Latest news with #ThePalaceHotel
Axios
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
The William Westerfeld House is a haunted time capsule
It may not officially be spooky season yet, but it is year-round at the William Westerfeld House, a historical haunted gem near Alamo Square. State of play: The more-than-a-century-old gothic Victorian at 1198 Fulton St. has been the site of a Czarist Russian-run brothel and social club, jazz-era flophouse, psychedelic-using hippie commune and host to occult film sets and rumored satanic rituals, earning it an eerie reputation. Catch up quick: The 28-room mansion was built in 1889 by local architect Henry Geilfuss for the affluent German baker and confectioner William Westerfeld, who was in poor health when he died there just a few years later. The intrigue: The house is colloquially referred to as "The Russian Embassy," earning the moniker after Russian émigrés purchased it in the late 1920s and turned the ballroom into a club called "Dark Eyes" for social gatherings. It later belonged to various owners, including The Palace Hotel architect John Mahoney and underground filmmaker Kenneth Anger, who regularly hosted friends like Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey. Today, gothic enthusiast Jim Siegel owns the house and has restored its original Victorian flourishes with the hope it can become a museum one day.
CairoScene
12-07-2025
- CairoScene
Eight Global Luxury Stays That Come With a Shatafa
From Las Vegas to Helsinki—these eight hotels don't just serve five-star glam, they also take bathroom goals very seriously. There's a certain allure to traveling abroad, to crossing borders into worlds hitherto only explored through unnecessarily cinematic drone shots on Tiktok, aesthetic Instagram carousels with an influencer-type photobombing an ancient castle, and the occasional celebrity spotted glamping in some remote US desert or other. Yet, those of us who have ventured outside the borders of the Middle East and North Africa have one troublesome bit of news to share—it's not all glittering casinos, glamorous galas and picturesque forests. In fact, when planning one's trip outside the region, there seems to be one glaring(ly dry) problem to consider: WHERE IS THE SHATAFA? The blessed spray. The unsung hero of Middle Eastern hospitality. Gone. Absent. Tragically underrepresented. Or so we thought. After some rather shameful sleuthing on Reddit—wherein I seem to have lost my dignity but somehow affirmed my journalistic integrity—and endless hours spent doom-scrolling through random strangers' inexplicably lopsided and hyper-zoomed in images of hotel room toilets (???), I managed to curate a verified list of eight global luxury stays that do, in fact, match your backside hygiene flow for flow. That is to say: YES, THEY COME WITH A SHATAFA. BumGun lovers, rejoice. This one's for you. 1. The Palace Hotel – San Francisco, USA An icon of the Gilded Age, this 1875-built landmark is all chandeliers, marble columns, and a glass-domed Garden Court where presidents and poets have dined. Rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, it remains one of the most storied hotels on the West Coast. Bathroom flex: Toto washlets in select suites. Think warm seats and auto-lids fit for a Gilded Age queen. 2. The Royal Hawaiian Resort – Waikiki, Hawaii Also known as the 'Pink Palace of the Pacific,' this cotton-candy-colored beachfront resort has been a celebrity magnet since 1927. Elvis stayed here. So did Marilyn Monroe. So can you. Bathroom flex: Ultra-clean, no-fuss washlets with that unmistakable island breeze. 3. The Phoenician – Scottsdale, Arizona A desert masterpiece with its own art collection, cactus garden, and a spa that deserves its own zip code. Bathroom flex: Bidets in premium suites that leave you feeling fresher than a dip in the infinity pool. 4. Hotel President, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Geneva, Switzerland The kind of place where diplomats, billionaires, and Bond villains might all be checking in at the same time. Home to one of the most expensive hotel suites in the world. Bathroom flex: Classic European bidets. Because global power moves deserve proper plumbing. 5. Aria Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, USA A sleek, modern mega-resort in the heart of the Strip with floor-to-ceiling views, smart-room tech, and just the right amount of Vegas sparkle. Bathroom flex: Toto washlets in Sky Suites. Mood lighting, seat warming, and the kind of cleanse that makes you feel like you just hit the spa jackpot. 6. JW Marriott South Beach – Singapore High above Singapore, this Philippe Starck-designed hotel is a maximalist dream — part art gallery, part luxury resort, part futuristic spaceship. Bathroom flex: Toto washlets with remote controls that feel more sci-fi than spa. 7. Hotel St. George – Helsinki, Finland A former printing house turned boutique marvel, with a poetry room, in-house bakery, and winter-ready coziness at every turn. Bathroom flex: Heated washlets because Finland doesn't mess around with cold seats. 8. Braemar Lodge – Hanmer Springs, New Zealand Tucked in the mountains with alpine views and private spas, this South Island hideaway is quiet luxury at its best. Bathroom flex: Bidets in suites that feel like you're being baptized in glacial spring water.
