Oscar Inspired Travel

1.    “ The Grand Budapest Hotel” – Budapest, Hungary

Nominated for Best Picture, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” movie makes for a great excuse to travel to the incredible capital of Hungary.  The gem of Central Europe located on the Danube River, Budapest fascinates with its history and monuments. Known as the city of healing waters, visitors must make a trip to the spa when in town…the Hotel Corinthia, on the cosmopolitan “Pest” side of the city, has an array of thermal spas with an option to enjoy waters indoors or out with a range of aromatherapy and massage treatments. Book a room at the trendy Balthazar Hotel, a one-year old contemporary designed boutique hotel set inside a refurbished building on the historic “Buda” side of the city with walking distance to all the historic sights.  The owners of the hotel also run a few restaurants in the area including Pest-Buda and Pierrot. Rates start as low as $147.88/night (130 Eur/night) including breakfast. Flights from Chicago to Budapest start at $692/person. 

2. Los Angeles, California

You can’t talk about the Oscars and not include Los Angeles, the city of angels and site of the annual Academy Awards.  For the absolute best Oscar nominee sightseeing, head to the infamous Beverly Hills Hotel (aka the “Pink Palace”).  Located on Sunset Boulevard and surrounded by 12 acres of tropical gardens and exotic flowers, the hotel has been the place to “see and be seen” for over 100 years. Its extensive celebrity guest list includes John F. Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. In 2000, the Hotel’s annual Oscars party drew Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Matt Damon, and many more. The famous Polo Lounge restaurant remains a popular spot for the Hollywood crowd. Book in February for stays until April 12 and receive three nights for the price of two. Rates start as low as $350/night based on availability. Book with Royal Travel and receive continental breakfast for two daily and a $100 spa credit. Flights departing from O’Hare start at $327/person through United Airlines.

3. Oscars Viewing Party at The Langham Chicago

Want to throw your own Oscars party on Feb. 22?  The Langham Chicago, known for its European style and amazing views of the cityscape and Chicago River, also boasts its own private screening room known as the Cinema Suite.  In celebration of the 87th Academy Awards, the hotel is offering one Cinema Suite Oscar Viewing Package, which includes:

  • Overnight accommodations in a Classic Room for two persons
  • Access to The Langham’s exclusive Cinema Suite starting at 5:30 PM (show starts at 6:00 PM) until the end of the Oscars
  • Hors d’oeuvres for up to eight people for three hours
  • Three bottles of Moet Champagne
  • Game sheets for guests to vote/guess who will win each award

Total package price is $2,799.  Or you can skip the Cinema Suite and enjoy the Oscars from one of the hotel’s Classic Rooms for $299.