OVERVIEW of 1770 House
1770 House is a magnificently restored 200 year old white clapboard inn with black shutters, a white picket fence and lush gardens located in the heart of all the activity in East Hampton. An acclaimed restaurant, a cozy pub and luxurious rooms make this a very special weekend retreat.
The lobby area is wood paneled with a warming fireplace and comfortable antique chairs and couches. The downstairs pub has a bar and dining area with wood beamed ceilings and partially brick walls and the upstairs dining room is luxurious in beige and brown tones, wood beamed ceilings and a fireplace.
THE ROOMS at 1770 House
Rooms are appointed with period antiques, some with fireplaces and private entrances. All are air-conditioned and have flat screen TV’s. Beds have super soft Frette linens and plump duvets.
My favorite room is #4, with its own private entrance, fireplace, views to the side garden and Main Street, a separate study/dressing room, wood beamed ceilings and one of the most comfortable and luxurious beds I have ever slept in. The bathroom had reproduction bath fixtures, Molton Brown bath products and a killer shower with a pulsating/massaging shower head. Simple touches like Fuji water and fresh fruit, a simple, easy to use alarm clock, terry robes and a washcloth embroidered make-up help make this a very comfortable place to stay.
DINING at 1770 House
The restaurant is one of the most popular in the Hamptons and the casual Tavern is perfect when you just want something quick and easy. The restaurant is reviewed in our dining section.
RATES at 1770 House
From $925 Peak Season weekend.
WHAT OTHERS SAY About 1770 House
Wine Spectator Award Winning List
For sheer luxury, East Hampton’s 1770 House is tough to beat some of the eight guest rooms have fireplaces, and all have private baths. New York Magazine
PROMOTIONS at 1770 House
Click here for this property’s promotions
THE ROOMS at Allison Inn
foraged mushrooms, natural jus, spring herbs; Green garlic soup: smoked salt spring mussels, garlic chives, pickled shallots, crème fraîche; Pan roasted rack of lamb: lamb bacon, chickpea salad, cucumbers, yogurt mint dressing, zhug; Grilled heritage pork loin: Peruvian purple potato, pork belly confit agrodolce, shallot vinaigrette; Dark chocolate-pinot noir cake: cocoa nib granola, vanilla bean ice cream, espresso sauce; Berry pudding crumble: vanilla brioche custard, almond streusel crunch, Jory garden honey.
want my hotel to be like if I owned one. This place has personality in an age of minimalist and sterile accommodations. It reminds me of the charming Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Since purchasing the property in 1972, Ted Conklin has lovingly restored and maintained this little gem while building its reputation for great food and wine. A favorite of celebrities in the know whatever the season.
After dinner, take a stroll through the delightful little village and stop in one of the pubs for an after dinner drink. The perfect end to a day in the Hamptons.
Rooms feature ergonomic work space, a Keurig coffeemaker, free Wi-Fi and a minibar with welcome snacks and beverages on the house. Room options range from standard rooms at 310 sq feet to the Tower Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of downtown Napa, dual sided fireplace and retractable glass walls that open to your private balcony. The suite is just shy of 1000 sq feet.
parfaits to the completely indulgent stuffed baguette French toast to cage-free egg preparations served with traditional accompaniments.
and loved it. They are very well done with service and amenities seen more often in hotels a class or two higher. Best of all they are very reasonably priced. Here we were greeted with a welcome cocktail, escorted to our room, asked which newspaper we would like in the morning and told there were complimentary drinks and snacks in the mini bar. The hotel is ideally located downtown, is pet-friendly
an MP3 docking station, alarm clock, radio and sound machine. There is a mini bar with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and complimentary sweet and salty snack.
Southern made from locally grown produce and sustainable ingredients. Enjoy items like Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Deviled Eggs, Kurobuta Pork Chops, Truffled Shrimp & Grits and more.
named after the county of his wife’s birthplace in Ireland. The property changed hands many times over the years and much of the original land was sold off until 1987 when the current owners, the Molletts, purchased the home and its adjacent outbuildings. Following extensive and complete renovations, the home was opened as a four bedroom inn in the fall of 1988. Since then, the Molletts have renovated the outbuildings, expanded the number of rooms at the 24-acre site to 40 in its eleven outbuildings and have added an adjacent ballroom capable of serving 250.
worry – a wooden step stool rests near the bed), and a working, wood-burning fireplace – quite romantic, indeed. After dinner, we were rewarded with possibly the most comfortable and relaxing night’s sleep either of us has experienced!
explore the Pickwick Pub about which we’d heard stellar praise. We weren’t disappointed. It’s just about the coziest place on the planet featuring a roaring fireplace, a lovely, well-stocked bar (specializing in Scottish single malt whiskies), tartan wall coverings and tremendous hospitality.
pear and grapefruit. It was the perfect choice for our country baked oysters and artichoke with bacon & Parmesan cream starters. For our entrée, Mr. Ayrom suggested Silkwood, Red Duet (NV) a delightful 50/50 combination of cabernet sauvignon and syrah from Stanislaus County, in Modesto, California. It was truly delicious and a solid partner with the venison and veal entrees. Dinner service ended with a delectable and outsized Panache of Chef’s desserts. No calorie counting here!
Baker House 1650
green, with a king sized bed, love seat and ottoman, fireplace and Jacuzzi tub and Room #14, also overlooking the green, with dark walls, beamed ceilings, a queen bed, fireplace and claw footed tub. Other amenities include television, a sound machine, down comforters, big thick towels and L’Occitane toiletries.
to an honor bar. Have what you like and just write it down on a pad. Liquor, beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks and snacks are available 24 hours a day.
The wonderfully restored 1838 
covered hardwood floors, local art adorned the walls and there was a club chair and ottoman next to the fireplace. My High Boy 4 poster king bed was so luxurious, it enveloped me when I laid down in it. An antique armoire and dresser completed the elegant décor.
in the same room, the Garden or the Bar, where an intimate table for two is reserved for you. Mid-day brings fresh lemonade and sweet iced tea. High tea is served at 4pm and cocktails and hors d’ouevres at 6pm in the Bar. The day ends with complimentary port or brandy.
became a hub for the creative community and enjoyed visits from a diverse group of celebrities and artists like John and Elaine Steinbeck, Paul Newman, Art Garfunkel, Richard Kind, Jackson Pollock, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Truman Capote, George Plimpton, and Kurt Vonnegut and more.
accommodations.
Warm and intimate with cozy seating (wing chairs inside, rocking and Adirondack outside) surround indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
Bang Shrimp, Roasted Organic Raised Roast Chicken, Brandt All Natural Steak Frites and more.
homes, 3 block pedestrian mall and the Cape May Lighthouse. It is a bustling town in the heart of the summer season, but equally as enchanting in the “off-season.”
area. The cottage has three bedrooms, a screened in porch, a gas fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, a patio with gas grill, an outdoor shower and a fantastic cook’s kitchen. Beds are draped in Belgian cotton linens and bathrooms feature Beach Plum bath products inspired by herbs found on the farm
produce, and garden herbs. Dine under the stars, or in their festive hoop house, depending on the weather. They are available weekends throughout the year and on Holidays and Special Occasions. All dinners are BYOB.
When we returned from dinner, there it was… a roaring fire in our firepit.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a bustling seaside resort overflowing with vacationers, but off-season, the pace slows and its real charm shows through. Casually browse the shops in town, stroll the isolated beach, enjoy a fireside drink…..just what you need to recharge the batteries.
with a sitting area, a private balcony, fireplace, two person Jacuzzi and a web bar. The pillow top bed had a rattan style head and foot board, luxury linens and a down comforter and pillows. The marble bath had natural toiletries, plump towels and silky robes. Access to the Club level is by a private elevator and there is a beautiful library with a fireplace, lots of reading material and complimentary drinks and snacks.
