Recently in Canada Category

Westin Calgary Room Renovation Photo.jpgThe Westin Calgary is better than ever, having recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation that breathed new life into the Calgary institution. The $35 million project began in 2006 with the hotel's business guest rooms, and continued over the next four years with renovations to the the lobby, restaurant, lounge, meeting space, and the remaining guest rooms. To celebrate its new look, the hotel is offering special Renovation Packages that give you the opportunity to indulge in a fabulous new room for a great rate. You'll enjoy a renovated corner suite featuring plasma television, distinctive carpeting and wall coverings, a balcony with views of the city, and of course, the Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath. Rates start at just $199 for weekends and $299 for weekdays and are good for stays through June 6, 2010. Calgary's a great destination for a springtime escape, with attractions ranging from the Calgary Zoo - featuring Kamala, the painting elephant - to the Glenbow Museum, one of Western Canada's largest museums of history, ethnology, and science. Visit here or call 1-866-716-8101 and mention promo code RNO to book this exciting offer.

recent articles

more More

Le Westin Montreal.jpgThere might still be a nip in the air, but you won't find a warmer city than Montreal, where the only thing hotter than your morning espresso is the sizzling nightlife. If you're in need of a few days of rest and recreation, consider a stay at Le Westin Montreal in the not too distant future. It's a great time for a getaway, because SPG members can earn 5,000 bonus Starpoints for every stay at this luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. There's nothing to it, simply book a stay and you'll get 5,000 bonus Starpoints credited to your account four to six weeks after the qualifying stay - Starpoints that can add up to great rewards like free stays, airline tickets, and even one-of-a-kind experiences from the moments.com auction site. And you'll love Le Westin Montreal, which occupies a stylish 23-story tower and three beautifully restored historic buildings just steps from Old Montreal. Spend your day wandering the winding, cobblestone streets and then retreat to the hotel for a meal at Gazette, where Chef Paul Little serves inventive dishes like Halibut and crispy rock shrimp with onion and porcini risotto and Brome duck confit with foie gras cracklings. Montreal life is sweet indeed. Visit here for more information or to make a reservation.

recent articles

more More

linschinese.jpgHeaded to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics? We're a bit jealous of you here at TheLobby HQ. However, since you're going, let me give you a bit of advice: try not to get gouged. Many restaurants have upped their prices for the Games, so do your homework before you arrive by checking menus and calling to compare prices. Here are a couple options to consider while you're staying at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre:

The Blue Water Cafe makes the most of Vancouver's seafood bounty, with mounds of fresh raw oysters, uni and glistening sashimi at the raw bar, and perfectly cooked salmon and other fish straight from the piers. Demand is high for this high-profile restaurant, so they've set up a special Olympics reservation page.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Pourhouse may appeal. Its focus surrounds its 1920's bar and some excellent drinks, but the food is recommended too.

Vancouver's Chinese food is among the best in the world, and the best of the city is at Lin Chinese Cuisine. Locals praise the xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, but there's plenty else on the menu worth exploring. Best of all, it's a great value, with entree prices topping out at C$12.99 except for a handful of specialties.

recent articles

more More

Vancouver.jpgWith the start of the Winter Olympics just days away, the spotlight is on Vancouver like never before, so now's a good time to share a few tips on making the most of the city. For starters, Vancouver's weather is surprisingly mild in February, with temperatures usually a few degrees above freezing, but conditions can turn on a dime. Be prepared for everything from rain to snow with brilliant sunlight, and pack plenty of clothes geared toward outdoor activities, as this is a city of fitness buffs. Rent a car if you must, but be prepared for road restrictions and increased traffic around Olympic venues. A better bet is to stick to the city's abundant public transportation options, including shuttle service between many of the events. The Canadian dollar has recently been on par with the U.S. dollar, and many establishments will accept U.S. dollars. Keep up with the latest currency fluctuations with this handy currency converter. ATMs are plentiful, so keep an eye out for network acceptance logos that match your card. Most credit card companies impose foreign transaction fees of 1 to 3 percent, but the HSBC Premier World MasterCard is one of two companies that don't charge fees for purchases made outside of your home country. Finally, keep an ear out for a few colorful colloquialisms. A Canadian dollar is called a Loonie, and a two-dollar coin is a Toonie. People don't get excited, they get stoked, and when they head to the slopes for some snowboarding, they'll tell you they're off to shred some POW. Enjoy the games! Starwood has seven Vancouver properties, including the luxurious Westin Grand, Vancouver.

