The Old Mill has long been a integral part of Toronto’s heritage. First discovered in 1615, it was then a thoroughfare for Native Canadians. Now it is home to live entertainment, weddings and corporate meetings.
French hotel brand Sofitel has launched an ‘I Love Chocolate’ special. Yes, it involves a lot of free chocolate – Dark and milk chocolate, succulent confectionaries, precious cookies and hot chocolate drinks.
Sofitel Los Angeles & Chocolate
Since you’re already drooling, let’s bite into the details of this special. Between November 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010, anyone who books the ‘I Love Chocolate’ special gets a third night free at any of Sofitel’s over 85 participating hotels in 26 countries.
Participating Sofitel hotels in the US include the Sofitels in Chicago (Water Tower), New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, San Francisco (Bay) and Washington DC (Lafayette Square).
Plus, you get a delicious breakfast served in the restaurant every morning, and an ‘all chocolate afternoon tea’ which includes hot chocolate, pastries and other delicacies. And also a late check-out.
If you’re looking for romantic hotels, you won’t get more amour anywhere else. All these Sofitels lean heavily towards a European experience – that means luxury, champagne, privacy, breathtaking views, fancy art on the walls…and chocolate.
For more details, visit www.sofitel-ilovechocolate.com
Chocolate photo by norwichnuts; Sofitel Los Angeles photo courtesy Accor Hotels
During a recent family trip to Seaside, Florida, (one of my all-time favorite places) to visit the white sandy beaches in the Panhandle, I happened by Inn by the Sea, Vera Bradley. A SPECTACULAR building from the street, and apparently, even more spectacular on the inside. The Bed & Breakfast is adorned in Vera Bradley style; each room is decorated in the pattern of a different Vera Bradley signature fabric.
Inn by the Sea, Vera Bradley
As it is qualified as a bed & breakfast (few and far between at the beach in north Florida), complimentary continental breakfast is available, but some reviews I found indicate, you may have a better breakfast at a nearby restaurant. (I HIGHLY suggest the Great Southern Cafe in the town square of Seaside. Order the gouda cheese grits and beignets – you will NOT be disappointed.) Staying in a bed & breakfast normally qualifies you for extra special touches, and rumor has it that they give you your own Vera Bradley bag as a welcome gift. Considering their bags are in the $50 range, that’s a pretty special take-home gift.
Some of the rooms will sleep more than two people, but having two young children myself, I would be too worried of their clumsy feet and elbows around the stylish decorations to bring them along for the visit. If you’re a romantic, or are looking for a romantic seaside getaway, the Inn by the Sea, Vera Bradley, should be a contender for your stay.
Because I ‘happened’ by the Inn and had heard about it being in Seaside, I thought I’d stop in to check it out unannounced, but unfortunately, it was locked and not open to the public. Reservations can be made through Cottage Rental Agency, but in my opinion, it’s very difficult to make an online reservation or find the per-night rate. Each room is listed separately, so unless you want to check each room for each length-of-stay, I’d suggest calling them directly to make a reservation. The one reservation I found was about $240/night for a fall weekend stay, and considering the location in Seaside, that is a fairly reasonable price.
Grand Victorian entrance at Inn by the Sea
Inn by the Sea, Vera Bradley, Room 7, Palm
38 Seaside Ave
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
800.277.8696
Room view photo courtesy of Cottage Rental Agency
Harrison Hot Springs Resort offers both indoor and outdoor hot springs to enjoy.
When I first stayed at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort, I was shocked at how low the price was. A lot hasn’t changed in that department in ten years and I was even more shocked to see the price had only gone marginally in that time. When we went, my husband and I were newlyweds, and back in the day, we didn’t have a lot of money. I booked the hotel as a surprise to him and whisked him away to this gorgeous resort where we could be relatively alone.
The room itself was impeccable. Clean, crisp sheets a top the best bed I’ve ever ever stayed on, hands down. The experience was that much more luxurious because of the attention to detail and I’ve never felt so comfortable in a hotel before. It looks like that attention to details and customer needs hasn’t wavered, judging by the pictures I’ve seen. Having said that, I have also read negative reviews that the rooms are outdated. The Harrison Beach Hotel and Harrison Heritage House & Cottages have much higher ratings than the main resort. So if we were to go back, I think we would try one of those before re-booking at the resort.
The area itself is astounding. To bask in the amazing hot springs, watch eagles in their natural habitat, or simply enjoy each other in such a peaceful setting, this is the place to fall in love all over again.
