Our Top Three Sites for Last Minute Airfare

Knowing which site to turn to for last minute travel is a tricky feat. Existing sites are constantly changing their functionality and new sites are being born all the time – how can we know which site will best serve us? Sifting through the plethora of travel sites is a total pain on a good day, not to mention when you're booking airfare in a hurry! We've compiled a list of our top three sites for booking last-minute airfare to help you begin your Renaissance getaway as stress-free as possible! 1) Hipmunk.com scours the internet for your requested itinerary and delivers the information in a simple and logical format. In addition to sorting by the usual price, duration, and departure and arrival options, you can filter your options by "agony," a combination of price, duration, and number of stops. We love the simplicity and thoroughness of Hipmunk.com. 2) Kayak.com compares hundreds of travel sites at once, cutting out the extra step of checking several sites for the best fare. The more flexible you are with your schedule and destination, the better your chances are of finding a great deal. If your goal is just to get away, being flexible with your destination can be a fun and exciting way to spend a holiday in a location where you otherwise might not have landed. 3) Travelzoo.com presents a weekly list of top 20 airfare deals. This is another great opportunity to let spontaneity reign and head off on an uncharted vacation. Act quickly, as these deals usually go fast. With over 150 locations worldwide, there's a good chance that there will be a Renaissance waiting for you when you land.

Guest Navigator: Hamdan al-Abri Presents Miami and Dubai

It makes sense that soulful R&B rebel Hamdan al-Abri couldn't choose just one city for our Guest Navigator project. A multinational man with an international sound, Al-Abri calls Dubai home, but Miami is where he went to art school. This eclectic artist, whose debut self-titled EP has earned him buzz in Rolling Stone, is a tastemaker who has pioneered soul music in the Middle East. But he still goes to Miami to see old friends and dig for fashion gems in his favorite thrift store. Here he takes us on a tour of his preferred haunts in his two favorite cities. MIAMI Favorite place to eat? News Cafe on Ocean Drive. Favorite place for dancing? Club Space in Downtown Miami. I was living a couple of blocks away from the club and it would be open [from late in the evening] until noon the next day! Favorite venue to play? I joined a rock band called Plex with a bunch of my friends from college when I was in Miami, and one of the places we played was Churchill's Pub. I have pretty fond memories of playing there. Favorite record shop? Uncle Sam's Music on South Beach. I would spend hours in there just checking out new music. The store had music from all genres. Favorite boutique? Don't know about boutiques, but I love thrift stores, and there are a few thrift stores in South Beach, like Sobe Thrifty, that I used to frequent when I was in Miami. Favorite food truck? The Fish Box. I love seafood! Favorite outdoor spot? Coconut Grove. Favorite place to unwind? South Beach. Favorite sweets spot? Ben & Jerry's. Favorite festival or annual event? I took visual arts as a major when I was in Miami, so Miami Art Basel was a big thing for me. Favorite place to meet up with friends when in town? Lincoln Road in South Beach. Favorite spot in the city that no one knows about? There was a spot near the Miami Seaquarium where I would go with my friends and just chill right before sunset. Great view of the sunset, and it had such a nice vibe to it. Good memories. DUBAI Favorite place to eat? Maria Bonita's Taco Shop & Grill. Favorite place for dancing? I love Deep Crate nights at Casa Latina on Thursdays. Favorite venue to play? The Music Room Favorite record shop? Virgin Megastore and OHM Records. Favorite outdoor spot? Jumeirah Beach Walk and Hatta, which is en route between Oman and Dubai. Favorite sweets spot? Hey Sugar. Favorite spot in the city that no one knows about? Ravi's Restaurant: the best Pakistani food! Related Links: Guest Navigator: Bad Rabbits Present Boston and New York City Guest Navigator: Matthew Mayfield Presents Nashville Guest Navigator: Mary C Presents New York City

