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journeyPod.com was on hand for the opening of the newest 5-star luxury hotel in  Hollywood....but unfortunately we couldn't stay. It's for dogs only.  That's right, Pooch Hotel, opened it's Hollywood location on May 5. Pooch Hotel is a hotel and daycare exclusively for dogs that places a premium on convenience, extraordinary customer care, superior facilities, and outstanding services.  The hotel features custom-made suites, exercise pool, and the SPAW. Yes, your dogs can receive aromatherapy bathing and paw-dicures and Pooch berry facials. And for guests that need that little extra exercise, there is a doggie treadmill.

Robin Tomb, founder of Pooch Hotel, spoke with journeyPod.com for more inside scoop. Let's take a listen...

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Photo and Podcast by Andrea Cannistraci

The city of Newport Beach recently hosted the 13th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival and journeyPod.com was on the Red Carpet Opening Night for the fifth year in a row to rub elbows with celebs such as Tom Arnold, Michael Damian, and Jamie Lynn Sigler. The opening night film and world-premiere of Jewtopia, starring Jennifer Love-Hewitt was sold out.

We spoke in depth with I Am Eleven filmmaker Gen Bailey. We chatted with the world’s youngest animator, Perry Chen. We also had a chance to speak with the Judd Ehrlich, director of Magic Camp, and one of the young magicians, Zach Ivins, from that film. Then we found out where we could relax from the films a bit and sip prosecco in the world's largest circular pool from Guiseppe Lama, Managing Director at The Resort at Pelican Hill.

If you missed this year, be sure to mark your calendar to jet-set over to Newport Beach, California next April to see some great films, meet amazing filmmakers and talent, and partake in fantastic parties!  And be sure to check out our upcoming Chef's Corner with Chef Man from Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

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If you find yourself in Bilbao, Spain you’ll likely be there to visit the Guggenheim. And why not stay at the hotel where the first sketches of the Guggenheim were made? That’s right! Frank Gehry the famed architect was staying at the Hotel Lopez de Haro when he sketched his first visions of the museum onto their bedside stationery.

Jane Fonda, Lenny Kravitz, and the Dali Lama all have stayed at this 5-star property conveniently located with-in walking distance of everything: The Guggenheim, the ZubiZuri Bridge, The Old City, and the New Town.

For more information on Bilbao and the Basque Country, read our Basque Country Destination Guide.

For now, take a listen as Luis J. Guillamon Lores, Sales Manager, talks to journeyPod about Frank Gehry’s connection to the property and his vision for ”the beginning of the new Bilbao.”

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Tucked away in the heart of St. James’s, in St. James’s Place, rests The Stafford London, one of London’s last remaining bastions of Great British hospitality. In 2012 not only will London host the Olympics, but the Stafford will turn 100 years old. The year long celebration is sure to be something to experience. If you find yourself in London, be sure to check out this very English property that has quite the Mary Poppins feel to it. Be sure to check out their “American Bar” where you’ll find over 1000 pieces of American memorabilia from guests over the past 40 years. And be sure to chat with their Head Concierge, Frank Laino, about what to do and see while in London. Afterall, he was voted "Best Concierge in the World"! For more info on Frank and what's hot in London right now, check out our upcoming one-on-one exclusive interview with him. For now, sit back and listen as The Stafford's GM, Leon Baum, talks to journeyPod.

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It’s true what they say, if you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait 10 minutes. journeyPod.com had the pleasure of experiencing the beautiful city of Boston for a week in early June. The first few days the weather was cold and rainy. Wednesday was gorgeous and sunny and in the 90’s (almost too hot!). Then it dropped to 60 and started to rain again by the weekend. Crazy.

Whether it's 90 and humid or 6o or rainy there is plenty to do in Boston this summer. And as journeyPod.com learned from Peter Rait, owner of Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro, the Summer Solstice is a day to be celebrated! Let's take a listen.

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Indian Wells, CA is about a two hour drive from Los Angeles and is a quiet, lavish hideaway. It’s a place to rejuvenate and relax. Chill by a shimmering pool, or be pampered at a spa. journeyPod suggests you try out THE WELL spa for the ultimate spa experience. If golf is your thing—there is plenty of that as well. The Indian Wells Golf Resort will fit the bill for sure. El Paseo—a unique shopping experience—is often compared to Rodeo Drive, but if you’ve been to Rodeo Drive you will see no similarity today. Lunch at the new IW Club offers great views and dinner at Grove Artisan Kitchen is a treat! (Check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Robert from Grove Artisan Kitchen) And when it’s time to find a place to call home away from home, head over to the Miramonte Resort & Spa. journeyPod spoke with Chris Kandziora, Director of Sales & Marketing, for more inside scoop on this amazing luxury resort. Be sure to check out Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song "Take A Walk."

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While Big Sur is located only about 2 hours from San Francisco, it feels a million miles away. Whether you are camping, hiking, sight-seeing, visiting art galleries, or relaxing there is something for everyone.

Even if you are just driving through, you can be sure to find a table with a view. Nepenthe is probably one of the more popular spots. Big Sur Bakery and Big Sur Roadhouse are two other great spots.

Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn provides luxury treehouses as accommodations.  Across the street from Post Ranch Inn is the amazing 60 room Ventana Inn & Spa where you can relax at the Japanese Baths on property.

So pick your poison as you listen to both GMs talk about their properties and decide for yourself. Then pack your hiking boots and bikini and head north as you listen to the song "Tigertron" by Le Castle Vania (So Sweet Records).

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We've got Jacqueline Gifford, Features Editor for OK! Magazine on our exciting celebrity travel show! Jackie chats with us about star-studded destinations like St. Lucia, Thailand, Rome, Paris, DC and New York City. Find out where city girls Uma Thurman, Anne Hathaway and Sex in the City's own Sarah Jessica Parker head for a cocktail in NYC.

Jackie shares exciting places to get married like the Ashford Castle in Ireland, where Pierce Brosnan got hitched, as well as the Park Hyatt Paris, where Eva Longoria and Tony Parker's wedding guests stayed.

You'll hear what strange things Leonardo DiCaprio & Drew Barrymore request when staying at a hotel as well as some of the places Oprah, the Beckhams, Pitts and the Basketts like to frequent.

Keep an eye out for OK! Magazine's upcoming issues featuring celebrity projects abroad, top ski destinations, Bora Bora, Bahamas & Rio.

Stay tuned for more celebrity travel updates from Jackie! Visit OK! Magazine Online for the truth and inside scoop about celebrities!

Enjoy podsafe band Buddahead with their hit "When I fall".

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After spending the day visiting the largest aquarium in the world, hiking up Stone Mountain, taking in a CNN Studio Tour and filling up on cola at the World of Coke, book yourself a room at Atlanta's only "Green" boutique hotel.  The Ellis Hotel is a charming and unique property located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.  Conserving energy by using paper products that have been at least 30% post consumer recycled, timed light systems and recycled water - it's easy to see why this hotel was recently awarded an "Excellence" rating by Trip Advisor.

Enjoy American Heirloom dishes prepared by their Executive (Irish) Chef Thomas McKeown (check out our podcast with Chef Thomas!) . Terrace supports local and regional farmers, fisherman and producers.  Try free wines between 5:30-6:30 p.m. nightly.  When booking a room make sure to ask about breakfast and romance packages! Forget your hair straightener or Spanx at home?  Don't fret, the "Women's Only" floor has more than enough goodies to make sure that you look your best at all times!

Listen in to our podcast with General Manager, Stacy Martin, as she discusses the concept of The Ellis Hotel, property amenities and the wonderful menu at Terrace! Enjoy the jazzy sounds of David Baumgarten with his hit "When I still Wonder".

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On Saturday, for the first time ever, the Sunset Strip was closed down for the Sunset Strip Music Festival. The line-up featured The Donnas, Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Pepper, and Shiny Toy Guns (seen in photo).

In addition to the two stages at opposite ends of the Strip, the clubs along the blocks, including the Key Club, the Roxy, the Cat Club, the Whisky A-Go-Go and the Viper Room, hosted bands throughout the day. People jumped from club to stage and back all day.

One of the many after parties of the evening was at the host hotel, the Andaz. Formerly the, “Riot Hyatt”, the new Andaz played host to many of the rockers, groupies, and fans. Ozzy even dined at RH, the hotel’s restaurant, immediately following his performance. (Be on the look out for journeyPod’s exclusive interview with RH’s Chef Sebastien Archambault.)

journeyPod chatted with Torry Castellano the drummer from the popular girl band, The Donnas --who kicked off the SSMF. Torry gave us some inside scoop on what clubs artists prefer to play on the Sunset Strip and why! We listened to a rare acoustic set from Shiny Toy Guns at the Viper Room and then we got some inside scoop from Michel Morauw on what makes the new Andaz hotel so unique.

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