Readers' Choice Awards 2007
Actors Alan Cumming and Debra Messing emceeing the Readers' Choice Awards at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum in New York City.
Photo: Billy Farrell/PMc
by Beata Loyfman
What do the CEOs of the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago, the Oberoi Vanyavilas in Rajasthan, and Jet Blue have in common? They're all celebrating today because they've won their respective categories in Conde Nast Traveler's 2007 Readers' Choice Awards.
The annual ceremony honoring our readers' favorite cities, islands, hotels, resorts, airlines, and car rental agencies was held last night at New York City's Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum. But you don't have to wait for the November issue to find out all the big winners, because I've got the scoop right here:
The theme of the evening was "The Power of Travel" and before handing out the awards, each of the presenters told a personal story about how travel had changed their lives. Scottish actor and emcee Alan Cumming taught us an important lesson about packing lightly -- it involved an inebriated tryst in a hotel room and waking up in the airport surrounded by a group of Hasidic Jews...Well, it was an important lesson nonetheless. He then presented Florence with the award for the best European City.
Cumming's co-host Debra Messing recounted how backpacking through Europe as a teenager changed her from a scared American into a self-reliant, curious traveler. She also (rather unsuccessfully) tried to keep Alan from sharing any further tales of his escapades.
For more highlights from the Readers' Choice Awards, read on.
The outdoor space of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum turned into a tented party once the awards were done.
Photo: Billy Farrell/PMc
Throughout the program, several Conde Nast Traveler editors shared their favorite travel experiences. Editor-in-Chief Klara Glowczewska recalled galloping atop an Arabian horse near the pyramids at Giza (check out her Iconic Itinerary in Egypt) and watching traditional African tribal dancing in Swaziland. She awarded best Middle Eastern hotel to the Four Seasons, Amman.
Did you know that Wendy's travels led her to her future husband? Turns out it was quite an international courtship -- their fourth date was a cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony! So it was particularly special for Wendy to present the award for best Large-Ship Cruise Line to Crystal Cruises. It must have been a relief for Crystal to reclaim the throne after last year's big upset by Regent Seven Seas.
Afterwards the audience learned more about Alan's numerous, worldwide rendezvous, one of which took place at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, one of the nominees for the best Canadian hotel.
Think we all went home after the last acceptance speech? Not so fast. A huge star-studded party celebrating Conde Nast Traveler's 20th anniversary followed the awards ceremony. Check back tomorrow at noon for all the juicy red-carpet details.
The complete results of the Readers' Choice Awards will be online at cntraveler.com tomorrow afternoon.
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Can't wait for the juicy details! And will definitely look into Crystal Cruises. thx!
Posted by: ssoruco | October 11, 2007 at 05:25 PM
Looking forward to the 'juicy red carpet details'. Another great read Beata!
Posted by: tyrone | October 12, 2007 at 04:22 AM