Photo credit: http://www.harrisonresort.com/
If you live in or around Georgia and are looking for a hotel to impress a loved one on a romantic retreat, look no further! I tried to select hotels across different price ranges – you obviously don’t have to spend a lot of money for a romantic getaway, but some of the pricier hotels were so nice I couldn’t help but include them.
Cheateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia
Chateau Elan – Braselton, Georgia
LOVE this hotel. It’s a hotel/winery/spa in Braselton, Georgia, about 40 minutes north of Atlanta. You can snag rooms for about $100 in certain months, and they’re not usually above $150. The winery is great fun to tour (actually take the tour, the tastings are way better than the ones in the store!) There’s also a golf course, so everyone can be happy . The hotel looks like a 17th century French mansion, very European and chic looking. You definitely do not feel like you’re still in Georgia, which is part of the romantic charm.
Barnsley Gardens Resort- Adairsville, Georiga
You’ll pay at least $200/night here, but oh the amenities. This gorgeous resort is tucked away at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 60 miles from Atlanta. You will be pampered. Choose between a room, a suite or an entire cottage. Enjoy tennis, golf and more. The property is over 160 years old, so you’re surrounded by history as well. Don’t forget about the Fairy Godmother (see the site).
Foundry Park Inn and Spa - Athens, Georgia
I adore Athens, Georgia. It’s a lovely, picturesque college town with big oak trees that make canopies over the streets, big green parks and a quirky assortment of very good cafes, restaurants and bars. Athens is a fun place to escape to for a romantic weekend, and Foundry Park Inn and Spa will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It’s a remarkably affordable retreat – rooms are usually $110-$130/night.
Romantic Athens, Georgia
The Gaslight Inn Bed & Breakfast
This is a very high quality B&B located in one of central Atlanta’s most enchanting neighborhoods, the Virginia-Highlands. You’ll be within walking distance to a host of shops, cafes and bars, and you’re a two minute drive from beautiful Piedmont Park. If you’re looking for a distinctive Craftsman type hotel for your stay, you’ve found it. This is the perfect starting place to explore downtown Atlanta without staying in one of downtown’s more generic high rises. There’s plenty of character and charm to go around.
Photos: Bruce Tuten, Vzach
Where do you find romance?
guest post by Sherry Gray
Romance is a subjective and intensely personal preference based on fantasy fulfillment. Finding a romantic hotel starts by defining what makes you feel romantic and includes figuring a comprehensive and comfortable budget for the getaway.
For some people, the key to romance is in simple peace and quiet, a respite from day-to-day stresses with elements of pampered luxury.
Look for a remote location bereft of hordes of noisy tourists and boisterous children, offering opportunity for real relaxation, and absolutely no nearby centers of frenetic activity (theme parks) demanding attention by their very proximity. To fulfill the illusion of privacy, look for a place with individual cabins, lush landscaping and spectacular scenery. Amenities like massage, private hot tubs and fireplaces create the opportunity to get very, very personal with minimal distraction.
Spa at Calistoga Ranch
Situated on 157 acres in a private canyon, the Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, California offers the rich indulgence of the wine country culture and cuisine in a natural setting. Find the romance in the indoor/outdoor living. Luxuriate in a private outdoor shower garden, relax in front of a crackling fire set in an indoor/outdoor fireplace or soak in a private hot tub on the deck of your lodge. Each spacious lodge is placed for maximum privacy in a heavily wooded setting, and view depends on location. Choose a breathtaking hillside view overlooking the private vineyard, a forested location next to a babbling brook, or the majestic Estate Lodge on the shores of beautiful Lake Lommel. Prices start at $850 per night.
If private cabins are out of your price range, consider a bed and breakfast with only a few rooms and simple, pleasurable activities or a luxury resort out of season, like a beautiful lake resort in the winter. Normally unaffordable luxury can be romantic, even if swimming is out of the question. With prices starting at less than $200 a night, the Arch Cape Inn & Retreat on the Oregon coast is nothing less than spectacular. Dramatic cliff views and ocean views, large rooms and exquisite attention to detail combine to give this resort far more sex appeal than the price tag would indicate.
Tropical paradise holds the key to romance for some. Gentle ocean breezes, exotic tropical foliage and the opportunity to wear as little clothing as possible can set the stage for unforgettable romantic adventure.
