guest post by Sherry Gray

Anything on the beach is going to have a certain amount of awe associated with it just by virtue of the natural environment.  But some beach hotels go the extra mile to make the most of their prime location.

Six Amazing Beach Hotels

The National Hotel on South Miami Beach, FL

The Naitonal - South Beach Miami hotel

Known for the elegance and luxury of a bygone era, the hotel sits right on the sands of Miami’s best known beach and features a unique 205-foot long infinity pool. The National was built in the late 1940s and boasts chic art deco style with all the amenities you expect in a luxury hotel.

itty bitty picture of big infinity pool

What’s to love: Style! Fully restored to its original glory in 1997, the National is loaded with charm and style.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay, CA

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay

Built on the edge of The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this luxurious resort offers the kind of unspoiled nature you’d normally have to sleep in a tent to enjoy. The isolated location of The Sanctuary Beach Resort offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or rolling dunes of seemingly endless sand alive with an amazing array of indigenous plant and wildlife. You can’t go wrong, either choice is simply breathtaking.

What’s to love: Put simply, raw nature. With the Marine Sanctuary just steps away, you’re surrounded by wilderness while being spoiled rotten by amenities.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort just off the coast of Charleston, SC

The Sanctuary

This five star resort hotel built in 2004 is designed to be reminiscent of an elegant seaside mansion, and to fit into the landscape as if it has been in place for hundreds of years. Sweeping, Gone With the Wind staircases dominate the expansive lobby, beautifully decorated in traditional southern décor accented by antiques, lending a homey feeling of casual elegance.

What’s to love: Gorgeous, oceanfront golf. Golf Digest ranks The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort at number 25 on it’s list of 100 Greatest U.S. Golf Courses and number 4 on the Best Public Course list.

The Wyndham Hotel Galvez in Galveston, TX

Tropical pool at The Wyndham Hotel Galvez

Recently restored to its full glory, the glamorous Wyndham Hotel Galvez dates back nearly 100 years. Dubbed the “Queen of the Gulf” when it first opened in 1911, the hotel was frequented by celebrities and public figures like Teddy Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra and the enigmatic Howard Hughes.

What’s to love: Aside from rich historical background, the incredible tropical pool complete with swim up bar is a sight to behold.

The Victorian at the Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, ME

Beachmere Inn

This beautifully restored Victorian mansion built in the late 1800s was once a private residence. Comfortable, affordable rooms decorated in Shaker style and soothing seaside color overlook a panoramic view of the beach below.

What’s to love: Wood burning fireplaces in some of the suite-style rooms for cozy evenings in.

The Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, HI

View from The Turtle Bay Resort

Forty-five minutes away from the high density overpopulation of Honolulu, the Turtle Bay Resort is an oasis of tranquility on nearly five miles of dazzling white sand beaches. Because of its unique construction, every room in the resort has a spectacular ocean view.

What’s to love: Surfing! The Oahu shoreline is home to legendary surfing spots including the Banzai Pipeline.

You might have guessed that I’m not a huge fan of cookie-cutter chain hotels. I look for unique factors that will make my beach vacation memorable. Fortunately it’s not that hard to find a hotel full of charm, grace and elegance. They key is to break away from the familiar and search for the original.

Tom Cruise with Suri in Hollywood

Lots of celeb spottings at the Mondrian in West Hollywood, California, that’s for sure. That’s because it’s a luxury hotel with all the trimmings, not to mention some of the hottest spots in Hollywood. Lindsay Lohan? Check. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes? Check. Britney, Leonardo, Jewel, and other one-name stars? Check, check, check. They’ve all been seen at the Mondrian.

It’s tough to grab a table at the Mondrian’s Asia de Cuba restaurant, or a spot in the Skybar, but if you’re looking to be treated like a star (and see some, too), then I think you’ll really dig it. Exquisite details permeate every room, whether it’s the 30-foot mahogany doors, the plush lobby, the fine Egyptian linens, or the breathtaking scenic views from the Balcony Suites. It’s art deco at its best.

Luxury pool at the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood, California

Surprisingly, the Mondrian is also (relatively) reasonable in price, too. If you’re looking for a standard room, they start around $295 a night. Balcony Suites are under $500 a night, and the deluxe Apartments are – wait for it – $2,500 a night. But hey, we’re talking lap of luxury here. Wet bars, double rainfall showers, lovely flat-screen HDTVs, even 24-hour room service. Even now as I write this, I’m imagining myself getting a 90-minute massage in my room, while girls fan me and feed me grapes. *sigh*

The suites at the Mondrian hotel in West Hollywood are exquisite

If you’re going to rub elbows with people like Kevin Spacey and Hugh Grant, you’re going to pay the price. But it’s unlikely that the Mondrian will disappoint. And if you’re lucky, the paparazzi may see you outside and accidentally think you’re Somebody. What? It could happen!

