Vanity Fair has released their 2010 Summer Guide, which I know a lot of ya’ll have been waiting for. Summer has officially started! Thanks to Miss Nawja Moses for sharing. Enjoy the summer my friends……. -!YG

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Last night I had a chance to check out the new Trump Soho on Spring and Varick street. The mixed used property (hotel/condo) is kind of nutz. I arrived a lil late, so I didn’t get to see the rooms or the view from the top level.

From what I’m told Trump Soho is the tallest building in the area with an unobstructed 360 degree view of Manhattan. I’ll be taking a trip down there another day, so ya’ll can get a flavor for the rooms and the view. Go here for more info. -!YG

Over the past year… I’ve had a number of friends moving to Doha, Qatar for career opportunities. Apparently… Doha is making a big push to replace Dubai as the hot spot for investment & tourism in the Middle East. I hope to make a trip out there before the end of the year. -!YG

Here is a sneak peak @ The Standard Hotel’s rooftop. It wasn’t quite finished when we went up there, but it promises to be a great look once it is completed. -!YG

My OG Iain Ainsworth has officially launched his new hotel venture – White Line Hotels. Iain used to be one of the head guys in charge @ Design Hotels and has decided to branch out on his own. White Lines currently has a majority of their properties in Europe, but they are looking to expand into other regions. Check out the website and let me know what u think. -!YG

WHITE LINES HOTELS

This is a really surprising fact that I read about in USA Today.  Crime is never something that comes to mind when I’ve stayed @ a hotel. Definitely makes you think, especially when you reflect on situations like the “Craigslist Killer”. The article included some information from crime experts suggesting what you should do to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. Very prudent info to keep in mind as we enter into the Summer travel season.-!YG

• Before booking a hotel, make sure that guest-room doors have multiple locks, including a deadbolt.
• Consider using a valet, or park your car in a well-lit area as close as possible to the hotel lobby. Before getting out of the car, scan the parking lot for any possible assailants. Lock the car and do not leave any valuables inside.
• In high-rise hotels, request a room on the third floor or above.
• If hotel personnel mention your room number during check-in or another time during your stay, ask for another room.
• Don’t enter an elevator if someone inside seems suspicious.
• Don’t open the room door to anyone without verification from the front desk, and do not use your name when answering the phone.
• Make sure you know how to use the phone in your room and that you can dial 911.
• Place all valuables in the in-room safe.
• Hang the “do not disturb” sign on the door and leave a light and radio or TV on when leaving.
• At night or any time there’s concern about safety, request a hotel staff member to accompany you to your room to inspect it.

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Aruba’s Tourism Board is going hard 2 entice folks 2 visit for vacation. They have invested $10 million dollars in their “90,000 Friends You Haven’t Met Yet” initative. Aruba is really trying to take the #1 spot from my “second home” The Bahamas with some serious marketing muscle.

I’m actually going to an event hosted by Aruba’s Tourism Board next week to see what the deal is. I’m curious to see their role out plan for the next few months. It will be interesting to see how they will attempt to entice tourists to come to Aruba. I’ve always felt the best way 2 get people 2 ur destination is with affordable flights (i.e. Belize for $144). When you take into consideration the economic slow down Aruba might be a hard sell. -!YG

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This drinking is getting a lot of buzz. Red Espresso is made with Rooibos which is a tea native 2 South Africa. What makes this tea interesting is that it is made just like u would a cup of regular espresso. I will have 2 give it a taste 2 see if it is the real deal. -!YG CLICK 4 MORE INFO