News.com.au
25-04-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
Australians flock to pubs to play two-up on Anzac Day
Aussies have flocked to pubs across the country to play the traditional gambling game, two-up, on Anzac Day. The game is strictly illegal in Australia with the exception of Anzac Day. While there's evidence the game was played by convicts in the 18th and 19th centuries, the coin tossing game is best-associated with Anzac Day. The game was played by officers during the First World War, and became an increasingly popular pastime for the men in the trenches. While it's remained a much-loved tradition across RSLs, the game is illegal to play across the country for most of the year, with the only exception being Anzac Day. However, these rules vary depending on the state you live in. The game involves a 'spinner' tossing pennies into the air. The crowd and the spinner then bets on whether they will land as two heads, two tails or one of each, the latter of which is referred to as 'odds'. Matches of the traditional game have officially kicked off this Anzac Day. Two-up players and punters alike were spotted at The Palace Hotel in South Melbourne on Friday afternoon. Pictures captured pennies being thrown up in the air as bystanders shook hands and placed bets. While onlookers are generally only able to bet on heads or tails, some venues may allow people to bet on odds. Dutton booed after playing two-up Peter Dutton was booed at a bustling Townsville RSL stacked to the brim with ineberontiated punters, but not for his politics. The Opposition Leader landed in the country's biggest garrison town after attending The Dawn Service on Anzac Day in Brisbane. Shortly after 1pm on Friday Mr Dutton played a few rounds of two-up before making his way back through the crowd, who chanted for him to do a shoey. The Coalition leader declined, of course, to jeers of the crowd, but was likely to have to won back their favour when he got behind the bar. Mr Dutton briefly poured Great Northern Super Crisp Lager for the rowdy crowd. RSL scraps traditional game North Bondi RSL decided to scrap the game this Anzac Day following requests from veteran members. The decision was slammed as 'un-Australian' by some, however Waverley Council Bondi Ward Councillor Margaret Merten said she believed the club 'made the right call'. 'There are plenty of other places in Bondi that are hosting two-up games, and anyone who wants to go along and play will have lots of choice,' Ms Merten told NewsWire. How do you play two-up? Two-up, like other coin tossing games, is relatively simple to play, however, the rules may vary depending on where you live. Generally speaking, the ringkeeper — known as a 'ringie' — selects a player or 'spinner' to enter the game, usually by calling out, 'Come in, spinner!' The spinner will stand in the ring — a designated circle in the venue where only the spinner is allowed to stand — and hold a wooden bat, known as a 'kip' with two pennies on it. Traditionally, the game is played with pennies, as they offer the perfect weight and size ratio for easier spinning and landing. The spinner will toss the coins in the air — at least three metres — and the crowd has to bet on the way the coins will land. There are three possible outcomes: two heads, two tails or one of each, known as 'odds', with the spinner placing a bet on a particular outcome, and the crowd betting on the other. The coins must be thrown at least 3m into the air and have to fall within the boundaries of the circle to be accepted in the game. Those watching can only bet on either heads or tails, though some venues allow bets on odds, and the outcome of the game is determined by the ringie. The ringie's decision is final and the winner takes their earnings.
Perth Now
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Aussies flock to pubs to play illegal game
Aussies have flocked to pubs across the country to play the traditional gambling game, two-up, on Anzac Day. The game is strictly illegal in Australia with the exception of Anzac Day. While there's evidence the game was played by convicts in the 18th and 19th centuries, the coin tossing game is best-associated with Anzac Day. The game was played by officers during the First World War, and became an increasingly popular pastime for the men in the trenches. While it's remained a much-loved tradition across RSLs, the game is illegal to play across the country for most of the year, with the only exception being Anzac Day. A lively game of two-up is underway at The Palace Hotel in Melbourne. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia However, these rules vary depending on the state you live in. The game involves a 'spinner' tossing pennies into the air. The crowd and the spinner then bets on whether they will land as two heads, two tails or one of each, the latter of which is referred to as 'odds'. Matches of the traditional game have officially kicked off this Anzac Day. Two-up players and punters alike were spotted at The Palace Hotel in South Melbourne on Friday afternoon. Pictures captured pennies being thrown up in the air as bystanders shook hands and placed bets. While onlookers are generally only able to bet on heads or tails, some venues may allow people to bet on odds. The popular game is banned across the country with the exception of Anzac Day. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia The game was played by officers during the First World War and became an increasingly popular pastime for the men in the trenches. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia Dutton booed after playing two-up Peter Dutton was booed at a bustling Townsville RSL stacked to the brim with ineberontiated punters, but not for his politics. The Opposition Leader landed in the country's biggest garrison town after attending The Dawn Service on Anzac Day in Brisbane. Shortly after 1pm on Friday Mr Dutton played a few rounds of two-up before making his way back through the crowd, who chanted for him to do a shoey. The Coalition leader declined, of course, to jeers of the crowd, but was likely to have to won back their favour when he got behind the bar. Mr Dutton briefly poured Great Northern Super Crisp Lager for the rowdy crowd. RSL scraps traditional game North Bondi RSL decided to scrap the game this Anzac Day following requests from veteran members. The decision was slammed as 'un-Australian' by some, however Waverley Council Bondi Ward Councillor Margaret Merten said she believed the club 'made the right call'. 'There are plenty of other places in Bondi that are hosting two-up games, and anyone who wants to go along and play will have lots of choice,' Ms Merten told NewsWire. How do you play two-up? Two-up, like other coin tossing games, is relatively simple to play, however, the rules may vary depending on where you live. Onlookers can generally only bet on heads or tails, however some venues allow bets on odds. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia Generally speaking, the ringkeeper — known as a 'ringie' — selects a player or 'spinner' to enter the game, usually by calling out, 'Come in, spinner!' The spinner will stand in the ring — a designated circle in the venue where only the spinner is allowed to stand — and hold a wooden bat, known as a 'kip' with two pennies on it. Traditionally, the game is played with pennies, as they offer the perfect weight and size ratio for easier spinning and landing. The spinner will toss the coins in the air — at least three metres — and the crowd has to bet on the way the coins will land. There are three possible outcomes: two heads, two tails or one of each, known as 'odds', with the spinner placing a bet on a particular outcome, and the crowd betting on the other. The coins must be thrown at least 3m into the air and have to fall within the boundaries of the circle to be accepted in the game. Those watching can only bet on either heads or tails, though some venues allow bets on odds, and the outcome of the game is determined by the ringie. The ringie's decision is final and the winner takes their earnings. Remember to gamble responsibly. Gambling helplines
West Australian
25-04-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Australians flock to pubs to play two-up on Anzac Day
Aussies have flocked to pubs across the country to play the traditional gambling game, two-up, on Anzac Day. The game is strictly illegal in Australia with the exception of Anzac Day. While there's evidence the game was played by convicts in the 18th and 19th centuries, the coin tossing game is best-associated with Anzac Day. The game was played by officers during the First World War, and became an increasingly popular pastime for the men in the trenches. While it's remained a much-loved tradition across RSLs, the game is illegal to play across the country for most of the year, with the only exception being Anzac Day. However, these rules vary depending on the state you live in . The game involves a 'spinner' tossing pennies into the air. The crowd and the spinner then bets on whether they will land as two heads, two tails or one of each, the latter of which is referred to as 'odds'. Matches of the traditional game have officially kicked off this Anzac Day. Two-up players and punters alike were spotted at The Palace Hotel in South Melbourne on Friday afternoon. Pictures captured pennies being thrown up in the air as bystanders shook hands and placed bets. While onlookers are generally only able to bet on heads or tails, some venues may allow people to bet on odds. Dutton booed after playing two-up Peter Dutton was booed at a bustling Townsville RSL stacked to the brim with ineberontiated punters, but not for his politics. The Opposition Leader landed in the country's biggest garrison town after attending The Dawn Service on Anzac Day in Brisbane. Shortly after 1pm on Friday Mr Dutton played a few rounds of two-up before making his way back through the crowd, who chanted for him to do a shoey. The Coalition leader declined, of course, to jeers of the crowd, but was likely to have to won back their favour when he got behind the bar. Mr Dutton briefly poured Great Northern Super Crisp Lager for the rowdy crowd. RSL scraps traditional game North Bondi RSL decided to scrap the game this Anzac Day following requests from veteran members. The decision was slammed as 'un-Australian' by some, however Waverley Council Bondi Ward Councillor Margaret Merten said she believed the club 'made the right call'. 'There are plenty of other places in Bondi that are hosting two-up games, and anyone who wants to go along and play will have lots of choice,' Ms Merten told NewsWire. How do you play two-up? Two-up, like other coin tossing games, is relatively simple to play, however, the rules may vary depending on where you live. Generally speaking, the ringkeeper — known as a 'ringie' — selects a player or 'spinner' to enter the game, usually by calling out, 'Come in, spinner!' The spinner will stand in the ring — a designated circle in the venue where only the spinner is allowed to stand — and hold a wooden bat, known as a 'kip' with two pennies on it. Traditionally, the game is played with pennies, as they offer the perfect weight and size ratio for easier spinning and landing. The spinner will toss the coins in the air — at least three metres — and the crowd has to bet on the way the coins will land. There are three possible outcomes: two heads, two tails or one of each, known as 'odds', with the spinner placing a bet on a particular outcome, and the crowd betting on the other. The coins must be thrown at least 3m into the air and have to fall within the boundaries of the circle to be accepted in the game. Those watching can only bet on either heads or tails, though some venues allow bets on odds, and the outcome of the game is determined by the ringie. The ringie's decision is final and the winner takes their earnings. Remember to gamble responsibly. Gambling helplines
