Belgian group Zap Mama brought down the house with a performance at Conde Nast Traveler's 2007 Readers' Choice Awards, October 10, 2007.
All Photos: Billy Farrell/PMc

by Beata Loyfman

Yesterday I brought you the recap of Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards ceremony. Today, as promised, I've got the scoop on all the stars who joined us in celebrating the magazine's 20th anniversary at the post-award party.

Here are a few highlights from a fabulous night:

While setting myself up in the crowded press box, I noticed actor and Daily Show Senior Political Correspondent Aasif Mandvi politely waiting to check in at the guest line -- on the wrong side of the red carpet. I made myself useful and guided him around the tent and into the celebrity entrance. That's me, rescuing stars one at a time! After a red carpet stroll for the photographers, Aasif kindly stopped to chat about his favorite spots. He loves to kick back at the Club Med in Turks & Caicos and dreams of visiting Egypt and China.

Alan Cumming and Debra Messing had a ball co-hosting the Readers' Choice Awards. When they stopped to chat, I discovered that Debra is a true Traveler fan. She routinely tears out pages from the magazine and files them away for future planning. And they are both fans of Room With a View. Since yours truly is responsible for the page, that was a great compliment!

One of Alan's favorite destinations is the One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas, the winner of the Atlantic Ocean Resorts category. Debra had a great tip for traveling with a child: Bring an iPod and portable speakers so that you don't have to be at the mercy of voltage variations. What a great idea!

Rapper/Actor LL Cool J was eager to talk about his favorite city: Paris. He loves its cultural attractions, ornate architecture, and beautiful amber lighting, especially in the springtime. C'est magnifique! When choosing a hotel, gym amenities are a deal-breaker for LL. He's a big fan of the facilities of the Four Seasons (four-time 2007 Readers' Choice Awards winners). Judging by LL's impressively fit physique, the man knows what he's talking about.

After a fantastic stage performance by Belgian group Zap Mama, I caught up with LL again in the VIP area. He was eager to tell me about his recent trip to South Africa. He loved the country's cosmopolitan vibe and beautiful scenery. Like Aasif, LL says Egypt is one of his dream destinations, along with Morocco, Tahiti, and of course, there's always Paris in the springtime.

Later on, Mario Cantone and Kim Cattrall took a break from filming Sex and the City: The Movie to join our party and chat about their favorite spots.
Read on for the details.

From destroying hotel rooms to decorating them, U2 bandmates Bono and the Edge hope their plans for a makeover of The Clarence go down smoother than Irish whiskey.
Photo: AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

by Beata Loyfman

Two weeks ago I covered the brouhaha over Sting's new burlesque club in New York. Well, this week Dubliners are in an uproar about Bono's plans for the expansion of The Clarence hotel, which he co-owns with fellow U2 rocker the Edge. According to Starpulse, the renovation involves expanding the property into neighboring buildings and adding a glass dome on top of the hotel. They're calling it a "sky catcher" or a "white hovering halo."

What? Is anyone else baffled by this? If you've ever seen a sky catcher, please enlighten me.

Whatever it is, Lord Norman Foster is involved, so you know it won't be boring. But of course, community activists/purists have rallied, claiming that gutting the surrounding Georgian structures will ruin the neighborhood. In a fit of unintentional humor, they claim that these buildings are "individually unremarkable but collectively superb." Thanks for that sound bite goes to The Independent.

More up-to-the-minute coverage on this emotional debate (plus some great deals at The Clarence) after the jump.

Can you feel the love? Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison, and Ringo Starr at the first anniversary of the Beatles Love at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Tuesday, June 26, 2007.
Photo: AP/Jae C. Hong

by Beata Loyfman

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Liverpool? The Beatles, of course. And that's exactly what you'll get when you visit the 2008 European Capital of Culture. The two remaining Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, will headline concerts celebrating their home town throughout the year. Local boys make good!

Ringo will play at the official opening ceremonies in the Echo Arena on January 12, 2008, and Sir Paul will lead a massive multi-artist concert called The Liverpool Sound in the 35,000-seat Anfield Football Stadium on June 1, 2008. The event will honor the city's immense influence on pop and rock music. You can register to purchase tickets for these and other events here.