Breakfast is the only meal served at the Inn and it is provided by the popular local restaurant Porcini House. The delicious buffet includes fluffy scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, pancakes, oatmeal with vanilla and brown sugar, yogurt, fruit and pastries and muffins. On weekends a chef prepares omelets to order.
even larger. It overlooked the croquet lawn and had two sets of French doors onto two patios. The open floor plan had a sitting area with a couch, coffee table and two chairs. Nearby was a writing desk and across the room a small dining table with two chairs. A large limestone fireplace centered the room. The color palette was soothing beiges and grays, the décor a French country. The wonderful feather bed was dressed in Italian linens with goose down pillows and comforter.
Lucia Restaurant & Bar
Lodge
esteemed Dorchester Group of super luxury hotels. Steeped in history the hotel’s Polo Lounge has been the scene of many Hollywood deals and the intimate bungalows the home of many a celebrity tryst. From WC Fields to Katherine Hepburn to Frank Sinatra and Warren Beatty and the Beatles, the hotel has long been the playground of the rich and famous.
soft duvet. Oversized marble baths offer dual sinks, huge towels, a beautifully deep bathtub and separate shower. 
Garnish, Herb Fries; Tortilla Soup, Grilled Jidori Chicken, Queso Fresco, Green Onion, Avocado, Crispy Tortilla Strips; the McCarthy Salad, Romaine, Grilled Chicken, Organic Eggs, Beets, Tomatoes, Cheddar, Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Balsamic Vinaigrette; the Wagyu Burger, House-Ground Wagyu Chuck, Smoked Blue Cheese, Balsamic Onions, Arugula, Tomato, Chipotle Aioli. Keep in mind you are going here for the “experience.” If you look at the prices you’ll be on the next plane.
sparkling white fences, there’s a dazzling pond and Boathouse at the base of the Main complex hill, a wonderful farmhouse used as the appropriately named Farmhouse Spa and a delightful pavilion set on another pond and used for various functions.
bedroom homes. Interiors are designed by BF Interiors and feature rich fabrics, luxury linens, custom bath products and stunning artwork. All of the rooms are wonderfully comfortable, but the Cottage Suites are about 600 sq feet and have covered porches with rocking chairs, wood burning fireplaces, a King featherbed, large bathrooms with double vanities and a whirlpool bath. Oh my…
from The Barn. Blackberry Farm brings together a rare collection of artisans – the chef, the master gardener, the baker, the cheesemaker, the forager, the butcher, the preservationist, the restaurant manager, the sommelier.
whipped pecans, picked ramps, Marigold syrup, mushrooms and garden greens. And for dessert, Georgia Oil Oil Corn Cake with Spring citrus and Earl Grey.
Rates from $1.045 per night and include room for two, three meals for two per day. Three night minimum
Scotland. Complete with towers, turrets and gargoyles, the grand property served as the family’s summer and fall retreat where they entertained frequently in a lavish style befitting the times. These magnificent properties were the Berkshire’s version of the Newport Mansions and the Great Adirondack Camps.
THE ROOMS at Blantyre
Amandine, Steakk Frites and more. Each night offers a special like Dover Sole on Fridays.
greys adorned with gold and brass accents. The Berkshire dining menu specializes in raclette, fondue, and charcuterie.
In 1834 a waterwheel gristmill was constructed on the property and today many of the materials of the old gristmill; fieldstones, heartwood pine beams, old pine planking and grain bin paneling have been incorporated in the contemporary property design.
artwork and furniture is classically styled. Beds are draped in Garnier-Thiebaut 300 thread count sheets. Many rooms have balconies or patios overlooking the manicured grounds and some have fireplaces. Rooms are equipped with wireless Internet, coffeemakers, cable TV and a writing desk/work station. Pet friendly rooms are available.
late 2018 that cemented its place in the Charlottesville dining scene. Serving all meals including bar snacks like the fantastic Polyface Eggs & Bacon; Kentuckyaki Smoked Pork Belly, Polyface Deviled Eggs and Pickled Onions, the restaurant also has a notable wine list featuring many excellent Virginia wines. Guests can dine in the Main Dining Room with its glass enclosed wine room or outside on the wonderful Terrace overlooking the lake. This restaurant is reviewed in our dining section.
outdoor entertainment arena, it is no wonder the 
Harbor View room that had a huge window overlooking the harbor with spectacular views, a separate sitting area and a large marble bathroom. Very comfortable and immaculate. Turndown includes fresh ice, a bathrobe and slippers laid out on your bed and the radio set to soft music
behind the hotel overlooking the harbor. It’s a wonderful way to spend an evening. Tuesdays feature R&B and soul, Wednesdays, swing music, Thursdays blues and Fridays movies.
On a recent overnight to the New Hope/Lambertville area we enjoyed a wonderful alternative to traditional inns and B&B’s, an absolutely charming little 
Down the hall is a good size bathroom that leads into the bedroom. Wonderfully thick and soft towels, terry robes, fragrant Yardley of London soaps and great shower pressure make this a terrific place to start or end your day. The bedroom has a queen size 4 poster bed with a canopy and luxury linens and dark wooden blinds keep out the morning light.
Ulster County directly across the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie. This delightful property sits on a 75 acre spread on the banks of the Hudson and yes, there really is a “falls” right on the property. Fields of wildflowers and lush gardens dot the property in the summer months. Perched on a hill with sweeping lawns and views of the river and ponds, Buttermilk is an ideal retreat for a romantic getaway for two, for couples traveling together or for a girls’ weekend. The short drive makes it a great Quick Escape, in Saturday am and out Sunday night, but you’ll want to stay longer at this relaxing and utterly charming Inn.
From 3-5 pm the Inn offers a selection of herbal teas with house baked scones and assorted local cheeses as well as homemade sweets like double fudge brownies, macaroons, oatmeal raisin cookies and lavender pound cake.
Just across the Bay from San Francisco is the charming seaside town of Sausilito, filled with wonderful shops, cafes and art galleries. If you want to escape the rigors of a big city, yet be close enough to get there when you want, 
Rooms including the 5,000 square foot Alexandrite Suite located atop the property within the historic Mansion, originally built in 1885. Rooms include pillow-top mattresses, luxury linens, locally sourced organic coffee and in-room coffee maker, marble baths with dual sinks and Bvlgari bath amenities.
herbs directly from the restaurant’s backyard garden. This is a cozy, bustling neighborhood restaurant that would be worthy of a visit even if it was not attached to the hotel. The food is wonderful, the vibe convivial and the wine list is interesting and very reasonably priced. I enjoyed a great Amarone, served by the glass, something you don’t see often.
old building overlook the grounds with the ocean in the distance, are smaller rooms, but have a large deck with lounge chairs and a table with umbrella and chairs. (make sure you specify with the patio or deck when making reservations). The West Wing rooms are larger, with a smaller patio, but look right out onto the ocean. 
The lobby is dark and warm with polished oak walls, beamed ceilings, comfortable chairs, a fireplace and views of the water. The restaurant is among the best in Newport (see our Featured Restaurants)and the bar is a great place for cocktails before dinner
THE RATES at The Castle Hill Inn
Leave it to the government to appropriate a setting so amazing, but that’s what happened at Fort Baker, an army post created in 1866 for the defense of the San Francisco Bay. Located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, the views of the bridge and San Francisco are nothing short of spectacular. In 2002 when it was no longer needed by the military, the base was transferred to the National Park Service, who ultimately leased the property to a hospitality group. The Fort Baker Retreat Group, a project of Passport Resorts, Equity Community Builders and the Ajax Capital Group began the process of converting the 24 buildings into a luxury resort called 
THE ROOMS
purveyors, organic farms and ranches and Bay area artisans, Chef Monique Feybesse crafts a California menu, using local purveyors, that features simple, yet bold, techniques.
