Second homes: Hit the slopes without the hassle

Marriott's Timber Lodge in Lake Tahoe






Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge, Breckenridge



By Larry Olmsted, Special for USA TODAY
Ski resorts have always been popular vacation-home destinations, but the past two decades have seen a dramatic surge. The number of hotels, condos and second homes at resorts has grown significantly. And increasingly, these options are found under one convenient roof.

Though the once red-hot concept of condo hotels has cooled nationally, it remains strong at ski areas, where it has been joined by ownership variations such as hotel residences and fractional ownership clubs (time shares).

Why so popular in ski destinations? First, because of the formidable weather, condos and other such maintenance-free choices are particularly attractive. Also, because they're in areas with high rental demand, they can generate income for owners.

"It makes life simple. Owners tend to not use ski homes frequently, so they can get back some rental income to help cover costs, and they don't have to worry about the heat when they are gone or deal with snowplowing or leaky roofs," says David Kelsey, real estate investor. "With a hotel residence or condo, the process of renting it out is much, much easier than if you owned a normal condo or a house. The hotel does it for you."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Ritz-Carlton Highlands

But ease of rental is not the only selling point. Hotels offer services few other ski homes can, from fully equipped gyms and pools to maid service. Moreover, units almost always come fully furnished.

"Unlike normal condos, it is not run by a condo board made up of your neighbors," Kelsey says. "Management is likely to be more professional and less likely to run into the kinds of problems no-name developments often do.

"When your 'home' is associated with a brand-name hotel, whether it is Four Seasons or Marriott or Sheraton, there is a real comfort level. If something goes wrong with a Marriott-sponsored residence club, Marriott is more likely to step in than a random developer."

10 great places around the world to greet 2009

New York
Looking for an alternative to the traditional dropping of the ball on Times Square or all those fancy parties in hotel ballrooms? Consider a cruise in New York Harbor. "New York City, one of the most famous New Year's Eve spot in the world, can also be the one most likely to break the bank," Taheri says. "An all-inclusive cruise could be the solution in these challenging economic times." From the Circle Line to Spirit Cruises to the New York Water Taxi, cruising offers a prime spot for viewing fireworks along with an open bar, entertainment and more. gonyc.about.com/od/newyearsevecruises



Copacabana Beach
Rio de Janeiro
"If you're sick of the wet and wild winter weather and are ready for a steamy hot New Year's Eve, Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach could be the answer for you," Taheri says. Thousands of partygoers descend on the sand to listen to live music, watch a huge offshore fireworks display and celebrate until dawn. "Make sure you wear white clothes for good luck and peace in the New Year," Taheri says. copacabana.info



London
"Approximately 700,000 revelers descend on the Thames River and central London to hear Big Ben signal the start of the New Year and watch fireworks launched from the London Eye," Taheri says. "The best viewing is from Westminster and Waterloo bridges and the north embankment of the river, opposite the Eye." Alternatively, go to Trafalgar Square, another hip spot to join the cheering crowds. visitlondon.com


In Australia: Get a jump on the new year by joining hundreds of thousands of people watching fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.



In Las Vegas: Fireworks will be launched from the rooftops of seven casinos and the Fremont Street Experience at midnight.

Christmas Trees 'Round the World

Before the ball drops in Times Square , the Big Apple turns on its
holiday charm with the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center .

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D. C ., is decorated with 3,000
ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling
evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes
of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.
C omposed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire,
the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city


A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo 's nighttime neon display is
projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square,
and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous
Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains
in the southern Czech Republic .

Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world
for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree
in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone
Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern
reflection of the holiday season.

Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox
calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with
festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical
troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall)
can be found in the Prado Comio in Lisbon, Portugal .
Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special
enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire,
aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany 's Karwendel mountains,
a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris , even the Christmas trees are chic.
With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and
high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws
more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower

In addition to the Vatican 's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square
in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol
is dressed for a party. Madrid 's two-week celebration makes
millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen
will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.


A token of gratitude for Britain 's aid during World War II,
the Christmas tree in London 's Trafalgar Square has been
the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.

Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer
Frankfurt 's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.

Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of
Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).

Romantic Way to earn Reward points

Of course the best way to celebrate an anniversary or birthday is to be on vacation with your loved one.

But did you know that you can also earn 10 points per dollar on flowers & gifts when you shop at FTD.COM or call 800-SEND-FTD and mention promo code 11675.

Treat your friends and family to FTD's perfect selection of fresh floral arrangements, gourmet baskets, unique gifts and more. With over 2,000 products to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect gift. Visit FTD.COM

*10 points excludes tax and delivery charges.