In addition to being named the European Capital of Culture, Liverpool celebrates its 800th birthday in 2007. Coincidence? I think not.

How to get there and still have enough money for a hotel? Glad you asked. Read on.

You don't have to put on the red light! Sting rocks out at
the 2007 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Photo: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

by Beata Loyfman

If you think New York City is all about big business and loose morals, think again. Residents of the formerly grungy and increasingly gentrified Lower East Side have recently banded together to stop the opening of a swanky burlesque club backed by aging rockers Sting and David Bowie. Earlier this year, Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce excitedly announced its foray into New York, promising a classy entertainment experience and late-night burgers. Then community activists took up arms, claiming that Forty Deuce would be nothing more than a glorified strip joint. The project was unanimously rejected today. The irony of conservatives fighting for the integrity of the Lower East Side was clearly lost in the midst.

With the future of Forty Deuce in jeopardy, where does one satisfy that late-night burlesque fix? Glad you asked. Read on to find out where the tassels are still swinging.

Lost boys: Matthew Fox, Naveen Andrews, Dominic Monaghan, and Josh Holloway turn up the heat on ABC's Lost.
Photo: The AP/Lucy Pemoni

by Beata Loyfman

Starpulse recently posted the results of a Kayak.com survey that asked the question "Is there a connection between TV and travel?" Shockingly, there is! Turns out that television is a huge source of travel inspiration. One in four survey respondents have already taken a trip motivated by a popular program. And for many, that program is the castaway drama Lost. More than 70 percent dream of touring the show's set -- of course, it helps that the series is filmed in Hawaii and its eye-pleasing cast members wear little clothing most of the time.

When it comes to travel companions, more voters would prefer to have the cast of Grey's Anatomy as their seatmates (presumably because of their medical expertise rather than their sex appeal or lax morals). I can't think of a doctor more qualified than Derek Shepherd (aka McDreamy) to perform that mile-high brain surgery (or splinter removal, whichever comes first). Did you know that when he sheds those hospital scrubs, Patrick Dempsey is a speed demon? Check out his Great Drive across his home state of Maine.

Have any television programs inspired your travel plans? Perhaps you want to experience the New York of Sex and the City or the Las Vegas of CSI? We'd love to hear all about it -- and maybe offer a few helpful hints.

In return for climbing the tall bell tower of the
Igreja de Torre dos Clerigos you get sprawling
views of the entire city.

by Beata Loyfman

My second week in Portugal has brought more surprises and discoveries. I'm now in Porto, the country's namesake and the capital of its famous port wine, and I can't believe that I've never visited this wonderful city before! Besides being a charming historic spot full of friendly locals, beautiful relics, and delicious food, Porto is one of the most affordable cities in Europe -- even with the plummeting dollar.

Here's proof: I'm staying at the Tryp Porto Centro, where I have a large room, daily buffet breakfast, and a parking spot for under $100 per night. The four-star Mercure Porto Batalha is likewise clean, efficient, and affordable. A cab ride to almost anywhere in Porto runs less than $15, and refreshing Super Bock beers are under $2 in every cafe.

But here's the rub: You have to be fit to tackle Porto. The city is a veritable maze of tiny winding streets, most of which are heavily graded and cobblestoned. It's no wonder there are more shoe shops in Porto than Starbucks in New York -- hiking up those hills will break even the toughest soles. But wandering here is part of the fun; it's how I found my favorite restaurant. Ribeira's brand-new Giroflee fuses traditional Portuguese dishes with Asian flavors, and there's a funky art gallery on the ground floor. My tasty three-course dinner for two with a bottle of great local wine and glasses of port cost $80. Not bad, eh?

Prosciutto and melon appetizer at Giroflee.

Of course, checking out Porto's famous wines is a must. Find out where, after the jump.

My first day in Portugal, I explored Lisbon's Praca do Comercio, or Commerce Square.

by Beata Loyfman

Today is only the second day of my 10-day jaunt through Portugal and despite a lack of sleep, but thanks to lots of terrific coffee, I've already visited Lisbon's coolest spot: Castelo de Sao Jorge, an incredible ancient fortress on the highest hill in the city. Here are a few pointers to make the best of your time visiting the Castle:

A daredevil at the Castelo de Sao Jorge.

