Lipstick Lifestyle

Vacations are meant to be a time to relax, but for pet lovers everywhere, finding a place to leave your four-legged friend can add a touch of unwanted stress to your travels.

For those traveling to Miami, Oyster Hotel Reviews has compiled a list of the top five pet friendly resorts that go above and beyond to ensure 100 percent pet satisfaction. Amenities include pampering services, pet beds, and which hotels have off-limit areas and/or additional fees.

1. EPIC HOTEL (Downtown)
The Epic is a pro at pampering - doggie mats, bowls, placemats, and Yip-Yap breath-mints come standard in the rooms for guests traveling with dogs. Pets can also get pedicures, a shampoo, toys, and one-hour daily walks through the Epic Pet Getaway package.
www.epichotel.com

2. Loews Miami Beach Hotel (South Beach)
Standard amenities include a pet tag, bowl and treats. In case you forget anything, leashes, collars, beds, scratching posts, pooper-scoopers, litter boxes, catnip and rawhide bones can be requested. There’s even a pet room service menu with gourmet treats, and generously, no pet weight limit.
www.loewshotels.com

3. Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Downtown)
The Mandarin makes the list because of its over the top Marley & Me Miami Dog Days package, created in honor in The Mandarin’s involvement in the filming of the movie. It costs a pretty penny, but includes a training date with a certified dog trainer, a play date with a pet butler and a copy of the book Marley & Me by Josh Grogan.
www.mandarinoriental.com

4. Mayfair Hotel & Spa (Coral Gables and Coconut Grove)
A pet-friendly hotel that caters to couples! If you want a romantic getaway, but still can’t imagine leaving your pets behind, the Mayfair’s Very Important Pets program will provide them with pet beds, lounging mats, cookies and water bowls with bottled water.
www.mayfairhotelandspa.com

5. The Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables (Coral Gables and Coconut Grove)
For anyone that’s ever experienced a night’s sleep in the Westin’s coma inducing Heavenly Beds, they’ll understand why we couldn’t leave the Westin Colonnade off the list. They make a Heavenly Dog Bed! We’re guessing your pooch will never sleep so soundly.
www.westin.com

Don’t have a cottage? Don’t worry – this summer head to The Rosseau and enjoy time at your new home away from home. It’s a unique mix of relaxed cottage style and luxurious amenities. (more…)

With a daybook filled with appointments from sun up to way past sun down, planning a holiday seems like a fleeting dream. Check out these three destinations and you’ll be moving book a flight/make a hotel reservation to the top of the to-do list.

Beach escape - Florida
Located on a sweet strip of creamy coloured sand in north Miami Beach, Acqualina is a welcome retreat from your daily rat race. Spacious rooms feature dream-inducing beds, huge bathrooms and plenty of space to stash your wardrobe (and new additions!). Take your pick from the beach area with its mini red cabanas or one of three pool areas, and benefit from attentive staff who regularly bestow you with offers of complimentary sunscreen, water and fresh fruit. Take time to indulge at Espa, a lavish spa retreat with plenty of stress-reducing treatments and side benefits such as the Crystal steam room with colour therapy lights, Finnish sauna and private pool. Bring your appetite and indulge your tastebuds with dinner at NYC fave resto Il Mulino and if you need to know the recipe, Executive Chef Michele Mazza hosts cooking classes to learn the secrets of his Italian kitchen. Not far from the glamour of South Beach for a night’s indulgence and a short hop to credit card worthy Bal Harbour Shops, Acqualina Resort is a perfect spot to recharge.

Acqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach
www.acqualinaresort.com 

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Located in the heart of Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville district are several of the city’s most luxurious hotels. These are where A-list actors can be found catching a couple hours of shut-eye between attending film screenings, parties and the oh-so-fabulously decadent gift lounges.

Situated at 18 St. Thomas Street is a charming boutique hotel named the Windsor Arms Hotel. Many visiting film celebs, big-ticket musicians, and prestigious jet-setters call this property home when they are in town. And during TIFF, it plays host to the annual In Style party.

Built in 1927 and completely reconstructed in 1999; The Windsor Arms Hotel offers 28 luxury suites with 24-hour butler service, a highly rated full service spa and Lipstick Lifestyle’s favourite spot for high tea in Toronto. It is also just steps away from a glittering array of top designer boutiques like of Hermès, Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Prada.

“There’s nothing we can’t do,” says George Friedmann, Owner of Windsor Arms Hotel. “I once had a guest who frequented the hotel, and before one of his arrivals he called us up to fill his tub with JELL-O. That’s right — JELL-O. You know how our concierge responded? He asked, ‘what flavour?’”

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Renowned for its scenic beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, Vancouver is also a cosmopolitan city boasting fine dining, museums, galleries, music and theatre, and of course, shopping. And despite what you may have heard – it does not always rain in Vancouver.

SLEEP
At the very heart of the city is The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, lovingly referred to as the “Grand Lady.” This four-diamond property offers elegant guestrooms and suites, three restaurants, a full service day spa, state-of-the-art health club and indoor pool.

One of Vancouver’s funkiest areas, Yaletown, is the home of the Opus Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel with a stylish and intimate environment. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself rubbing shoulders with actors and musicians during your stay.

Our budget best bet is the Best Western Downtown Vancouver with its convenient location and friendly service. You’re only steps away from all the action.

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