Archive for the Category »Cool Hotels «

May
03rd		   Hotel of the Week: New Caribbean Cachet Infused with Casual Style #Sugarbeach
Leave a Comment Category: Caribbean, Cool Hotels, hotels, Travel Tags: , ,

After a $100 million renovation, it better be sweet!

The new Sugar Beach Resort in St Lucia doesn’t disappoint – in appearance and style anyway.

Situated on a gorgeous beach on this eastern Caribbean island, the resort has been transformed into “plantation-chic” style. Did I just make that up? I always gravitate to hotels that are not generic, and exhibit class and originality…. You can put Sugar Beach in that category.

Just look at these rooms – dark floors and white hot decor.

It shows restraint – is not gaudy Beverly Hills on the beach, and instead is as fresh as the ocean breeze.

If you can leave your welcoming rooms, the offers a pretty pool by which to relax…. and a sumptuous beach on which to drink a rum cocktail.

Sugar Beach is family-friendly also… with various activities from which to choose – kayaking… hiking… etc. It is near a rain forest too. In case this is important to you, it has been in the news lately because actor Matt Damon and his wife reportedly just renewed their vows here.

The one downfall is that the place is pricey – it is a Viceroy hotel, and that is a luxury brand, so be prepared to be quoted standard room rates of arppoximately $800. Remember, in the Caribbean, some hotels loqwer their prices during hurricane season, in case you are willing to make that gamble. This tastefully designed resort may convince a few travelers to do just that…..

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/sugarbeach

 

 
Apr
05th		   Hotel of the Week: Upscale Family Friendly Farm with Oodles of Authentic Charm #Blackberry Farm
Leave a Comment Category: Cool Hotels, Family Travel, hotels, Travel Tags:

Hi, my name is Tracy, and I am a Voiceaholic. (Like much of America!) So happy the NBC show “The Voice” is back! Great music! My kids and I have a standing date to watch every week… and if you’ve seen the season premiere and following week, judges Cee Lo and Christina Aguilera who are on temporary break might be worried about keeping their jobs. Usher and Shakira are very likeable replacements.

One of the cutest moments yet was when Usher called Nashville a state. That lead to a barrage of grief from his fellow musical judges for his geography lapse, which was quite funny.

Why am I going on about this? Because it reminded me of a hotel I’ve ALWAYS wanted to visit in Tennessee (the state LOL).

Blackberry Farm, Tenn

It is called Blackberry Farm, and it is in Chattanooga (the city,) right in the Great Smoky Mountain foothills (national park.)

From Karakeaney.com

One of the words that comes to mind when I try to describe it is “soothing.” Imagine that feeling of going to your grandmother’s house in the country…

It is a very homey place, located on 4200 acres of gorgeous American countryside. It is family run, with a good ol red barn on the property and a working farm that feeds everyone, which gives it a cozy feel….

From Knoxvilledailysun.com

But this is not your grandma’s barn. Not for a sheep shearing second.

From Paloma81.blogspot.com

You won’t find frumpy quilts or painted red farm furniture here – the accommodations here are tres chic, without being too fancy.

From Andrewharper.com

Blackberry Farm offers plenty to do – and is great for families. You can engage in hand to mouth dining – kids can work in the farm and gather eggs from the chicken coop  -  then cook what they’ve harvested. Or play in the nearby creek chasing salamanders and crawdads.

There are fun family activities like horseback riding, paddling,  and fishing… as well as trekking in the Great Smoky Mountains… I’d say this is a top notch way to see one of our country’s premier national parks.

From dreamsinhd.com

From slowlivingtoday.com

All of these wildly wonderful outdoor activities, plus gourmet food – much of it produced on the premises. Blackberry Farm has it’s own butcher, cheese maker, and sommelier.

Spring is a gorgeous time to visit… Blackberry Farm is only a 25 minute drive from the airport in Knoxville (another city.) I realize that it is not the most affordable choice for families, but it is worth writing about because it is such a special place.

www.blackberryfarm.com

Have a wonderful weekend….

 

 

 
Mar
22nd		   Hotel of the Week: This One Got a Perfect Score….#qualia
Leave a Comment Category: Australia, Cool Hotels, hotels, Travel Tags: , ,

Can’t ya just feel it? Spring is in the air….

Does that give you the itch to travel… to unwind… experience something new… and share it with someone?

