HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the French-themed Grand Anniversary celebration, which featured a “walking street” displaying works by Ong Kongphat Sakdapitakm, a book station by hiso bookworm Ploy Jariyavech, and an international food station with cooking showcases from hotel chefs. Celebrities, artists, models and designers like Dr. Catherine Kijothan, M.L. Treenuch Siriwattanapakdee, and M.L. Natthakorn Thewakul mingled in the crowd, and everyone was regaled with a singing performance from Tu – Nanthida, Bodin Boonwisit and Thailand’s best singer from KPN, Bee -Tassapak Chee and Rose Elizabeth Sitthicharoenyos.
[Photos: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com]
Some things were just meant to be together: Fred and Ginger, strawberries and champagne, and now one more:
Last week Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and ELLE , the world’s largest fashion magazine, opened the doors to the hotel’s newest gem, the ELLE Spa. Plenty of celebs were on-hand to celebrate the opening of the 22,000-square foot pampering Mecca — actress Jamie King, actress/model Joy Bryant, Friday Night Lights‘ Aimee Teegarden, Old Spice Guy Isaiah Mustafa and Community’s Gillian Jacobs all mingled on the outdoor lawn, sipping champagne and snacking on bite-size mahi mahi tacos, lamb kebabs and chocolate lollipops as a DJ spun tunes.
The spa is now open, so if you’re looking to treat yourself to ELLE-inspired treatments like “Doctor’s Orders” and “Forever 25,” have a personalized facial from celebrity esthetician Tammy Fender, or get a mani-pedi with specially developed Essie nail polish colors “Eden” (a neon pink) or “Roc” (a can’t-miss-it coral, both sold only at ELLE Spa), think about booking an appointment sooner rather than later.
With the weather warming up, it was no better time for the Renaissance Paris Le Parc Trocadero to pop open the champagne and celebrate their hotel opening with an intimate, elegant party in the recently renovated outdoor garden.
Two hundred and fifty guests were greeted by a horse-drawn carriage at the entrance of the hotel, and as they made their way into the 1,200-square-meter private courtyard they were greeted with flutes of Moët & Chandon; handmade floral rings, necklaces and spindles; and a variety of sweets and cocktails made with edible flowers.
Arlington, Virginia, may often be considered the redheaded stepsister to high-profile Washington D.C., but last week traffic was headed to Crystal City for the Grand Opening party of the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel.
Guests were greeted with special Renaissance pilot wing pins, handed out by retro-themed ambassadors dressed in sleeveless stewardess orange mini-shift dresses and white gloves, side chingons peeking out from underneath their flight attendant hats. Stepping into the building, another flight attendant stood ready with a beverage cart bearing white wine, raspberry mojitos and apple orange spritzers as DJ Adrian Loving’s spun tunes from an elevated RLife LIVE stage.
The night was something District dwellers would remember: David Marriott and Virginia Congressman Jim Moran milling about the crowds; a custom Renaissance passport photobooth; upscale Middle Eastern, British and Chinese hors d’oeuvre stations that took guests on a ’round-the-world culinary tour to Renaissance’s new or upcoming locations in Qatar, London and Sanya; and a Chocolate Wonderland (yeah, you read that right) with cakes, fondues, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and chocolate and dessert wine pairings.
The 14th floor Sky Lounge was also open to guests, where Swarovski crystal-studded binoculars lended a view of the skyline and the Bromberg brothers served Blue Ribbon’s northern fried chicken, mini grilled cheese, and white bean toast on their signature oversized cherry wood boards.
However, the place to be at the end of the night was on the dance floor when DJ Mia Moretti and electric violinist Caitlin Moe took over the RLife LIVE stage, putting their unique twist on hits and getting the crowd on the dance floor with MGMT’s “Kids” and Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro.”
You need to see it to believe it: For more information or bookings, check out www.renarlington.com or call (703) 413-1300.
Having never been to England before and had always dreamed of someday visiting, I took a chance and entered to win a trip to London to attend the May 5th Grand Opening of the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, a now-completed renovation of a 138-year-old Victorian Gothic building. Lo and behold, I was lucky enough to win—yes, me, Joseph Boltz, from Portland, Oregon, USA. With only a few days’ notice to find my passport, buy a new suit, pack and fly 6,000 miles, I couldn’t have been more excited.
Once I arrived, the hotel took my breath away — it is amazing. Everything is so magnificent, from the external facade to the Grand Staircase inside. The pictures of the hotel just don’t do it justice. Staying in a Chambers Suite was pure luxury, and dining each night at the Chambers Club I was able to savor each dish they had to offer as I relaxed in comfort.
At the Opening Event for the hotel, I was one of hundreds of guests and celebrities that attended, with assorted food, drinks and an RLife LIVE musical performance by Jamie Cullum for our pleasure. Ladies and gentlemen dressed in period attire, meandering around the party and adding to the excitement of the night.
And, of course, once here in London, I had to do the obligatory sightseeing tours. I hopped on and off tour buses, explored several historical sites, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, walked across the Tower Bridge, shopped at Leicester Square, rode the London Eye, had fish & chips at Covent Garden Market and took a cruise down the River Thames.
I had a fantastic time while staying at the St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel and hope to return one day soon. It was absolutely magical.
Celebrating the newly renovated private outdoor garden, guests milled about the lush tree- and flower-lined courtyard, chatting in groups while sampling strawberry sorbet and sipping champagne. The garden exuded the feel of an intimate residence: tranquil, comfortable, and elegant.
Looking for a reprieve? The photos don’t lie: consider Le Parc your Parisian home away from home.
The Real Housewives of New York were back in action Wednesday night for an event inside the OPIA Lounge at Renaissance Hotel 57. Pictured: Jill Zarin, Mick Rock, Kelly Bensimon. Photo courtesy of Nick McGlynn – www.randomnightout.com
R Life is about your life. It's about bold style. Authentic experience. Real travel (even if it's right near your home). And inspired discussion, peppered with wit and joie de vivre. It's about looking to see what's around the corner, and savoring what's new and different once you're there. Learn More
[Photos: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com]
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