Chateau Marmont, by Alan Light

HOTEL SITE

Jesse Spencer of House

CELEBS SPOTTED: Clare Danes, Christopher Lloyd, Lindsay Lohan, Lily Allen, Demi Moore, Anthony Kiedis, David Cook, Robert Deniro, Dita Von Teese, Jesse Spencer, Josh Hartnett, Eliza Dushku, Zac Effron, Rosario Dawson, Leonardo, DiCaprio, Katy Perry

Originally built as apartments in the late ’20s, Chateau Marmont in Hollywood became a hotel in 1931 and it’s been a celebrity hot-spot ever since. Infamous because it’s where the late, great John Belushi died in 1982, it’s never stopped the stars from hanging out.

Everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Jim Morrison to James Dean to Lindsay Lohan has spent time at the Chateau Marmont. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have even recorded songs there.

Private terraces and balconies abound at the Chateau Marmont

The founder of Columbia Pictures, Harry Cohn, once said, “If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.” I don’t want trouble, really, just to live it up in the manner to which I’d like to become accustomed.

Where the stars sleep

There are 63 rooms, cottages, and bungalows at the Chateau, many of which have full kitchens. Yeah, there’s something to be said for apartment buildings that have been converted into hotels. Since the hotel was built to be earthquake-proof (and has survived quite a few of them), the walls are all rather thick – even soundproof – so if you’re looking to host a party, this might be the perfect place.

Living it up Chateau style

Junior Suites with a queen-sized bed, kitchen, and dining area start at $480 a night. A Two-Bedroom Suite with queen bed, twin beds, dining room, kitchen, and private balcony (overlooking the pool) begins at $835 a night. Bungalows range from $520-$1,800 a night.

The Suite Life at Chateau Marmont

And the Penthouse? You can get a one-bedroom with king-sized bed, living room with hardwood floors, formal dining room, kitchen, and two private patio terraces for a mere $2,200 per night. The two-bedroom penthouse includes working fireplace and goes for only $3,700 a night. The views from the penthouse? Spectacular. Sigh, yeah, when I’m rich and famous, I suppose.

The hotel features amenities such as a heated pool, free wifi, cashmere throws, maid service (twice a day, because clearly you’re that filthy), and even a 24-hour shoe shine. I don’t know about you, but that’s a long time to spend shining my shoes. I have things to do!

The Bar Marmont is famous for its ambiance and cuisine, as well as being one of the favorite places for celebs to be seen. Highly recommended you make reservations, of course, because otherwise you’re likely to be shut out and forced to hit an In-and-Out Burger, not that that’s a bad thing. But when you’re expecting high-class and cool, a burger joint may be a bit of a let-down.

Bar Marmont

Katy Perry hanging at the Chateau Marmont

Of course, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the Chateau Marmont. There’s the Curry Palace and Sunset Thai, amongst many others. It’s Hollywood, after all.

If it’s good enough for the old-school stars like Clark Gable, as well as the newbies such as Katy Perry, the Chateau Marmont is good enough for you. And if it’s not, I don’t know if we can be friends when I’m all big and famous.

Photo Credits

Top photo by Alan Light

Soho Grand site

Soho Grand NYC front entrance

The SoHo district in New York City is one of the major hot-spots to hang out if you’re looking to see the celebs while in the Big Apple. Known for its diverse artistic community, Soho is also the tops when it comes to glamour, shopping, dining, partying…it’s THE place to be seen, and for good reason.

David Boreanaz

Smack dab in the center of Soho is The Soho Grand, located at 310 West Broadway, and if you can’t find celebrities there, your eyes are closed. A favorite luxury hotel for such names as Heidi Klum, Sarah Jessica Parker, Brad Pitt, and Susan Sarandon, the Soho Grand treats them all like kings and queens. And they’ll treat you that way, too. You know, if you can cough up the green.

The Soho Grand boasts eclectic chic throughout the space; in fact, its design is world-renowned. There’s the infamous glass-bottle staircase, lots of cast iron and concrete, warm woods, and the whole thing was designed to be memorable beyond belief by William Sofield.

Soho Grand Stairway

Being located on the very pulse of NYC shopping doesn’t hurt, either. You’ll find Prada, Chanel, Bloomingdale’s, and the Apple store (aka Heaven) all within walking distance. The Soho Grand is surrounded by amazing places and sights, lined with charming cobblestone streets, some of the hottest restaurants in NYC, including the exclusive Nobu. And with the subway withing spitting distance (not that any celebrities spit, mind you), you’re just a heartbeat away from the Theater District, Greenwich Village, and the Museum of Modern Art. LOVE New York’s transit system!