Nearby Restaurants: Katana, BOA Steakhouse, Koi, and the O-Bar

Singer Jewel spotted near the Mondrian in West Hollywood

Photos: Daylife.com, Mondrian hotel web site

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.

Do you have several thousand dollars lying around to spend on an extravagant night of pampering?  Me neither.  But someone in the United States is enjoying the life of luxury.

Here’s where they’re doing it…

10 Most Luxurious Hotels in the US

Enjoy everything from camping to beachfront property at the nation’s top luxury hotels.

1. Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at Palms in Las Vegas

The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has built a reputation as the decadent playground for celebrities in Las.  At $40,000 a night, their Hugh Hefner Sky Villa provides the ultimate luxury for playboys and playgirls alike.  Or, for a mere $4,000 per night, you can connect with your inner child in the Barbie Suite.

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, CA

The Peninsula Beverly Hills (image courtesy of The Peninsula Hotel Group)

Naturally, one of the world’s most luxurious cities needs a place for the visiting Pretty People to lay their head.  The Peninsula Beverly Hills property offers simple luxuries – like complimentary wireless internet and private poolside cabanas.  Of course, Pretty People shouldn’t be expected to rely on front doors – which is why several of the rooms here come with private entrances and guaranteed “discretion”.

3. Halekulani – Honolulu, HI

Halekulani in Honolulu Hawaii - the Vera Wang suite

I suspect everything in Hawaii feels luxurious.  But if you want to step it up a notch, pick a hotel whose name means “house befitting heaven”.  You can go big with an ocean view suite, or settle for a basic room at the Halekulani for just a little over $400 per night.

4. The Peninsula Chicago – Chicago, IL

Private rooftop terrace at Peninsula Chicago

The most luxurious street in Chicago is Michigan Avenue, and The Peninsula Chicago is located in the heart of the famed Magnificent Mile.  The hotel’s restaurants and bars provide gourmet dining and a chance to rub elbows with Chicago’s elite.

5. The Peninsula New York – New York, NY

A dining room inside a hotel room at The Peninsula New York

Are you getting the impression that The Peninsula Hotel Group specializes in luxury hotels for the privileged masses?  The New York property is no exception.  Everything about this hotel says luxury – from it’s prime 5th Avenue location and glass enclosed rooftop pool, to the oversized rooms (unheard of in Manhattan) and 450-count linens.

6. Mandarin Oriental – New York New York, NY

Mandarin Oriental and Central Park in New York City

A suite with a connected room at the Mandarin Oriental will cost you about $3,000 per night.  What you’ll get for the money is the opportunity to enjoy sweeping views of Central Park, 5-star customer service, and access to a world-class spa and fitness center.

7. Four Seasons New York New York, NY

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons New York

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so it’s no wonder that it’s home to so many luxury hotels.  And it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Four Seasons.  Guests who stay in the Ty Warner Penthouse will pay $34,000 a night to enjoy a view from the top of the city as well as a personal trainer, butler, therapist and a private chauffeur.  Of course, a chauffeur isn’t much use without a car – so the hotel throws in unlimited use of either a Rolls Royce or Mercedes Maybach.

8. The Setai – Miami Beach, FL

The Setai - Miami Beach, FL

The Setai is located in Miami’s famed South Beach district and offers privileged sun worshipers luxury on the beach.  The Setai is a favorite destination for celebrities visiting South Beach.  An ocean front suite will run you about $2,400 per night.  Throw in “complimentary breakfast” and you’ll spend $3100.  I assume the eggs are magnificent.

9. The Point – Lake Placid (roughly), New York.

The Point - former Great Camp of the Rockefellers

Guests of The Point enjoy luxury before they even arrive in the form of a ride from a private jet.  If you’d prefer to drive, you’ll need to wait until you’ve paid for your stay to receive directions to this exclusive hideaway.  The Point was originally built as a Great Camp for the Rockefeller family – and it retains that prestige and opulence to this day.

10. Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Need a break from home but can’t bear to live without the familiarity of a full staff?  Then the Mansion at MGM Grand is the perfect hotel for you.  Enjoy celebrity neighbors, personal butlers, and an indoor swimming pool while you’re being pampered in the lap of luxury.  Oh – and leave behind $5,000 for the night when you go.

What are the odds I can save some money by booking one of these hotels on Priceline?