It really is who you know

Have you seen the reality show where the owner of the company poses as an employee and actually goes to work at his own company? Imagine if you had been an oblivious employee and acted like a jerk around someone who later turned out to be your boss...yikes.  It pays to be nice to everyone around you - you never know who really holds the keys to the candy store.  When it comes to hotels in Mexico- it's not the concierge you need to schmooz - it's the bellmen.  These are men of great power and influence.  They have access to discount tickets and wristbands to nightclubs, bars, restaurants and even coupons for special tours.  They'll tell you where to go and the best time to go there. Chances are they know the doorman and if the right name is dropped, poof! you are swiftly moved to the front of the line and now you're a rockstar. Some hotels have a more experienced staff than others - so if you're not getting anywhere at your hotel, try the one next door and PLEASE don't forget to tip generously.

Home Away.....from home

Sometimes you just don't want to do the whole hotel thing.  Maybe you're going somewhere with a group or just want something new...how about renting a house? or villa? or condo?  Most people write the idea off right away thinking it's too expensive.  In some cases, it actually cheaper than a hotel for the same amount of time.  Some rentals offer a butler, maid or even a cook for an extra fee.  How awesome is that? I recommend calling the owner directly when possible and negotiating a rate over the phone.  Given the current state of the economy many owners are ready to deal.  Homeaway.com is one of my favorite go-to sites.  A clean, easy to navigate site, good pictures and testimonials make it actually fun to search for just the right place....anywhere.
www.homeaway.com 
www.beachhouse.com 
 www.vrbo.com

Famous Fat Dave

I know I've been a little New York-heavy lately but it's my favorite so sue me.  I bet you'll talk about this tour long after it's over.  A veteran New York cabbie takes you to all his favorite haunts for the best....dill pickle?  Well, there's that and so much more. Plus, he's tons of fun (sorry Dave) and a completely nice guy.  Cabbie Dave is flexible and is willing to work with your vacation schedule and deepest food desires.  Go and go hungry.
http://www.famousfatdave.com/blog/

To Expedia or not to Expedia...

Sure it's easy to get lured in by the fabulous deals on Expedia and Travelocity - think there's no catch?   There is.  By the time you arrive at your hotel your reservation has been red flagged as "discounted".  This means that if there's a less than desirable room way off in the corner, by an elevator, or with absolutely no view, that room, more than likely, will be yours.  Yes, you can pay at the desk to upgrade but then your "deal" just went out the window.  If your room location or size doesn't matter - go for it.  Oh and do take Expedia up on the 24 hour price guarantee.  I booked a trip to Cancun and checked the price again an hour later.  It had dropped $150.  I called and not only did they give me the new price but they awarded me a $50 travel coupon for my next trip.  Great service. Gotta love that.
www.expedia.com 

Babe Ruth's Original House

Sitting on the balcony of our less than stellar upper west side hotel in New York, my husband and I noticed this ornate building looking all stately and grand just down the street.  I fantasized about who was lucky enough to live there. If the exterior was this magnificent how great must the interior be? I had a mission. I must find out the name of this building, pictures..anything.  I hopped on googlemaps - if you haven't played with the "street view" option - you simply must. I scoped out a small gold name plate on the backside of the building.  The Ansonia.  I found a fantastic article about it (see link below).  I struck gold! Evidently, it was the Babe's first New York home after being dissed by Boston. Fighter Jack Dempsey, Ziegfield (of the Follies fame), opera singers, and Broadway performers also lived there. It was also the birthplace of baseball's infamous Black Sox scandal. The Ansonia even featured poolside entertainment in the "bathhouse" in the basement: some gal named Bette Midler and her piano player Barry Manilow.  Is this a movie waiting to happen or what? There is an x-rated side to it as well, but you'll have to read that on your own. 
http://nymag.com/nymetro/realestate/features/1871/

Sweet Ride...

Yeah, I know it says "look at me!" but so what? You've only got a weekend in New York and you want to see as much of it as possible in record time.....THIS is your ride.  Your driver/guide is a native New Yorker who knows the city better than he knows is own mother.  He'll take you to Chinatown, Little Italy, Wall Street, Ground Zero even a little jaunt over to Brooklyn.  After your cruise, have him drop you off at Bleeker Street Pizza for a slice.  Tip: ask for Issac...tell him I said hey.  http://www.zerve.com/FunTours/ragtop

Chic. Cool. Character.

I love unusual hotels.  The Bowery Hotel in New York makes me feel like I'm staying in the guest room of a favorite hippie-chic aunt. It's warm, quaint, eclectic and cool all in one clever package.  The floors creek, the rugs are gently faded, is that a doily on the chair? Love the exposed brick, floor to ceiling windows and subway tiles in the bathroom....how cool is that?  I couldn't wait to sit in the huge soaking tub and just stare out the window - the view went on forever.  The staff is warm and comfy too.  Casual but professional. No seats left on the dreamy patio?  The host chatted up some guests and they made room for us.  Pictures of the boho-style lobby/lounge area made me think it might be musty and dark - it isn't.  Not a speck of dust to be found. Combine all that with a great location in the revamped lower East side and I'm thinking I might never leave.  But alas, I did and I left the corner room for you - ask for it.