12 Days of illy at Renaissance Dupont Circle

Preparing for the holidays can be draining, but the Renaissance Washington DC Dupont Circle Hotel has just the shot of energy you need to thrive during the busiest season of the year! It's the fifth consecutive year of the 12 Days of illy at the Renaissance Dupont Circle's Caffé. Purchase twelve illy gourmet coffee beverages between December 1 and December 23, and by collecting one stamp for each drink, you can enter to win an illy FrancisFrancis X7 iperEspresso machine. The winner in this exclusive giveaway will be announced on December 28. There's no better way to start the new year than with a high-octane coffee maker, valued at around $400. The 12 Days of illy features several new seasonal espresso shots to choose from. After a day of sightseeing and shopping in Georgetown or Foggy Bottom, warm up with a Marocchino Caldo, espresso served with frothy warm milk and cocoa powder, or a Caffè al Rum, coffee and rum-flavored syrup mixed with frothy warm milk and a dash of ground cloves. For an even sweeter flavor, enjoy the Miele Latte, espresso over local honey with warm frothy milk and dusted with cardamom. The Spiced Maple Drop is espresso with pure dark amber maple syrup, frothy warm milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. And finally, meet the Carmellato Caldo, espresso and caramel, warm frothy milk, and a dash of ground nutmeg. These special varieties are available from 6am - 7pm, from December 1 to December 23. Prices range from $3 to $5. With a convenient location for tourists and locals alike, Caffé is located on the corner of M Street and New Hampshire Avenue. Join us in this stylish Italian cafe to savor the spice of the holidays.

Hamdan Al-Abri Lifts the Curtain on Renaissance Doha City Center

The Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel celebrated its public launch last night with an enthralling RLife LIVE performance by acclaimed artist Hamdan Al-Abri. In the heart of Qatar's dazzling capital, the cosmopolitan crowd danced late into the night to Al-Abri's soulful R&B. Accompanied by his DJ, Yasser Anderson, his positive lyrics and (other)worldly beats perfectly captured the excitement of Doha, a rapidly expanding, international metropolis on the shores of the Persian Gulf. Born in Zanzibar to a famous musician father and a mother who defied convention by becoming a doctor, Al-Abri is always confronting and stretching the so-called limits of his music. This has earned him widespread buzz, and performances with Erykah Badu, Ziggy Marley, Kanye West, Joss Stone, Kelly Rowland, and Arrested Development. After developing his unique sound touring with his band ABRI, Al-Abri recently decided to go solo, and just released his self-titled debut EP in late October. But don't take it from us! Listen for yourself with this FREE download. Al-Abri's sound certainly resonated with fans last night, who grooved to his electrifying performance, which included "Rebirth," a song recently used in an episode of the hit crime drama C.S.I.. A pioneer of soul music in the Middle East, Al-Abri is set to break out worldwide with music that captivates and soothes. It was certainly a performance we'll never forget. The launch of the Doha City Center hotels complex marks the Qatar debut of three Marriott brands, offering a total of 584 rooms: the 257-room Renaissance, 204-room Courtyard by Marriott, and 123-unit Marriott Executive Apartments. Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel stands out with its colorful fabrics, bold design, and indigenous touch brought to life through artwork from Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani's collection of cultural and historical art. The hotel, equipped with the finest amenities and innovative technology, has 17 meeting rooms across 1,200 square meters. "Our aim was to bring further choice and differentiation to Doha's prime hotels offering as consumer demand continues to grow in step with Doha's profile as a destination for both business and leisure," Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani said at a pre-launch briefing. All three properties are located within two 48-story towers connected to the Doha City Center Mall, which features more than 340 shops and attractions. Each hotel has its own unique look and feel, while sharing many floors within the complex, including three expansive lobbies, nine restaurants and bars, 1200 sq meters of meeting space, a Vitality Zone health club, and Marriott International's signature Saray Spa, known for offering traditional Middle Eastern treatments. To see more photos from this extraordinary event, please visit our Facebook page. Related Links: Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero Hotel - Grand Opening Garden PartyRenaissance London St. Pancras Hotel's Star-Studded Grand OpeningRenaissance Sanya Resort & Spa Opens in China