1. Wear comfortable shoes -- Don't cheat by taking a cab. Instead, lace up and hike the steep hills of Alfama, Lisbon's medieval neighborhood. You'll see local life far better than through the windows of a taxi. A welcome side effect is buns of steel.

2. Leave the vertigo at home -- If you fear heights (or are still hungover from the previous night's partying), do not attempt to climb any of the 11 soaring observation towers. The steps are steep, the pathways narrow, and the guardrails flimsy at best. Thrill-seekers, however, are encouraged.

Psyched to visit Lisbon, but don't know where to stay? Click here for the best hotel deal in the city.

Bend it like....well you know. David Beckham strides off
the field after a 4-5 loss to the New York Red Bulls on
August 18, 2007.
Photos: Mira Ilie

by Beata Loyfman

Wondering what to get that soccer fan in your life? How about a brush with history? Last weekend I joined 66,000 fans who piled into Giants Stadium. Were we there to root for the New York Red Bulls? Maybe a select few were -- but the majority paid to see the titan of free kicks, Britain's most lucrative export, Mr. David Beckham do his thing for the first time in New York.   

You can catch a video recap of the game here. Someone kicked, someone scored, blah blah, but to be honest, the real thrill was being in the stands among the frenzied crowd. And thanks to the negotiating skills of Mira Ilie, Conde Nast Traveler's resident soccer guru, we had the best seats in the house: fifth row, right above the dugout (is that what it's called in soccer?). Before this, the closest I got to David Beckham was looking at Leif Pettersen's photo on Killing Batteries.

During the game, all eyes were on Becks, and each time he did anything -- walk, kick, or (Lord help us) remove his shirt -- the crowd went bonkers. No matter that he plays for the opposing team. Can you imagine Yankees fans rooting for San Francisco's Barry Bonds on their home turf? Unthinkable.

How did I get this close to Sir Beckham, you ask? Read on.

The couple that tans together, stays together:
Charlize and her main squeeze, boyfriend
Stuart Townsend.
Photo: AP/Mark J. Terrill

by Beata Loyfman

The always on the ball TMZ recently photographed Charlize Theron celebrating her 32nd birthday in Belize. What a coincidence! The September issue of Conde Nast Traveler (on sale Tuesday, August 21) has a story on Belize and five other Central American countries lining the Caribbean coast. The accompanying Places & Prices section has detailed grab-and-go guides of the entire region, so you'll know exactly where to eat, sleep, swim, and party.

Newsflash for Charlize: You didn't have to spend $600 a night for a villa in Francis Ford Coppola's Blancaneaux Lodge (TMZ claims it was $2,500, but that price doesn't exist at Blancaneaux). For less than half that amount, you could have stayed at a lovely Gardenview Cottage in Turtle Inn, Coppola's other Belizean property. The rooms have an Indonesian decor, and the Italian food is out of this world.

For those who don't require a hotel owned by an Oscar winner/winemaker, check out our affordable picks in Belize after the jump.

The Haus der Berliner Festpiele sets the stage for Berlin's hottest jazz, theater, and dance performers.
Photo: Burkhard Peter/Berliner Festpiele

by Beata Loyfman

A few weeks back I wrote about Hamburg's "instrumental" role in launching the Beatles. Well, Berlin is doing some launching of its own. Since 1964, JazzFest Berlin has been a venue for progressive American and European jazz musicians. This year's five-day festival is from October 31 to November 4. Organized by the Berliner Festpiele, the event is sure to quench any jazz appetite, with established artists like Wayne Horvitz and Gebhard Ullmann jamming alongside experimentalists Hadouk Trio and Fat Kid Wednesdays.

Can't get to Berlin this fall? Not to worry, MaerzMusik brings contemporary sounds to the city from March 16 to March 25. And if you're into theater and dance, spielzeit'europa presents works from September through January. Die-hard theater fans will want to do Brecht's Schizophrenic Course Through Berlin any time of the year. The Gridskipper tour takes you to sites relevant to visionary playwright Bertolt Brecht.