I love the two patios set among gardens where you can enjoy coffee and a newspaper in the morning or a good book at any time. There’s also comfortable seating on the veranda places to enjoy a private breakfast if you don’t feel like joining other guests at the communal kitchen tables. Single travelers will be as comfortable here as couples.
Christy Renaissance Egyptian Cotton Towels, triple sheeted king or queen beds, Egyptian cotton robes, feather or down pillows and Molton Brown toiletries (a favorite of ours). The beds are super comfortable
and snacks are set out in the living room and on the veranda throughout the day. You’ll find a beach bag with towels hanging on your door. The Inn has WiFi throughout, but just in case, there’s terminal on each floor. All day, every day, you’ll find hot coffee and tea available in the alcove off the kitchen, and some sort of fresh baked goodies set out in the parlor from cookies to macaroons to cinnamon swirls. There is a huge collection of DVD’s also available in the parlor, along with extra beach towels and a library of books spread thorough out the house (inside, outside, guest rooms, hallways and sitting rooms) that rivals any we’ve seen.
This is a magnificent inn with museum quality antiques and oil paintings that still manages to be one of the most comfortable places I have ever stayed. The owners, Gery and Paula Conover have created and maintained one of the most glorious inns I have ever encountered. The attention to detail is extraordinary. Unobtrusive staff members are constantly trimming bushes, clipping dead flowers, sweeping sidewalks and polishing brass railings.
I read, I dozed, I read, and I dozed. The only sound I heard was the fountain in the gold fish pond.
feature an antique desk and chair, a baby grand piano, a fireplace with two very comfortable club chairs on either side, book shelves, a dressing table with sterling silver brushes, combs and mirrors, oil paintings, a table with a sterling wine bucket and two decanters, one scotch and one gin, sterling silver vases with fresh flower bouquets, a Bose radio and plasma TV, Bvlgari toiletries, a 4 poster queen bed, brass lamps and colors of hunter green and burgundy. High quality linens on a feather bed made for a wonderful sleep. Wow!
used. They even think to provide q-tips, cotton swabs and feminine products. Oh yes, the bathroom glasses are cut crystal.
visit the area. They raised the bar even higher a few years ago with their departure from the “Victorian and wicker” decor that characterizes so many places at the Shore.
chairs. Plump pillow top beds are covered in luxurious 300 count linens. Artwork is a blend of local, historical and colorful modern and Impressionist styles. Tin ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, paddle fans, potted palms and sea grass and mahogany blinds complete an elegant “Tommy Bahama” kind of feel. Marble bathrooms feature Aveda toiletries and many have Jacuzzis and/or soaking tubs. Flat screen TV’s, DVD’s, wireless Internet access and refrigerated wet bars head the list of other amenities.
overlooking the Lake. Suites and Parlors have sleep sodas so are ideal when traveling with children.
finger. Its year round population of 200,000+ explodes in the summer as Bostonians seek to escape the city and New Englanders flock to the beaches.
and the restaurant refurbished and refreshed.
themed décor and have flat screen TV s, Bose Wave radios, luxury linens, L’Occitane bath amenities, Nespresso coffeemakers and wireless internet access. Premier rooms and suites have decks or balconies overlooking the harbor and ocean.
STARS, is a premium steakhouse, which is so good that it has become a destination on its own. With custom chandeliers, massive columns, a fireplace and fantastic views, the setting couldn’t be more conducive to a great meal. Serving mid-western grain fed and dry aged beef and local ingredients and produce from the Inn’s own farm, STARS has earned the AAA Four Diamond Award. The service is extraordinary and the menu distinctive enough to set it apart of other steakhouses. Start with the raw bar (the line ginger relish with the local oysters is fantastic) or the sashimi of tuna and hamachi served with chilled Himalayan salt rock and hot river rock, pickled scallion, ponzu gel and ginger vinaigrette. While they’ll custom cut your grain fed beef at the table, opt for the dry aged beef, it is so much more flavorful. You can choose from 5 different sauces and select one side..the pale ale battered onion rings were amazing. Wines are served from an open wine cellar displayed on tables in the dining room. The selection is worthy of a good steakhouse and the pricing is reasonable. Leave room for dessert..there are great choices.
Chatham Inn
Bathroom with overhead rain shower and body jets, a King bed with luxury linens, pillows and duvets by Matouk, a wood burning fireplace, wet bar with refrigerator, comfortable seating area, and an outdoor balcony with bistro table and chairs. Bathrooms feature Bulgari bath amenities and Frette towels.All of rooms feature a beige color palette, hardwood floors with area rugs, contemporary furniture and include a flatscreen television with DirecTV, USB charging stations and complimentary WiFi.
Colicchio’s Craft, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, and the Michelin 3-Star Jean-Georges; the Forbes 5-star Peninsula Hotel in New York City, and the renowned Mayflower Inn Relais & Châteaux.
check-in, which was swift and easy. When we returned to our room after dinner, it had been refreshed and prepared for the night. Another amenity we haven’t seen in a few years.
Perched on a hill overlooking a pond in the front and a field of wildflowers in the back, 
floral draperies, traditional furniture and antiques, the room was both elegant and intimate. A wonderful Temperpedic bed with luxury linens guaranteed a great sleep and in the morning a personal Keurig machine helped start the day with a great cup of coffee. The bath had a huge two person Jacuzzi, a stall shower and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. A good sized deck looked out over an open field which I was told is filled with wildflowers in the summer.
meadow and is a wonderfully intimate setting for dinner. Under the direction of Chef Bob Nabstedt, the menu is innovative, well prepared and quite good. It features fresh fish from Boston, local game and herbs from their own gardens. I started with a roasted butternut squash ravioli with a balsamic brown butter, toasted hazelnuts and shaved Parmesan that I didn’t want to end. I really wanted to order the braised bison short ribs with a zinfandel and roasted shallot reduction sauce, but opted for the healthier sesame encrusted Atlantic swordfish with a bourbon, ginger and soy glaze and wasn’t disappointed in the least. A pumpkin creme brulee ended a great meal.
is well trained and gracious, the grounds are meticulously maintained and the rooms are comfortable and in pristine condition. Your favorite pet is welcome and the Inn has set aside six rooms for your canine traveler.
The location right on the beach is spectacular and is only a short 15 minute walk to town. The Beach Club rooms, which I prefer, are set at an angle so that each enjoys delightful views of the beach and Sound beyond. There’s something wonderful about falling asleep with the moon on the water outside your room and waking to the sun rising over the beach. The best rooms are the ones directly facing the Sound with a private deck that opens right onto the beach.
bright and cheerful. Bed and bath linens are very good quality and we slept wonderfully on a plump and comfortable bed.
What makes this place special is the feeling of tranquility you get here. Whether you are sitting in the Adirondack chairs in the Pavilion looking at the Sound, lounging on a beach chair or strolling the waterline, the rest of the world seems far away. Add cocktails at sunset and dinner at The Galley and you’ve got just about as good a day as you will find anywhere.
The walls of the public spaces are covered with an amazing collection of over 100 works of art, all by Ms. Turner. Even more incredible is that the subject of this art is Ms. Turner herself!
DINING at The Cliffside Inn
One of the fun things about what we do is finding those undiscovered places that didn’t show up in any of our research. Such is the case of the marvelous 
The Master was decorated in pale yellow with blues and greens, had a 4 poster iron bed sheer curtains surrounding it. The furniture was a casual rattan (ala Tommy Bahama). The other bedroom, also done in pale colors had two full size beds and its own bath as well. The beds are luxurious pillowtops with high count linens and embroidered with a “B”. Bathrooms are large, equipped with Molton Brown toiletries, Frette robes and towels. The Master also has a jacuzzi for two.
