* IN DA CLUB
IT’S the moment hotel junkies have been waiting for -the annual update of the rolls at Relais & Chateaux, one of the industry’s most respected hotel/restaurant groups.
With strict standards and a double-super-secret inspection policy, those hoping to gain access to the exclusive club have to be on their toes at all times.
This year has been interesting for the US, with an eclectic handful of adds to the list, hotel-wise. They are: Rhode Island’s Castle Hill Inn & Resort , the Inn at Dos Brisas near Houston and California’s little L’Auberge Carmel (relaisandchateaux.com).
* CHARGE!
REMEMBER last week’s item about fuel surcharges on cruise ships? More bad news, and from all corners.For example, expect a $5 per day, per person charge on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara; Silversea is upping the ante with with a $10 per day, per person fee on all bookings from Nov. 14.