Showing posts with label hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotels. Show all posts

3.27.2014

Hotels: My Top Ten

My Spring Break does not come for a few more weeks, but I am DYING for a change of scenery. This winter has not only been brutal weather wise, but has been a bit much with all the colds and cabin fever. It is time to get out of town, but I will have to wait a bit longer while I drool over everyone's beach photos on FB. In the meantime, I am wanderlusting and dreaming of my favorite places that I have stayed at. If looking for travel ideas, any of these gorgeous places would be a vacation made in heaven. Remembering my stays at each of these is making me feel just a little bit better. 

In no particular order...

Located in Burgundy, France, this land and former abbey dates back to 646 AD. It is in the heart of some of the best wine I have ever tasted, which you can tour with a private guide. The grounds are to die for and the rooms are charming, yet spacious for Europe. If you like Pinots and centuries old French history, go stay here. The largest major town is Dijon, also not to be missed on a trip. Hello truffle season. 

This hotel has a special place in my heart since it is located near my college campus in Tucson, AZ. The Inn was built in the 30s and still holds all that charm today. All the rooms are different and many have quaint little patios to sip wine on. Or better yet, sit by the pool all day long, it is perfection and super relaxing. The food here is also amazing. This is such a gem in Arizona that many might not know about. My college friends and parents spent many of the best weekends right here over the years.  

This is obviously a great place to visit in the winter, but I also love coming here in the summer. The contemporary lodge feel of this hotel is so warm, yet chic. The staff could not be more nice and accommodating. Plus, there apres is fantastic. My favorite part of skiing. 

We spent five glorious days here on our honeymoon in Italy. Located on the more quiet side of the island, Anacapri, this hotel is gorgeous and super relaxing. With sweeping views of the med, killer room service, and terraces to enjoy it all, my dream is so go back for one of our anniversaries. 

New York has so many amazing hotels, but this one has a location I love. Surrounded by great shopping, chic restaurants, and across the street from Chelsea Market (food heaven), you feel like you are living in a fun neighborhood for your stay. My old NY office was across the street, so I was lucky to get to expense this place. The rooftop pool is a huge bonus. 

Virgin Gorda is my favorite place on earth. Located in the British Virgin Islands, this island has so much charm and incredible beaches. If I was to pick the best place to stay (besides on a sailboat), it would be Little Dix. Gorgeous little bungalows are steps to the beach, where your cocktail awaits. It is small and quiet place, but the restaurants are top notch. 

I grew up going to Newport Beach every summer, so many of my favorite childhood memories are on that beach. This hotel is located on the boardwalk right in front of where all those sandcastles were built. So location is the best part of this spot. Plus being right on the boardwalk means you can access bars and restaurants by foot, rent bikes for sunny rides, and enjoy the view for your entire stay. This is a small boutique hotel, which makes you feel like you are staying in a fun beach house for your stay. 

This is one of my favorite bars anywhere. Those lanterns shine bright into the night and that sunset never gets old. Cabo is one of my favorite spots, period, and though we usually stay in a house this hotel is my favorite when we are not. The people, food, and beaches of Cabo are amazing and this hotel does it so well. 

Palm Springs is such a fun place for a winter getaway and often overlooked by those from the Midwest (there are other places besides FL!). This desert town has so much character and rich history that charms you, especially when you stay at the Parker. Designed by Jonathan Adler, this former estate of Gene Autry is part throwback, part luxe. The kitschy details, cozy surroundings, and lovely outdoor areas are the perfect oasis. The preppy spa is not to be missed, either. 


I am not going to lie, part of the reason we stayed here was because I saw it on SATC. Remember Carrie's suite with the Russian? The other part is because it is beautiful, oh so French, and located on one of the best streets in Paris. This place is a HUGE splurge, but even for a night go for it. They are currently renovating it (it was already fab, so dying to see what they do), but it will reopen this summer I believe. If in Paris, stop at Le Bar for drinks at night or tea in the afternoon. 

What are you favorite hotels? There are so many, this list was kind of hard! Doesn't it make you want to go on vacation right now? ugh. soon. 

xo
Erin 


8.02.2011

Destination Burgundy, France: Abbaye de la Bussiere

Last year, this very week, I was at one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed. As a true fan of France (I know, not everyone is), I was excited to venture to Burgundy for the first time. Known as one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, it did not disappoint. If you are looking for a place to venture to on a trip to Europe, I can not say enough about this tranquil and gorgeous place. 