Qualia Resort, Australia from tripadvisor.com

If so, here is a place to fantasize about: Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island, Australia…right near the Great Barrier Reef.  Why? Well – it always catches my attention when a hotel in the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List gets a perfect 100 points from the magazine’s readers. Qualia did in the most recent poll. That is the highest score a hotel can get, and the only one this year to do so.

I will start off by saying I have been to Hamilton Island, and it is a very casual, family friendly place. Qualia steps it up a bit – it is a high end luxury resort in the Whitsundays near the world’s largest reef system – great for diving, snorkeling, and all sorts of water activities. There is an airport on Hamilton, so it is about a 2-3 hour flight from Eastern Australia.

Qualia Resort, Australia from asiarooms.com

The hotelier who opened it is a winemaker and sailing enthusiast, who wanted to showcase his country’s natural beauty…so the architecture is in harmony with the surroundings – love that.

The design, always catching my attention, is rich and happy at the same time, with hues of beautiful blue to pull from the incredibly blue waters on which this vacation paradise sits.

The resort has 60 private villas – and yes they are pricey – no kids under 16 allowed. Each private room looks out to the Coral Sea and surrounding islands.

There is plenty to do here – or not. Relax in your private plunge pool..

or take a Great Barrier Reef day excursion… or go golfing… or sailing. A unique outing offered is a night dive in the Great Barrier Reef… apparently the reef’s true colors come to life, but it sounds scary to me!

Guests also have access to golf carts to go around Hamilton Island.

According to one guest who gave his opinion in the Conde Nast poll… ” Once you stay at Qualia, it is difficult to stay anywhere else…”

Sounds like a good problem to have.

 
Mar
15th		   Hotel of the Week: Zen Meets Sin City – One to Watch in 2013! #Nobu Vegas
Leave a Comment Category: Cool Hotels, hotels, Las Vegas, Travel Tags:

It should be no surprise that an unabashedly glamorous hotel opens in Las Vegas. However, what is special about Nobu Hotel Las Vegas is that while it maintains it’s panache, it also retains its Japanese calm, understated aesthetic…and based on it’s location, it is a welcome bit of zen in a frenetic Vegas world.

Famous restaurateur, Nobu Matsuhisa, just opened the splashy hotel within Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas…. so all the gambling, bars, and fantastic restaurants are swirling around this oasis of calm. And yes, … one of his restaurants dwells in the hotel so late night sushi after a show is ON..

There are about 180 rooms at Nobu, so it is significantly smaller than the other towers within Caesars which combined has more than 4,000. Although the hotel is open for business, the official grand opening takes place in April because some of the top suites are not complete yet.

There will be 2 and 3 bedroom suites which is a nice option for any families who want to stay in an upscale environment. (I know – Vegas is not marketed as a kids destination, but you’d be surprised at how many families go as a stopping point on the way to somewhere else.)

The rooms are Asian in design, as well as many of the special touches…. I would love to shower in this luxurious shower… Plus – sake in the mini bar, and tea service delivered to one’s room after check in. I have only had that service in Hong Kong.

The rooms, since they are new, reportedly have PLENTY of electrical outlets since we travel with so many chargeable gadgets these days – a thoughtful touch. BUT  - the hotel still charges $15 a day for WiFI – my pet peeve. C’mon peeps! WiFI i s free in so many places! When are the high end hotels gonna get on board?

The Nobu restaurant that is part of the hotel is the largest of the 20 some Nobu restaurants – and serves breakfast, which is sorta essential in a city that never sleeps – I know I know, that’s New York, but the same can be said about Lost Wages.

Anyone in the mood for a little fun? Nobu Vegas is worth a gamble…Great shows too – Rod Stewart this summer, and Absinthe for the ones who dare to be bold. Weekend room rates start at $299.

nobucaesarspalace.com

 

 
Jan
25th		   Hotel of the Week: A New One to Watch in 2013 That the Kids Will Love
Leave a Comment Category: Amusement Parks, California, Cool Hotels, Legoland, San Diego, Travel Tags:

Legoland, California

Ever travel with your family to an amusement park and just want to crash in a hotel within walking distance after a long day at the park? Well Legoland in Carlsbad California is making that easier – scheduled to open this April, is the Legoland hotel, right near the entrance of the theme park.

 

Legoland Hotel, Windsor UK

The hotel follows the Lego theme – with mind-blowingly colorful displays made of course of Legos, like at the Legoland Hotel in Windsor, UK above.

