Living The "Suite" Life Of Zack & Cody: The Waldorf Astoria's The Waldorf Towers "Sex And The City 2" Movie Package = Do It Up Like Carrie & Co.

"I would rather gouge my eyes out with the heel of a mold-encrusted Manolo than see Sex and the City 2 , set to be unleashed in theaters on May 27th.

(For the record, I liked the HBO series, but was appalled by the first movie, which apparently makes me a lonely heretic, since it did very well in the box office.)

Still, I cannot ignore the buzz that's building around the sequel, and Manhattan's Waldorf Astoria's The Waldorf Towers is offering a Sex and The City Movie package, which is actually a pretty good deal. Stay for two nights at $300, double occupancy, eat cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, drink two Cosmos at the hotel's Bull & Bear restaurant, get two 60-minute spa treatments (one per person), and... two tickets to see the blessed movie itself. You can also take the Sex and the City NYC tour.

Nota bene, these activities probably won't have anything to do with the new movie, which centers around a trip to Abu Dhabi (filmed in Morocco). And it has to be said that these Manhattan-based activities are starting to feel a little retro, since let's face it, it's been 12 years since the series started airing and six years since it stopped -- but hey, nothing's wrong with a little nostalgia. Other hotels in the city are also offering similar packages.

The package runs May 1st to August 30th, but movie tickets are only available when the movie is in theaters. And if history's any indication, given the track-record of these sort of sequels, the run could be short -- so if this package intrigues, book earlier rather than later."

Information Courtesy of: Luxist.Com


Visit The Waldorf Astoria Hotel Online Here: Waldorfnewyork.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  The Livestyle authority of better living through cultural refinement dictates that an individual accurately assess and, subsequently, go about the means of possessing and enjoying all that this splendid life has to offer - irrespective of price.  Now, while it is true that luxury often comes @ a steep premium, that is not an absolute.  Indeed, it is incumbent upon the educated enthusiast to be able to recognize and take relentless advantage of a great bargain ... only a fool habitually pays retail ... lol. To that end, it would be criminally negligent of me to not apprise Y.O.U. of the ridiculously cheap "Sex And The City" Movie Package @ New York City's legendary Waldorf Astoria's The Waldorf Towers Hotel.

This limited time promotional package celebrating the release of the revenge of everybody's favorite Manolo Blahnik heeled mob is a no brainer: $300 gets Y.O.U. a 2 night stay accommodations for 2 in the Waldorf Towers, delicious and massively frosted cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery (NOTE: A favorite of mine second only to my lady's homemade cupcakes), 2 Cosmos @ the hotel's Bull & Bear restaurant, 2 60-minute spa treatments (1 per person), and, obviously, 2 tickets to see the actual movie - duh. Like, in NYC a glorified junkie motel like Best Western can easily run Y.O.U. a $150 a night; and don't even get me started on tallying up the extras. Follow these helpful steps: 1) Guesstimate how much you've blown on obscenely overpriced bottle service in x_____________________ (insert random douche bag nightclub name here). 2) Smack yourself in the face. 3) Book the Waldorf Astoria's The Waldorf Towers "Sex And The City 2" Movie Package.

Hey, sure I could do without the cosmos (NOTE: I much prefer the warm of embrace of a well aged Whiskey and/or Bourbon myself) and I will go on record as of right NOW that my shorty is free to invite along any friend of hers whom is even remotely interested in seeing this Sexy sequel, but I am NOT about to pass up this opportunity for an awesome stay-cation in a sumptuous suite high atop Park Avenue overlooking my hometown metropolis. Stop playing.

The Clipse x Co. Celebrate The 1st Anniversary Of Play Cloths @ KarmaloopTV.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: The Clipse were joined by Mickey Factz and fashion forward rap renegade and O.G. Livestyle family member Curt@!n$ as they took over the penthouse of the Hotel Rivington in NYC to celebrate the 1st birthday of their Play Cloths clothing line. KarmaloopTV let the cameras roll and captured all of the dope boy debauchery as the Thornton brothers and friends toasted to a successful transition from moving yayo to overseeing an ever expanding cut and sew label. Niiiiiiiiiiiiice.

GROW UP: Vertu President Perry Oosting's 10 Essential Luxuries = Follow The Platinum Brick Road.