Guest Navigator: Bad Rabbits Present Boston and New York City

There are bands whose music you can't stop listening to, and then there are bands whose live show can change your entire life. That's Bad Rabbits, a slick funk five-piece with buckets of swagger and a singer, Fredua Boakye, whose ripping vocals have been compared to Prince. Their 2009 debut EP, Stick Up Kids, won hearts and bobbing heads from a party-ready audience just as diverse as the band itself. These Boston natives have been busy touring ever since, sharing the stage with such pop heavyweights as Mike Posner, Travie McCoy, Far East Movement, and Foxy Shazam. Before they take a well-deserved break from the road, be sure to see them perform at one of our upcoming RLife LIVE shows: 11/16/2011 @ Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel11/17/2011 @ Renaissance Arlington Capital View11/18/2011 @ Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel11/19/2011 @ Renaissance Waterfront Hotel Boston When they're not busy making their fans dance, Bad Rabbits like to kick back in their favorite haunts. We talked to bassist Graham Masser and guitarist Salim Akram about which cities steal their hearts and rare free time. While Graham loves the Big Apple, Salim likes to keep it local in Beantown. Thus continues the great Boston-NYC rivalry in the latest edition of our ongoing "Guest Navigator" series. Favorite place to eat? Salim: It's a toss-up between Tico in Copley and S and I Thai in Allston. Graham: Curlys Lunch or Pylos Favorite place to go dancing? Salim: Middlesex for Cool Ranch Graham: Santos Party House Favorite venue to play? Salim: It's between the House of Blues and The Paradise. Graham: Knitting Factory Favorite record shop? Salim: Sin Your Ear Records Graham: Bleecker Street Records Favorite boutique? Salim: Bodega or Orchard Graham: Alife Rivington Club Favorite food truck? Salim: I don’t think we have any food trucks in Boston. [Laughs] Graham: Kimchi Taco Truck Favorite bartender? Salim: The staff at Royale Graham: Anyone at Summit Bar Favorite outdoor spot? Salim: The Charles River Graham: 230 5th and Loreley Favorite make-out spot? Salim: My bedroom Graham: Hotel Chantelle Where you go to unwind? Salim: Café Nation or any dive bar with good beer Graham: I like to go to either the Williamsburg Bridge or the Tompkins Square Dog Park. Favorite sweets spot? Salim: Mike’s Pastry Graham: Veniero's Favorite festival or annual event? Salim: The Boston Marathon Graham: Fashion Week Favorite place to meet up with friends when I’m in town? Salim: Allston or Central Square Graham: Tom and Jerry’s Favorite spot in the city that no one knows about? Salim: Top of Summit Ave Park Graham: Decibel Download Bad Rabbits' song "Can't Back Down" here.

Dine Like J. Edgar Hoover at the Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel

Dinner and a movie? More like lunch and intrigue at The Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel. To celebrate the release of the Clint Eastwood-directed film, J. Edgar, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role, Café Promenade will be offering a one-day-only special menu of Hoover's favorite lunch on Friday, November 11, from 11am to 2pm. The cost is $18 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. The historically accurate menu features Hoover's preferred comfort foods: chicken soup, lettuce salad, cottage cheese, grapefruit, and buttered toast. As he got older, Hoover watched his waistline and even brought along his own diet salad dressing. The infamous F.B.I. director dined at The Mayflower nearly every day for over 20 years until his death. Such a well-known Mayflower denizen was Hoover that reporters would often stake out the hotel lobby, and then swarm the man who defined an entire era of American history. Hoover's history with The Mayflower — Washington, DC's "Second Best Address,” according to President Harry Truman — doesn't end there. In 1942, German spy George Dasch turned himself in and exposed a Nazi plot to explode U.S. factories by breaking away from his spy cell and calling Hoover from The Mayflower. What transpired was Hoover interrogating and incarcerating Dasch in one of the rooms to reveal full details of the plot.

In the 1950s, while dining in the restaurant, Hoover spotted the third-most-wanted man in America sitting two tables away. He had the man arrested and then returned to his lunch. Now you get to enjoy that lunch and imagine the pressures and national secrets of this complicated legend.

Guest Navigator: Mary C Presents New York City

Mary C's soulful rock 'n' roll is a product of New York, her favorite city and hometown. She grew up surrounded by music as the daughter of legendary jazz recording artist Mercedes Hall, and was already writing songs herself at the tender age of five. Developing her retro dance music at sold-out shows at the legendary Bitter End in the West Village, where Bob Dylan got his start, Mary C, backed by her band The Stellars, will transport you to a sultry summer night in New York.

Her highly-anticipated sophomore album Right on Time came out this fall, making her an RLife LIVE artist to watch. A busy touring schedule, including a recent slot opening for Grammy-nominated kindred spirits Thievery Corporation in Jamaica, has cemented Mary C and The Stellars' place in the indie music scene. Their November 9th show at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC's Lower East Side is sure to electrify, so don't miss it!

While Mary C is busy touring, writing songs, and collaborating with other artists around the world, she took time to share her favorite hidden gems in New York, her ultimate playground for musical inspiration.

Favorite place to eat?

Wow! It's hard to choose just one place. Growing up in NYC, I've developed a pretty eclectic palate, especially for food! But one of my favorite places is this hidden spot in the East Village, Yerba Buena — the arepa with BBQ beef short ribs will make you drool. Literally!

Favorite place for dancing?

My living room, of course! Ha! But when the line is too long there, I tend to go wherever my favorite DJs are spinning: I'm all about ?uestlove, Q-Tip, and my friend & collaborator, DJ Jared Dietch.

Favorite venue to play?

I love the nostalgia of The Bitter End in Greenwich Village. So many amazing artists have graced that stage over the years, the history of the place is unreal! But my favorite new room to play is Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side. It's intimate, has great energy, and awesome sound! I've been fortunate to play some really awesome venues across the country, but there's nothing like playing in NYC! That's my home, my stomping grounds.