There are 250 themed and spirited rooms – from Pirate, to Kingdom, to Adventure. The nice thing I like about this family hotel like this is they offer rooms with a separate sleeping area for kids.

Although you will most likely be spending a lot of time at the theme park, there are heated swimming pools, and in-room Lego gifts for the kids.

There are also some unique aspects to the hotel too that kids will find entertaining:   secret whoopee cushions and tight-rope walking marching guards … quirky themed elevators, and exploding toy boxes. For example, kids can dance on up to the bedrooms in the character themed ‘disco’ elevator, complete with a mirror ball and flashing lights.

In the atrium there’s a knight’s castle, protected by a giant burping ogre, towers into the clouds. Children can play in a 32-foot high pirate shipwreck that’s bursting through the castle walls and into the river of LEGO.

The nicest thing is that you are right near the park – so if you want to spend the night the evening before your park adventure, you will also have early access to certain rides before the park officially opens.

Legoland CA Waterpark

By the way – you should know that Legoland really is a theme park for younger kids – There is a water park attached that some of the tweens might find fun, but it is very crowded in the summer, with long waits for the slides.

Go to the website to see about special package deals before the hotel opens.  http://california.legoland.com/legoland-hotel/

 

 
Oct
09th		   Travel Tip Tuesday: Work Your Hotel for Better Prices and Experience
2 Comments Category: Cool Hotels, frugal traveling, Technology, Travel Tags: ,

There’s some good news/bad news for we travelers who like nice hotels.

Ravel Hotel, Long Island City, NY

Good news: Hotels are spending $5 billion in improvements in 2012…. renovating lobbies and rooms, and installing flat screen tvs, high speed internet service, and nicer beds. Yay!

Some higher end hotels like the Bel Air in Los Angeles, the New York Mondrian SoHo, some in the Four Seasons’ chain are even adding iPads – a nice convenience that allows guests to order room service, call for a taxi, set a wake up alarm, or request a bill for check out.

The bad news: Why are they doing all this? Hotels have seen higher occupancy than in years past, and are charging higher room rates and fees. So the average traveler needs to be equipped with road warrior knowledge to make smart travel decisions:

–When booking a room, instead of settling for high prices, do a little homework without spending way too much time. If you find what you think is a good price on a travel website, call the hotel desk directly – not the 800 number – and ask if they can do better. They have access to exactly how many rooms are left, and a manager can make a pretty good assessment if they are going to sell out – or if he or she should cut you a better deal to get your business.

Those travel websites take a mark up, so you won’t be paying for that by going directly to the front desk.

–Also – when asking for recommendations for activities or restaurants, use a reliable website like Trip Advisor or Yelp to read reviews from locals. Or ask someone at the hotel other than the concierge. I have found concierges often recommend the same places… and aren’t always the better ones, just ones who are marketing to the concierge, or places they have known about for years and haven’t bothered to update their repertoire. Many times, they are more expensive.

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 
Sep
28th		   Hotel of the Week: From Newport to Newport… A Contrast
Leave a Comment Category: CA, California, Cool Hotels, Travel Tags: ,

Same name – different game.

Newport ,Rhode Island – New England charm with high class attractions – the famous mansions,  the place where JFK and Jackie Kennedy got married, blue blazers and loafers.

Newport, CA – Flash and fun… great surf… “Housewives of OC”… one time home to Dennis Rodman, to compare.

Yet,  two hotels from each Newport  that have captured my attention actually resemble the other coast more.

Pelican Hill Resort, Newport Coast, CA

I was recently at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast Ca..it is grand… even to the point of being too grand for the So Cal beach town, no matter how shi-shi that town is. It is a large resort -204 guest rooms and 128 villas, replete with marble  lobbies and sprawling grounds…. It was inspired by the works of 16th century Italian architect, Andrea Palladio. The photos speak for itself.

Pelican Hill Resort

It has been named best resort in travel magazines… the outdoor dining… the golf course … and of course, the location in lovely Newport are all high points.

The Coliseum Pool

The Coliseum pool, inspired by the landmark in Rome,  is family friendly – and one of the world’s largest circular pools! 136 feet in diameter, and only 3 feet deep all the way through.