For a really special occasion, splash out on a hotel set on a private island resort just off the Florida Keys. My favorite place for tropical romance is Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. The price is a bit steep, starting at nearly $1000 per night with a 2-night minimum, but you’re not paying for an ordinary room. You’ll stay in a luxurious bungalow decorated in tropical style, surrounded by exotic foliage. You may choose to dine in suite, in the gourmet restaurant or right on the beach. Children under 16 are not allowed, and there are only 30 bungalows on the entire island. You can reach the island only by seaplane or boat from Little Torch Key, and there are no noisy cars on the island to interrupt your romance, only the seductive sound of the waves punctuated by the cry of seagulls and the rustling of the palms.
Baby, it
Ski lodges offer a classic opportunity for a romantic getaway. After an energetic day on the slopes, snuggling in front of a warm fire with a hot toddy fulfills the deepest romantic fantasies of many people. The Castle Hill Resort and Spa offers elegantly appointed rooms or private resort homes and a majestic view of Vermont’s Green Mountains.
For some, exuberance is romantic, which explains why more than 2300 couples get married at Walt Disney World every year. Suggestions for Disney romance include taking in the fireworks aboard the Breathless, a beautiful boat that accommodates up to 6 guests, or only two, or dinner in Cinderella’s Castle.
Hotels that cater to every fascination are available, from haunted paranormal experience to bird watching to extreme sports, and the choice is up to you and your partner.
Use caution when deciding. A poorly planned getaway can be a romance killer, especially if a special vacation that misses the mark is meant to be a surprise. Choosing a place that reflects only your tastes and does not consider your partner can be disastrous, and so can an overt romance offensive launched too soon in a relationship. Look for hotels that boast romantic touches without heavy-handed lack of subtlety. Hotels that offer really comfortable beds and high quality linens advertise them.
Find as much comfort, privacy and luxury as your budget will allow, with a beautiful setting, good food and whatever level of distraction makes you and your partner happy. That’s where you’ll find real romance.
Julian, California
I’m not sure what made me think of it – maybe the smell of chimneys last night as I was taking a walk, or the crispness of the air, but I was reminded of the town of Julian, California near San Diego, where I grew up. It’s a tiny, old mining town – one of those places that still has an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that makes real ice cream sodas and with horse drawn buggies and homemade apple pie I’d fight somebody for. The sidewalks are wooden, and on some days you’ll see more wildlife than people.
Back to my point – Julian has some really cute bed & breakfasts and small hotels that are perfect for romantic getaways, especially during the chilly winter. If you can ignore the fact that a couple of them are rumored to have year-round ghostly guests, you’ll find some really charming options:
Built in 1897, the Julian Gold Rush Hotel is located within very easy walking distance of all of Julian’s adorable antique stores, shops and eateries. The rooms have been meticulously restored and are bright and cheery. There’s also a nice patio cottage that has its own fireplace as well as a Honeymoon House. Rates are $130-$200/night.
There are only five rooms in this quaint inn, and guests get special perks like access to the pantry stocked with goodies and complimentary soda, popcorn, cocoa and dessert in the afternoons. All rooms have private bathrooms and cable tv, and guests can reserve a horse-drawn carriage to take into town for dinner. The Rosebud Cottage sleeps four guests, and it has its own private courtyard.
If you’re looking for more modern looking accomodations with the Victorian fluffiness, this hotel could be a great choice. It’s a AAA four diamond rated hotel, with all the amenities that come with that rating – bath robes, super comfy linens, complimentary cookies and really beautiful rooms. The hotel offers delicious dinners four nights a week, so plan accordingly! There are 200 individual rooms to choose from as well as twleve cottage rooms and ten lodge rooms. Rates are $195-$450 depending on the room – definitely more of a splurge but totally worth it!
Julian Apple Pie
Photo Credits: Allan Ferguson, Greggoconnell
Chateau Elan
If you live in or near Atlanta, Georgia, I think I have discovered the perfect getaway for Valentine’s Day this year! Chateau Elan is a gorgeous winery only forty minutes north of Atlanta, Georgia, and it’s stunning! Check it out – it resembles a 16th century European manor, and it sits on 3500 beautiful acres. The rooms are large, comfortable and really pretty – the suites are expansive, it feels as though you’ve rented your own European apartment for the weekend. I think it’s great because it’s hard to remember that you’re still in Georgia when you’re walking around then grounds, like you’ve escaped to a magical European vacation for the day.