"Welcome to our new feature, "10 Luxuries." For each installment a notable figure in the world of luxury, tastemaker or stylish personality will tell us about the 10 necessary luxuries they simply cannot do without. Related quotes and images of each item can be found in the gallery.

Perry Oosting became president of Vertu, the world's leading luxury mobile phone manufacturer, earlier this year. He joined the company with extensive experience in the luxury industry via senior roles held at several blue chip brands including Bulgari, Prada, Gucci and Escada. Vertu uses the finest materials from the world of watchmaking, automotive design, aeronautics, and jewelry to create truly unique mobile phones of unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity, such as the new Ascent Ti Carbon Fiber. Vertu is also the only phone in the world to ever receive a hallmark from the Swiss Assay Office, the organization that guarantees the quality of the world's finest watches. In the gallery, Oosting reveals his 10 essential luxuries, from his favorite hotel, watch and car to shoes, wine, writing instrument and more, and tells us what makes them a must."

Read The Full List Of Perry Oosting's Top 10 Luxuries Here: Luxist.Com

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Livestyle is a lifestyle. Essential to the practice of this decadently demanding ideology is a sincere and complete appreciation for the luxuries of life - simple and byzantine both. Sartorial refinement and maturation is only borne from experience and, when not necessarily of millionaire means, an individuals ability to take valuable cues from the lucky few amongst us who can and do fly the friendly skies in G5 P.rivate J.ets can prove helpful. Be clear, this is about inspiration and aspiration; NOT duplication. Livestyle is decidedly against all forms of "biting" - please refer to the sign that Rakim Allah posted on the door.

To that end, Perry Oosting, president of the world's leading luxury mobile phone manufacturer, has recently dropped a jewel worthy of study and appraisal. The spirit of affluence is alive and well for us H.igher E.arning N.ot R.ich Y.et blokes and the virtuoso of Vertu has just given us a dignified list of his favorite things. From hotels to watches, cars to shoes, this compilation of Vertu President Perry Oosting's 10 Essential Luxuries is a must read. Step your tax bracket up! Watch and learn.

Living The "Suite" Life Of Zack & Cody: BREAKING NEWS: The Four Seasons Kicks Ritz-Carlton Ass!

"Bad news for the Ritz-Carlton, it's no longer the top dog in luxury hotels. That's according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study. The study looked at overall hotel guest satisfaction across six hotel segments from luxury to budget. The Ritz-Carlton has been chosen the top luxury hotel in past years but this year the honor went to the Four Seasons even though the rooms at the luxury chain are more expensive. In the next tier down, the winner of the Upscale segment was Embassy Suites Hotels which took the honor for the third year running.

To determine overall satisfaction the study looked at seven key measures: reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; hotel facilities; and costs and fees. Over 66,000 people who stayed n a hotel between May 2008 and June 2009 were part of the study. The survey showed that guest satisfaction with luxury hotels has remained stable from 2008. The most-desired amenities include complimentary breakfast, wireless Internet access and pillow-top mattresses. In luxury hotels a high percentage of guests say they expect in-room high-definition flat-panel TVs. The study also found that guests are more aware of property-initiated "green" programs and 72 percent say they participated in their hotel's conservation programs."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In spite of some of the good news that I have been hearing from uber conservative sharper-than-Steve-Harvey CNBC master market analyst Larry Kudlow, I still recognize that we remain in a highly recessionary market. That being the case, value (NOTE: Almost completely based on an individual's emotions) has taken on a deeper, more significant meaning. Now, many of us could not have afforded a stay @ either The Ritz-Carlton or The Four Seasons during even the best of financial times, however, for those not all together adversely affected by the economic downturn, price is NOT the ultimate consideration when booking a luxury suite. No, in fact, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, well-heeled customers will gladly pay 10% more for a room @ The Four Seasons as opposed to @ The Ritz-Carlton for a greater overall experience.

Look, I get it - when I am paying well in excess of $500 per night I personally would drop an extra $250 for a better stay and guaranteed satisfaction. I mean, Y.O.U. get to a certain point and it's all the same anyway my nig. It's the little things that count to true connoiseurs and, as with a brand like The Four Seasons, engender the strongest customer loyalty - from continuous innovations and the highest of hospitality standards, to custom-made beds, oppulent spas and 24-hour service. Maaaaaaaan, after all of this talking, I've only got 1 question: Where do I sign up?

