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...

Abbaye de la Bussiere 

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. 

The Arizona Inn

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.  

 Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch at Beaver Creek 

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. 

Capri Palace

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. 

 Hotel Gansevoort  Meatpacking NYC

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. 

 Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda

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. 

 The Newport Beach Hotel

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. 

  One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos

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. 

 The Parker Palm Springs

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. 

 Plaza Athenee, Paris

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 

Destination: Santa Barbara

Last Thursday I hopped on a plane with my man for a weekend in Santa Barbara. You know you leave early when you see the sunrise over the city, but it was worth it. 

Landing in LA at nine in the morning gives you lots of time to enjoy your day. We rented a car and drove up the PCH towards Santa Barbara. The only downside of getting in so early was that my plans to stop in Malibu for lunch were not possible since we were there before the place opened. The views from the car made up for it and and after a few stops and this glorious meal at In N Out...

We made it to Santa Barbara. 

I have been here before and even almost went to school here, but it always seems almost fantasy like when I come back. What lucky people get to live in this dream land year round? The weather is perfect, the beaches gorgeous, and there is plenty to eat and see in this coastal haven. 

We stayed at the Four Seasons Biltmore which is located where Santa Barbara meets Montecito. The resort feels more like one of the sprawling Spanish style compounds that surround it. And a larger version of one of my favorite hotels, the Arizona Inn. There was plenty we could have done, but after checking in and finding a spot on the beach, why leave? 

Especially when we were introduced to the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. We sat here for drinks on arrival, ate a delicious dinner at sunset, and even was able to celebrate with the bride we had traveled to celebrate for lunch the next day. It is a members only club, but guests of the hotel can enjoy it. The room rate is worth every penny so you can spend time here. 

One morning we walked into the town of Montecito and had breakfast at Jeannine's (several locations in Santa Barbara) for breakfast. Let's just say I fell in love with their cinnamon roll that was made from croissant dough. Miss it so much. 

I highly recommend a trip into this adorable little town. A farmer's market was being set up as we ate with families of farmer's displaying some insane produce and flowers. We also walked around the neighborhoods and saw some houses that made me swoon. 

We headed into downtown Santa Barbara the rest of the weekend for the wedding of one gorgeous bride. There is plenty to see, do, and eat in town. Playa Azul Cafe has a charming patio and authentic Mexican. For a good old fashioned breakfast, Joe's was perfect with shredded hash browns and fluffy pancakes. The late night pizza from Uncle Rocco's was probably the best slice I have had in awhile. We all met for drinks at Blush's outdoor patio one night, generous wine pours and tons of outdoor seating made it a great gathering spot. 

Santa Barbara does feel like a fantasy of sorts. And one of my favorite girls in the world, who grew up there, made it feel even more so at her dream wedding. Saying she was stunning is an understatement. All her dreams came true and she got to come full circle and see it realized at her childhood home. 

Her vision was Great Gatsby meets Havana Nights, and if you know her that statement makes perfect sense. So under crystals and chandeliers we danced all night under a crazy full moon. 

Cheers B&B. xo

LA Girl's Weekend

Since returning from LA after Labor Day weekend, I have needed some recovery time. I spent four glorious days with some sassy ladies in Venice Beach and let's just say we got after it. We celebrated one gorgeous bride-to-be who will be the reason for a return trip to CA in a few short weeks. 

While in LA, we stayed at a beach rental a block from the beach in Venice. A few of us met for lunch to start off the weekend at Gjelina, one of the area's best and most celeb frequented spots. We had a perfect corner table on the patio and enjoyed delicious small plates like grilled peaches with burrata and sesame kale salad. 

patio at Gjelina

Later that night we enjoyed the sunset on our rooftop deck (see picture above) and ordered pizza from Abbott's. My first and hopefully not last experience with bagel crusts. The giant slices made for the perfect late night snack. 

After many a few bottles of wine, we headed out to local bars and ended up at The Brig to dance to some high school hip hop favorites. 

Wildcat favorite: So Co and Lime 

Coffees and a walk on the boardwalk were much needed after our late night antics. We stumbled on Schulzie's. It is just a little stand tucked in a corner in Venice, but they had crafted coffee and teas along with bread pudding you ordered by the scoop. Rich and unexpected. 

That night we had the most lovely dinner at Eveleigh in West Hollywood. The space is gorgeous and the family style dinner they prepared for us was perfection. Fresh pappardelle with rich ragu, creamy baby kale salad with manchego, ridiculously crispy patatas bravas, and warm cookies for dessert were highlights. 

Eveleigh

After dinner we went to the Sunset Marquis for drinks. Bar 1200 was dark, sexy, and a reminder of how much I love hotel bars. No celeb spotting that night, but you can only imagine what has happened inside those walls.  We were able to see the rest of the hotel and this oasis so close to the Sunset strip would be the perfect place to stay on a future trip. 

Bar 1200

After another full night in LA, our last day at the beach was spent lounging, eating and enjoying our rooftop deck. We had the bride's favorite sandwich from Bay Cities Italian Deli. You better believe I polished that guy off. The bread was amazing. 

I cannot wait for my next trip back to the West Coast in a few weeks. On the schedule is a mini-road trip up the PCH, Malibu pit stop, wine tasting, a stay in Montecito, and topped off with a wedding I am very much looking forward to. I am sure I will have much more to share. 

xo

Erin