My husband and I stayed at the Elm Hurst Inn and Country Spa in Ingersol Ontario, and truly enjoyed our stay. It was certainly a quiet hotel, and had crisp, clean rooms to accommodate us. We were there for a Christmas party and the decorations made the Inn look that much more picturesque in the snow and lights.
Four Seasons Chicago
My two favorite hotels in the world are The Ritz Carlton in Orlando and The Four Seasons in Chicago.
Of course, I’ve never once spent the night at either of those places.
My experience with hotels is usually focused on “let’s see how little I can spend without getting bug bites.” It’s rare, to put it mildly, for me to even consider forking over $400 or more to sleep in a bed – even if it’s a great bed with high thread count sheets.
But oh, how I love a little taste of luxury.
So I cheat.
It’s not actually cheating, per say, but I have found that luxury hotels offer more in the way of luxury than just an overnight stay. Specifically, I like to indulge in the spas and restaurants of these fine hotels.
The best meal I’ve ever had was at Seasons Restaurant, the restaurant located on the seventh floor of the Four Seasons Chicago Hotel. Your typical bread basket came in the form of a bread display, and my perfect white table cloth was removed of all crumbs by a small golden contraption resembling a straight edge razor. The food was beyond divine, and the service was extraordinary.
One of my dining partners asked what beverages were available and our waiter responded with “what would you like? If we don’t have it, we’ll get it.”
I am not a hard core foodie, but I could become one after eating at Seasons Restaurant. And I would use words like “caramelized” with reverence and love.
The bill came up to about $125 per person. That bought us a four hour dining experience, four gourmet courses and a dessert coated with actual gold flecks.
We left the Four Seasons and retired to our $69 per night hotel room with full bellies and angelic smiles.
I’ve never dined (or spent the night) at The Ritz Carlton in Orlando, but I have spent more than one day there soaking in the lap of luxury. I go to The Ritz for their spa.
Spa NAPS at The Ritz Orlando
The Ritz offers a full spa menu – everything from pedicures to massages – including the massages that involve someone walking on your back. Of course, there are dozens of places to get pedicures and massages for less money in the Orlando area.
What makes The Ritz unique is that one spa treatment (even if it’s just a pedicure), gives you access to their entire spa and facilities for the day. I lounge on a comfy couch in one of their relaxation rooms before my “treatments”, and then enjoy a leisurely sit in the steam room afterward. I might also take a dip in the pool or relax in the sauna before heading off to the showers – which are private and well stocked with amenities.
I might pay just over $100 for an hour long massage, but I typically spend several hours unwinding in an environment of luxury and opulence.
When I’m done, I head home to my own bed where I sleep for free – and boy, do I sleep well.
The great thing about luxury hotels is that they excel at service. That means that you will never be treated like an interloper while enjoying their non-guestroom amenities. For a few hours, you’ll be treated like a star, without having to pay a star quality room rate.
Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel and Ritz Carlton Orlando Resort Grande Lakes
Chateau Marmont, by Alan Light
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.
Cheeca Lodge and Spa
Jim Carrey
CELEBS SPOTTED: President George Herbert Walker Bush, Chrissie Evert, Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Salma Hayek, Kevin Costner, Jack Nicklaus, Forest Whitaker, Jim Carrey, Brooke Burke, Denise Austin, Pink, Billy Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Campbell, Jane Seymour, Katie Couric, Jason Alexander
Called the “Queen of the Florida Keys,” the Cheeca Lodge & Spa is located in the beautiful Islamorada in the Keys, and you’re likely to spot a number of famous people while staying there. It’s kind of a hideaway for the stars. Everyone from Salma Hayek to Katie Couric to even President George H.W. Bush has stayed at the Cheeca, and with good reason. It’s on a glorious 27-acre estate, full of luxurious views. NOTE: the Cheeca is due to reopen in December, 2009.
Cheeca Lodge Dining Outdoors
With rates starting as low as $250 per night, you’ll find the classic Keys style, mixed with West Indies decor…something the Cheeca calls “barefoot elegance.” There are 212 rooms, suites, and bungalows – you won’t be disappointed.