Favorite record shop?

My mother's collection. My mom is a jazz singer. Growing up, I was surrounded by the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Sarah Vaughan: the greats. Nothing sounds better than a needle on a record. Classic.

Favorite boutique?

I'm a total vintage lover. If you ask my friends, they tease me about my "finds." I have a jacket I live in that I bought downtown a few years ago. I wear it to all my shows. It even made it on the cover of my album! I'm always on the hunt for my next favorite vintage boutique. Right now my best spot is Village Style. I recently bought a great pair of red boots for the stage. My other gem is LondonLovesMarlo.

Favorite outdoor spot?

I love a good rooftop bar during the summer. Great music, drinks, friends, and sun. It doesn't get much better. Or if I'm in the mood for something more casual, Studio Square in Astoria [Queens] is great.

Favorite make-out spot?

My lips are sealed.

Favorite place to unwind?

I love to head to the studio and kick back, when there's no deadlines and no pressure, just a jam session with awesome musicians and singers — creative minds having fun doing what we love. My favorite place is Promixmaster Studios. Rich has a great spot in the heart of Midtown. You look out and see the lights of Times Square and you're instantly inspired.

Favorite sweets spot?

Growing up, I used to go to this fantastic place on the Upper West Side, La Fortuna. It had the best Italian desserts, iced cappuccino, and tiramisu! Every New Yorker would go there. You would always see some writer in the corner or group of friends having a latte in the back garden. That place had so much history. The walls were filled with famous faces in frames with loving notes signed on them. It definitely wasn't just another cafe. Unfortunately, it closed down about a year ago, and I'm still on the hunt to find a place as good as La Fortuna.

Favorite festival or annual event?

There are so many. Living in New York, we're spoiled with the amount of food, fashion, and music festivals that go on throughout the year. I love the energy of Fashion Week! Just seeing how New Yorkers get all glammed up for a week is great. I love the San Gennaro festival in Little Italy every September. Sausage & Peppers! And I'd have to say my favorite music festival in the city is Summer Stage. Being in Central Park in the middle of summer rocking out to one of your favorite bands: nothing beats it! Hopefully you'll see me there next year.

Favorite spot in the city that no one knows about?

Well, I wouldn't say that it's "hidden," but Lincoln Center has to be one of my favorite places in NYC. It's such an iconic grand place for obvious reasons, but for me it holds so many personal memories. From being an 8-year-old kid going to the ballet for the first time with my parents, to being a teenager attending the high school from Fame, which was situated right behind Lincoln Center. My friends and I would all hang out by the fountain and talk about everything and anything. Lincoln Center became our go-to place. I still can't help but stop and stare whenever I walk by.

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Briza's Janine Falvo a Finalist for Top Chef Season Nine

We here at Renaissance Hotels are excited to congratulate Janine Falvo, Executive Chef of Briza in the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, for being one of the 29 finalists on the next season of Top Chef! Bravo recently announced the list of hopefuls, and we're not surprised Chef Falvo was selected, considering she already is a "top chef" to us. If her standing is high enough after a couple of preliminary challenges during the upcoming season's first episode, she will compete with 15 other chefs from across the country to win Season Nine, also known as Top Chef: Texas.

As contestants cook across the Lone Star state, hitting up challenges in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, they will compete to wow the taste buds of celebrities, including Charlize Theron, Pee-Wee Herman and Patti LaBelle. Judges include head judge and chef Tom Colicchio, host Padma Lakshmi, Gail Simmons, and Emeril Lagasse. The Top Chef title winner will take home $125,000, receive a feature in Food & Wine magazine, and a showcase at the Annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

"No one will ever work as hard as I do in any kitchen that I'm in," Falvo says in her audition video, featured on Bravo's site. It opens with her introducing her pet chicken Betty White and concludes with the hearty send-off, "Put my ass on Top Chef, I'll make it worth your while."

She certainly will! If Bravo wants Top Chef: Texas to have an unforgettable serving of hot and healthy, they should definitely pick Chef Falvo to compete. She knows how to have fun with flavor and exceed the expectations of sophisticated taste buds by keeping things down to earth. "I like to keep things pretty local and approachable," Falvo says in her audition tape.

She favors locally sourced ingredients that are good for the environment and good for her restaurant's patrons. A modern twist on comfort food, her southern cooking is sure to inspire and delight the judges, audiences of Bravo's Top Chef, and Texans across the state. We hope her immense talents and personality get to be showcased on the show, and we wish her all the best. If there's anyone who can keep stomachs guessing and mouths dropping it's (Top) Chef Falvo.

