Sherman's Travel

When I think about places to be wary of at hotels, the first one that comes to mind is my room – two words: bed bugs. But then again, there are plenty of other spots at hotels that make my skin crawl, one of them being the hotel pool. Here’s why. Read more

Lounging by the pool or on the sand, where with one wave of the hand you can summon a chilled Chardonnay and club sandwich or a piña colada and nachos, is the ultimate state of vacation bliss. No matter where you are or how many stars the hotel has, I don’t think the transportive indulgence and pleasure of poolside service ever wears off. 

And then there are the hotels that up this game with amenities to make the experience even more luxurious – and yes, make us all lazier in the process. But hey, it’s vacation. A crowning example is the sunglasses washing service offered by top-tier hotels such as Sandy Lane in Barbados, One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, and aboard SeaDream yacht cruises. That’s right, we’re talking about a poolside staff member (sometimes referred to as a sunglasses concierge) discreetly Windexing your shades free of charge. Totally unnecessary and over the top, but also kind of awesome at the same time. 

What is this summer’s sunglasses concierge? I think I may have found the answer. Read more

With school FINALLY out and summer vacation in full swing, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite new kid-related hotel amenities. Pint-sized polo lessons anyone? Read more

Heretofore famous for its style-conscious offerings (striking, modern interiors by Thom Filicia; a nightclubby, sometimes celebrity-packed bar by Rande Gerber; a Bliss Spa), this summer, W Los Angeles–Westwood will offer amenities targeted at an altogether different type of fabulous guest—those accompanying their parents on vacation or business trips. The hotel’s new child-friendly programs will include W Kid’s Zone, a social networking service that pairs up children of guests staying at the hotel; Kid’s Happy Hour, afternoon activities ranging from arts and crafts projects to pool games; and a Kids Menu of sorts at the hotel’s restaurant (50 percent off for half portions of selected items).