With over 100 years of treasured memories, the legendary and historic, The Plaza, located New York reopens following a $400 million, two-year renovation. The renovation resulted in 282 sophisticated hotel rooms with touches like 24-karat gold-plated faucets, mosaic bathroom floors, iPod docks, flat-screens and one 24-hour, white-gloved butler per floor. The soft opening took place on March 1 with a grand opening set for May 10, 2008. Rooms are priced at $1000 per night. The Lobby Champagne bar is already in full swing and they plan to open 160,000 square feet of high-end retail space.

Not To Miss: Afternoon Tea, granted it is the city’s most expensive tea, which charges $60 per person, but it is well worth it. And if money is of no consequence, opt for the $100 Tea which includes lobster, black truffle, caviar and chocolate pot de creme. Yummy.

Mid-town Manhattan is getting a new luxury hotel. Slated to open summer 2008, the Vu Hotel (pronounced view) is none other than a Kimpton Hotel, promising to celebrate the hotels location with stunning city and Hudson River views. Located in a former 1930’s printing house on 11th Avenue and 48th Street, with 222 rooms within 16 stories offering high ceilings, stone tiled bathrooms, plasmas. The lounge will be located on the 15th floor complete with 2000 sf glass enclosed bar, hot tub and reflecting pool. Rooms start at $425

The dollar weakens as the Euro expands to include a mounting number of countries across Europe. As the Euro gains purchasing power, countries like Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Turkey, Macedonia, Kosovo, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are jumping on board to join. With the Euro approaching 1.50 to our dollar, it is hard to find a good deal while traveling in Europe. Try checking out the road less travelled, like some of the new EU member countries like Turkey and Latvia.

Source: Conde Nast

In an attempt to fight the rising costs of the airline industry, United Airlines announced that passengers will be limited to check-in one bag per person. Starting May 5, heavy packers flying economy will be charged a $25 fee to check a second bag. Yikes!

The Grande Dame of San Diego, Hotel Del Coronado presents The Beach Village at the Del a great new addition to the already famous resort is just next door featuring VIP villas tailored to suit the needs of today’s family getaway.

Since its opening in 1888, The Hotel Del Coronado has been the premier resort destination on the West Coast, hosting 11 U.S. presidents, dignitaries and discerning travelers from around the world. Hollywood has also played a special part in creating the mystique of The Del. It was here, in 1958, that Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon filmed the comedy classic Some Like It Hot. The Del has remained a playground by the sea for many celebrities through the years. Legendary beauties such as Lana Turner, Judy Garland and Lauren Bacall lounged by the pool, and leading men including Clark Cable, Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas strolled the sandy beaches. Continuing the tradition, celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson and Oprah Winfrey have all enjoyed relaxing respites at the legendary resort.

With the introduction of Beach Village (adjacent to The Del), owners and discerning travelers can now enjoy a new level of luxury. Special amenities include Bose surround sound systems and docking stations, large flat-panel televisions, wireless Internet and more. Beach Village cottages and villas feature dining and living spaces with fully-equipped kitchens and gourmet-quality appliances, cozy fireplaces, spa-style baths with soaking tubs, spacious ocean-view balconies and private terraces. Within this exclusive enclave, owners and guests will also enjoy private pools and hot tubs, personalized concierge service and private access to the beach.

Transportation companies in the United States and Europe are finding new ways to win your hearts and get your business by going green.

Planet Tran available in Boston and San Francisco from $60 per hour; EcoLimo in Los Angeles also from $60 per hour and Executive Car Service in London from $60 per hour are available to chauffeur you and your conscience in biodiesel or hybrid cars with all the same luxuries that you are used to like GPS and plush leather.