Top Chef: Texas premieres Wednesday, November 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

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Welcome to Baton Rouge, Renaissance!

On Thursday, the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel became the first newly constructed, full-service hotel to open in Louisiana's capital city in more than 40 years. Newly re-elected Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, joined by other dignitaries, took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony welcoming this 256-room luxury hotel to dynamic Baton Rouge. The opening gala kept going with members of the LSU Tiger Band and The Beat — a 10-piece band and local favorite — keeping guests on the dance floor.

With LSU's Tiger Stadium (a.k.a. "Death Valley"), the State Capitol, upscale shopping, and downtown Baton Rouge all nearby, this is a dream location for getaways, business, and unforgettable tailgating. One of the founding investors, Steve Margol, said, "This hotel blends the area's rich local colors and flavors in a hotel that is both contemporary and provides up-to-the-minute technology. It's a one-of-a-kind hotel for a city with its own unique character."

The 63 suites, for example, are fully decked-out in the latest luxuries. In addition to flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, and Aveda beauty products, the rooms have a rich contemporary feel with either a king or double queen beds. For those who want to unwind even further, the hotel offers the Concierge Club Level with 28 spacious guest rooms and access to bathrobes and slippers in the private Club Lounge.

For those who like to work hard and play hard, feel free to take advantage of the full-sized gym, outdoor pool, and high-end business center. Make sure to save time to relax on the beautifully landscaped lounging area by the pool. For locals and guests wanting to experience unique flavors from across Louisiana, there’s Tallulah, a laid-back upscale restaurant. With over 32 wines and a flavor-packed menu of local food, Tallulah will enchant you with its bayou charm and lovingly crafted cuisine. You may find yourself so engrossed there that you end up late to the LSU football game. Luckily, the stadium is only one minute away, so take your time to sit back, relax, and holler Geaux Tigers!

Other nearby locations that you might want to check out include the Mall of Louisiana and Perkins Rowe, a busy upscale shopping and lifestyle center. A number of hospitals and other medical facilities are close by, including Our Lady of the Lake Regional Hospital, Baton Rouge General Hospital, and Ochsner Hospital. This hotel would be perfect for medical and scientific conferences, or really any kind of business meeting, with all its amenities and stylish conference rooms.

With so much to see and do in the area, the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel is a convenient refuge of calm and style amidst all the action.

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Check-In Sessions - Episode 1: Matthew Mayfield

Matthew Mayfield's latest video, for "Fire Escape" (featuring Brittany Snow), is so feel-good melancholy that we want to read to it, clean the house to it, and take it with us on the road — his soulful, confessional guitar ballads are just that satisfying. They're like that unrequited crush that you can't seem to stop thinking about.

We caught up with Mayfield at the Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette Hotel on his recent RLife LIVE mini-tour the South. Watch the video below for the first installment of our new RLife LIVE video series, the Check-In Sessions, in which our performers stage an intimate and impromptu performance while on a unique journey through the hotel property.

  With his heartbreaking sound, we had to know how this Alabama rocker crafts his songs, weaving overcast lyrics and melodies, without having to rip his heart out and smear it across the page. While he says his personal experiences fuel his writing, he's forced to be flexible as each song develops and his life unfolds.

"It's funny how songs always evolve and they transfer meaning," he said. "It was written about one personal experience then another one came along. It's very applicable to that. It's weird how songs do that, always, every time."

He revealed himself as a perfectionist, explaining, “Usually I start with a melody, something that feels right. The lyrics usually just come, fitting the vibe. Sometimes it's a win, sometimes it's a lose. There are a lot of melodies I throw away."

Touring to share the songs he's worked so hard to craft is also a lot of work, as you'll see in the video interview below. Mayfield delves into the surprising side of tourin, revealing juicy tidbits like why his road manager had to save him from the top of a street lamp in New Orleans. Being a rock star isn't always easy!

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Atlanta Gets Even Hotter with the New Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel

ATL has a new kid on the block — and it's a beauty. It has now been a bit over three weeks since the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel burst on the scene. And we are so proud that our guests, friends, and visitors alike have all taken to our exciting, entrancing new home here. To welcome everybody to the party, we hosted 25-year-old R&B sensation Janelle Monae, who put on a show for over 500 people. Did she ever! Fabulous scenester magazine Jezebel covered the event as "one of the year's most fashionable soirees" in Atlanta. Janelle's performance — at turns spunky, inspiring, and soulful — was a huge hit.

Make sure to watch the video of her song "Cold War" live at the hotel. We hope she can play the RLife Live stage again!

