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

Los Angeles International Airport, fondly known as LAX, is an inevitable stop on the way to Palm Springs, Asia, and parts of Mexico. Or even, Los Angeles itself!

Since LA is a driving town, and there isn’t really a downtown, you might as well stay at the airport if you can get a great deal. Here are three options, in our usual range of schmancy, nice, and on-a-budget.

Luxury: The Inn at Playa Del Ray

You don’t usually think “beach resort” and “airport hotel” but in Southern California all things are possible. The Inn at Playa Del Ray is gorgeous, the kind of place people visit, rather than merely stay.

Every morning you are welcomed to a full, hot breakfast buffet, laden with fresh, home-made bread and egg soufflés! See? Schmancy.

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

In the afternoon guests are invited to tea and cookies, and each evening you can enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres. There are private sunbathing gardens, and bikes for rides on the beach.

A room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Each of the 21 rooms is slightly different. Some have views of the bird sanctuary, others of the ocean. There are jacuzzis, fireplaces and sunny decks.

Another room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Sounds heavenly, and not at all like an airport hotel. Of course, with basic rooms starting at $275/night, probably most people are there for a vacation, not just a layover.

Mid-Range: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

For hotel that is a lot less expensive, but still offers some decent amenities, take a look at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. It’s a Starwood property, so you can earn/use points, and you can get a room starting at $89/night, with suites available if you’re traveling with the whole family and need a little more space.

Room at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

There is an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room with cardio machines and free weights, and a gift shop filled with brightly colored mugs and shirts that will seem like a good idea at the time.

Heated pool at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

The rooms are a good size, there is both a bar and a restaurant on-site, and free airport pick up and drop off. Perfect for a tired traveler just passing through town.

Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

Budget: Super 8 Motel – Los Angeles/Airport LAX

With rooms as low as $60/night, you probably shouldn’t expect much beyond clean sheets and a door that locks. Located just a mile from the airport, this Super 8 offers a free LAX Airport shuttle, free “Super Start Breakfast” and free parking during your stay.

Super 8 LAX Breakfast Room

There is a 24 hour front desk so you check in and out at weird times, wifi and an outdoor pool.

Super 8 LAX pool

The rooms look clean and bright, and you have to love the candor of a place that lists California Pizza Kitchen and Quiznos Sub as “nearby restaurants”.

Super 8 LAX Room

Renovations in Progress

Whenever I go home for the holidays, I like to get a hotel room near the family. I love the family but I need my space – the mad chaos that ensues requires that I have a nice and quiet retreat (parents + many nieces and nephews + dogs = mayhem!)

I firmly believe that having a little oasis of your own can be the perfect way to keep your sanity. In downtown Monterey, Casa Munras is one of my favorite hotels to choose whenever I return home.

It is centrally located near local shops, a Denny’s across the street, a new Trader Joes and a new Peet’s Coffee around the block. You are just down the street from Del Monte Shopping Center with its stores like Macy’s and other standard mall chains. Fisherman’s Wharf is also within walking distance though a bit further.

Casa Munras has been a part of Monterey since the days when the city was the first capital of California.  The registration desk and business center are located on the property that was the original hacienda of Don Esteban Munras, the last Spanish diplomat to California. His hacienda was built in 1824 and was one of the first built outside the historic Monterey Presidio, which is about a mile away by car.

If you have never stayed here you are in for a treat because over the last few years the owners have been renovating the entire property. Currently a Larkspur Collection Hotel, this wonderful hotel is now boasting a spa called Sano and a beautiful new restaurant, Esteban named after the original owner.

While we were there this time, we didn’t have time to eat at the new restaurant but we cuddled up with our evening nightcaps by the outdoor fire pit and savored the crisp winter air.

The hotel offers a very nice heated swimming pool, a fitness room, free wi-fi, and free off-street parking (this is big because a lot of hotels in the area all charge about $25 a night to park your car).

Heated Pool and Free Off Street Parking

The million dollar renovations are ongoing but many of the rooms are finished. You might want to ask for one of the newly finished ones when you make your reservation. I found the front desk very helpful. If your stay is a special occasion, I can suggest a nice spot for dinner in Pacific Grove.

The rates are reasonable and they often offer AAA discounts – and Larkspur Hotels and Restaurants guarantees that every hotel reservation booked through their websites will have the best rate publicly available on the Internet.