Soho Grand Loft in NYC

Josh Hartnett & Susan Sarandon at Soho Grand

But what specifically about the Soho Grand itself makes it a preferred stay for Jennifer Lopez and David Boreanaz? Every one of the 363 luxury guest rooms are simply amazing, offering stunning views of the NYC skyline.

Lots of neutrals in the decor, with copious amounts of wood, clay, and leather in every room. This, mixed with top-of-the-line tech, make the Soho Grand a must-stay. Flat-screen televisions, wifi, DVD players, even iPods are yours for the asking. And I swear I’m not making this up, you can get a complimentary free pet goldfish. I have no idea what the heck I’d DO with a goldfish if I was visiting New York City and had to carry it around with me all weekend, but still. Clearly, the Soho Grand is on the leading edge of the Free Hotel Goldfish Revolution.

Those are the Guest Rooms. The Superior Queen rooms are cheapest at $355/night, but it’s the penthouse lofts that the stars love. The Lofts start at (gulp) $4,500/night and go over $5,000/night. But one look at these photos and you can see why. Over 1,600 square feet indoors AND a 1,200 square-foot terrace, with some of the most amazing views of NYC you’re going to find. Fireplace, custom furniture, mohair upholstery, “Masai” pillows, glorious chandaliers, THREE plasma TVs with full surround-sound…yeah, I know, I’m drooling, too.

Loft Balcony View at Soho Grand

And the restaurant in the hotel – the Grand Bar and Lounge – is a major draw in its own right. Very intimate environment for gathering with friends, whether it be for drinks or dining AND drinks. Can you tell the drinking is one of my favorite things? Ahem. You can do appetizers or 3-course meals (or maybe just the desserts, which I hear are bloody phenomenal) made by the Grand Bar’s executive chef.

The Loft at Soho Grand

When I win the lottery or land my major book deal, you can be sure I’ll be staying at the Soho Grand myself. If I’m lucky, I’ll run into Will Arnett at the bar and tell him how much I love “Arrested Development.” And maybe his wife.

Love to hear from you if you’ve ever stayed at the Soho Grand. Also, feel free to email me if you have some unwanted lottery money.

NEARBY RESTAURANTS

Nobu

Kredens

Pen Top Bar & Lounge

Fresh Restaurant

Pepolino

Helpful Sean

My husband and I needed a night away and a serious spa treatment. Having spent the past week moving our house we were worn out and our backs were in dire need of a massage. Knowing that Calistoga is just over an hours drive from San Francisco, this cozy hot springs town was our immediate destination.

We called on Wednesday morning The Lodge at Calistoga and Sean their front desk manager surprised us with a great deal – for $107 plus tax he gave us a king room upstairs with its own balcony. It paid to call directly.

Hearing our tale of sore muscles, Sean immediately told us about their relationship with the Lavender Hill Spa at the other end of Lincoln Avenue and offered to transfer me directly over.

The Clarion Collection Lodge at Calistoga has worked out some great deals with nearby spas and vineyards – ask when you call to book your room or when you arrive, all of their staff was very friendly and helpful.

Lavender Hill Spa Baths

As a hotel guest, you receive a 20% discount on any spa treatment at Lavender Hill but we chose one of the spa’s own specials. We both received an hour bath treatment (with foot massage) and an hour massage for less than $235 total – yes that’s is less than $120 each…

Driving north from San Francisco we took the scenic route up 101 North then over Highway 12 and down into Calistoga via the Petrified Forest. It can be more relaxing than other routes depending on where you are starting from, the time of day or day of the week.

The hotel offers free wi-fi, free parking and we were given a nice room away from the street – Room 202 – facing our own little patch of green. We didn’t use it this trip but they have a mineral pool to swim in.

Patio area for warm days

In the morning we had a simple and free continental breakfast with hot Belgian waffles made to order. They offer cereal and bagels too, all of which were very tasty.

View From Room 202

After our stress and sore muscles were disposed of, we grabbed a last minute dinner reservation at the Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery. There are travel bargains to be had and you can definitely find them in Calistoga.

Here is another great website where you can find tales of rejuvenating Getaways.

All photos from my iPhone.