When researching a place to stay, this monastery dating back to 1113 seemed enchanting. Owned by the well renowned Relais & Chateaux hotel group and run by a very nice English couple, the Abbaye de la Bussiere is rich with history and high on luxury. 

The hotel itself has only 16 rooms of differing sizes and decor. We stayed in the Marcilly Superior Room, which had plenty of room and a large bathroom. The hotel has two restaurants, a more casual bistro and a fine dining restaurant. Both were delicious and offered traditional French food with a modern twist. The breakfast pastries still linger in my dreams.

When visiting the local wineries, the hotel set us up with a lovely guide who drove us to some of the regions most exclusive vineyards. No big crowds, just private tastings in some of France's oldest caves with some very snarky French wine makers. She was able to set up all the delivery of the wine we purchased and advise on what to buy from the particular vintages. Burgundy grapes produce mostly pinot noirs and light chardonnays, which makes for very fun wine tastings. 

The surrounding area is great for bike rides, motor sport driving (the hotel has some sport cars you can rent), exploring ancient villages, and general wine consumption. Beaune is the largest town nearby which is worth a trip and lunch. 

The Abbaye is located 124 miles Southeast of Paris. You can rent a car and drive or take a train from Paris to Dijon, then hire a car to take you to the Abbaye. All arrangements can be made through the hotel. 

If you are lucky enough to be venturing to Europe sometime soon, this could be the escape that will help you fall in love with France. That is if you were not already. 

xo
Erin 


3.29.2011

Travel Guide: Las Vegas

Putting a travel guide for Las Vegas together is like asking someone to narrow down their list of favorite places that serve french fries. It is a town filled with so many things to do, see, and eat that there is no way to cover it all. I plan on sharing a few places that I loved on my last trip to this crazy town. I am also going to include a few suggestions from trusted friends who are fun and have great taste. All I can say about Vegas is that it is like no other place on the planet. Some people love it, others loathe it. The key to a great time is figuring out what kind of time you want to have. The type of time that has you sleeping all day and partying all night or the type where bedtime is before sunrise and you see the city beyond your hotel window. Either way, have a great time and I hope some of these suggestions become a few of your favorite places.

Erin's Picks


STAY
Wynn or Encore Hotels
            The Tower Suites are amazing and give you some great perks. All the decor is gorgeous and fun.
TheHotel at Mandalay Bay
            It has nice big suites with a modern feel and you don't have to walk through the casino to access        
            your room.

EAT
Carnevino at The Palazzzo
             A Mario Batali restaurant with great big steaks, fantastic pasta, and delicious antipasta selection.
Rao's at Ceasar's Palace
             Big portions and the best seafood salad I have ever had. This place is really fun with a big group
Tao at the Venetian
              Small portions of every Asian style food you love. It turns into a club after dinner.
Bouchon Bakery at The Venetian
              Not the easiest place to find, but has the best macaroons I have had outside of Paris.
Botero at the Encore
              Sexy atmosphere with an outdoor patio. Classic menu of steaks, seafood, and great sides

PLAY:
Casino at the Hard Rock Hotel
              There is a big bar right in the middle, so you feel like you are not just at a casino.
Casino at The Wynn
              By far the nicest casino in Vegas. No riff-raff here and a huge sport book to watch your team.
The Shoppes at the Palazzo
              There are plenty of places to spend all your winnings. Including Christian Louboutin & Chloe
The Bank at the Bellagio & Tryst at the Wynn
               Great places to boogie and stay up late.
Pool at the Hard Rock Hotel
               Reserve a cabana and be prepared for lots of cocktails. Perfect for Bachelors or Bachlorettes

More Suggestions from Friends:

STAY:
Palms Place at the Palms Casino
Aria in City Center  (Great shopping here too)

EAT:
Beso Las Vegas at City Center
STK at the Cosmopolitan Hotel
M&M Soul Food off the Strip
Michael's at South Point Casino

PLAY:
Marquee at the Cosmopolitan Hotel
Craps Tables at the Bellagio
Shopping at City Center

xo
Erin

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