THE SERVICE at the Cottages on Charleston Harbor
Provincetown or “P-Town” as it is affectionately called by locals and fans sits at the northern tip of Cape Cod, bordered on three sides by the Atlantic. Its history goes back nearly 400 years…this is where the Mayflower actually landed and the Mayflower Compact signed. Today, it is a thriving colony of artists and writers and maybe the world’s most popular gay and lesbian resort. There are about 3,000 year round residents and the population explodes to nearly 60,000 in the summer. While the gay population may dissuade some from visiting, they would be missing a lot. This is a delightful town with exceptional art galleries, wonderful restaurants and bars, amazing beaches, spectacular sunrises and sunsets….and maybe the world’s best people watching!
reproductions and comfortable chairs and reading lamps. Premium mattresses are draped in 450 thread count linens and down pillows and comforters. Many rooms have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and private decks. All rooms are equipped with flat screen TV’s, DVD players and Keurig coffeemakers.
The wine list has some 125 wines and 4,000 bottles and an excellent by the glass selection. All the major regions are represented and pricing is very reasonable. Try the delicious Shea Pinot Noir from Oregon.
accessible from NYC, New Jersey, New England and even Philadelphia. Waterfront rooms and great dining make this a wonderful weekend escape.
Start at the bar and try one of the Seven Deadly Virtues cocktails and if you are lucky the delightful Louie will be behind the bar. He will end up being part of the evening’s enjoyment.
fireplaces roaring, pine paneled walls and welcome hosts. While it was a comfortable place to stay, it had not kept up with the amenities travelers have come to expect.
antiques and sophisticated accessories with a “mountain: theme. All have flat screen TV’s, heated bathroom floors, glass walk-in showers, plump beds with luxury linens and oh-so-soft bath towels. Most have either wood burning or gas fireplaces and some have soaking tubs and separate seating areas.
co-founder of Sumptuous Syrups. Horrigan can mix up a classic cocktail or one of his own concoctions, neither of which will disappoint. Try his margarita!
The marble lobby of this elegant and luxurious hotel is small and intimate and check-in at the antique desk is quick and efficient. The staff is friendly and engaging and quick to hail a taxi or offer directions. The acclaimed Uni Restaurant is one of the city’s most popular Japanese restaurants and sushi bars.
My favorite room is #704. Large windows, that actually open, provide sweeping views down Commonwealth Ave. and Massachusetts Ave. This spacious suite is a great place to come home to at the end of the day or evening.
OTHER Things at the Eliot Hotel
Traveling to a major city for a weekend can be very expensive. So it was with a sense of utter joy that we recently found a marvelous B&B, the 
the original brick walls. Beds are super comfortable with luxury linens and plump pillows. Windows actually open to let in the fresh air. Each room has a completely modern private bath with a stand-up shower, fluffy towels and high end toiletries. Rooms have a wireless network and phones with message and wake-up capabilities.
capers, a platter of assorted cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, orange juice, and a selection of coffees and teas. The signature dish is a delicious fresh fruit salad, which includes at least a dozen kinds of fruit every day. In nice weather you can enjoy breakfast on the rear patio.
Wynn and Encore
sheets. Bedside console charges your phone and controls lights, draperies and suite privacy. Large bathroom has an oversize marble bathtub and a separate glass enclosed shower.
OVERVIEW of Estancia La Jolla
THE ROOMS at Estancia La Jolla
THE SERVICE at Estancia La Jolla
old bottle of water for the road. All in all, it was a very pleasant experience.
OVERVIEW of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
rooms, 31 suites, a pair of Presidential suites and three bedroom villas.
Wine Spectator Grand Award winner. La Salon offers cocktails and small plates, but you will not want to miss the 4 course dinner in the Addison Rotunda.
Grand Del Mar resort, where chef William Bradley puts out 
For over 200 years the Fearrington property, located in the beautiful countryside between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill in North Carolina was a working farm, passing from generation to generation until it was purchased by RB and Jenny Fitch in 1974. Today, the property includes homes, specialty shops and a market along with the Inn and restaurant.
or quick breakfast or lunch and has a great selection of sandwiches and salads for a picnic. You can also pick up a bottle of wine for your room and there are some excellent choices at very reasonable prices. 
restaurant is decorated with interesting antiques and local art. Tables are classically set with white linens adorned with fresh flowers in small silver vases and candles in cut glass Waterford globes.
We were dining one evening with my wife’s cousin, so I asked our server to have a cheese plate sent over to our suite to go with a bottle of wine I purchased that afternoon at the Belted Goat. When we arrived in the room, 3 glasses were set out with napkins and silverware on the coffee table in the living room. The wine was in an ice bucket and a wonderful cheese course was waiting to be enjoyed. As I always say, the difference between good and great is in the details.
Just outside the Sante Fe city limits, 
the dessert with splashes of brown, gold and rust, the sense is of a kind of rustic elegance. Original local artwork adds color and wood burning Kiva fireplaces add warmth. Beds are draped in luxury Italian linens and down comforters. Marble bathrooms are huge with radiant heated floors, soaking tubs and separate showers. All have private outdoor terraces. Custom blended bath products reflect the scents of the desert with aromas of sage, lavender and rosemary.
blue corn pancakes and green chile sausage at breakfast; Rubin’s Tortilla soup and a lamb quesadilla with jalapeno jelly at lunch and cumin roasted pheasant with mountain morels, fiddlehead ferns, new potatoes and kumquat relish at dinner.
THE RATES: From $1063 Peak Season Weekend
Georgetown is my favorite part of the City with its quaint boutiques, bistros, bars and particularly the C&O Canal whose tow path is a great place to walk or run. 
and the marble bathroom was huge and had one of the best showers we have encountered in our travels. As with most great places, it is the details that set it apart of others. The bathroom was equipped with any toilet articles you may have forgotten; razor, deodorant, nail products, even collar stays. Plush robes with collars hung in a walk-in closet. Bottled water was left on the nightstand at turn down. A writing desk had a stapler, paper clips and a ruler.
DINING at the Four Seasons Washington DC
Room, where you can enjoy a massage, steam and whirlpool in total privacy.
Four Seasons hotels are among the finest in the country. Their design, service level and amenities are matched by few other hotel chains. While the hotels can be very expensive in places like NYC, sometimes, like in Las Vegas, you get an incredible value for this level of lodging.
to ceiling windows look out on the Strip or the mountains in the distance. Beige and gray serve as the background palette and splashes of bold colors are introduced in artwork, furniture and accent walls. Beds are draped with plush mattress toppers, down pillows and duvets. Marble baths feature L’Occtaine bath amenities, plush towels and a killer shower you won’t want to leave. Coffee and tea service, a mini bar and daily newspapers complete the list of amenities.
Palmer, has created 
skewers at the pool to the complimentary car service to another hotel, your comfort is paramount. Staff is friendly and engaging and you always feel it is genuine.
Just steps away from the popular Union Square shopping area of downtown San Francisco lies the inimitable 
shades of grey, blue and white. The functional yet beautiful office furniture adorning each room was designed by renowned architect Herman Miller. If you are a connoisseur of hotels bathrooms, then you won’t be disappointed here. A large bathtub, a separate glass enclosed shower, a large marble vanity area and L’Occitane toiletries make this a delightful experience.
is
THE RATES: From $525 Peak Season Weekend
Conveniently located downtown, within walking distance to everything, The 
THE ROOMS at Francis Malbone Inn
A full gourmet breakfast is served in the dining room, or you can sit on the enclosed courtyard amidst the gardens. Their signature buffet consists of an array of croissants, muffins, fruit parfaits, granola, fruit crisps, coffee, and juices. They serve a choice of two main courses accompanied by either smoked bacon or sausage.