There’s nothing we love more than having a good time and making sure everybody's comfortable. That's why we used our grand opening as an opportunity to introduce Briza — our sophisticated southern cuisine dining experience that served up foie-gras, canapés and oyster shooters. Though Janelle had to hit the road, we will make sure to keep the party going at 866, our rooftop bar where guests can enjoy signature cocktails and our glowing fire pits and herb garden. And of course there is always wine hour from 5 to 6 pm Monday through Friday. Come relax with us on our sidewalk terrace or lounge in the lobby.

  Like to travel or hang out with your pets? Bring them with you! The Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel has pet-friendly services so they can have a comfortable time, too. These, along with our plush white robes and the softest sheets, are the amenities that we’re famous for. "We wanted to bring the Renaissance lifestyle boutique brand back to Atlanta," Mark Castriotta, general manager, told USA Today. Castriotta pointed out that overall, very little in the hotel had to change. The fun, funky vibe remains the same. "We had 25 days to make it a Renaissance, and we knew we could make it profitable without all the renovations,” he said. "The only major change is that we added our special touch of sophistication." The Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel is where fun and sophistication meet — making business or pleasure now even more pleasurable.

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Bravenoise kicks off RLife LIVE series at Renaissance Arlington Capital View

On October 6, Bravenoise, a genre-defying Baltimore favorite, took to the RLife LIVE stage at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, kicking off what promises to be an unforgettable concert series. Concert-goers at the gorgeously modern hotel enjoyed the reggae, latin, and rock 'n' roll vibes, as Bravenoise played a selection of songs from their debut album, Everything Was and Everything Will Be.

The hotel lounge and restaurant, SOCCi, filled with listeners enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, while Bravenoise played their original tunes and a few popular covers. This is the first in a three-month RLife LIVE concert series that brings guests of the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel together with exciting up-and-coming musical artists. Watch this space and our Facebook page for more RLife LIVE event announcements soon!

Bravenoise's new album is now available on iTunes.

1500° heats up Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach

Congratulations to 1500° for being the only restaurant in Florida named to Esquire magazine's prestigious list of Best New Restaurants of 2011! This hotly anticipated list was carefully curated by renowned food and wine author John Mariani, who gushed about the Eden Roc Renaissance's farm-to-table restaurant on Miami Beach.

"It's big, it's splashy, it's got a poolside patio and a faux-zebra-fabric banquette — you sit there wondering when the Guess photo shoot is going to start," wrote Mariani, who compared the grilled-peach salad with blue cheese, candied pecans, and honey vinaigrette to the famously sweet Esther Williams, the classic Hollywood synchronized swimmer who performed in the pools of South Beach.

As Mariani points out, Brazilian-born chef Paula DaSilva is the real star of 1500°. "DaSilva embraces the bounty of Florida farms and waters, so start off with a ceviche of local wahoo with peppers and onions." Florida's local farms and fishermen will always have a place at the table of Miami Beach dining thanks to DaSilva's obsession with using only the freshest ingredients. DaSilva's rustic Brazilian steaks and local seafood are also enhanced by the on-site vegetable and herb gardens.

And what Miami experience would be complete without the ambiance? In Esquire, Mariani calls attention to the restoration of the art-deco magic of the Eden Roc Renaissance Hotel, which was designed in 1956 by Morris Lapidus, an iconic architect who defined the 1950s resort style. When the Rat Pack ruled, the walls of this institution soaked up plenty of stories. The Eden Roc became especially popular when it was featured in several episodes of I Love Lucy, when the Ricardos and Mertzes visited Miami.

Classic art deco history and style along with today’s health- and flavor-conscious devotion to the freshest ingredients all meet at 1500°. We're honored to celebrate their achievements: past, present, and future. Bon apetit!

Read more here about how 1500° appeals not just to the taste buds, but to the eyeballs as well.

Nothing whets an appetite like a day of being pampered. If you're headed to Miami any time soon, be sure to book an afternoon at the ELLE Spa before dinner at 1500°. Read more here.

Guest Navigator: Matthew Mayfield presents Nashville

Matthew Mayfield's first solo album, Now You're Free, captures the rustic, yet polished sound of this Birmingham, Alabama rocker, who has hardly been free from touring since releasing the album's chart-topping title track. Now You're Free, which he recorded in Nashville with producer Paul Moak, can best be described as the perfect soundtrack for open-road driving into a blazing sunset. At age 11, Matthew carried around a Gibson Les Paul and studied the chords and rock 'n' roll lifestyle of his heroes: Guns N Roses, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bruce Springsteen, and Eddie Vedder. A fiercely independent spirit, Matthew determined to eschew major-label commitments in favor of cultivating his sound on his own by grinding it out, show after show.

