The Gilt Group Jetsetter Website - Everywhere

Image from Jetsetter

If you have yet to discover the joy that is Gilt, a website devoted to online sample sales at amazing prices, you are really missing out. You can attend their cyber sales from the comfort of your sofa, but still might find yourself in a battle over the top you want in the perfect color and size. Like all good sample sales, sizes are limited, you've got to get there early, and be really decisive (or in this case have really fast internet), but boy are the deals good. 

To add to the mix, they have just recently launched a travel sight called Jetsetter. The prices are incredible. Most sales last only three days, and have limited dates available, but if you're already planning a trip to one of their sale locations, or like to fly by the seat of your pants, it's perfect. Last week they had rooms at the urban chic City Club Hotel in New York for $115. A  hotel of that caliber in NYC will normally cost you at least $200 and upwards. 

Most of their hotels appear to be in the luxury category, with rates slashed over fifty percent. 

Image of Capella Telluride Hotel from Jetsetter

On sale now is the Capella Telluride hotel with rates also starting at $115. 

Image of Maroma Resort & Spa from Jetsetter

The next sale up will be the five star Maroma Resort and Spa on the Riviera Maya. 

Miller's Residence - London

The Miller's Residence in London is not for the minimalist, but if you want to pretend you're a guest in the home of an eccentric Lord, then it is for you!  Owned by an antiques dealer, it is packed with antiques, and I mean packed. Each bedroom is unique with decor inspired by the English Romantic poets, the rates are under 200 pounds a night, and it is very centrally located in arty Notting Hill. Spend a Saturday perusing the nearby Portobello Road Market, and you can pick up some antiques of your own. Basically, this hotel had me at the persimmon door (I often fantasize about having a house with a persimmon door) and yes, I do want to imagine I'm staying with an aristocrat. 

Hotel Palomar - Los Angeles

Hotel Palomar, Los Angeles's first eco hotel, has opened in Westwood. The hotel utilizes all eco and organic friendly products down to to the food in the mini bar, and energy efficient lighting and water fixtures, without sacrificing their old hollywood style. Another perk is their pet friendliness. With the help of the super cute Director of Pet Relations, Jackson Oscar (above), they promise to properly pamper you and your pet during your stay. Rates start at: $225  www.hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com

Number Sixteen - London

Rita Konig in the new issue of Domino Mag recommends the Number Sixteen Hotel as quaint place to stay in the Pimlico Green area of London. The boutique hotel has 42 individually decorated rooms and is within walking distance of the South Kensington tube stop. I love the whimsical decor, and the lovely garden where guests can have their breakfast. Rates are reasonable for London at 175 pound a night for a queen (don't even think about the exchange rate or you'll get depressed.) The owners of the hotel have several other lovely properties around London for just slightly higher rates. Check them out at: www.firmdale.com 

Surf Lodge Montauk - New York

 

The Surf Lodge in Montauk looks like a great place for a weekend getaway from NYC. I love the fun Beach chic decor, especially the crochet hammock. It's only a few minutes from the beach, and sits on a pond that is supposed to have the best views in Montauk. In the summer prices are steep, but you can get off season rates for around $275.00. 

Furry Travel Companions

For those of you with amiable furry travel companions, I was recently at the new London West Hollywood hotel, and was informed that the hotel prides themselves on being animal friendly. They have water dishes around the property, a glamorous dog house, and a resident English bulldog who greats visitors at the door:  www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

An East coast pet friendly hotel is the Parker Meridian New York. They go so far as to provide a room service menu that caters specifically for pets. Forgot something? No problem. They have everything from scratching posts to animal mood music: www.parkermeridian.com

1. London Palm Beach bag $132, 2. London Nantucket bag $132, 3. Fiona Bag $88, (bags 1., 2., and 3. available at kwigy bo), 4. Louis Vuitton Monogram Sac de Chien $1830 ( eluxury), 5. Michael Bag $132 ( kwigy bo) 6. Bruce Bag $450, (Olive Green Dog), 7. Mod Travel Bowls  $14.00 (Olive Green Dog), 8. Plush Bed (Olly Dog), 9. Goyard Travel Dish $$$ (Goyard)

 

Here are a few accessories that will make traveling with a pet a bit easier, without sacrificing style. All bags meet most airline's travel guidelines, and two of the bags are male friendly options. Carrying a dog or cat through an airport is exhausting business, and you might want your guy to share in the heavy lifting. He'll be a lot more willing if you don't bring the pink princess bag. 

The travel bowls listed fold up for easy packing, and the dog/cat beds can be packed flat or rolled. The Goyard travel pet case and the Louis Vuitton bag are ridiculously extravagant, but if can afford it and really want to spoil your pet -- or yourself --  lucky you!

Mr. and Mrs. Smith & Chic Retreats

I tend to have tastes that far exceed my budget, so when I'm traveling, I'm always looking for chic affordable boutique hotels, or online deals. An option that has worked really well for me is joining a travel club. Two that I am a member of are Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Chic Retreats. For a small fee, you become a member, and receive perks and discounts at hotels all around the world. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith, www.mrandmrssmith.com, and Chic Retreats, www.chicretreats.com, are based in London and have mostly European properties, but are starting to add hotels in major U.S. cities. When you book through Mr. and Mrs. Smith, you get deals, such as free cocktails on arrival, discounts at hotel restaurants, and free spa treatments. Chic Retreats offers a 10% discount on the majority of their properties. Both companies are very selective as to the hotels they endorse, and chic retreats in particular has exceptional properties.