So what do you get when you combine Berlin's happening art scene, great architecture, international populace, and groovy nightlife? An influx of American celebrities, of course!

Find out who said "Guten tag" after the jump.

Kitschy Las Vegas kicks up its celeb factor. Can you dig it?

by Beata Loyfman

Could Las Vegas possibly get any hotter? But of course! Besides the shows, slots, slits, and...well, you know, the city of glitz will play host to several star-studded events this fall and winter. Here are three favorites, plus how to make the most of your Vegas vacation:

1. TMZ reports that on September 9, Palms Hotel and Casino will host the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards (or as the cool kids call them, the VMAs). The show will take over the entire resort, with performances from lobby to roof. So after a round of Texas Hold 'Em in the casino, where you might be up against celeb poker pro, Macy Gray, you'd be wise to book a room at the Red Rock Resort, an affordable Hot List oasis ten miles off the strip. Check out its Room With a View.

More reasons to hightail it to Vegas, after the jump.

The incomparable duo of Julio Bocca and Alessandra Ferri performing the "Carmen Pas de Deux" at American Ballet Theatre's May 2005 Gala.
Photo: Rosalie O'Connor

by Beata Loyfman

If you're traveling to northern Argentina or southern Brazil this August and you happen to be a ballet aficionado like yours truly, then you're in luck (and I'm envious). Not only will you experience fantastic sights, and steaks that'll knock your socks off, but on August 24th you'll have the chance to see the final performance of one of the world's biggest ballet superstars, Julio Bocca. The Iguazu Grand Hotel in Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, will set the stage for Bocca's final bow. Honestly, after seeing Bocca dance "Manon" in New York's Metropolitan Opera House last year, I'd probably give up ice cream and my left pinky toe for the chance to see him again en vivo.

However, if you're not that into ballet (gasp!), this is probably a good time to mention that Bocca won't be doing the classical tights-and-tutus stuff. Instead, he and a small troupe will burn up the Cafe Magic stage with the fiery Bocca Tango, a sexy tango-infused dance choreographed by Bocca's Oscar-nominated fellow Argentine, Ana Maria Stekelman. A word of advice: This ain't the Nutcracker, so unless you're OK with the kids seeing (tasteful) on-stage nudity, make it an adults-only evening.

Tickets for the show run from $95 to $238 and can be purchased by calling the hotel's sales department at 54-3757-49-8050. Die hard fans should ask Iguazu's Guest Services to arrange a personal introduction to Bocca after the show. Just don't be surprised when you have to bend down to shake his hand -- though he seems larger than life on stage, he's pretty short in person. 

By Beata Loyfman

If you've ever dined at Planet Hollywood, you know that a celebrity-owned restaurant does not necessarily mean good food. So when I heard the brouhaha about Justin Timberlake's new New York restaurant, Southern Hospitality, I was skeptical (here's the menu). Call me old-fashioned, but I think a kitchen has to earn its chops (ha!) on the plate rather than on the marquee. And while the star-struck hordes are lining up to overpay for Justin's lukewarm southern hospitality, I'll be savin' my dough and eatin' the best vittles this side of Balt'more in these tried and true waterin' holes: 

The first on the list is The Pink Tea Cup. It comes highly recommended by The Materialist food blogger Mollie Chen, an expert in all things edible. This West Village gem serves no-frills southern cookin' with a side of real down home hospitality. As soon as you smell the freshly-baked cornbread and fried chicken, you'll forget all about Justin. I'd like to see his kitchen match these grits!

Read on for more finger lickin' goodness.

By Beata Loyfman

When you hear The Beatles, the first place that comes to mind is Liverpool. But did you know that the German city of Hamburg is where the Fab Four began their international career 45 years ago? They even recorded songs in German -- and surprisingly enough, many of the venues where The Beatles performed their earliest gigs are still around.