Market Square in the heart of the historic district. Up the maghogany railed stairway from the
suite, so that’s the way to go. They are spacious and have a separate sitting area. Decorated in light colors with dark patterned carpeting, they are a picture of simple elegance. Be sure to ask for one with a fireplace, Jacuzzi and balcony, not all have these amenities.
Dried Fruits in Mustard Syrup; A Free Bird Farms Free-Range Chicken Breast with Butternut Squash Risotto, Sugar Snap Peas and a sage Sage Beurre Blanc; Glasbern Raised Beef Meatloaf: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato, Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots and House-Made BBQ Glaze; Glasbern Flourless Chocolate Cake: Kreider Farms Chocolate Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce,
THE RATES at Glasbern Country Inn
everyone about it. Such is the case of 
showers, claw foot tubs, IPads, private porches and more.
With just two tables, the Hunt Room was intimate and private. Dinner features five c
the morning.
OVERVIEW of Glenmere Mansion
room anchored by two fireplaces with views out over the terrace is ideal for pre and post dinner cocktails. Noted interior designed Scott Snyder has masterfully blended the old with the new to capture the glories of the past with today’s edgier, more contemporary look.
shower that converted to a steam room and La Bottega toiletries with a custom scent created by noted Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto. There was a love seat and coffee table at the bottom of the bed and two club chairs facing each other next to the fireplace. When the lights went down at night, a soft blue light under the bed gave just enough light to see your way around in the dark…very cool. If ever there was a room you didn’t want to leave, this is it.
Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
activities in the area. The hotel is a wonderful and warm European style boutique hotel steeped in history, but perfectly suited to these modern times. Opened in 1913, the hotel has gone through numerous iterations over the years. At one point the pharmacist at the drugstore next to the hotel was the father of actor Gregory Peck who grew up in La Jolla before heading to Hollywood for fame and fortune. In the 40’s the Colonial was a temporary home to some of Hollywood’s up and coming stars who were performing at the La Jolla Playhouse, founded by Peck. Charlton Heston, Dorothy McGuire, Groucho Marx, Jane Wyatt, Eve Arden, Pat O’Brien, David Niven and many other celebrities occupied the hotel well into the late 1950s.
breezes. Amenities include; free high-speed Internet access; HD TVs with full HD channel lineup including HBO; Keurig single serving coffee makers; complimentary in-room bottled water; twice daily housekeeping service including evening turn-down service; goose down comforters; Serta iComfort Eurotop mattresses; complimentary access to Digital News Service; convenience charging outlets at nightstand and desk; speakerphone and cordless phone; ceiling fans; Gilchrist & Soames bath and body products; plush bathrobes; iron and ironing board; daily laundry valet service; and room service from NINE-TEN Restaurant.
award-winning chef Jason Knibb and where guests can enjoy the best from local artisan farmers and local fish selections and items arriving daily from Hawaii and the North Pacific and Atlantic regions.
Mountain Road has been welcoming guests to this year round country inn. With 104 antique filled rooms and suites, the Inn has a complete list of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, health club and pool. Yet with all these modern conveniences, it is still able to retain its charm as a Vermont country inn. The cozy living room with bookcases, dark red walls and comfortable chairs around the fireplace is just what you thought a Vermont Inn would look like.
the living area set a wonderfully romantic mood. Add a complimentary bottle of wine, a thoughtful piano concerto CD and thick terry robes and you’ve got the start to a great evening.
The Whip Bar & Grill is a dark, wood paneled room with booths and decorated with antique buggy whips. It is one of my favorite places in town for lunch, brunch or an afternoon drink.
few other places. The small sign marking the entry is indicative of the hotel itself…unobtrusive and unpretentious. The lobby foyer is small, but opens to a bright room with soaring ceilings, seating nooks set with couches and chairs…walls graced by artwork by one of the owners, Robert DeNiro.
true, but it seems that every time there was a construction or design decision they opted for the unique or charming over the normal and mundane. The door locking system is one I have never seen, the antique bathroom fixtures are Leroy Brooks Limited of England, the glass doors to the shower and toilet have panes in them creating the look of leaded glass, the beds, adorned with luxury linens are Dux beds. The rainfall showers have amazing pressure, the oversized towels are actually soft, room snacks (except alcohol) are complimentary, there’s a jar of candies on the book shelf and the list goes on.
charming, laid back Italian restaurant with a delicious rustic country menu of antipastas, homemade pastas and grilled meats and fish. Wonderful wine list.
yourself remembering the drinks by the fire or coffee in the garden or the wonderful shower or the great night’s sleep. You’ll be back….
The Beach Club has undergone a complete make-over with day beds, a new beachfront restaurant and bar and a “Beach Concierge.” A new sand filtered seawater swimming pool has been added, the 30,000 square foot Seawater Spa (which has a wonderful ocean side indoor pool) has been refreshed and the food and beverage program has been completely revamped.
Island. Now they have worked their magic again, this time in Newport, RI to the former Hyatt Hotel on Goat Island.
amenities include luxury linens, pillow top beds, 47″ TV’s, a separate work area, a sitting area, complimentary WiFi, a spacious bath with granite counter tops, a glass shower and Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Rooms are equipped with a special plastic bag for guests to take their phone, sunglasses etc to the pool.
coffee bar offering coffees, teas and breakfast sandwiches.
Montauk has a personality all its own, separate from the hectic Hamptons and the wine culture of the North Fork. It is a laid-back beach town, similar to what you might find at The Jersey Shore or on the Cape. The beaches are spectacular, the fishing world class, there are wonderful restaurants and the town has a unique charm. You can easily stay here and not have to travel anywhere else in the Hamptons to enjoy yourself.
LCD HD flat panel televisions; custom designed nautical window treatments; goose down pillows, duvet comforters and 300-thread count sheets; Keurig coffee makers; iHome clock radios; refrigerators; spacious bath and vanity areas with plush oversized towels and luxury bath amenities.
Lafayette Square. Surrounded by lush greenery and gardens, the Inn has some great architectural features like 13 foot ceilings, 12 foot. windows, delightful balconies and some rooms with private entrances. There are 18 individually decorated rooms and suites furnished with Empire, Eastlake and Renaissance Revival period antiques.
gated outer door, exposed brick walls, a very comfortable queen bed and a delightful claw-foot tub in the bathroom. At night the gas lights were visible on the square across the street.
Harbor, the 
and 415, in the Main Building, are particularly large, have great views of the Harbor and balconies. The new Guest Suites, while without the views, are elegantly furnished in cheerful colors with vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, 4 poster beds, porches and outdoor showers.
Blackened Swordfish and Maple Brined Kurobuta Pork Chops.
THE ROOMS at the Harbourview Inn
THE RATES at the Harbourview Inn
halfway down the Florida Keys. It offers one of the best values we have seen for family vacations. Amenities abound….there’s lots to do for adults and children alike and the price is unbelievable. Imagine rooms starting at $239 on a January weekend….where’s the plane?
and “Teens” 12-17. all supervised by a staff of licensed professionals. Hawk’s Cay was voted one of the “Best Hotel Kids’ Programs” by Travel & Leisure Magazine. The kids will love the Pirate Ship Pool and The Indies Club.
once in a while will opt for a villa. For smaller families or couples, I particularly like the Premier Lanai guestrooms which have their own private sundeck and porch.
squash, orange, lemongrass, spicy potlicker; McCoy Ranch Grass Fed Delmonioco Steak, b
Set on 60 wooded acres, with manicured lawns and beautiful gardens, 
balsamic),two bedrooms, one with a king and the other with two twins, an open air front porch with chairs or couches and a side screened in porch with comfortable furniture and game tables. Bedrooms are large, each with their own bath. Beds are draped in Frette linens with down duvets, the towels are thick and plush and bathrooms offer Mario Russo toiletries.
Lebanon, while inspired, signature cocktails are concocted with freshly muddled fruits and fresh herbs plucked from the garden.