GROW UP x Living The "Suite" Life Of Zack & Cody: The Ritz-Carlton Bar Experience = "Being Broke Is Childish And I'm Quite Grown"

"The Ritz-Carlton is rolling out a new "Bar Experience" at its luxurious properties worldwide, building on a tradition of elegant cocktails and catering to a new generation of patrons. Where once such bars were once noted for their high-end singles scenes and some serious drinking, the company's latest research shows they are now primarily visited by those more interested in socializing with friends and colleagues, and hence food is increasingly important. So is the whole concept of "comfort" as opposed to ostentation. The new Ritz-Carlton bar experience includes both new cocktails, new appetizers and even edible cocktails. The impeccable service remains as always.

The new bar menu features gourmet comfort food meant for sharing among a group. The final menu includes 30 snazzy snacks such as brie and parsley risotto balls, smoked salmon and arugula egg rolls, chilly water lobster flat bread and calamari in remoulade sauce. Each Ritz-Carlton property features a selection of these 30 in addition to some local specialties. The idea behind the whole project is to reinvigorate and reposition the brand, eliminating the "illusion of rigidity" and prohibitive priciness the luxe chain may have given off in the past and "creating a nice environment where you feel comfortable" in the bars and lounges.

We went down to the elegant bar at 2 West at the amazing Ritz-Carlton Battery Park in New York City to experience it firsthand the other night and got extremely comfortable, so we would say it's definitely working. On the cocktail front, among our favorites was the Sunsplash, made with Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon and orange juice, and cranberry. Another standout was the Ritz-Carlton Martini, made with Tanqueray No. 10 gin, simple syrup, peeled English cucumber, mint and lime juice. Food-wise we particularly enjoyed the Italian spicy sausage and artichoke pizza, the mini Black Angus beef sliders, and the plate of artisanal cheeses served with quince paste, honey comb and chutney."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: My cultural maturation has introduced me to other worlds within my own city that I would not have dreamed of experiencing say 10 years ago. While I have never been a freak for the club scene, the suggestion that I might enjoy an evening on the town sipping Talisker in a swanky hotel lounge would have sounded like Cantonese to a young Chris Live AKA Shaker. Fast forward and I now actually prefer the cozy ambiance of an elegant hotel bar (and grill) to that of a noisy "I-hope-that-everybody-can-see-me-as-pop-my-1st-overpriced-champagne-bottle" obnoxious club packed with a gaggle of amateur night reject revellers.

On that note, cheers to the Ritz-Carlton corporation for revamping their in-house bar concept and serving up cosmopolitan classicism on the rocks! Message To My NYC Based Livestyle Readers: There is a very good chance that Y.O.U. may run into me this Summer @ the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park 2 West locale. Don't trip homie, we can definitely chop it up. The 1st round is on me. Holla @ ya boy in BK!


BONUS:

Seriously, if Y.O.U. know not the name of the song that I referenced in the title of this exceptional entry, please feel free to shoot yourself in la cara ... lol. Yes, "I Love The Dough" and Y.O.U. should too. "Brooklyn style!" This is Livestyle.

Living The "Suite" Life Of Zack & Cody: Miami's New Boutique Hotel Boom.

"December 4th, 2008 5:46 PM
Bed Hopping | New Hotels in Miami
By Maura Egan

Miami’s hotel scene is booming yet again (or maybe it’s never really stopped booming), with a heaping handful of recent openings and reopenings — and a few yet to come. T’s deputy travel editor Maura Egan takes a few hours out from Art Basel reporting to give us the skinny on the top new properties.


The Gansevoort rooftop pool.

Gansevoort South
Checking in: New York’s meatpacking district hot spot headed south last spring to join its boutique brethren on the South Beach strip. It turns out the new outpost is anything but boutique — it’s sprawling, with 334 rooms, 259 condos and a lobby aquarium filled with sharks.
What’s cooking: Big-ticket meals at New York outposts STK and Philippe (the W hotel soon to open next door will have a Mr. Chow’s).
Perks: A new David Barton gym and spa that stays open until midnight, where overly tan ladies can indulge in the “cougar” anti-aging facial. For fitness freaks, there are yoga mats in the rooms and a stunning infinity pool.