Plus – the resort has gorgeous views, tons of outdoor activities from hiking to the beach, and great dining and shopping. I would plan to spend enough time here to really relax, but also take advantage of the local area. Pelican Hill is between Newport beach and Laguna Beach about 50 miles south of Los Angeles.

Pelican Hill Catalog

The resort is  almost four years old, and the marketing is still going strong – I received a catalog in the mail almost as thick as the Restoration Hardware catalogs. Rooms start at around $600. www.pelicanhill.com

 

The Attwater, Newport Rhode Island

By comparison, The Attwater in Newport Rhode Island feels more like Newport Ca – Fresh! Playful! Youthful! Not what you would expect to find in the city with the most colonial buildings in the U.S.

The hotel was recently renovated  and the interior designer Renee Reider is on my watch list…Bravo!

The Attwater Hotel

The Attwater is a boutique hotel with just 12 rooms. And   – if you read my blogs you know this is my – there is free wireless intent in the room – as well as iPads! Pretty modern-day cool in a city seeped in history.The Attwater is offering a number of autumn specials – fall in New England is a must-see destination if you haven’t been. Rooms are reasonable – some stat at $180 a night. www.theattwater.com

Just some armchair travel to inspire you on this lovely fall Friday. Have a wonderful weekend.

 

 
Aug
03rd		   Hotel of the Week: On the Best Beach in the Country
Leave a Comment Category: Beaches, California, Cool Hotels, Family Travel, San Diego, Travel Tags: ,

It’s August….but not too late to get your summer travel game on!

Actually, the end of August – beginning of September is my favorite time to travel. Gorgeous vacation weather, and many school-age children are back in the classroom, so less crowds.

KEY for my hotel of the week: Hotel del Coronado in Southern California’s San Diego area. The beach upon which is sits was just named the best beach in the country by Dr. Beach – it is usually on the top beach list, so it’s merits are nothing new – but since it was named in 2012′s  top spot, the hotel staff told me there was a bigger marketing effort. And boy -did it work.

I was there this summer  – and it was CROWDED! The hotel is huge anyway – with some —— rooms. You can’t completely feel like you are “away” with so many people around – just so much hustle and bustle. But kudos to the incredible hotel staff for not letting it ruffle their feathers at all. The service was top notch, and they didn’t miss a beat, which would be easy to do with so many others whom to cater.

The beach is beautiful, albeit crowded   – the hotels sits on a public beach – it didn’t bother me as much because I am used to So Cal crowded beaches.

Hotel del Coronado Beach Villa

If you haven’t been to this legendary hotel , it is worth a visit. It was named a national historic landmark, and has seen the likes of dignitaries, and celebs like Marilyn Monroe. The hotel went through an upgrade, so even the rooms in the Victorian building are modern. There is also the Tower building, and the Beach Villas – If you can afford it, the Beach Villas are mini houses right on the beach, and THE way to go. It feels less crowded when you are staying there.

It is a wonderful family hotel with plenty to do. My kids and I spent hours boogie boarding – the waves are perfect for young kids – not too big….makes it a little harder for adults to be carried on the wave however!

The sand on the beach is litter free…. and fine.  One of my favorite hotel services are the sand caddies who set up your beach chairs and umbrellas. One less thing to carry!

You can also rent these very touristy-but adorable bikes where the whole family can pedal. Just down the boardwalk from the hotel they rent for $20 an hour – good deal for an hour of trolling around the cute island of Coronado. There is a little village, and some beautiful homes to see.

There is a nice pool, with a pretty deck above for sunset cocktails. Be warned: the pool is not so quiet – there is a band that struck up the party music (think Jimmy Buffet) in the early afternoon.

A nice perk you  might be lured to try: setting up s’mores on the beach after dinner. The staff will build a bonfire, and provide all the tools. Make sure you have time to enjoy this – it is expensive – $150 for a family of five (that includes tip.)

Don’t miss the breakfast buffet – kids are only $5! It is one of the best I’ve had….. but then again I like a little south of the boarder flavor with my eggs, and proximity to Mexico is seen here. Salsa, guacamole, and chilaquiles along side the omelet bar.

Make sure you allow enough time here to unwind…there is so much to do it can take two days to find your rhythm. And be sure to check out the website for special packages! www.hoteldel.com

 
Jul
27th		   Hotel of the Week: Olympic Glory in the Rockies
Leave a Comment Category: Colorado Springs, Cool Hotels, Family Travel, sports travel, Travel Tags: ,

The first time I visited the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs Colo, I thought it was just another big hotel. I slowly realized I was wrong, as it has a lot of charm and old-fashioned class.