THE RATES at Hidden Pond
For many, many years the Hilton occupied the corner of Main Street and Saranac Avenue and in 2008 the property passed hands and became the 
screen TV’s, an oversized desk with granite top and high quality bedding and linens. A frosted glass door leads to a European styled bathroom with a natural stone tiled walk-in shower with a rainforest shower head, plump towels and Molton Brown toiletries.
guests have a choice of USA Today, The New York Times or the Wall Street Journal delivered to their rooms.
may be the only truly “green” property on the island.
comforters. Each room is individually and elegantly decorated in cheerful yet soft colors, beautiful antiques and hand painted furniture. You’ll find a flat screen TV, DVD’s, Bose radios, mini bars and fresh flowers. Bathrooms have plush terrycloth robes and towels and Aveda toiletries. I don’t know maybe it’s me but there’s something about washing your hair with rosemary mint shampoo in the morning. It feels so organic…..
the scones….they’re legendary. Tea and fresh lemonade are served with homemade scones and local berry preserves in the afternoon. Sit on the porch or in the garden and while away the afternoon. After dinner help yourself to a vintage port in the library.
cascading waterfall. The air is filled with heavenly fragrances and there’s even a moon garden which is in peak bloom and fragrance in the evening.
that opened onto a private patio. Upstairs, a plump King bed looked out French doors to the beautiful gardens below. Getting out of that bed in the morning was a chore….
The kitchen is under the direction of Chef Meseret Crockett. Ms. Crockett, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and was educated in French schools. She is a graduate of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and fluent in five language. Offering farm-to-table and boat-to-table dining, Crockett seeks out only the finest, locally sourced vegetables and seafood. The Inn offers a three course prix fixe menu for $75.
to leave people to themselves. The kitchen staff is friendly and accommodating and seem to really enjoy turning out those terrific breakfasts. This is the best kind of service, there when you need it but never suffocating or overbearing.
The Hotel Bel-Air
Starting at a generous 430 sq ft, the rooms feature custom limestone floors, natural wood ceilings and a soft palette of tans, browns and whites. Beds are draped in luxury Fili d’Oro Egyptian cotton bed linens. Marble bathrooms come with with heated floors, rain head showers and Anne Semonin bath amenities. We loved our 
photographs and a grand piano for nightly entertainment. Great drink and wine menu. Small plates including cheese, caviar, oysters and more.
The hotel has a rich history and has entertained guests from Babe Ruth to Mae West to Robert Frost to three U.S. Presidents. Founded in 1852, by Delmonico’s master chef Louis Fauchère, the 
room was enhanced with a large outdoor deck that overlooked the gardens. Bathrooms of Carrerra marble and Pennsylvania blue stone have a shower of two rain forest heads and enough pressure to qualify for our “Hall of Fame” shower group. Floors have radiant heat and towel warmers to keep the towels toasty. Our queen bed was firm, draped in a two inch feather bed, Frette linens and covered with down comforters and pillows.
Delmonico brothers who owned Delmonico´s restaurant in New York, creators of hamburger as a sandwich, Lobster Newburg, Lobster Thermidor, potatoes au gratin, Eggs Benedict and, of course, the Delmonico cut of steak.
caviar. Bar Louis Burger was served with spicy fried onions with a choice of cheddar, gruyère, or blue cheese, on The Hotel’s own Patisserie Brioche Bun with French Fries. My Angus Steak Frites was a 10 oz. delight, perfectly cooked with Maitre’d Hotel butter and crisp pommes frites. On our Tuesday visit, the Gypsy Jazz Quartet was entertaining and may be the best jazz group I have ever heard.
stay the staff is attentive, but unobtrusive.
America. A recent A $6.2 million restoration maintained the hotel’s historical character while installing the latest comfort and technological amenities. Centrally located in town, the hotel is just a few blocks from Thames St.
Accommodations include pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton bed linens, LCD televisions and beveled glass doors leading into bathrooms with ‘pillow’ carved marble showers. I particularly like the Estate Fireside Rooms which feature an electric fireplace.
astounding and the sunsets magical.
starred restaurants, an amazing bakery and wonderful boutiques.
a walk in shower or tub/shower combo, a fieldstone fireplace, European Amenities, a mini bar and a coffee/tea maker. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected and a 42-inch LCD television offers premium TV channels.
the Valley to provide a complimentary tasting in the Y Bar. Winery partners offer a range of benefits to hotel guests.
The hotel’s location is ideal, next to the hot Time Warner Center, a block from Central Park and convenient to the theater, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and a ton of restaurants.
for the 
linens. Windows and French doors are surrounded by custom draperies and recessed lighting casts a soft romantic glow over the room. Fresh flowers add a delightful personal touch. All rooms have gas fireplaces, LCD televisions, DVD players, wireless Internet access and Bose radio/CD players. Italian tile bathrooms feature two person whirlpool tubs, glass showers, heated towel racks, Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries.
current chef at the acclaimed Evermay on the Delaware as a culinary consultant. The result, produced by owner Michael Ammery is a truly memorable breakfast served in your room, in the dining room or on the terrace overlooking the pool. Freshly squeezed juices, fresh fruit and home baked breads and muffins start you off and the signature breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato, mushrooms, baked beans, sauteed potatoes and fried bread will fill you up for the day.
Conservatory or on the Manor Terrace overlooking the pool. All great spots to curl up with a book and a glass of wine. A stone patio surrounds a free form pool, set on a bluff overlookingthe gardens and a gazebo on the lawn, the perfect place to while away a summer day.
Every serious traveler, foodie and oenophile has dreamed of owning their own place, but few of us, have the resources or the experience to pull it off. Annapolis, Maryland and Houston businessman Doug Bosch and his wife Jennifer had both the resources and the passion to covert their 300 acre family abode into the 
rolling meadows. Fresh flowers, local artwork and colorful striped duvets and shams offset the white walls. A comfortable window seat made for a great place to curl up with a book early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the dewy fields. Amenities include luxury linens, feather beds, a white stone fireplace, stocked mini kitchen, HDTV, DVD player and VCR. The large marble bath featured plush towels and robes and Lady Primrose amenities.
Resort and Spa (Farmington, PA) and the American Club Resort (Kohler,WI,) a Forbes Five-star, AAA Five Diamond establishment. 
open kitchen allows you to watch all the chefs prepare a multi-course dinner, featuring Whidbey Island and ingredients from around the world. Dinner is served every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night year-round and Thursday through Sunday nights during the summer months of July-August. There is one seating per night.
Set in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster, PA, the 
have a flat screen TV, luxury bedding and Keurig coffeemakers. Additionally, most rooms are equipped with a microwave oven and a refrigerator. WIFI is complimentary. Hard to pick a favorite room, but the 
Open weekends only.
style with distressed wood and Amish designed antiques and artifact. men, don’t miss the 
In the late 70’s Reinhardt Lynch and Patrick O’Connell had a successful catering business but dreamed of creating the perfect inn and restaurant. They found an old gas station in the sleepy little village of Washington, Virginia nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley and began the transformation. In no time the 
antiques and combine rich fabrics, tapestries and wall coverings and you begin to envision the look and feel of the Inn. With fourteen rooms and suites, all decorated with a different mood,the Inn is what one would imagine a private English country home to be like. The public rooms are opulently decorated, yet warm and comfortable. Wander around and you will encounter small sitting areas with comfortable couches and reading material.