Matthew's alt-country heartbreak songs have earned him a lot of television play, including Grey's Anatomy and MTV. After touring across the country, Mayfield has concluded that his favorite destination is none other than Music City, USA — Nashville, Tennessee.

What's your favorite American city?

Nashville

Favorite place to eat there?

Definitely Rotier's. Nothing quite like biting into a juicy cheeseburger, chasing it with a milkshake, feeling sick, and then noticing you've been sitting next to [Americana music legend] John Prine the whole time.

Favorite place for dancing?

I don't really remember. If I'm dancing, I must be hammered.

Favorite venue to play?

Ah — that's tough. There are so many good ones. But for the rock set, definitely 12th & Porter. It's small, but has a huge PA; plus it's nice and dark because the walls are black.

Favorite record shop?

Grimey's. Good people. Homegrown. It's a perfect picture of what the digital revolution is killing. They need our support. I recently bought Appetite for Destruction on vinyl there. Killer spot.

Favorite boutique?

Imogene + Willie. They are so friendly and want you to be happy with whatever you're looking for. They custom tailor jeans for you, and my friend is (or was?) the suave, hairy male model on the website.

Favorite food truck?

Mas Tacos. Best tacos in Nashville.

Favorite bartender?

The mighty KS Rhoads was bartending at Burger Up last time I was in town. Incredible songwriter/performer. And I think I got a free shot of whiskey that night. Shhhh.

Favorite make-out spot?

Come on — I can't kiss and tell! I'm a gentleman.

Favorite place to unwind?

Paul Moak's studio, the  Smoakstack. The best vibe, the best staff, the best gear, and the best "hidden" stash of Jameson. Paul needs to find a new spot for the good stuff!

Favorite festival or annual event?

I haven't been to any recently, but my friend Paul McDonald did pretty well on his American Idol audition up there last year.

Favorite catch-up spot with friends?

I love the vibe at Patterson House, the bar/movie theatre combo at the Belcourt, and the Whiskey Jam at Tin Roof — Josh Hoge is doing a killer job with that.

Favorite hidden gem that nobody knows about?

Hmmm. That's tricky. The Ryman Auditorium. Has anyone ever heard of that? It's on my list of dream venues to play someday.

Read more about Matthew Mayfield here.

Who's Afraid of the 13th Floor?

We're big fans of any holiday involving candy and ghosts. To celebrate Halloween we teamed up with Madame Tussauds — the world famous wax museum — to haunt our 13th Floor suites with the “Dare to Check-In” Halloween package.  At the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel, our scary suite got spook-tested by the always-lovely Blake Lively.

Blake checked out the bone-chilling décor of twisted arms and grasping hands,  the stares of life-like wax figures, drapes of cobwebs and chains, while enjoying a signature Renaissance blood martini. Blake smiled throughout her visit, pointing out the creepy crawly details of this eerie suite and enjoyed a tarot card reading. As dozens of media outlets around the world mentioned, this was Blake’s first public appearance following her recent break-up with Leonard DiCaprio. Immersed in her reading with our mystic, Blake was in high spirits.  What her cards said remains in the chamber of secrets. But days later Blake was spotted snuggling with heartthrob Ryan Reynolds in Boston.

You, too, can enjoy the “Dare to Check-In” suite, available for four nights only this October 28th to 31st for $5,000 per haunting night. It is a unique package, for those who dare. Not only will ghoulish guests stay in a suite decorated by Madame Tussauds, but they will also get to evaporate into the After Dark VIP Tour of Madame Tussauds New York and receive complimentary chilling cocktails in R Lounge, the hotel’s popular restaurant and bar overlooking the dazzling action of Times Square.

What Halloween would be complete without sweets?: enjoy a delicious sampling of monster mash cupcakes. And for those who can handle it, free on-demand horror movies throughout the stay. Guests will also receive $100 in Renaissance savings coupon toward a future two-night stay, but next time without the ghosts. We have hired the Ghost Busters to cleanse the 13th floor after Halloween has ended.

Unable to make the frightful weekend in New York? Our creepy treat is available at participating locations across the U.S. and Canada. "This Halloween, our package will be sure to ease everyone into the bewitching hours and give them a chance to experience the folklore of staying on the 13th floor,” said Tina Edmundson, senior vice president lifestyle brands and Renaissance operations.

But for those who can come to New York, you won’t want to miss Madame Tussauds New York “After Dark: The Haunting.” The Times Square attraction will be one of the most chilling experiences in New York, open from October 12 to 23 and 27 to 30.