Beautiful rooms and amazing views at the Cheeca
The new Oceanfront and Island View Suites give you over 840 square feet, gorgeous ocean views, hot tubs, rain showers for two…all very romantic. And the Spa is nothing to sneeze at, either. Lots of different packages for you to choose from.
The Spa at the Cheeca
Casual Keys meets West Indies at the Cheeca Lodge
Amenities include oceanfront pool, a wooden fishing pier, tennis courts, golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, private beach, fitness center, Camp Cheeca (for the kids), biking, Starbucks and Tazo Teas in your room, wifi, and several restaurants to choose from.
Dock at Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Islamorada has amazing restaurants, and the Cheeca Lodge & Spa has some of the best. In fact, Florida Trend magazine calls the Cheeca’s eating spots one of “Florida’s 500 Best Places to Dine.” There’s Atlantic’s Edge, with delicious seafood and steaks, as well as a magnificent hot breakfast buffet. The Lobby Bar serves cocktails, and the Tiki Bar is a beachfront spot with a view of the ocean, as well as drinks and Bahama stone crab claws. Nikai is the newest restaurant, offering fresh sushi and Asian cuisine.
Hot Tub at the Cheeca
Salma Hayek
It’s no wonder the likes of Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Lopez love the Cheeca. They get treated like the stars they are, and so can you. Think I’ll make it a point to head down to the Keys. I mean, I live in Florida…how have I never been there? Papa Hemingway awaits.
Aerial view of the Guanahani Hotel and Spa
Gisele Bundchen
Last time we covered St. Tropez’ Byblos Hotel. And we have another French hotel and celeb hotspot for this week’s Celebrity Hotel of the Week. Smack dab in the middle of the French West Indies is the Hotel Guanahani and Spa in Saint Barthelemy. A fave amongst celebrities such as Naomi Watts, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Jon Bon Jovi, the Guanahani is the finest of luxury hotel resorts.
Located on a private 16-acre peninsula, you’ll find amazing beaches, dining, Creole-styled rooms and suites that’ll blow you away, shopping…it’s all there at the Guanahani, just waiting for your arrival. And talk about some incredible free activities and services!
The luxurious Guanahani
Included with your room stay: free Continental breakfast either in your room or at the Indigo restaurant, canoes and pedal boats, snorkeling, windsurfing, tennis courts, a fitness center, and daytime Kindergarten for children 2-6 years of age. By the way? Kids six and under stay for free. And for a little extra, there’s jet-skis, boat rentals, scuba diving, bars on the beach, and instructors for tennis and windsurfing.
Guanahani Room, Feel like a celeb!
Guanahani Room
The Guanahani has 68 rooms, all in private bungalows with private terraces. There are 34 suites (some with private pools), 24-hour room service, satellite TV with LCD flatscreens, DVD players (DVD library available at the front desk), and free Internet.
Bed with a view, Guanahani Hotel & Spa
Gastronomically speaking, there are lots of good eats around, including Indigo (a wonderful poolside restaurant on the beach) and Bartolomeo (gourmet dining and lounge bar). Scrumptious Mediterranean/Italian dishes at Bartolomeo are faves of Marisa Miller and Gisele Bundchen alike, and you can’t beat a romantic meal at night with the stars overhead.
Guanahani Restaurant
The spa at Guanahani rocks, too. Get a look at some of these views. Steam room, massages, rejuvenation packages. There’s even a salon on the premises.
Guanahani Spa
Rates. Right. Well,depending on the room and the time of year, prices start at 360 Euros (currency converter here) and work their way up from there. A Superior Gardenview Room, for example, is 360 Euros a night during the summer and 915 Euros a night during the Christmas holiday. An Ocean 1-Bedroom Poolside Suite, with private pool overlooking the sea starts at 1,095 Euros in the summer and goes up to 1,655 Euros over Christmas and New Year’s.
