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ITINERARY 3 2 D EC E M B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY F O R T H E U R B A N D W E L L E R : STEEL-TOWN LUXURY Opening next month in Pitts- burgh, the nine-story Kimpton Hotel Monaco will be the city's first downtown luxury boutique hotel. The 248-room establish- ment is within walking distance of local attractions such as The Andy Warhol Museum and Sta- tion Square. The hotel occupies the Beaux Arts–style James H. Reed Building — a 1903 land- mark — and incorporates many of its original features, adorned with the fun, bold color pat- terns associated with the Hotel Monaco collection. In this case, it's the black, yellow and white hues of Pittsburgh's flag and its sports teams. The property also boasts the typical Kimpton features that make it cozy and familiar, including a free nightly wine hour and full hotel access for your furry, four-legged friends. Forgot your toothbrush? The hotel's front desk stocks everything from hair straighteners to computer chargers, available for little or no fee. From $219, www.monaco pittsburgh.com —LAURA KINIRY { H O T E L S } Book Your Stay Whether you're drawn to the allure of the big city or desire a mountain getaway, here are THREE NEW HOTELS sure to satisfy any travel craving. F O R T H E S U N S E E K E R : PALM SPRINGS ESCAPE Desert oasis or palmy playground? Perhaps a little of both. The Riviera Palm Springs offers old Hollywood haute-ness with a bit of a Vegas vibe. Capture the scene at the Bikini Pool among the pri- vate cabanas, palm trees and tunes, where the energy intensifies as day slips into night. Or check out the Chiki Pool and Tiki Bar, which pays hom- age to the infamous Chi Chi Nightclub. For a break in the action, take to the Thai-inspired SpaTerre in the Buddha Lounge for some true relaxation, and head to Watsu Pool as an ultimate escape. If you're lucky enough to score an ultrachic oversize suite, inspired by midcentury modern design, you can still enjoy poolside entertainment while you primp in privacy for your evening. Just steps away, indulge at Circa 59 (winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence from 2010 to 2013), where even the entrées have a modern twist. Starlite suite from $659, king pool-view guest room from $149; www.psriviera.com — GW EN BA L DWI N F O R T H E S K I B U M : ASPEN GETAWAY Located at the base of one of the most amazing ski mountains in Colorado and less than seven minutes from Aspen, Viceroy Snowmass Resorts & Residences offers the perfect getaway for the family who can't put down their ski poles. Snowmass has repeatedly been rated one of the best family ski spots in the country by Travel + Leisure, and with Viceroy's ski-in/ski-out service, ski valet and on-site ski-rental facility, you can be on the mountain within minutes of arrival. The lodge also offers easy access to several other nearby mountains, like Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. But really, with 3,132 acres of terrain, 91 trails and 21 chairlift trails, you could spend days skiing Snowmass and never run out of options. Catering to the kiddos, the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center offers a plethora of activities for all ages, from toddler to teenager, as well as ski and snowboard school and child-care services. After hitting the slopes, enjoy an après-ski drink back at the resort, where complimentary cider and hot chocolate are served daily starting at 4 p.m. Dining options abound, from the decadent Eight K to the more casual but no less delicious Nest Public House. When you're finally ready to retire to your residence, you'll be greeted with taste- fully appointed luxe accents like gas fireplaces, espresso machines, deep soaking tubs, a bar and fridge stocked to your liking and, of course, pillow-topped mattresses to ensure a good night's sleep so you're ready to hit the slopes again in the morning. This month, the resort is also offering the Linger Longer package, which provides one night free with a three-night stay through Dec. 18, and one night free with a five-night stay Dec. 19-25. From $225, www.viceroyhotelsandresorts .com —ANNA FIALHO BYERS PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA PITTSBURGH ASPEN, COLORADO