Category: Destinations

My husband and I decided kind of last minute to road trip it up to Philly for the weekend. We wanted to go and see some antiques in nearby Bucks County. I got on AAA’s site and booked us a rate of $149 per night at my favorite downtown boutique hotel, the Palomar (left). Home of truffled popcorn, creative cocktails and Ben Franklin dressed like a biker. Yup in the lobby they have 3 Franklin busts all sporting different stars and stripes bandanas.  You’ve gotta love Kimpton properties, they do cheeky so well.

When we checked in I uttered the magic twitter word for July, “Flip Flops” and was treated to free cocktails.  Genius!

It was 86 degrees and sultry out today, so I’m dreaming of someplace cool.  The other side of the world even.  In my search for revivification I stumbled upon the Indigo Patagonia hotel.  It is like the photographic equivalent of sticking my head in the freezer.  Located in Port Natales, Chile it overlooks a beautiful lake.  You can take a glacial cruise, kayak the fjords or do what I’d do just chill in the spa.  Unfortunately the one thing you can’t do is post any of their photos, so I’m just going to have to leave this one to your imaginations.  Enjoy!

How about a boutique hotel on a charmingly natural island?  I’ve seen a few great airfare deals come by recently to Hawaii, so it’s back on my radar again.  A great place for families or couples planning honeymoons.  It’s also a hikers paradise.  The Koa Kea Hotel Resort above makes a great respite from your day-to-day.  Explore Kaua’i by boat, bike or foot then return to this oasis of plush comfort to refresh and relax at the end of your day.  The sunsets are amazing.  Even better with a tropical drink in hand.

This week I’m desperately trying to find an affordable hotel in New York City.  You see there is an exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum that has peaked my interest.  Color Moves: Art and Fasion by Sonia Delauney opened on March 18th and runs through June 5th this year.  I’ve had the opportunity to see her and her husband’s work before and I love their abstract use of color.  This exhibit also includes clothing, textiles, even theatre designs.  It’s a broad range of work and from the website looks well worth the $15 admission.  If you’re anywhere near Manhattan, don’t miss it!

Jalisco is a destination that’s been on my radar for a couple of years now.  I’d love to go and follow the tequila trail, “searching for my lost shaker of salt”.  But if I were staying at the gorgeously modern Demetria Hotel it might just be worth staying sober.  I love the uber chic peekaboo glass and rich wood architecture.  Can you just imagine what the view from that pool deck is like?  I can just see myself sunning on the deck with a cocktail in one hand and an iPad in the other.  They even have an on site art gallery.  What more could you ask?

I should really call this, “Where shall I go…Big money edition”.  My husband and I are trying to plan a getaway this year to Charleston, South Carolina.  The thing I’m finding though, and it is so frustrating for a travel planner, is that all of the hotels and historical inns are wildly overpriced.  Case in point, The Restoration on King (above).  It’s gorgeous, newly opened and everything I’d want in a hotel.  Great location, boutique attitude, it’s even got my favorite amenity, the rooftop bar.  I’d love to stay there, but the $379 to $724 a night rate makes me feel like I’m asking to stay at the Taj Mahal.  Hotels in New York don’t cost this much people.  So what is the deal?  I know Charleston is cool.  That’s why I want to go there, but I’m not going to do it at this price point.  Just saying.

With the time change having happened this past weekend our days are getting longer and we’re ready to play.  It also means that the Spring Equinox is coming fast.  In fact it’s March 21st.  I personally have always dreamed of experiencing it at an ancient site.  Chichen Itza in Mexico is a perfect place for that.  It’s stunning on it’s own, but there’s something magical about the thought that you are experiencing the equinox as an Aztec warrior would have.  I can’t think of a better way to bring in Spring.

When I say Asbury Park what do you think of?  Old Springsteen songs?  Jersey Shore episodes?  Most people do.  What you wouldn’t immediately call to mind is hip, boutique hotels.  Ah but they are there.  I got an e-mail just last week about a funky little place, The Berkely Oceanfont Hotel.  My best description is a mash up.  Part Standard Hotel, part Versailles.  It’s a beautiful wedding venue, but without the stuffy rooms and tired lobby.  Think of it as the perfect blend of casual and elegant.

Vegas.  When is it not a hot destination?  Never.  But while they’ve lost the Liberace Museum, they’ve gained a couple of new museums dedicated to the Mob.  Yes on March 1st The Mob Experience is debuting at the Tropicana. The hotel is famous as a hang out for made men.  Now it’s home to interactive exhibits that include life sized holograms of famous mobsters.  The Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (or Mob Museum for short) is still under construction, but is aiming for a December opening.  If you’re interested in Vegas’ shadier side, this is the perfect time to plan a visit.  Just remember, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.  If you can’t keep your yap shut, you may find yourself wearing a pair of cement galoshes.

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime museum experience, book a trip to London.  The British Museum is featuring an exhibit starting March 3rd called Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World.  The major draw here, at least in my opinion, is the fabled Afghan gold.  That’s right the treasures hidden during Taliban rule and saved from the years of civil war.  You will be stunned by the delicate craftsmanship that brings these pieces to life.  They truly are uniquely beautiful, so don’t miss the opportunity to view them while you can!