Guanahani Hotel, Private Suite Pool
Jon Bon Jovi
But if you’re really going for the celebrity treatment, you can get a suite with butler service! Yeah, baby! The most expensive one – La Villa – starts at 2,800 Euros a day and tops out at 5,700 Euros a day. Think I’ll stay for a month. Or maybe just for 15 minutes, because that’ll only cost me 60 Euros. How much can a butler do in 15 minutes, anyway?
Fine beaches, luxurious rooms, poolside bars, the warm sunny climate…yeah. I can’t wait to get there. Who wants to be my Sugar Mama?
CELEBS SPOTTED: Marisa Miller, Selita Ebanks, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Watts, Laetitia Casta, Stephanie Seymour, Karen Mulder, Yasmeen Ghuri, Jon Bon Jovi.
And if anyone has any tips for hot celebrity hotels, feel free to let me know.
Prepare to have your breath catch again and again in St. Tropez.
Penelope Cruz on the St. Tropez beach
This week, we go international, baby! If you happen to be in France – more specifically, the beautiful St. Tropez (which is NOT pronounced Saynt Tro-PEZ, by the way) – you’ll definitely want to take a look at the luxurious Byblos hotel. It’s where you might see anyone from Kate Moss to Beyonce to Keanu Reeves.
St. Tropez boasts one of the Top 10 Party Beaches. Drop-dead-gorgeous scenery, tons of world-famous restaurants and clubs, St. Tropez is definitely one of the places that stars love to hang and be seen. And the Byblos is one of the best luxury hotels in town…precisely why Prince Albert II of Monaco chooses the Byblos to wind down from all that, um, royal stuff he does. Suddenly I’m reminded of the Prince-Albert-in-a-can phone prank. Hmm.
Located just 60 miles from the International Airport at Nice-Cote d’ Azur, or a short 11-mile jaunt from the Saint-Tropez airport, the Byblos hotel has been amongst the top 10 hotels in St. Tropez for 40+ years. A full Mediterranean village all in itself, you’ll find dozens of rooms, each individually decorated with a warm, homey vibe. Olives trees and bouganvillea are smattered about the patios and balconies. Sorry, in France, they say “terrace.” You know, because they’re fancy and stuff in France.
Luxurious, intimate dining at Spoon
There’s a charm and elegance all about the Byblos. You’ll find scrumptious food throughout St. Tropez, but you don’t have to leave the hotel to get it. There are two full restaurants: B., a restaurant that is poolside, and the Spoon Byblos, sort of a Mediterranean variant of Spoon Paris. The spa is incredible…just the VIEW will knock your socks off. See for yourself.
Beautiful view from the Byblos spa
Amenities include free wifi (always the first thing I ask about, because I’m a total geek that can’t stand to be disconnected for 5 minutes), fitness center, child care service, pools, air conditioning in every room, jet tubs, turndown service, free airport shuttles, steam room, concierge, room service, and the Caves du Roy discotheque. By the way, pets? Absolutely welcome. Oh, yeah, I’m there.
Every room is unique and inviting at the Byblos in St. Tropez
Oh, right. The rates. This is the part where my head explodes. A single room runs 325-500 Euros, which probably comes out to about $38,000 American, what with our economy running so splendidly. OK, no, not that much. That works out to $500-$720 a night. A Deluxe Room will run you $850-$$1,300 per night. And the Suite Deluxe? $2,250-$3,750 a night.
The decor at the Byblos will relax you
The Riviera Suite? With 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a private terrace? Don’t even ask because they don’t even list the price on the site. Yeah, I’m so NOT there. Which is a shame because I’d love to hang with Penelope Cruz and Liz Hurley (LOVE her in “Bedazzled”) and Avril Lavigne, who all head to the Byblos whenever they get the chance.
Well, not Avril so much. That “Girlfriend” song still makes me convulse, ugh.
CELEBS SPOTTED AT BYBLOS: Paris Hilton, Kate Moss, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Avril Lavigne, Joan Collins, Beyonce, Penelope Cruz, Kylie Minogue, Liz Hurley, Naomi Campbell, Keanu Reeves
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: Salama, Villa Romania, Grenadine
You might just find Keanu Reeves at the Byblos hotel. There is no spoon.
