You won’t be sleepless in Seattle when you stay at the Hyatt at Olive 8. The Hyatt will be the Emerald City’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified hotel when it opens on Jan. 30, 2009.

The eco-hotel’s green features include automatic room lighting (which turns on and off as guests enter and exit), Bricor water-reducing showerheads and dual-flush toilets. Other eco-highlights include the use of non-toxic housecleaning products, equipping the property with energy-saving fluorescent and LED lighting, using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, providing a 100 percent non-smoking environment, and enforcing a comprehensive recycling and composting program.

The 350-room Hyatt also features luxurious amenities such as super-comfy pillow-top Hyatt Grand Beds™, 37-inch flat screen HDTVs, iPod docking stations, Wi-Fi and iHome stereo systems.

In addition, the Hyatt will be home to one of the largest green roof gardens in downtown Seattle.

Eco Spa and Restaurant

The Hyatt’s Elaia spa will feature organic and natural skincare products and treatments. The spa has 12 treatment suites and a 65-foot lap pool and whirlpool featuring a saltwater purification system that eliminates the need for chlorine. Guests can also enjoy the 2,400 sq. ft. Stay Fit@Hyatt fitness center, open 24 hours a day, and on-site yoga.

Urbane Restaurant and Bar will use ingredients from regional farmers from across Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Urbane will serve beer and wine produced exclusively by Washington and Oregon breweries and wineries.

Rates start at $209 per night based on double occupancy. For more information, go to www.hyatt.com.

The winter months provide the opportunity to enjoy festivals and gatherings that celebrate all things icy and cold. Looking for an adventure where you can  chill out with carvers and climbers? Try these spots:

Ouray, Colo.

This southwestern mountain town, known for its picturesque jagged peaks, is home to the country’s premiere ice festival. In its 14th year, competitors of all levels, climbing companies and spectators gather for the Ouray Ice Festival. The Kids Climbing College offers free instruction to youngsters interested in learning and testing their skills in the Ouray Ice Park where nine routes have been established for beginners.  All equipment is provided and prizes are awarded to every child who climbs. Jan. 9 to 11, 2009. Tel. 970-325-4288, www.ourayicefestival.com.

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Enjoy the beauty of Lake Louise and the glacier-clad Mt. Victoria during the Ice Magic Festival held Jan. 23 to 25, 2009. Professional carvers go to work on 15 blocks of ice, weighing 300 lbs. each, and transform them into elaborately designed, seven-foot-tall world-class ice sculptures in three days.  Spectators may cast their votes in the People’s Choice Award and Children’s Choice Award competitions and thus are entered to win prizes. Weather permitting, the sculptures remain on display through March. Tel. 403-762-8421, www.banfflakelouise.com.

Stowe, Vt.

The 35th Annual Stowe Winter Carnival offers a winter wonderland of family fun. Tours of the historic town, a Village Night celebration, ski races, a kid’s carnival and the chance to see the pros at work during the ice carving competition make for a great winter getaway. Jan. 22 to 25, 2009. Tel. 802-253-7321, www.stowewintercarnival.com.

Aspen, Colo.

Now in its 58th year, Wintersköl, Aspen’s annual toast to snow, will be held Jan. 8 to 11, 2009.   Wintersköl is four days of festive events, including a quirky canine fashion show, torchlight ski parades and fireworks over Aspen and Smuggler Mountains. With activities for visitors of all ages, it’s a favorite among locals. Tel.  970-925-1940, www.aspenchamber.org.

Whitefish, Mont.

The 50th Annual Whitefish Winter Carnival kicks off with a Penguin Plunge (a hole is cut into Whitefish Lake and participants take a dip to raise funds for charity). Visitors will also enjoy an old fashioned Main Street parade, ice sculpting contest, a kiddie carnival, battle of the bands, pie social, torch-light ski parade, cross-country ski race, hockey tournament, a figure skating demonstration and more. The festivities are open to the public and most are free. Feb. 6 to 8, 2009. Tel. 877-862-3548, www.whitefishwintercarnival.com.

Here at TravelMuse, we’re raring to go now that 2009 has arrived and we have high hopes for our new President, Barack Obama. Nowhere is the inauguration excitement more prominent than in Washington, D.C., itself. That’s why we’ve released a special inauguration feature to help visitors make the most of their time in D.C. !

We invited Debbie K. Hardin, former White House staffer, to share some of her top tips.  Working for the Clinton administration as the director of presidential messages in the communications department, she attended a number of inaugural parades and balls. She was even in attendance for the first swearing in of President Clinton, so is well positioned to give us valuable insights from the best viewing venues and culinary creations, to historic experiences and affordable fun.

In addition to Hardin’s great insight, we also include the best places to eat, sleep and explore in and around Washington, D.C. Lastly, tell us where you plan to celebrate Inauguration Day in our  poll, or elaborate in a comment below. Here at TravelMuse, we’re planning a team huddle in our conference room to stream and project the footage from 8:30 a.m. (PST)!

If you’re lucky enough to attend the inaugural events or are planning a future trip to our nation’s capital, TravelMuse will help you to research, organize and build the best trip possible. The inauguration feature can be found at http://travelmuse.com and includes insights such as:

•    Inauguration Day Planning Tips—Whether you plan to join or avoid the crowds on January 20, this section helps you navigate the nation’s Inauguration Day offerings.

•    5 D.C. Hot Spots With Obama-Inspired Menu Items—Check out the culinary creations of chefs throughout the nation’s capital who salute the inauguration with special drinks and dishes ranging from the Obama Roll to vodka-and-fruit shakes.

•    7 Top Presidential Attractions in Washington, D.C.—Beyond the White House, these historic options get you and your family closer to the Chief Executive.

•   44 Free Things to Do in D.C.—Make your trip even more memorable with this list of affordable experiences.

For full details on our press release, click here.