Fontainebleau
Checking in: The Morris Lapidus-designed pleasure palace that put Miami on the map in 1954 recently reopened after a billion-dollar makeover.
What’s cooking: There are 11 (11!) restaurants and dining spots, including Gotham Steak, headed up by Alfred Portale, one of New York’s top chefs.
Perks: The main pool is surrounded by private cabanas equipped with flat-screen TV’s, Wi-Fi and your own butler. The spa features Tracie Martyn treatments.


The lounge at Mondrian.

Mondrian
Checking in: The Dutch designer Marcel Wanders brings a bit of oversize opulence (think lots of jumbo chandeliers) to this brand-new hotel and condo complex on Biscayne Bay.
What’s Cooking: Nothing says party like Asia de Cuba’s signature communal table — once everyone’s nice and friendly, they head over to the new Sunset Lounge, courtesy of Ben Pundole of Bungalow 8.
Perks: A private marina and access to the beach at the Delano, a sister property.

Viceroy Miami and Icon Brickell
Checking in: The “Top Design” judge Kelly Wearstler created this hotel and condo resort located within Icon Brickell, a mega-residential property designed by Philippe Starck — all of which opens this February.
What’s cooking: TBD, but expect a Wearstler special, with lots of banquettes and Asian touches.
Perks: Access to everything in this “city within a city.” There’s a 50-person hot tub, an Easter Island-inspired park and, curiously, a life-size chess set.


The Regent Bal Harbour.

Regent Bal Harbour
Checking in: A grown-up oceanfront resort, quietly tucked away from the South Beach fray.
What’s Cooking: You can eat high and low here — haute French at 1 Bleu or spa cuisine by the pool at Aqua Soleil.
Perks: In addition to the first Geurlain spa in North America, there’s an art butler to take you on a tour of the property’s multimillion-dollar collection. Or just head to the Bar Harbour mall nearby for recession-style sales at Dior and Nieman’s and some excellent people watching."

Information Courtesy Of: Themoment.Blogs.NYtimes.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Not that South Florida's year-round hotspot, Miami Beach, is short on deluxe hotel accomodations, but the additions of 2 of my favorite hotels, the Gansevoort and the Mondrian, is long overdue. The premium boutique hotel business is fraught with flashy names and pretentious pretend nouveau palaces that, often, do not live up to the hype afforded them, however the Gansevoort South (NOTE: "South" is the little sister to the New York City Meat Packing District holier than though Gansevoort hotel) and the Mondrian are poised to achieve the acclaim that such trusted brand names deserve.

Now, while the Fountainbleau, the Regent Bal Harbour and the Viceroy Miami and Icon Brickell all sound like great hotels, and I am particularly interested in the Fountainbleau's billion dollar makeover, the Gansevoort South and Mondrian are both completely new destinations to South Beach whose brands I am already quite familiar with. What can I say? I'm a sucker for new versions of preapproved fly shit ... lol. Oh yeah, expect the Gansevoort to book super fast because rooftop retreats are where it's @ homie. Y.O.U. already know.

Living The "Suite" Life Of Zack & Cody: The Empire Hotel NYC.

"All phases of Manhattan's glamorous, newly-restored Empire Hotel are now complete with the opening of Jeffrey Chodorow's chic new Center Cut restaurant. The red brick structure adjacent to Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side originally opened on December 5th, 1923 and was a hotspot from the Roaring '20s through the Swinging '60s. One of the highlights of the redesigned Empire is the luxe rooftoop pool and deck where the huge Hotel Empire neon sign, one of the oldest in the U.S., casts a warm red glow over everything.

The warm, glowing lobby and lobby bar have a retro Old Hollywood feel; it and the rooms and suites are designed with a nod to the hotel's history, but are thoroughly modern and luxurious. Center Cut features restored woods, the space's original terrazzo floors and sweeping curtains, while the menu is an eco-friendly take on steakhouse classics."

Empire Hotel New York
Visit The Official Website Here: www.empirehotelnyc.com
44 W 63rd St
New York, NY 10023
(212) 581-5290


Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Perhaps, because I am not a travelling salesman schlepping from motel-to-motel, I have always found the allure of exotic boutique hotels particularly irresistible. Like, every time that I find out about a new luxe spot, my curious mind immediately chimes in with, "Hmmmmmm, I wonder what a night there would be like?" ... lol. The brilliantly revamped Empire Hotel piqued my interest the exact same way.