If you really want to shoot the moon, ask for the Mayor’s House which is located just across the street in a private setting all its own. This is a magnificent retreat and one you will savor for quite some time. The bedroom features a king bed and fireplace. The large marble bathroom has a Jacuzzi and separate shower. There is a separate sitting room with its own fireplace and a courtyard deck and garden.
air, of something special to come. And it does not disappoint for one second.
country ham with the mild veal flavors. Jen had prime tenderloin of Angus beef on red wine risotto with morels and baby white asparagus. Cooked perfectly and the risotto was rich and wonderfully seasoned.
country owned by two people who like to entertain a lot. For over 26 years it has felt as if we’ve been hosting one continuous house party. A successful party, like a great film or work of art, elevates the spirit, makes people feel life is worth living and enhances a guest’s self esteem.”
My car door was opened by another staffer who assured us he would take care of the luggage and car. As we entered the Inn, yet another staffer, welcomed us, told us no paperwork was necessary and invited us on a tour of the Inn. He showed us the public rooms and garden patio, presented us with a complimentary “welcome cocktail” of champagne and passion fruit and escorted us to our room. He asked us if we needed anything pressed for dinner, which we did, and he promised its return shortly.
film “Wedding Crashers” with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. To others it is a cozy weekend retreat in a delightful Eastern Shore town on the banks of the Miles River.
of the water, a separate living room, a fireplace, two bathrooms, one of which was as big as my first apartment, luxury linens and a terrific bed that was hard to leave in the morning. Decorated in soothing shades of beige with local artwork and a blend of modern and antique furniture, this was a memorable place to spend a couple of days.
Much care has been taken to create an elegant and sophisticated setting from sweeping river views to plush banquettes in soft Nantucket colors to striking artwork. Tables are set with Peugeot Silver Salt and Pepper shakers, Wedgwood china in the Nantucket pattern, linen by Rivolta Carmignani in a seashell pattern, blown glassware by Spiegelau and bone china shell candle holders. Joanne Effinger, the Inn’s Master Gardener, cuts fresh flowers each day and arranges them in petite vases. All this would be wasted but for the exquisite food and service. Don’t miss the crab soup, the crab cakes and the vanilla butter poached lobster. The 10,000+ bottle wine cellar has excellent choices and is reasonably priced. Live jazz on selected Saturdays in the winter by the Eric Felten Trio, named “a rising star on the international jazz scene” by PBS.
WHAT OTHERS SAY About at the Inn at Perry Cabin
roaring fireplace, the smell of fresh baked cookies, wide planked pine floors and gorgeous views combine to make this charming inn as comfortable as your own home. We half expected Bing Crosby to come out singing. Built originally in 1910, the Inn was renovated in 1988 and then added new rooms in 1992 and 1999. The concept of the “round barn” originated with the religious group, the Shakers who built their barns this way because “the devil can’t get you in the corners” In fact, the design was a very efficient one for the farmers.
THE ROOMS at Inn at the Round Barn Farm
The Inn has a license to sell wine by the glass and bottle and there are always complimentary drinks and snacks and hors d’ouevres and tea each afternoon.
For over 20 years, the Green Mountain Cultural Center has called the Inn home to a variety of events. Performances supported by this renowned Vermont non-profit organization have become a cornerstone of the Vermont Festival of the Arts. The goal is to marry the beauty of the valley and Vermont’s Green Mountains with the unique talents of local Vermont artists, New England artists, and artists of international renown.
OVERVIEW of Inn at Thorn Hill
Main Building as they have been completely redone following a 2002 fire. My comfortable room, Mt. Madison, had a warm gold faux finish on the walls that was complimented by a gold and burgundy comforter and pillow shams. The room had a beautiful matching carved antique dresser and head/footboard and a great antique armoire. The bed was plump and comfortable and dressed in luxury linens. The bath was huge and featured a two person Jacuzzi (with mood setting candles), a steam shower (my favorite amenity), Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and plush towels and robes. Gray Manor and Mt. Monroe are two other preferred rooms.
Call ahead and see if you can book the Granite Room, which is a private, stone walled dining and tasting room downstairs.
we have traveled.
The ride up the driveway past gorgeous formal gardens reveals a magnificent Tuscan influenced villa with a red tile roof. Your car is met instantly and you are guided through an arched portico to the reception desk in the Crawford Lounge, as inviting an entry hall as you will find anywhere. The public rooms are stunning yet cozy and comfortable, decorated with antiques and period pieces and filled with overstuffed furniture, striking artwork and sculptures and bookshelves. In the cooler weather blazing fires are set in the numerous fireplaces and porcelain bowls of apples, silver dishes of nuts and decanters of port and sherry sit on heirloom buffets and antique sideboards. These are not just rooms for “show” but to be enjoyed for some quiet reading, a game of snooker, an afternoon cocktail or a before bed glass of port.
Rooms are oversized at 400 + square feet and feature luxurious Duxiana beds with leather nailbed headboards, Frette linens and bath sheets. Bathrooms are constructed with Arabescato marble with double vanities, an oversized walk-in shower and Red Flower bath amenities.
little touches that tell all like the thought process on the turn down treats or that on Christmas morning, guests staying at the hotel can wander through the public rooms to discover which fireplace their personalized holiday stocking has been hung over or the Baby Butler program to help mothers with their children or the Pet Program and Menu for your dog.
Built in 1929 and recently renovated, 
cozy and comfortable and outfitted with a flat screen TV, CD player and refrigerator. The designer bed had luxury linens and down comforters and pillows. The large bathroom had a bowl sink, a huge soaking tub and a separate marble shower. Radiant floors, organic toiletries and plump towels added to the appeal.
THE SERVICE at L’Auberge Carmel
“world-class” experience includes a staff that makes “every effort”, “beautiful rooms” with French doors and deep-soaking tubs, and “luxurious” grounds.” ZAGAT
It would be hard to find a better setting for a romantic weekend away than 
alone five-bedroom Creekhouse on the property. Cottages and rooms are decorated to reflect the colors of the creek with white walls, blue accents and dark wood furniture. We loved our Creekside Cottage with the sound of running water outside our door. It was nearly 500 sq ft in size, had a fireplace, an outside deck with table and chairs, an outside shower, down bedding, club chairs and an ottoman and L’Occitane bath products. As close to home as you can get.
Michelin starred restaurants. Most recently he was Executive Chef at the acclaimed St Regis Hotel in San Francisco. Desplechin is also a level one sommelier. The restaurant offers an all day a la carte menu, a prix fixe dinner menu and a Sunday Brunch.
My room, Renoir was very large, had a wonderful palette of light blues and yellows and was furnished with French country antiques and striped wallpaper and fabrics. A four poster wood canopy bed centered the room next to a fireplace. A sitting area surrounded a large screen TV and looked out onto the gardens. The linens were luxurious, the toiletries aromatic and the shower had great pressure, all contributing to a most pleasant experience.
Gotham Grill in NYC and under renowned chef Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin, also in NYC. He fashions a menu using vegetables, herbs and fruits grown right on the property and works hard to support sustainable farming in the area using fresh organic meats, cheese and eggs.
more.
from DC; though it has solid service, a “gorgeous setting” and the requisite antiques in its “charming” rooms, it’s a “restaurant first and a B&B a weak second” say foodies who find a “dream come true” in the “incredible” fare. ZAGAT
opened onto our private wrap-around porch with lounge chairs. the beach, steps down from our veranda. Other room recommendations are 404 in La Mer, and 418, 419 and 420 on the second floor of the Dewey House. Room 420 also has a little kitchenette.
In December 2005, just two months after our first visit, a devastating fire destroyed the Lodge’s main building, a wonderful old structure that overlooked Lake Placid and included rooms, the bar, restaurant and the wine cellar. Precious art and furniture and the Lodge’s amazing wine collection were lost forever.