THE RITZ-CARLTON ANNOUNCES FIRST CAIRO HOTEL

Plans are in place to convert the 431-room Nile Hilton, strategically located along the famous river in the heart of bustling downtown Cairo, to a full-fledged Ritz-Carlton hotel after an extensive renovation period for a 2011 opening.

“We are honored to have been selected by Misr Hotels to assume management of this iconic hotel,” said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “The hotel’s prime location in the literal center of the city combined with The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service will produce memorable stays for all our guests when it re-opens after the restoration phase. Our plans for The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo are wide-ranging, and will include conversion of certain facilities to re-establish the hotel to its status as the leading property in the region.”

“We also continue to explore other opportunities and destinations in the country,” Mr. Cooper added. “With the growth in tourism, the increasing strength of the Egyptian economy, the sustained development of the infrastructure required, and the investment support from within the Egyptian tourism and hospitality sector, we see expansion within Egypt to be an important future strategy.”

The hotel will be initially re-branded as The Nile Hotel, Cairo on January 1, 2009 and will continue to welcome guests to enjoy its services and facilities. A complete restoration and renovation of the half-century old property will commence in mid 2009 for approximately 18 to 24 months. The aim is to transform the venerable hotel into a modern benchmark for contemporary luxury hospitality worthy of The Ritz-Carlton brand when it re-opens, while preserving its iconic heritage.

Nightly Snowfall at CityPlace

The flurries are flying in downtown West Palm Beach!

The "snowfall" will run Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 16 through Dec. 23.

at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and enjoy an extra weekend *Magic Snow * at 8:30pm.

For more info on CityPlace holiday plans, check out www.cityplace.com.

Snorkeling with Whales in the Warm Caribbean Waters

For those who love outdoor adventures, here's one for you! Stay here in Palm Beach for a week, then take off to swim with the whales! Can you think of a better *beat the winter-blues* get-away?

Humpbacks Whales of the Silver Bank
Snorkeling with Whales in the Warm Caribbean Waters
March 14 to March 21, 2009

In the waters of the Dominican Republic, the world's largest concentration of Humpback Whales converges to calve and mate on the Silver Bank. It is here that the Dominican Republic created the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic, one of the first whale sanctuaries in the world. We travel at the peak of the December to April breeding season to provide you a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whale-watching and in-water encounters. Your experienced guides and the crew of the MV Nekton Rorqual will provide you with comfort, safety, and service for ideal sunset to sunrise whale-watching experiences. Quite simply there is nothing that can compare to being in the water with a whale!
.

Airfare: Round trip from Miami to Puerto Plata is approximately $550, including taxes.

Cost: $3650 for standard cabins, $3950 for superior cabins, per person/double occupancy. Single supplement: $1595. Review cost details.

JFK Bunker Tour at Peanut Island

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the SeaBees secretly, and very quickly built a bunker for the President, who spent a great deal of time at the Kennedy Compound here in Palm Beach. Although it would have been a temporary command center for the nation in a time of crisis, it is still relatively small. It was constructed adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Station, about 100 yards away, concealed in the woods, underground, but above the water table. The bunker had fallen into complete disrepair, but was restored by the Palm Beach Maritime Museum ... with some difficulty, since it is at the water table and had been semi-flooded for a long period.

With the exception of a presidential seal, added as a modern enhancement, the declassified, decommissioned bunker is very close to the original. The structure is covered with earth and many layers of concrete and rebar. Entry is via a blast-hardened tunnel, with a 90 degree angle to minimize shock effects from a nuclear explosion. Entry is through a secure decontamination area, which was, however, and interestingly, made of plywood. This is a thought-provoking exhibit, especially in light of recent events in the United States. Below: Bunker door and entrance tunnel; Main room in the bunker, where President Kennedy might have run the U.S. during the first hours or days of a nuclear attack.

Kennedy Bunker & Coast Guard Station Tours

Open Saturday & Sunday

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Guided Tours of Kennedy Bunker & Coast Guard Station ($10/pp, 5 and under Free)
• Water Taxi/Ferry Service from Sailfish Marina.
• Gift Shop open for snacks, water, sodas and merchandise.
• Call for more information (561) 848-2960 Peanut Island.

The Ritz-Carlton PointSavers®

Save up to 28% on normal point requirements! Redeem now for a Ritz-Carlton PointSavers® Reward and enjoy sumptuous surroundings and legendary service. To take advantage of the savings: Select a hotel from the participating hotel list Call 1-800-241-3333 to make a reservation at a Ritz-Carlton hotel Order a PointSavers certificate by calling 1-801-468-4000, quoting the appropriate code as listed below More PointSavers Information>>

Fall 2008 PointSavers Rewards Valid October 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008.

Fall 2008 PointSavers® Rewards

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