Yes, this magnificent hotel is in New York City, however, have Y.O.U. never heard of taking a vacation whilst remaining in your home city? No? Well, I would imagine that, in theory, it could work anywhere, but it does work best in effervescent world-class cities such as NYC. Y.O.U. should really try it homie ... it's a great alternative for when Y.O.U. can't really get away, but you've still got a little bread to spend. Now, with that said, Empire Hotel here I come!

Living The "Suite" Life Of Zack & Cody: The Top 10 "Expensive Suites, Ordering Eats" Edition.

"The Wealth Bulletin has compiled a new list of the World's Top Ten Most Expensive Hotel Rooms, and the first and second both cost over $30,000 per night. And despite glum economic prospects, demand for these costly suites is as strong as ever, with waiting lists stretching from now until the end of December. Also worth noting is the appearance of Dubai (the Burj Al Arab's Royal Suite, above) and Moscow hotels on the list, which would have been unheard of just a couple years ago. Here are the Top 10:

1. Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons, New York; $34,000 per night
2. Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva; $33,000 per night
3. The Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Italy; $21,000 per night
4. Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai; $18,000 per night
5. Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond, Geneva; $17,500 per night
6. The Ritz-Carlton Suite, The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow; $16,500 per night
7. The Royal Suite, Four Seasons George V, Paris; $16,000 per night
8. The Imperial Suite, Park Hyatt-Vendôme, Paris; $15,500 per night
9. Brook Penthouse, Claridges, London; $10,000 per night
10. Penthouse Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes; $9,300 per night"

Visit The Wealth Bulletin Online Here: Wealth-Bulletin.Com

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In spite of a dire economic forecast and a $700 Billion "Bailout" + "sweeteners" added to the proposal, there will always be a niche to cater to the insatiable desires of the über rich. There's somebody sleeping in 1 of these $30 G a night suites right now son. Question: At what point, financially, do you reach "critical mass"? You know, like, how much do Y.O.U. need to be set for life? How nice of a slice from the "Layer Cake" do you need on your plate in order to never be troubled by mundane money problems ever again? $20 Million? $100 Million? I want input people!

Well, all I know is that I'm trying to reach that point and bring a few inspirational people along with me. Shout out to 401 K, Deka, Mandalay Jay, Jah Mega, Cliff, Bryan, G.O., Ned, Buck, Ty, Clyde, Domencio JR., Majah Hype, Thugzy, Skarface Mello, Paul Parris, China, Markaveli AKA Small Hoody Dude, Mike Millionaire, J Newz, Aleika, Rob Young, Javon, PUSH! Montana, Nately, Shaka Don, D. Gatez, Ojae FYC, Dear NBC, Courtney (Lyte), Lavish, the original BFF Jenji T., Sickamore, Trouble, Biz, The Heatmakerz, my little sis Aeja, Kamilah, my brother Niketown and the rest of the team.

BONUS:

I had to include this classic, yet seldom mentioned, Jay-Z song "You're Only A Customer". I mean, this is where I got part of the title of this post from. Y.O.U. should know these things homie. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Living The "Suite" Life Of Zack & Cody Will Run Y.O.U. 15 Large @ The London NYC.

"The final and most luxurious phase of the chic The London NYC hotel's major renovation was completed with the recent opening of its duplex Penthouse suite. The 2,500 sq.-ft. spread is located on the hotel's 53rd and 54th floors, making it the highest hotel suite in New York City, according to the company. The $15,000 per night pricetag for the space, which boasts plush living areas showcasing modern design and a luxe marble bathroom, also includes the following amenities: daily afternoon tea; a bottle of vintage champagne; an evening at The Chef's Table , located in the inner sanctum of the hotel's Gordon Ramsay restaurant for an eight course tasting menu; and access to a personal concierge and a private car and driver daily."

The London NYC hotel is located at 151 W. 54th St. (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
Tel: 212 307 5000
Fax: 212 765 6530
Official Hotel Website: Thelondonnyc.Com

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: You don't have to stay on the 53rd & 54th floors of this super luxury boutique hotel in order to live like Halle Berry, Usher, Alanis Morrisette or any of the other celebs that frequent this spot. Nah, you've got to learn the art of staying in AND owning your current lane. Roll up in here with your lady (not your "jumpoff") and do the damn thing the right way. Get yourself a good regular room for like $300 a night - enjoy the view and rape the mini bar ... lol.