That’s a First: GIN BAR opens in Paris

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  Paris’ first Gin Bar has opened at the Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero Hotel. When one thinks of popular drinks in Paris, one imagines of course red wine, champagne, kir, martini blanc and martini rouge, but gin? In fact, gin seems more at home in London, where it has enjoyed a long history as a popular spirit.

The name Gin, though invented in Holland, originated in France. The long version of the name is genièvre, which means “juniper”—the berries that give distilled gin its distinct flavor. The opening of Gin Bar seems to be honoring the French namesake, and with as much flavor as possible.

Chief bartender Axel Ginepro is challenging red wine’s rule over Paris with his playful and exotic menu at Gin Bar. The signature highlight is the aromatic “FlowerPower @ Le Parc,” made with French Gin—a new high-end variety, Jasmine-infused tea, Rose syrup, liqueur of June, floral hints from “G’Vine Floraison,” and topped with lemon juice. On a beautiful day, it would be absolute Zen to sip one of these in the Gin Bar’s leafy courtyard—a retreat from the city that feels more Miami than Paris.

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  Parisians like to pack a palette of flavors into their drinks. (This is one reason why the mojito and caipirinha only grow in popularity there). Gin Bar does offer the classic cocktails, popular in France: martini dry, mojito, margarita, caipirinha. But for those who want to taste the latest in gin, Ginepro’s signature cocktails include the must-try “Red Pearl”—fresh raspberries floating in the fruit-infused gin G'Vine Nouaison, the fun “Blossom Park,” and the “Dry Martini Noisette Pralinee,” all packed with flavor.  We hope Gin Bar is the beginning of a gin awakening in Paris.

If Ginepro has anything to do with it, it will be. To celebrate the opening, he was joined by guest bartender Gegam Kazarian, this year’s winner of the G’Vine Gin Connoisseurs. This beautifully exotic creation [pictured above], only served at the opening, showcases the creativity and determination of Gin Bar to send a love letter to Parisians.  If anyone is going to turn gin into poetry, it’s Ginepro.

Nestled in the heart of the 16th district, walking distance from the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, Gin Bar is a cozy yet sophisticated hotel bar to spend a happy hour or power through a meeting in style. Candles and soft lighting create a relaxed elegance at night, and during the day, the natural lighting from the courtyard plays off the glass and shiny surfaces of the artistic modern interior.

Ginepro and his crew of bartenders, determined to make gin feel at home in the City of Lights, will showcase how they make their exotic concoctions in mixology presentations in the evenings, open to all. As more people catch on to Gin Bar’s mix of fun cocktails, modern sophistication and cozy intimacy, gin may go down in history as having been named after Ginepro.

We'll Meet You at the Booking Office

It takes a lot to make it in the City of Pubs. As we all know, Londoners take their bars and drinking very seriously. But somehow, everybody loves the Booking Office—the new restaurant and cocktail bar in the Renaissance St. Pancras Hotel.

“The new bar at the St. Pancras Renaissance is one of the grandest rooms in London,” wrote WorldsBestBars.com. “To call it stately would be selling it short—this place borders on palatial.”

Does that mean the Queen may stop by for a visit? We hope so. The menu and the cocktail list pay homage to the hotel’s rich history, and include Victorian-inspired drinks. The rich décor, the braised beef cheeks and punch—served in hand-made copper mugs—help transport guests to a Victorian age with a sophisticated James Bond atmosphere.

Time Out London recently voted the Booking Office Runner-Up for Best New Bar, calling it “epic, soaring, dramatic, magnificent.”

The cocktails menu, carefully crafted by prominent London mixers Nick Strangeway and Henry Besant, has been described by Time Out London as showing “a deep respect of the history of British drinking.” No wonder the Booking Office won Londoners’ hearts so quickly.

The captivating allure of the Booking Office currently taking London by storm has its roots in famed architect George Gilbert Scott’s Midland Grand Hotel. Built during the Industrial Revolution, Gilbert Scott’s staggering hotel was meant to match the possibility and might of the growing railroad system. And nearby, for many years, the site of the Booking Office was the ticketing office of St. Pancras Station. As part of the Renaissance Hotels family, the reopening of this landmark combines the comfort of a modern five-star hotel with the sensation of time travel.

The original arched windows, stone staircase, cornices and patterned jewel-colored walls of the Midland Grand Hotel were all carefully restored. Its romance, elegance and power remain true to Gilbert Scott’s vision. Time Out London recommends its readers all pay homage. The Booking Office has joined its place alongside the Globe Theater and Buckingham Palace as living history—a truly grand representation of British history.