Broadmoor Hotel, CO

It doesn’t hurt that it is set in a spectacularly beautiful location  that is under-the-radar fun and wholesome. It reminded me a little of being in Switzerland.

The Broadmoor IS big, don’t get me wrong – 744 rooms… but it is a nice bit of luxury out in the West. There is a well-known golf course, and a lake in the middle of the property that gives some calm to the large numbers of visitors.

A beautiful main pool  and tennis courts too.

The Broadmoor is a nice base for a family vacation – I went to a rodeo and hiked Pike’s Peak while I was there…….. www.broadmoor.com

But right now I want to highlight a timely attraction: The US Olympic Training Center  nearby.  (Cue that chill-provoking Olympic theme we are all about to hear night and day!) It is an exciting time to visit with the Olympics starting today (Go USA!) and a great place to take the kids. They can be inspired where some of the best in the world have trained. Best of all – it is FREE!

Public tours of the Olympic Training Center Colorado Springs are conducted year-round. The tour includes a 12-minute moving film and 45-minute walking tour of the complex. Nearly 70% of the tour is out-of-doors.

During the tour, visitors  view athlete training facilities including Sport Center Gymnasiums, weightlifting and wrestling facilities, the USA Shooting Center,  and the Aquatics Center. Life-size figures with narrative panels provide information about Olympic Sports.

There is also an Olympic Hall of Fame…featuring athletes like gymnasts Mary Lou Retton and Peter Vidmar…. and an Olympic flame display on the rooftop terrace.

The experience will make you proud to be an American.  www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Training-Centers-and-Sites/Colorado-Springs.aspx

Let the games begin! Good luck to our athletes!

7:30 PM tonight- NBC – airing opening ceremonies. Be there. Go for Gold. Always.

 
Jun
15th		   Hotel of the Week: Inspiration for Dads and Grads
Leave a Comment Category: Cool Hotels, golf, Hawaii, hotels, New York, Travel Tags: , , ,

In my next life I want to be a motivational speaker. That’s if being a rockstar/singer/musician doesn’t work out :)

It’s no coincidence I realize this during the season of commencement speeches… I get sentimental as I watch my kids or my kids’ friends graduate and move on.

What does this have to do with travel? I can make that segue! One of my favorite muse-like songs has frequent metaphors referring to places to visit… Many of those places are perfect for all you great dads, and hopeful grads. As “mushy” as it is, “I Hope You Dance” inspires…it would make a good commencement speech.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.…

THE FOUR SEASONS LANAI LODGE AT KOELE

An anomaly as far as Hawaiian resorts go, this is almost like a hunting lodge on a tropical island.

Masculine and strong design..with a fantastic golf course, this appeals to dads… and the relaxing beautiful setting appeals to grads.

When you stand by the ocean here, it is at the sister Four Seasons on the island at Manele Bay – inviting white sand beaches with great snorkeling and paddleboarding.

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance…

THE POINT IN NEW YORK’S ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS

This is one place over which I still lust . On my bucket list. A six hour drive from Manhattan, it is opulance in relaxed mountain wilderness, with outstanding food and wine.

.. Creature comforts of the highest caliber mixed with the simplicity and beauty of nature…which keeps it unpretentious. It is a Relais and Chateaux getaway, & kids aren’t allowed.

There are only 11 rooms… and each one has a lake view, with an over-sized chiseled fireplace for cozy nights in the fresh mountain air.

Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they’re worth taking
Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth making

Don’t let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance…

CLOSE TO HEAVENS ABOVE: Jungfraujoch, Switzerland.

This spectacular spot in the Swiss Alps is known as the “Top of the World” since it is more than 11,000 feet above sea level.

The Jungfrau Railway, which leads through the heart of the mountains and up to the highest train station in Europe, offers unbelievable views of the mountain giants Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and of the longest river of ice in the Alps.

Inside the train station (the peak is called “Sphinx”), a lift takes visitors to the observation platform, from which one has a magnificent view of the mountains. The Jungfrau-Aletsch region is the first Unesco World Natural Heritage Site in the entire Alpine region.

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along….
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder
Where those years have gone

Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance – DANCE.

Do you dance?

2011

 
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