Kiss Your Way to a Free Stay in Times Square

Saturday marks the 65th anniversary of V-J Day, when the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II. That was way before all of our times, but you most likely remember the iconic kiss of a sailor and a nurse getting their smooch on while celebrating in Times Square. Every five years, people gather to re-enact the kiss in Times Square.

This year, W Hotels are throwing out a challenge--the first couple who hits all the NYC area W's (W Times Square, W New York, W Union Square, W NY-Downtown, and W Hoboken) and photographs their kiss in front of each, uploads it to the W Facebook page and shows the concierge at the W Times Square wins a free stay at the Times Square branch. Who says romance is dead!

Bachelorette Party Ideas #12: the Tides Miami

We've already told you how to do a Miami bachelorette party on cheap, here's the next step up. The Tides, like the Colony Hotel, sits on Ocean Drive steps away from the beach and tons of craziness. The front steps of the Tides itself is a popular cafe bar and gathering spot. When we were in town this spring, we took a tour of the recently remodeled hotel and liked what we saw.

 The Tides lobby was decorated in shades of white and grey.

The Tides Bar is a tiny room but had serious texture and character.

If we could stay anywhere, it would be in the Tides top floor suite. It reminds us of a condo one of your wealthy relatives might keep in town and let you borrow once in a while. It had sweeping views of the ocean, a couple of bedrooms,  and huge bathrooms.

Tides Bedroom

The best part was the private access to the rooftop which included this bathtub. That's Hope and yes, she's sold!

The pool was small, but very classy and not too loud for Ocean Drive standards.

Between now and November, when you pay with an Amex, you get the third night free. Pay with another card and you get the fourth night free.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #9: the New Andaz 5th Avenue

What better city to celebrate a bachelorette party than one with tremendous energy and endless possibilities? New York is the perfect place to design your bachelorette party.

Start your trip by checking into the new Andaz 5th Avenue which opened July 5th and is located across the street from the main branch of the New York Public Library and Bryant Park. Their loft-like guestrooms designed by Tony Chi will make you feel like a local with floor to ceiling windows and views of the library and the Empire State Building. (It will be the place to stay when the library celebrates its 100th anniversary and the completion of the $50 million, 3-year renovation project.) Better yet stay in a suite with a private balcony or a landscaped terrace and have a pre-party with the complimentary mini-bar (booze not included). Other features that impress us are the free WiFi and the self-check in using a hand held PC. The Andaz' location in midtown Manhattan makes it a great launching pad wherever you're headed out in the city.

Introductory rates start at $295 through September 1st, after which rates rise to $435.

Bachelorette Party Ideas #4: Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

No bachelorette party month would be complete without an update (or five!) on Vegas. First up is the new Mandarin Oriental in the City Center. This is the place to stay when your bachelorette party includes girls who love to gamble and girls who hate casinos -- the Mandarin Oriental is gaming-free. Mandarin Oriental's are known for their exemplary service, and the Las Vegas branch lives up to expectations. The rooms are sophisticated and elegant, without sacrificing comfort.

For your friends who want to gamble, shop, party, etc. The hotel is connected via a sky bridge to to Crystals at City Center, a shopping and dining mecca. You can also visit Aria for gambling and clubbing--all without ever setting foot outside. Word of warning: That doesn't mean they're just an elevator ride away. Be prepared to walk a lot.

When you book a room for two nights at the Mandarin Oriental in Vegas in August, you get the third night free.