Today, the next generation of hit-makers, like French punk band Charly Fiasco, rock the stages where John, Paul, George, and Ringo first made history. Clubs like Indra, Kaiserkeller, and Star-Club are concentrated in St. Pauli, the riverside red-light district known for its music scene. Nearby, the upcoming Beatles-Platz will celebrate Hamburg's Beatle connection. 

After the party, crash at the appropriately funky East Hotel right in the heart of the action. The rooms of this 2005 Hot Lister run in shirt sizes, from Small to XXL. And even with the insane rate of the dollar, a Small double will run you $230 -- slightly more than The Beatles' salary for their first studio recordings as the backup band for Tony Sheridan.

While planning your trip through The Beatles' beginnings, check out BlogMeDo, a kooky concept blog that relives their early 1960s, one day at a time (literally).

By Beata Loyfman

In case you've been too busy tracking Lindsay Lohan's whereabouts and various states of inebriation, we'd like to remind you that another starlet is trying to steal the public eye. Saucy Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria and NBA star Tony Parker will marry tomorrow -- July 7, 2007 -- at Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th-century chateau 34 miles southeast of Paris.

The bad news: we're not invited to the festivities.

The good news: the estate is open to everyone.

Take the convenient Chateaubus Shuttle from Melun Station in Paris and 20 minutes later you'll feel like Marie Antoinette. Wander the estate's grand ballrooms, have lunch and tea at L'Ecureuil, then check out the rooftop views. For an especially romantic occasion, visit on a Saturday (until October 6) from 8pm to midnight when the whole place is covered in candles. Tres jolie! Check out the full schedule and directions here.

Aside from tomorrow's celeb-studded occasion, you can visit the Vaux-le-Vicomte anytime between March and November. And if, like Parker and Longoria, you're testing your luck at the altar (or the casino) on 7/7/07, let us know how things turn out. Are lucky sevens really lucky?

Catherine Zeta-Jones can't contain her fabulousness as she lounges in the Louis Vuitton yacht during the 32nd America's Cup sailing competition in Valencia, Spain.   

By Beata Loyfman

If you've been following the race for geographical supremacy currently raging on the WHERE'S WENDY? contest, you know that our intrepid leader Wendy Perrin has recently sailed to the Mediterranean shores of Valencia, in eastern Spain.

What you may not know is that Wendy's seaside neighbors were Hollywood royalty Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael "Lucky Dog" Douglas. The pair joined Prince Albert of Monaco in a VVVIP yacht off Valencia's coast to watch the action of the 32nd annual America's Cup regatta. Hey Wendy, did Catherine invite you on board for a cup of really expensive tea?

If sailing is on your To Do list but you're not married to a celebrity and don't own a small but wealthy republic in the French Riviera, not to worry. We've got the perfect way to exercise your sea legs, after the jump.

Once more, with feeling: Bill Murray films take after take for a Japanese Suntory Whisky commercial in the 2003 film Lost in Translation.
Photo: Yoshio Sato, 2003 Focus Features.  All Rights Reserved.

By Beata Loyfman

"For relaxing times, make it Suntory time": Bill Murray's catchphrase from Lost In Translation has been running through my head for the better part of a week. And with good reason. I'm in Tokyo, a city so fabulously frenetic, it's no wonder Sofia Coppola chose it as the setting for her Oscar-winning film about culture shock and alienation. During the past few days, I've shopped the trendy Omotesando Hills, trekked through Shiodome's futuristic high-rises, ate blowfish (yep, still alive), and scouted the city's most striking vistas for Conde Nast Traveler's Room With a View. After all this Times Square-like frenzy, I needed a reprieve.

Thankfully, my colleague The Materialist (as well as the always reliable Fodors) guided me to a quiet pocket of the city called Asakusa.

Will you enjoy star-quality food on your next domestic flight? Not likely.
Photo: Erik A. Lang

By Beata Loyfman

We've come to expect very little from domestic airline travel. If we get from point A to point B in one piece, we're thrilled to bits. And if we arrive within 24 hours of departure, well, it's like Christmas wrapped in Hannukah. Sadly, a negligence of basic human comforts is the norm . . . unless we're Ralph Fiennes (in hot water for an alleged tryst with a flight attendant) or Keith Urban (plied with wine by Quantas stewards unaware that he's a recovering alcoholic). 

