Sherman's Travel

Set at the epicenter of Spain’s capital city on the lively, cafe-lined Plaza de Santa Ana, hip hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria is now offering ShermansTravel readers an exclusive discount on their design-savvy digs, with reduced rates from just $149 per night (a savings of as much as 35 percent off) throughout 2012, with plenty of extras thrown in, including a complimentary room upgrade, late checkout, VIP guest status, and more.

The hotel is a hotbed for hobnobbing celebrity A-listers (the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry have counted amongst recent guests) and “it” nightspots popular with its hip hotel clientele and local scenesters alike. At the rooftop bar, The Roof’s (hotel guests are granted VIP access), views are even more intoxicating than their signature ME Mojitos, while the new Mint Terrace sidewalk tapas bar debuted this summer, offering an alfresco oasis for tapas and a choice selection of beers and wines.

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While the slick Cooper Square Hotel is no gritty downtown club and many young bands now play their first shows in Brooklyn instead of the East Village, the hotel is paying homage to the neighborhood’s music legacy by starting its own concert series. As part of the hotel’s new monthly Annie. O Music Series, The Cooper Square has opened the usually private penthouse suite to host an intimate and rare concert experience to hotel guests and the public (on a first-come, first-serve basis). With the sun setting over the Manhattan skyline, concertgoers can mingle on the wraparound terrace and ogle over the 360-degree skyline views from the 21st floor.

Named for and curated by Annie Ohayon (former music publicist for big time names like Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, and Pearl Jam ), musicians such as John Forte, formerly of The Fugees and the indie rock power trio Bipolar Explorer have already performed, and singer-songwriter Zack Glass, son of composer Philip Glass is slated for Thursday, March 25th (doors 7pm, performance 8pm). While these concerts are a far cry from the CBGB-era shows, the combination of free tunes and amazing views seems like an ideal way to start a downtown evening.

Details: The Cooper Square Hotel Penthouse; 25 Cooper Square (3rd Avenue between 5th & 6th Streets); www.thecoopersquarehotel.com; www.myspace.com/zackglassmusic

Sometimes, too much hype can lead to a major letdown. A letdown is what I expected when I finally visited the much lauded Cap Juluca after years of reading glowing reviews and seeing it top award lists the world over. But, while on the boat ride over to Anguilla from St. Maarten (on Cap Juluca’s private speed boat), sipping champagne and chatting with another couple who gushed about their decade-long love affair with the place, I started to get the feeling that my skepticism may be proved wrong – and, wrong I was. The Cap Juluca didn’t disappoint. The 21-year-old resort is currently in the midst of 80-million-dollar renovations which have already transformed the main house and lobby, and, by year’s end, will overhaul all 18 villas (which, currently, aren’t shabby but lack the sophisticated Moroccan elegance seen in the renovated main house). All enhancements, including a new oceanfront infinity pool and spa, will stay true to the timeless architecture – white-washed Moorish domes, turrets, and all – that has made the resort so famous; original architect, Oscar Farmer has even come out of retirement to help with the project. Read more