recent articles

more More

Canada has notoriously harsh winters, but the industrious citizens of Ottawa never let that slow them down. In fact, they take the plummeting mercury as an opportunity to host North America's biggest winter carnival. Ottawa's Winterlude Festival is the highlight of the season, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors every year to Canada's capital for games, music, food, winter sports, and all sorts of pageantry. This year, Winterlude will celebrate its 32nd anniversary from February 5 - 21, 2010 at various locations throughout the city, ranging from Jacques-Cartier Park - a natural oasis across from the National Gallery - to the Capital Infocentre, an interactive museum with an amazingly detailed architectural model of the city and surrounding area. Among the more popular events are the ice carving challenges, which are open to both amateurs and professionals who create ephemeral masterpieces, and the snow sculpture competition, which adds an exciting twist to the standard backyard snowman. But the highlight for most visitors is the opportunity to ice skate along the Rideau Canal. Seven kilometers of the canal are groomed for skating, creating for a few fleeting weeks the world's largest skating rink. As you glide along the frozen canal with your special someone, you might just find yourself wishing winter would last forever. Starwood has three properties in the area, including the luxurious Westin Ottawa.

recent articles

more More

WestinRichmond.jpgThe 2010 Winter Olympics are just around the corner, and the athletes and sports fans are already starting to arrive in Vancouver. What better time, then, to unveil Starwood's newest property in British Columbia, the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport. Located less than four kilometers from Vancouver International Airport and an easy 20-minute SkyTrain ride to downtown Vancouver, this luxurious hotel is the perfect destination for Olympians and those who love them. The all-new hotel has 180 modern guest rooms and eight suites over 15 floors, each boasting Westin's signature Heavenly Bed, high speed internet access, two dual-line speakerphones with data ports, and satellite television. Start your day with an Olympic-inspired workout in the fitness center, followed by a few laps in the indoor swimming pool. Then, spend the afternoon transfixed by the world's finest athletes competing at the highest levels of alpine skiing, ice hockey, speed skating, and more than a dozen other winter sports. When evening descends upon the city, retreat to the hotel for a gourmet dinner at The Apron, the hotel's signature restaurant, which serves fresh regional cuisine in an atmosphere of casual elegance. The hotel is now accepting reservations for arrivals on or after February 1, 2010, so visit here for more information or to book your stay.

recent articles

more More

Starpick the Westin Grand, Vancouver

Tuesday January 19, 2010

Westin Grand Vancouver.jpgAll eyes are on Vancouver as it gears up to host the Winter Olympics, and if you'd like a sneak peak at the spruced up town, here's a great opportunity. The Westin Grand, Vancouver is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. This all-suite hotel is located at the trendy crossroads of Yaletown and Robson streets in downtown Vancouver, just minutes from the city's best attractions. Spend your day performing experiments at Science World Vancouver, plan a mission to Mars at the H.R. MacMillan Space Center, or browse the shops of Robson street. Back at the hotel, you'll find everything you need to feel your best, from a WestinWORKOUT gym with all the latest equipment, to an outdoor heated lap pool and whirlpool to get the kinks out. Dining is a pleasure at Aria Restaurant and Lounge, which serves up Italian food in a business casual environment, and for a nightcap, take a stroll through nearby Gastown and pop into one of its many cozy taverns. You'll be toasting the many wonders of this gem of a city in the Pacific Northwest. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

recent articles

more More

Traveling in winter can be risky. All it takes is one snow storm to throw everything helter skelter. One such recent deluge wreaked havoc on my own vacation plans and left me stranded in Montreal. Lucky for me, Montreal Airport was just a quick, free shuttle bus ride away, providing the perfect place to revive, refresh, and have a little fun after a long, frustrating morning at the airport.