But should we mere mortals in coach tolerate this airline negligence? Of course not. Which is why I conducted a little test on my flight from New York to Los Angeles last week. 

While waiting to board at the gate, an American Airlines rep announced that there would be no food on the 6-hour flight and that only a limited supply was available for purchase. She encouraged us to buy food at the gate. Then she repeated her encouragement again. And again. By the 4th reminder, I got the hint and picked up some fruit and yogurt at the deli. Yes, I know yogurt is perishable. But is it fair to punish the health-conscious with Pringles, dehydrated trail mix, questionable sandwiches, and the other crap AA sells onboard (thanks for the tips, Mr. Frommer)?  I think not.

Read on for the conclusion.

The City of Angels...and Demons.
Photo: David Peevers, Lonely Planet Images

By Beata Loyfman

Well, I'm back from my whirlwind Los Angeles weekend, and here's what I learned:

1. The Travelodge is a dandy and cheap base for a last minute L.A. jaunt (if you don't mind the clammy smell).

2. A car is essential in order to experience the best of L.A. gridlock.

3. Skip all the impossibly trendy restaurants where food is a distant second to the celebrity guests (who don't eat anyway).

4. Instead, check out these fun, affordable restaurants where your meal won't be interrupted by Lindsey Lohan's drunken escapades or Britney Spears' vomit:

One of my favorite discoveries is the cowboy-themed Saddle Ranch Chop House. Not only is it in a plum location on the Sunset Strip, it also has a mechanical bull primed and ready for riding.

The interior courtyard and pool of the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Photo: Avalon Hotel

By Beata Loyfman

As you read this, I'm in sunny Los Angeles, the playground of many Celebrity Travel Intelligence victims subjects. Had I planned ahead and followed Wendy's advice on how to beat Priceline at its own game, I'd be sitting pretty in four-star digs at half the price. Unfortunately, I didn't get my act together in time, and after frantic last-minute Expedia searching, I find myself at the ultra-glamorous, star-studded...Santa Monica Travelodge. It's all champagne wishes and caviar dreams here!

Luckily, you don't have to slum it the next time you're in L.A. Turns out, this expensive city does have some great, affordable hotels without the word "lodge" in the title. Back in January, Katoakita, an L.A. local, suggested the mid-century Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. And with good reason. With the 21-Day Advance Purchase special, one of its stylish doubles will run you $219/night. Though you won't encounter Avalon fans Lucille Ball or Mae West in the lobby, you'll definitely feel like a star lounging by the amoeba-shaped pool (don't forget your big hat and wide-rim sunglasses).

The new Chamberlain in West Hollywood is Avalon's sister property and has a similarly cool vibe -- along with the same reasonable price tag. The cabanas by the pool hark back to the era of Golden Hollywood when Bogart was king and bathing suits left something to the imagination. It's no surprise, therefore, that the Chamberlain was selected by Conde Nast Traveler as one of only three 2006 Hot List hotels in Los Angeles.   

We've saved the best for last. Check out why the Figueroa Hotel rocks our world, after the jump.

Steven Tyler rocked out the Silly '70s party during the grand opening festivities at The Cove in Atlantis, Paradise Island, May 13, 2007.
Photo: AP Images

By Beata Loyfman

Summer is quickly approaching and your calendar is staring at you blankly. You're craving a sunny beach vacation that won't leave you bankrupt. You've probably heard of the recent festivities at The Cove, the brand new, adults-only hotel-in-a-hotel in Atlantis on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Maybe you're thinking: "Well, that looks like fun. I can party till I drop, bump into some celebs, and then recuperate on the beach."

Well, put those thoughts out of your mind immediately!

Summer equals school vacation, so expect the massive resort to swarm with young screaming people. And with good reason: Atlantis is heaven for underage travelers, especially with these sweet summer specials. But if you prefer a more grown-up environment -- a place where crashing waves are the loudest sounds you'll hear -- the Bahamas can deliver that too. 

We've found two hotels that offer the perfect (affordable) antidote. Check out why Graycliff and Compass Point rock our boat, after the jump.