Recently in New Starwood Hotels Category

Detroit has many striking buildings, but the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit might just be the grandest of them all. After all, the opulent edifice just emerged from a top-to-bottom $180 million renovation, restoring it to its original 1924 grandeur while adding the latest in modern amenities for today's discerning traveler. Guests will find 455 luxurious guest rooms and suites in the majestic Italian Renaissance-style hotel - a member of the National Register of Historical Places - as well as three signature restaurants, 39,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, an indoor heated pool, and much more. In celebration of its recent grand reopening, guests can take advantage of several special offers. Weekday (Sunday through Thursday) rates start at $299 for the first night and just $19.24 for the second night, while Friday and Saturday night stays start at $209 for the first night and $19.24 for the second and third nights. Click here to book your stay at Detroit's most exciting new destination. Stays must be booked by October 15, 2008 for stays October 15 - November 30, 2008. Reserve your room now to be a part of this historic event in Detroit architecture history.

The Westin Verasa Napa is located in the heart of America's premiere wine-growing region, with some of the country's finest vineyards just a short drive away. With easy access to a host of luxurious spas, challenging golf courses, and fine restaurants, it makes a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. In fact, that's what the Escape to the Napa Valley package is all about. Weekend rates start at $165 and include breakfast in bed or at the Bank Wine Bar and Cafe and a 4:00 p.m. late check out, if available. It's a great way to check out one of Starwood's newest properties, located on the banks of the serene Napa River and a short walk from the many attractions of downtown Napa. Spend your day touring nearby wineries, and when evening rolls in, take in a performance at the Napa Valley Opera House. It's the very best of Northern California, all in one place. Click here to take advantage of this tantalizing offer, or to check out some of the other great deals at this singular Napa destination.

Recently, The Luxury Collection welcomed a new resort to its portfolio, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village, an exquisite retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with unparalleled service, luxurious accommodations, and every amenity you can imagine. Dating back to 1769, the resort sits on 1,300 acres of rolling countryside in the shadows of Vermont's Green Mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop for 18 holes of championship golf, hiking, biking, fishing, cross country skiing, or whatever you feel like doing. The adventurous traveler can take advantage of falconry or archery lessons, while those who just want to find that perfect state of relaxed bliss can head straight for the spa, where a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, and a host of pampering treatments will have you feeling like yourself again in no time. Guest rooms and suites feature the best of everything, from 250-thread-count sheets and flat-screen televisions to signature bath amenities and turn down service. There are a variety of special offers available to acquaint guests with this new resort, so take a look and start planning your getaway to the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village today.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Operations Development and Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa.

The new Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina recently opened their Heavenly Spa by Westin featuring a variety of Comfort Zone spa treatments and the signature Rollerssage treatment which is exclusive to Heavenly Spas. The spa has highly trained, experienced therapists and a cozy, intimate feel which makes it a great escape from the over-the-top opulence typically found in Dubai hotels. A lounge chair by the pool facing the crystal blue waters of the marina is a great landing pad for post-spa meditation. To learn more about this new resort and its spa offerings, be sure to check out their blog.

"Aloha" from the SPG party celebrating the launch of Starwood's eighth hotel brand, aloft. Select SPG members got a sneak peak at what the aloft hotels will look like and were treated to a heart-pumping performance by Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child.

Pulling up to the prototype hotel housed in a warehouse in Hawthorne, New York, I was pleasantly surprised to be guided downstairs to what could have been a hot club in any major city in the world, a distinction few equal price-level hotels can claim. The décor was strictly modern without being alienating. Guests mingled, laughed and flirted in the open, airy lobby designed to do just that: promote social interaction. One guest professed her love of the lighting of the WXYZ bar in which, "Everyone looks good!"

When it came time for Michelle Williams to perform, the crowd was a little startled to be taken out of their reverie. But as the performance began, it was clear that Ms. Williams could get even the most eclectic crowd fired up.

Guests were treated to complimentary signature aloft drinks like wild blueberry highballs, cucumber collins and pineapple chipotle margaritas as well as a sampling of hors d'oeuvres. My only regret of the night was having left only having sampled the delicious watermelon martini!

