Hotels

With Valentine’s Day in such close proximity to Presidents Day, why not celebrate love, life and happiness with a luxury getaway that’s fit for a president — or in this case, fit for 14 presidents? My husband and I were fortunate enough to check out a Signature Suite recently at the Old World French- and American Indian-inspired U.S. Grant Hotel — voted one of the 100 best hotels in the world — in downtown San Diego, Calif. And let me tell you, whether alone or with a sweetheart, this is one romantic place for glamour-lovers to steal away this weekend. Here’s why:

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I have to admit- the best thing about my job is always being “in the know” about new and cool things.  This is an especially wonderful perk when traveling because I can skip the whole Citysearch/TripAdvisor process- which, anyone who has been tasked with finding a restaurant for dinner knows- is an uncertain and tedious process. So last week when I went up to Boston, I already knew before even boarding the bus where the most lavish brunch in the city would be- and that was at the Langham Hotel.

On Sunday, I met up with 2 of my local friends at Café Fleuri, located right above the Bar at Bond.  We were greeted by a live jazz band and a vast, vast spread of gourmet goodies.  If “egg white omelet, no butter” or “lox on a bagel with tomato slices” is not your idea of a good time on Sunday mornings,  you’re in for a really special treat at the Langham. Stations throughout the Café features seafood, a raw bar (!!! I love oysters for brunch), salads, traditional breakfast items (can’t lie..didn’t really touch that table), a kid’s corner, dim sum, desserts, and made-to-order burritos, omelets, pancakes and waffles (must see menu below). (more…)

There must be few things in life more luxurious and refined than an afternoon at the Ritz.  Even as a young girl, I dreamed of one day waltzing into the elegant hotels (adorned with mink muffs and pearl strands, perhaps right after a visit to Tiffany’s) for tea for two.  As I grew older and busier, the idea of taking afternoon tea became even more special but always remains on my radar of must-do things.

Last weekend when I was in Boston with my best friend, we made a reservation for cupcake tea at the Ritz in Boston Common. Served in the hotel’s grand Gallery space,  afternoon tea at the Boston Ritz was the  decidedly more charming, whimsical  cousin to its formal English counterpart.  (more…)

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Located in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins proved to be a solid hotel choice on my recent San Francisco vacation. The hotel itself is in of the quieter areas of the city, so if you’re looking for something more removed from the crowds and lights of Union Square but still in a convenient location, this is a great option.  It’s a short cable car ride (or hilly walk) to Chinatown, Union Square, and the Ferry Building, among other hot spots. (more…)

Sometimes, it feels like the recession hasn’t really affected the chic set. My inbox has been bustling throughout the last year of with news of  luxury hotels opening around the world and here in New York City,  newly opened hotels (The Standard, The Jane, The Crosby St Hotel) have been some of the most indemand hotspots and event spaces.

News of the latest hotel slotted to open in the city popped into my email this morning- The Strand, situated on 37th St between 5th and 6th, making it an easy stop for midtown business-doing fashionistas.  The hotel decor is a throwback to the Bogart Era with vintage fashion illustrations of the 50s and 60s decorating the guestrooms and common areas. (more…)

Since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed staying in hotels.  Something about the fresh, crisp turned down corners of the bed, the decadence of ordering room service, and being able to order anything with a simple phone call at the drop of a hat thrilled me.  With my fond memories of traveling as a family with my parents all across the US, I’ve loved reading about different hotels in far away locales (specifically when I am frustrated at work and I need to some travel daydreaming.)  My favorite discovery that I’ve been using as my source of solace during periods of high stress?  Aman Resorts, a luxury, intimate small chain of hotels focused primarily on the southeast Asia region. (more…)

Ever since I was a child, I’ve traveled to the Pacific Northwest at least once a year to visit my grandparents in Vancouver, WA, a suburb just north of the Oregon/Washington border. While Vancouver is nothing to rave about, visiting them has afforded me the opportunities to travel to other areas in Washington and Oregon. On this trip, I decided to spend a few days in Portland by myself; exploring, dining, wandering, and learning all about the city on my own! (more…)

I’m pretty certain there’s no better way to unwind, relax, and celebrate a decade-old friendship than with a beach vacation. While we’d ALL love to be able to splurge on top-notch accommodations, food, and service, sometimes it’s just not possible (grad school? Boston rent?! Eeek!) However, ever since we were in sixth grade, my best friend Karen and I have always talked about going away to tropical destination together. Well, a few weeks ago, we finally made our fantasy a reality with a week-long, all-inclusive stay at the Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!

I’m a girl who speaks the truth, so I’m going to be honest; this was not my ideal vacation. Typically when I visit foreign countries, I like to immerse myself in the local culture as much as possible. Obviously, staying at an all-inclusive isn’t really conducive to my desire of hanging out at corner bodegas, learning salsa and the meringue late-night in local discos, and chowing on authentic, well-made Dominican food. But for $1000 each including airfare, this was a great budget friendly, worry-free beach vacation. (more…)

Italian hotelier Valeriano Antonioli certainly knows a thing or two about style.  As the Managing Director of the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Antonioli’s discerning taste has made the InterContinental brand’s first US resort one of the most fashionable luxury destinations in the country. Having spent 23 years managing hotels and resorts in Italy, Germany, Russia, England and the United States, Antonioli brings a certain international flair to Montelucia.

Prior to joining the InterContinental Hotels, Antonioli managed another one of TDO editors’ favorite places- the W Westwood in Los Angeles.  He was also the force behind the Diana Majestic in  Milan, Italy, the go-to destination for the fashionable jet set. When I was on property at Montelucia earlier this year, I had to chance to meet and chat with Antonioli and learn a bit more about his favorite things and personal style that brings so much sophistication to the hotel. (more…)