Catch the shuttle at stop number 3, right in front of arrivals, and you'll be whisked off to your home away from home in mere minutes. With pop music pumping over the speaker system and a perky front desk attendant, my arrival at the hotel was invigorating. After a quick check in, I headed up to my room for a hot shower (Montreal is freezing in December!) and a quick rest before heading down to the bar for a yummy personal pizza by the fireplace. Defined by colorful, modern decor, the lobby offered several different places to settle down and get cozy with some friends, and featured a pool table and a long counter to plug in your laptop and hook up to the hotel's free wifi. Those really looking to live it up could take a dip in the indoor swimming pool located right across the snow-covered courtyard. But my personal favorite was the snack area where an assortment of treats, teas and coffees could be purchased around the clock. Next time I get stranded at the Montreal-Trudeau Airport I'll be looking forward to a little getaway at Aloft.

recent articles

more More

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are one of Canada's most revered institutions, but if the extent of your knowledge of them begins and ends with Dudley Do-Right cartoons, then pay a visit to the RCMP Musical Ride Center in Ottawa. This expansive equine facility is open to visitors free of charge, existing as a living tribute to Canadian heritage and history with a variety of hands-on exhibits and some of the most majestic horses you've ever seen. Start off with a tour of the stables, where trainers coax the gallant steeds into learning complex maneuvers for ceremonial processions and horse shows. Then move on to the riding school, where the mesmerizing choreography (see video) is put into action. The tack room and farrier station have all the necessary equipment on display, as well as tributes to notable horses and riders from years past, while a collection of stately carriages used in royal escorts of Her Majesty the Queen will have you longing for the bygone days when such civilized travel was the rule and not the exception. The Musical Ride Center is located at Rockcliffe Stables, just minutes from the luxurious Westin Ottawa.

recent articles

more More

Starpick Le Méridien Versailles

Tuesday January 12, 2010

Le Meridien Versailles.jpgMontreal is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, with scores of historic sites, chic shops, and great restaurants located within its charming downtown area. So how about a weekend jaunt to this French-speaking metropolis on the Saint Lawrence River? As it happens, Le Méridien Versailles is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to find yourself in the middle of the action. Located in the heart of the historic Golden Square Mile district at the foot of Mount Royal, this luxurious hotel is just steps from the city's most exciting attractions. Go for a stroll in Mount Royal Park, which boasts breathtaking views of the city from its summit. Take in the fantastical paintings of John William Waterhouse at an exhibit entitled Garden of Enchantment in the nearby Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Or check out the Montreal Science Centre, with interactive exhibits, marvels of technology, and an IMAX movie theater. But bring your appetite to the hotel's newly-renovated Brontë restaurant, where fresh Mediterranean cuisine is served in a warm, romantic atmosphere that's perfect for sharing a bottle of wine. Of course, Le Méridien Versailles is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.

recent articles

more More
  • About
  • More
Starwood Preferred Guests can now stay updated on the latest travel trends. A core group of experts – including Starwood employees and SPG members – provide updates on unique and noteworthy travel experiences around the world. Get a behind-the-scenes look at exciting Starwood travel destinations and receive daily articles using TheLobby.com widget for your blog, desktop or web page.
spg member corner
Find out recommendations from our SPG members about what to do and where to go when you're on vacation. View the Articles
q & a with spg Sign up now for Starwood Preferred Guest and discover how rewarding membership can be. sign up now
destination spotlight
Brooklyn.jpg

Brooklyn, New York

Just across from New York City, discover this iconic borough, thriving with art, culture and history. Book your trip now!
q & a with spg Looking for advice about SPG? Ask questions to our SPG insiders and other SPG members or answer the questions submitted by others. submit your question or answer