For couples who love wine and wine tasting, Chateau Elan is a great choice – you can tour the vineyards, learn about wine and go to fun wine tastings. There are two restaurants at the winery too, but if you haven’t made reservations for Valentine’s Day yet, do it asap, they fill up very fast. The winery is open from 10am to 9pm every day, so you can make a full day of it.
There are a three Valentine’s Day packages for you to choose from, and they range from $360-$500. Not cheap, but they include accommodations, wine tastings, your own bottle of wine and dinner at one of the two beautiful restaurants. Fun, romance, great wine and delicious food – what more could you ask for on Valentine’s Day?
And – if either of you enjoy golfing, there’s a beautiful golf course on site as well. There’s a great spa, too – splurge and combine everything into one amazing weekend you’ll remember for a long time to come.
Go golfing at Chateau Elan
Photo credits: Savannah Grandfather, danperry.com
Yosemite in winter
Yosemite in the winter is simply beautiful. Many people come here to camp and hike during the warmer weather months, but there is something magical about this grand national park in the colder months.
Snowy meadows, frozen peaks and the quiet can be incredibly conducive to romance or just a great way to recharge your batteries. Whatever you decide, there are many ways to enjoy the Yosemite Valley.
Our stay at The Ahwahnee in January was overall so relaxing and a wonderful time. We had thought about waiting until February and enjoying a Valentine’s escape to Napa, but decided instead to experience Yosemite in snow.
The Ahwahnee Hotel is a splurge compared to other lodging options in or near the park, but worth it if you can swing it. The architecture and magnificent façade are amazing to see, especially for the first time. There is a grandeur about this stately hotel. No wonder presidents and royalty have stayed here.
Snowy peaks above
Did you know that The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, which feature Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point? This beautiful hotel has the warmth of a mountain ski lodge but on a grander scale. The interior rooms have Native American motifs and accents with natural wood furnishings.
View from Ahwahnee Hotel ground floor
This AAA Four Diamond hotel has 123 handsomely appointed guest rooms, including 99 hotel rooms, parlors and suites and 24 cottages. We stayed in the main building in a guest room and found that we ate most of our meals in the grand dining room.
With the chilly air and icy roads, I quite enjoyed staying indoors and staring out the enormous windows at the fabulous views, with a warm drink and book. However Badger Pass is not too far if you prefer to go skiing and the hotel can help with arrangements.
Inside the main dining room
Other types of lodging around Yosemite National Park are available during the winter and summer months but you will need to check ahead of time to see what roads are open, besides availability – I suggest you check directly with Yosemite National Park. Booking directly with the park may also save you money or get you one of their seasonal packages or other sweet bargains.
Discover your inner Ansel Adams and no matter when you go or where you stay, don’t forget to take your camera!!
Photo credits to sfcphotography
Times Square New York City
I’ve always thought of New York City as the perfect city for lovers. There’s so much to see and do, so many places to take romantic strolls, cute little candlelit restaurants. It’s pretty chilly in the city for Valentine’s Day most years, but that just means more time spent snuggling in a cozy New York City hotel for the weekend! These hotels are pretty posh, so they’re a good choice for a real splurge for maybe one night:
Rooms are still available for Valentine’s Day as of this writing, and a nice Queen room will cost you about $445 plus tax. But, you get to stay in one of New York City’s most beautiful bed & breakfasts. The beautiful townhouse dates from the 19th century, and it’s located just south of Gramercy Park. You can relax with an in-room massage and with a complimentary (yay!) breakfast in bed.
It must be the economy, because I can’t believe there are still rooms available here for $250 a night on Valentine’s Day! Treat yourself to an amazing Continental breakfast every morning and complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres during the week from 5-8pm. Surprise your loved one with many fun “extras” such as a dozen roses and a nice bottle of champagne. Now we’re talking! This hotel has routinely been rated one of New York City’s best small hotels – and it’s located in Manhattan – so snatch it up while you can.
This beautiful hotel has lots of classy “Old World” touches like spiral staircases, coffered ceilings and sleigh beds. It’s close to Times Square and many of New York’s best attractions. As of this writing, there are still rooms available for $260 per night, which is amazing for that part of town. Broadway shows are just a short stroll away as are some of the city’s finest restaurants. The interior is dark and cozy – you feel as though there should be cigar smoke wafting around but thankfully, there is not. Coffee lovers — there is a 24 hour espresso, coffee and tea service!
Valentine's Day candies
Photo Credits: Zoonabar, Butterfly Sha
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