vastly different than my pick described above, as a Colorado resident who loves, loves, loves the outdoors, even the URL "Wild Retreat" speaks to my soul. Moreover, reading through their website, their customer service seems to be top-notch. For example, you can pre-order a Arc'teryx base layer, fleece, Gortex jacket or other product made for adventure by calling the resort in advance of your visit, and they will arrange for the color and size of your choosing to be waiting for you upon your arrival... sign me up.Rachel Anderson, Senior Digital PR & Social Media ManagerFavorite Hotel:Hotel San Jose, AustinI'm not even sure Hotel San Jose should be classified as a "hotel" - it just seems too average a word for what this incredible property offers. It's been several years since I've stayed there, but I cannot (and don't want to) ever seem to get my time there out of my head. Everywhere I've stayed since gets measured up to Hotel San Jose instantly - and the bar is high, people.[caption id="attachment_5388" align="aligncenter" width="900"]
Photo Credit: www.sanjosehotel.com/gallery[/caption]It's located on South Congress Avenue, a crazy busy street - and is just a few blocks from downtown in the heart of one of Austin’s favorite neighborhoods. However, it is an oasis amongst these things. Tranquil and secluded, with ultra-modern, bungalow-style rooms - this place is a combination of all my favorite things. An amazingly hip pool, open air bar with great cocktails, and super lush gardens with pristine landscaping. During my stay, we rented city bikes right outside the hotel and cruised downtown (a two minute ride) for all the food, music, and fun Austin is famous for. BRB...booking flights to Austin as we speak...Pro Tip: Request a room that doesn't face/neighbor the pool or bar. That being said, the team on-site throws some absolutely awesome events that even the locals enjoy, so be sure to check those out before retreating to your quiet accommodations.