This evening, select SPG members and thelobby.com's own Hanna Kim received a sneak peek inside the newest addition in the Starwood family, a prototype of an aloft hotel. Reporting from the event, Hanna shares with us some first-hand accounts.

In the design desert of generic business/travel hotel, aloft will stand out as an urban oasis. Think staying at your cooler, hipper cousin's (you know the one you always secretly wished you could be) tricked out loft in the city.

Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by an open space designed to promote social interaction. There you'll find the sexy w xyz bar, re:fuel, the 24-hour food and beverage area and the spacious re:mix lounge, complete with pool table.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Operations Development and Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. He is currently on an "around the world" spa tour with Starwood where he has been posting from his various destinations throughout the month. Today, he concludes his trip in India.

I was able to travel around India in style as The Westin Sohna Gurgaon Resort & Spa sent me with Vinod, one of the hotel drivers, in a new SUV that very much represented the personality of the hotel. Vinod was the perfect companion for my journeys. At times, he respected my privacy as I tuned into my Ipod and watched India roll by through my window. At other times, he entertained me with lengthy and fascinating conversations on the history of his country and his culture.

Huntsville, Alabama is the home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, and now, the Westin Huntsville as well. Huntsville's newest four-star hotel will treat guests to the sophistication, elegance, and classic southern hospitality that befits this cultural capital of northern Alabama. Located in the Bridge Street Town Center, the Westin Hunstville is just steps from the city's finest shopping, dining, and entertainment. Bargain hunting is a pleasure on the European-style shopping thoroughfare, with trendy shops such as Anthropologie, Lucky Brand Jeans, and Victoria's Secret, while those who would rather kick back with some food and a cold beverage have a choice of fine eateries like PF Chang's, Connors Steak & Seafood, and the Chocolate Crocodile. Outdoorsy types can take a spin on the center's lake by renting a pedal boat, or, better still, enjoy a romantic gondola ride with that special someone. Don't forget the champagne. When it's time to retire for the evening, guests at the Westin Hunstville will find the utmost in luxury and comfort in the hotel's 210 guest rooms, with flat-screen LCD televisions, high-speed internet access, and, of course, the trademark Westin Heavenly Bed. Sweet dreams indeed. Special springtime rates are available, so check out the hotel offers and start planning your escape to Alabama.

Jeremy McCarthy is the Director of Spa Operations Development and Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and thelobby.com's expert on everything spa. He is currently on an "around the world" spa tour with Starwood and will be posting from his various destinations throughout the month. Today he crosses continents and writes to us from India.

The Westin Sohna-Gurgaon is Starwood's newest foray into India (with a rich pipeline of other new properties following close behind.) The Sohna region lies just outside the hustle and bustle of high-energy Delhi, and the Westin is a wellness retreat with the Heavenly Spa as the focal point. The spa offers not only the signature uplifting treatments that Heavenly Spa is known for, but also a variety of ayurvedic treatments using medicinal herbs and oils from India's ancient healing traditions.

Yoga and meditation classes ensure that mind, body and spirit are all brought back into alignment. The instructors, like Susmita (see above) are extremely well educated and happy to share the philosophy behind their teachings. In one half hour session, I learned more about the origins and concepts of yoga than I have in years of taking classes in the US.

Opening this month is The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, a Starwood Vacation Ownership resort gracefully poised 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean on stunning wind-kissed cliffs on Kaua‘i's North Shore. Endless opportunities for exploration and recreation abound on Kaua‘i. Ride the river to Fern Grotto and immerse yourself in 1,800 acres of inspiring beauty at Waimea Canyon State Park. Fly by helicopter over the lush cliffs along the famous Na Pali Coast. Hike down to nearby Queen's Bath. Or discover your best golf game when you tee up on lush greens. Kaua‘i’s top-two-rated golf courses, Prince and Makai, not only beckon with meticulously manicured fairways, but they also provide an enviable vantage point of stirring Hawaiian scenery. Both courses have earned a spot on the prestigious Golf Digest “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” list.

At the end of each action-packed day, you may unwind amid inspired surroundings at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Spacious and stylishly furnished villas offer luxurious comfort, modern conveniences and intuitive touches suffused with Hawaiian culture—including the delightful Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath, fully equipped kitchens, entertainment centers and private lanais.