Kid Friendly Hotels
Picking the right hotel for your vacation is about much more than finding the best price.
When looking for a hotel, it’s a good idea to consider the kind of vacation you’re taking, who is staying with you, and what kind of hotel amenities are best suited for your unique vacation.
In other words, the best hotel for a romantic getaway may not be the best hotel for a family vacation with two small children.
Small children don’t need an elaborate meal three times a day. They do, however, need something for breakfast. The more easily accessible, the better.
While a nicer hotel may have a restaurant that offers a full buffet and omelet bar, I much prefer an inexpensive hotel with a simply stocked continental breakfast when I’m traveling with my kids. It’s generally a lot easier to set little kids up with a bowl of cereal in a small dining area that accepts footie pajamas as part of their dress code. Traveling with kids means a lot of time spent in restaurants, and any chance to avoid that stress while still getting a decent meal is worth watching out for.
Little kids love to swim. Or, at the very least, they love the idea of swimming – even if the reality is sitting on the pool steps for hours in their swimsuits. But their expectations are low when it comes to a good hotel pool.
Water? Great. Shallow end? Fantastic. Clean? If mom says so. A jacuzzi and sauna room are less than an afterthought and should, in fact, be avoided by small children if possible.
I always underestimate how much sleeping room my children are going to need when we travel.
“Oh, the little one can sleep with us.”
“Hey, the two little ones can bunk together.”
And then the little one is jammed between two big people in a double sized bed and the two big people end up with very little sleep. Or the two little ones decide that this is the night that they cannot stand anymore of her touching me!
I’m all about giving up a little convenience to save a few bucks, but a good night of sleep when you’re on vacation is much more than a convenience. Check with the hotel before you book to verify the size of the beds and the availability of cots.
If your kids are used to showering at home, than this is a non issue. But if you’re traveling with a toddler, you may not want to introduce showering and water in the eyes on your oh so perfect family vacation.
Some hotels offer stand up showers only in some rooms, but have regular sized bathtubs in other rooms. If you book your reservation by phone, ask about a room with a tub. If you book your room online to save money, call the property you’re staying at after you’ve booked and request a room with a tub.
Ironically, you’ll usually find these amenities in a less expensive hotel. Luxury is, apaprently, reserved for adults. But when you’re on a family vacation, the best luxury is being able to stay some place where everyone in the family can feel relaxed and at home.
Trapp Lodge, Stowe, Vermont
The hills of Vermont are more alive with the Sound of Music than they have been in decades. Sam von Trapp, the third generation of von Trapps, is embracing the movie version of his heritage for the benefit of the family hotel and their guests.
Among other things, Sam von Trapp is bringing back the beloved Sing-a-longs, and on Sunday, during the ABC network airing of The Sound of Music, he is running this commercial for the hotel in Stowe, Vermont. It’s the first time they’ve ever done a TV commercial.
Maria and Captain von Trapp
The family was immortalized by Julie Andrews and the very dashing Christopher Plummer (who by the way was also in wonderful in Somewhere in Time filmed at Mackinau Hotel! He’s a hotel-lover’s actor) — in the film, which took more than a few liberties with the family’s story.
However, they really did escape from Germany, they really were folk singers, and they really do have a beautiful hotel in the mountains of Vermont. Johannes von Trapp, Sam’s father, has traditionally distanced the lodge from the film, but it remains a big reason for guests to visit the lodge.
The Nordic Center
For cross country skiers it’s an especially magical place, with a world renowned Nordic Ski Center, featuring 45 kilometers of groomed trails and 100 kilometers of back country skiing and hiking trails.
Guest rooms
Set on 2,400 acres above the village of Stowe, Vermont, the resort features several types of accommodations including a 96 room lodge, 100 two-bedroom chalets which are like ski condos, and several luxury villas.
Dining room
In addition to outdoor activities, the lodge also offers a fitness center, three pools and two dining rooms that combine the family’s Austrian tradition with the Vermont location. There is also a rock climbing wall, and on site massages for the perfect luxury treatment at the end of long day of alpine play.
