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This city is in ruins, now, but it’s one of Israel’s ‘Desert Cities in the Negev’ on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  Standing under an archway looking at the barren desert beyond, it’s easy to picture why this was a stop for traders herding camels carrying frankincense and myrrh.   Explore on your own, or during a Negev jeep tour.

Photo:

© 2012 Lois Friedland

This city is in ruins, now, but it’s one of Israel’s ‘Desert Cities in the Negev’ on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  Standing under an archway looking at the barren desert beyond, it’s easy to picture why this was a stop for traders herding camels carrying frankincense and myrrh.   Explore on your own, or during a Negev jeep tour.

Photo:

© 2012 Lois Friedland

In the restaurant biz, energetic is a euphemism for noisy. So what does that say about the city famed for its 24-hour energy?

Yes, New York City is noisy. And its hubbub can intrude on hotel guests’ peaceful slumber.

One Big Apple hotel, The Benjamin, has developed a comprehensive Sleep Program and guarantees sound shuteye.

• Find out what goes into The Benjamin’s Sleep Program, and how you can snooze better on the road and at home >>
• Find out more about the exceptionally service-oriented, pet-friendly Benjamin Hotel (and its Top Chef Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant) >>
• In case you needed a reminder, reasons to visit The City that Never Sleeps >>

Photos from top: ©The Benjamin’s Sleep Concierge, Anya, with her wares. Manhattan Bridge seen from Brooklyn ©Karen Tina Harrison. Sleeping dogs lie happy; 1927 Art Deco home of ©The Benjamin.

We took a multi-generational trip to Steamboat, Colorado, recently, to go skiing.  Choosing a house over condos gave us a real sense of family.   We had a perfect mix of togetherness in the spacious living room, and private time in bedrooms for all.  Here’s a lodging review of Moving Mountains.

Photo courtesy of Moving Mountains

Standing on the crater’s edge at sunset, shadows fill sections of the tumbled multi-colored rocky terrain, making the scene even more dreamlike. You can take a jeep ride into the Ramon Crater,  or hike on the trails threading the harsh terrain.

Photo: (c) Lois Friedland

The Ritz-Carlton first became a legend in the early 20th century, and was revived by the Marriott hospitality company in 1983. Once again, The Ritz-Carlton is a beloved luxury hotel brand.

This top-drawer name now graces 82 hotels in 27 countries. Ritz-Carlton properties to open in 2014:

• Two in Morocco: at Marrakech’s jet-set Jnan Amar Polo Resort (top); and on Rabat’s famed golf course
• Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, on Kamogawa River near the Gion geisha district (left)

2011 marked the opening of the futuristic Ritz-Carlton, Toronto (below) and the first ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Phulay Bay, Thailand (right). Two hotels, one word: breathtaking.

The takeaway: Ritz-Carlton remains charismatic and cutting-edge, like a true superstar.

• Find out more about the hotel label that inspired Puttin’ on the Ritz >>
• See why other hospitality brands aspire to Ritz-Carlton’s service standards >>

Photos from top: ©The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto; ©Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Thailand; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto; Kids’ club at ©The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach.