News from around the world

Chicago’s Peninsula Hotel tops ‘Traveler’ list

The Peninsula Chicago received the highest possible rating given by Condé Nast Traveler readers in the 2008 Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards.

The luxury hotel was named No. 1 on the list of the “Top 100 United States Hotels.”

The awards, which were announced on Oct. 15 at a gala ceremony in New York City, will be featured in the celebrated “Best in the World” November issue of Condé Nast Traveler this week.

The voting process involves readers judging and rating the world’s best hotels in categories of accommodations, service, dining, location and activities.

Adirondacks: Hats off to hybrids

The new Wild Center Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks in Tupper Lake was created with the goal of “being as green as possible,” says its managing director, Stephanie Ratcliffe. And it subtly rewards like-minded visitors. Drivers of hybrid vehicles get parking spaces closest to the entry.

The 2-year-old museum installed a heavy-duty electric line for use in an electric-car recharging station, Ratcliffe said, but the hybrid priority parking signs (topped with birdhouses) went up as hybrids surpassed the electric option in the marketplace.

“We have an in-house ‘green team’ with members from every department with the collective goal of developing greener practices. We would like to encourage that of others,” she said. “Acknowledging hybrid owners for their effort is one small way to reward and thank them.” So, do drivers of gas-guzzlers ever cheat? “I have never seen a non-hybrid car in one of those spots - everyone respects the intent and spirit of the effort on our part and on the part of the hybrid owner,” Ratcliffe says.

For more on the 31-acre indoor and outdoor environmentally friendly campus and a sneak peak at its walking trails and live exhibits, visit wildcenter.org.

Planning a hotel stay with your pooch?

To make sure your visit goes well:

* Ask whether dogs are allowed when you make the reservation and find out what additional fees are charged: Some hotels have high nonrefundable fees; others have refundable fees or per-day charges.

* When you leave home, call ahead to let the hotel know when you’ll arrive; remind staffers that you are bringing a dog.

* Ask about pet policies. Many hotels specify that dogs must be at least a year old, trained and small or medium-sized. There may be a weight limit, but often there is some flexibility.

* Read any pet policy contract carefully before signing. A common practice is to specify that dogs can’t be left alone in the room.

* Leave barkers or miscreants at home.

* Take your dog’s crate and put him in it when you’re going to be away from the room. That’s the safest way to make sure he doesn’t escape if a hotel staff member enters the room.

* Ask the concierge for information about dog parks, nearby trails and outdoor restaurants where your pooch can dine with you.