The Trapp Lodge offers several specials, including a special 20% discount for Audi owners and packages for skiing, snowshowing and the more relaxing wine and dine vacations.
Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami
One of the biggest stories in the world of hotels is the “refresh” of the famed Fontainebleau Hotel on the narrow spit of Miami Beach, Florida.
Built in 1954, the Fontainebleau was designed by famed architect Morris Lapidus. For years it was considered the crown jewel of “Millionaires Row” and was the setting for films like the James Bond classic Goldfinger and Al Pacino’s Scarface.
For all of that glamor, the years took their toll on the Fontainebleau. I stayed there in 2004 for a work conference, and by then it was aging behemoth. Although the curving facade of the exterior was still dazzling, the inside was a frumpy mess of worn carpeting and dowdy furnishings.
The property was purchased in 2005 by developers, and all but shut down between 2006 and 2008. One billion — yes, with a “b” — dollars later, the Grande Dame has been transformed back into the Sexy Vamp of her younger days.
The renovation and expansion brings the number of guest rooms and suites up to 1,504 across 22 oceanfront acres. There is a 40,000 square foot spa, and a pool with private cabanas. The new Fontainebleau boasts 11 restaurants and nightclubs, for some of the most talked about dining in all of Miami Beach.
It’s a luxury hotel, with rates to match, starting at $399 between December 22, 2008 and May 31, 2009. If that’s a little too rich for your blood, but you’re dying to see the updated classic, you can take advantage of the “Rediscover Fontainebleau” promotion. If you make a reservation before January 20th, and stay for two or more nights between now and May 31st, the Fontainbleau will give you a $50 daily resort credit which is good for all of the restaurants, spas and hotel shops.
Photo: Oh_Candy on flickr
Grand Hotel, Mackinau Island, Michigan
There is a reason the producers of Somewhere in Time chose Grand Hotel, on Mackinac Island in Michigan, located on Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, as the setting for the romantic time travel film.
In some ways, time has actually stopped at Grand Hotel, a place where you are still required to dress for dinner, there are no cars allowed on the island, and the primary method of transportation is horse drawn carriage.
"World's Largest Porch"
Not to mention it boasts the world’s longest front porch. It’s the social center of the island, and you can relax in a rocking chair and watch the animated buzz around the hotel or contemplate the lake views.
But don’t get the idea that this family friendly resort has a lack of amenities or activities! The variety and quality is definitely 21st century, from the 18 holes of golf on The Jewel, to tennis, swimming and a daily children’s programs for kids five and older.
Built in 1887, the hotel offers a choice of 385 rooms decorated by famed New York designer Carleton Varney. Each one is different, with a series of deluxe rooms decorated and named after famous people or places, like the Teddy Roosevelt Lodge Suite and the Esther Williams Suite. There are six “First Ladies” rooms that were actually decorated with input from Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush.
Every guest room, from the smaller (and less expensive) “Category I” rooms with interior views, to the the “Category III” deluxe lake-view rooms with balconies, comes with individually controlled AC, mini bar, in-room safe, cable TV, iron, and coffee maker.
The season at Grand Hotel runs from April through October, with room rates ranging from $395 night for a single person in a room, to $780/night for double occupancy in one of the luxury Named Suites.
One of the reasons that the rates are so high is that daily breakfast and dinner are included. There are several dining options on the property, including the main dining room, where you must be dressed for dinner, four additional restaurants with varying degrees of formality, four bars that serve light snacks and lunches, as well as three options for afternoon tea – the Fort Mackinau Tea Room, Carleton’s Tea Store and in the hotel palor.
There are several romantic packages at the hotel, worth checking if you’re planning a wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary trip. They also offer several “theme” packages, like a Labor Day Jazz Weekend, Murder Mystery Weekend and the Grand Hotel Lilac Festival.
As a fan of the Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour classic, my vote for the best package is the Somewhere in Time weekend!
© UpTake Networks, Inc. 2009
