Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

After living in Santa Monica, CA (near Los Angeles) for several years, I was in need of some quiet, some charm, and some rest. When friends mentioned the (relatively) close and once artist colony, Carmel by the Sea, I paid a visit to see if this would be somewhere I could stay for a few months while I wrote. One trip turned into several and I eventually took on a vacation rental in town, blocks from the beach. During my four-month rental in this quirky sea-side town, a storm knocked off my roof, causing me to once again seek out and stay in nearby hotels. Between that and talking with the locals and friend’s who visited, I can safely answer the number one question I’m asked about my time in Carmel: what is the best place to stay? Although I can’t give a hands down favourite there are several that

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When I arrived at the hotel and was dealing with valet, a man bumped into me as he hurried by but stopped to pardon himself. It was Tom Hanks. I realized at that moment that this hotel was going to be something special. Sitting right on the beach in Santa Monica, Hotel Casa Del Mar screams Old Hollywood but in that chic, polished, attention-to-detail way (we don’t stay in old musty places, dear, trust us). With dark woods and rich colours, the entrance alone is nothing short of spectacular. Then, there are the rooms. Light, sunny, and oh so breezy; windows with sheers that sway from the ocean wind, glass walls enclose the deep jet tubs so you can view the ocean while you relax and light yellow fabulously deluxe linens make everything feel fresh and cosy. The stereo system and DVD player are nice touches – especially if you

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LA is a city known for style, color and quirkiness so why would someone visit and stay at a dull old Best Western with 30 year old bed covers? Especially when staying in style was never so affordable – or so good. The Farmers Daughter Hotel has been in the center of Los Angeles for over 30 years – with neighbours such as The Grove, CBS, farmers market, Melrose Ave, Beverly Hills and Hollywood). With LA’s traffic, being near everything is good but usually pricey – especially when you start talking duvets, Internet, mini-refrigerators, custom mattresses and beautiful though eclectic decor. But this family-run hotel keeps prices more than reasonable (starting at just $129), so you can afford to spend money in the city (which you will, trust us). Though country charm can be a scary phrase, The Farmers Daughter combines this with hip decor that makes it modern in

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Image Courtesy of Hotel Triton Deciding to escape the drab Seattle winter with a quick trip to San Francisco was easy. Finding a hotel proved a little more difficult. Our criteria for the hotel were specific – low cost, great location, comfortable yet stylish with a cosy lounge area for meeting friends. And did I mention cost? With hotels averaging $250 a night, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get everything I wanted for an affordable price. Then I found Hotel Triton. Their colourful, yet easy to navigate website caught my attention as did their sass, which let me know this wouldn’t be the usual stuffy business hotel but instead a unique experience. With a couple of clicks, I reserved a room from the hotel’s online ‘Specials and Packages’ page for $115 U.S. per night. Within seconds, I received a confirmation email with all the reservation details, and three

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The thing about city life is that you’re always in the center of it all. The bad thing is that you’re always in the center of it all. Where can a girl stay to get well rested and keep busy? In Vancouver, the choice is easy – a stay at the Westin Grand Vancouver Hotel. Any room in this all-suite hotel will make you feel like you’re a hip local living with the best location but if you choose one of their GrandView Suites (located on the top two floors) you’ll also feel like the poshest local. That might be reason enough to spend a little on upgrading but the extra’s included with higher living should be tempt even the most upgrade-resistant person. With complimentary wireless (excellent for a girl who needs to surf the best places to go during her complimentary breakfast), free local calls, the best city and

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Image Courtesy of The Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli The Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli will open for the season on April 13th. This 21-room fairytale Villa on the shores on the shores of Lake Garda offers a luxurious lakeside living experience replicating a stay at a private home. From croquet matches on the Villa’s ground to boating excursions on Italy’s largest lake to such small touches as complimentary laundry and mini bar, the Villa offers a rare Italian house party experience. For those who want to enjoy the area, a number of options exist. One lakeside experience takes place on Villa Feltinelli’s own boat, “La Contessa,” reminiscent of a classic 1920s Riva boat. This 52-foot pleasure craft was commissioned in a local boat yard by the villa and is the largest privately owned boat on the lake. The hotel offers excursions on La Contessa through Lake Garda in the

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On my first trip to LA last fall, I stayed at Hotel Oceana, which I credit for helping me to feel as though I could actually live here. With it’s South of France feel (from the colour scheme to it’s simple yet elegant decor), this hotel made me feel right at home, right away. Thanks in part to their large suits which are like mini flats – little kitchen, ample large (and gorgeous) bathrooms, lavishly luxurious bedrooms with walk in closets and living rooms with dining areas that are bigger than in any flat I’ve had. Located right on Ocean Ave, some rooms have ocean views while some overlook the beautiful (and kept up) pool. With your own little balcony area for sitting and relaxing, it’s definitely a home away from home. In fact, after a few days of being here I almost forgot I was supposed to be out

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A hectic couple of months called for a relaxing weekend and the very cosy boutique hotel, The Wedgewod provided the perfect escape. With its European charm, personal service and incredibly beautiful, spacious and elegant rooms this hotel helps guests to really get away from it all – even though it’s right in the middle of Vancouver’s downtown action. Checking in early at the hotel allowed time to experience their small (but perfectly adequate and luxurious) spa where I was able to receive the one-hour Lavender Body Bliss, which removed days of travel and months of worth of worry. My skin glowed, my limbs were relaxed and I felt completely pampered. I even purchased a few Epicuren products to take home. Feeling like a queen I checked into a room fit for one; fluffy duvets, a jet tub, separate living room and bedroom, fireplace and amazingly large balcony. The colours were

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When the leaves turn colour and a slight nip hits the air, I feel myself wanting to find a perfect fall getaway somewhere in the mountains. Somewhere where I can relax, recharge and feel a million miles away while actually having everything I need just outside my hotel door. It seems the Summit Lodge in Whistler British Columbia (a fabulous, busy village just 90minutes from Vancouver) might be the place, according to their latest press release: “The Summit Lodge, a Kimpton Boutique Hotel, is adding two new services that encourage good health and mental wellness for hotel guests. As of October 1, 2003, the hotel has introduced the Kimpton-wide Yoga Program where guests can borrow yoga kits at no charge. Each yoga kit includes one yoga mat, one block, and one strap. Guests can carry out their own preferred yoga routines in the privacy of their rooms or they can

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In a city where stylish hotels have become the norm, Vancouver’s Pacific Palisades could easily be just another hotel. Luckily for guests, it’s not. This boutique hotel’s sleek, sexy and hip decor sets it apart, and it offers a much-needed break from the ordinary. The lobby plays coffee-shop cool jazz and bright yellows and apple greens with shots of red decorate the walls. This creates a fresh, hip look that simultaneously stimulates and relaxes. The Honeywood furnishings accented with chrome feel more South Beach than Vancouver – perfect for a traveller weary of Vancouver’s winter season. The details don’t stop at the front door. Unlike many neighbouring hotels who think big only for big spenders, Pacific Palisades envisioned big rooms, and big views for everyone. It also paid big attention to complimentary features such as an evening wine reception, Starbucks Coffee in every room and high-speed internet access for late

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