We awoke to a soft knock at our door that told us our breakfast had arrived and we enjoyed it beside the fire as a soft mist passed over the mountains in the distance. Another indulgent soak in the tub and we were on our way. Ah, the good life…
vote as a good place to stay. But that’s not all there is to like here. The rooms, most with fireplaces, balconies and/or courtyards are beautifully decorated, very well maintained and of ample size. On our last visit, we stayed in the Queen Courtyard Suite, which had two rooms; a hot tub room with a fireplace and a bedroom with a fireplace, a separate bath with shower and an intimate balcony overlooking the courtyard. There was Internet access, turndown service with chocolates and even television speakers in the bathroom. A soft comfortable bed with luxury linens, thick towels and bathrobes all made this a delightful experience.
Guests have the use of the Center Club, a fitness center, a short distance from the hotel.
Located in the center of the business district and minutes from the Superdome and the French Quarter, 
plush duvet covers, automated mini bars and 46 inch flat screen color televisions. The bathroom features a natural stone vanity and designer toiletries. A basket of fresh fruit, water and cookies greets each guest.
Gallery, offers a great drink menu and casual fare.
fascinating history. Legendary tenor Enrico Caruso arrived on his private train, Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal stayed here while filming Love Story and Tony Curtis during The Boston Strangler production. Judy Garland stayed for three months before departing on her final London trip. I remember going to Diamond Jim’s Piano Bar in the 70’s to hear 80 year old Gladys Troupin, “Boston’s Grand Dame,” who was engaged to George Gershwin when he died.
Accommodations are richly appointed with mahogany furniture, crystal lamps, high ceilings accented with brass chandeliers, exceptionally comfortable beds and exquisite Italian marble bathrooms with Aveda toiletries and plump towels and robes.
chowder sauce, fire roasted chicken, Maine lobster roll and sliders three ways; beef lamb and crab cake. 
romantic. Private and secluded with ample opportunity to be alone, this is the perfect place for a special occasion, to rekindle a romance or to get one started. Sit on the beach, around the pool or in one of the lounge chairs strategically placed in secluded spots around the island. What could be more romantic than a spectacular dinner served at your private table, set, in the water, on a small sand bar, surrounded by torches that reflect off the water. Add a full moon, a great bottle of wine and the world is your oyster.
THE ROOMS at Little Palm Island
Making time for drinks at the bar before dinner and sampling one of their terrific house martinis is a must. Everyone is relaxed and in “vacation mode” and the conversations are fun and entertaining. Try the Paradise Found, Parrot Bay Passion Fruit Rum blended with mango, Midori Liquor, and topped with 151 Rum or the resort’s signature Gumby Slumber, coconut rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, tropical juices, and finished with fresh coconut soaked in Bacardi 151 Rum.
are offered a delicious rum punch (or two) while you wait for the boat. The staff is friendly, yet deferential. On the island, when you pass one on a path in their golf cart, they stop and wait for you to go by. As all “great” places, Little Palm makes that extra effort to insure your comfort and enjoyment. There is an espresso machine, juice, soda and water in each room. USA Today is delivered to your suite each morning. At turn-down, candles are lit in your room and there are book lights and water set on each side of the bed. A canvas bag is provided with towels to take to the beach or pool. Binoculars are available for searching the waters and skies, umbrellas are provided for the occasional shower and your room keys have lights in them to make it easy to find your lock when returning at night. The stationary in your room is even engraved with your name! The property is meticulously maintained where even the sandy, gravel walkways are constantly raked by staff members.
Built in 1929 by the Dorn Family and used as a retreat for family and friends 
throughout the property in the secluded woodlands. The cabins are ideal for friends or families traveling together as many have multiple bedrooms. Each accommodation is uniquely decorated with fresh flowers, quality antique furniture, “built in” cabinetry and bookshelves, vintage memorabilia, luxury draperies, monogrammed linens, thick, plush towels (that have a wonderful fragrance) and all have at least one wood burning fireplace.
and mastered each station in the kitchen before being promoted to sous chef, where she deepened her relationships with local farmers and purveyors to source the freshest seasonal ingredients for the lodge’s two restaurants. In 2014, Steffan set out to learn the secrets of artisan bread making at The Old School Bakery in Colorado Springs, Colo., before returning to Pennsylvania to join Glendorn’s culinary team.
choices include; homemade granola, buttermilk pancakes topped with Pennsylvania maple syrup, fresh local cage free farm eggs, breakfast sausages made in house from Heritage breed pork and more.
From patient Orvis endorsed guides, Shane and Damon, who taught us to fly fish, to Natalia’s beautifully choreographed dining staff, to housekeepers who always seemed to get to my room before I did, to Director of Hotel Operations Stephanie Schafer, the service level was as good as we have ever experienced. While you expect that at a Relais property, it is such a pleasure to experience it first hand. Complimentary coffee, tea and mineral water are always available as are jars of delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Set high above the crashing waves, overlooking Carmel Bay, 
overlooking the private gardens or the first fairway. But it is really the Ocean View rooms that make this a very special place. With panoramic views of the 18th fairway and Stillwater Cove, a wood burning fireplace and a patio or balcony, these rooms are nothing short of spectacular.
Great, cozy, masculine pub with wonderful collection of Pebble Beach memorabilia. Perfect for an after golf drink or a dinner of prime steaks or delicious comfort food. Popcorn shrimp, prime rib chili, steaks, chops, short ribs and meatloaf. So good…. An outstanding selection of draft and bottled beers and televised sporting events also make this a perfect stop on a rainy day. Lunch, Dinner and Late-Night Supper
world” and “sets the standard for others”; from the “fantastic, flawless” rooms and “stunning setting” to the ‘luxurious” service, “exceptional dining” and “lovely spa”, it’s not just for duffers ” but if you do play and have “buckets of money”, ‘why would you stay anywhere else?” ZAGAT
guestrooms and private mountain cabins, a new base lodge, upscale retail shops (think Ralph Lauren), a marvelous 21,000 sq. ft spa and wellness center and a fantastic Bob Cupp designed golf course. It is the only ski-in, ski-out resort in New England
and outdoor pool area, had a sitting area with couch, leather chair, reading lamp and fireplace. Decorated in rich shades of gold, hunter green and burgundy with Vermont themed watercolors and photography, it had a Queen feather bed, luxury bamboo linens and down duvet, a large flat screen TV and custom made lamps by Simon Pearce. There is a small kitchenette with burners, microwave, refrigerator and service for two with Simon Pearce tableware. The large marble bath had a soaking tub and separate glass shower with Anichini towels from Vermont and Mario Russo bath products.
has coffees, teas, juices, smoothies, baked goods and sandwiches.
Set on 6 1/2 acres beside the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 
furniture, fabrics and carpets with a William Morris like design that give the rooms a historic yet contemporary feel. Plump beds have Egyptian cotton linens and quilted duvets. Bathrooms are oversized with a soaking tub and most rooms come with a balcony or patio.
Excellent wine list, partial to California, with a nice selection of wines by the glass and 1/2 bottles. Some favorites on the list include; Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau Montelena, Chardonnay, Domaine Serene, Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir, Turley Petit Syrah and Decoy, by Duckhorn, Bordeaux Blend
music; the “large”, “well-appointed rooms” are “spectacular”, combining Bose stereos with Mission-style furnishings, and the “conscientious” service is “first class”, leaving admirers “breathless.” ZAGAT
soft linens, an easy chair with an ottoman and reading lamp and a large marble topped desk. The marble bath, while small, had plush towels, a mini TV and Clarity toiletries.
of Wall Street, entertainment, media and politics. By night the restaurant is a warm and comfortable spot serving small plates, steaks and fresh fish and other comfort food.
more at home. They’ll also provide things you may have forgotten; reading glasses, a belt, and tie and so forth.
Tennessee Williams while he completed A Streetcar Named Desire. The Tennessee Williams Suite at $465 is the most expensive room, but what a treat.
THE RATES at Maison du Ville
valley in Yountville, this charming B&B sits on a half acre of beautifully sculpted gardens and is made up of three stone and brick buildings. 
tubs, window seats, fireplaces and outdoor patios. My room, #1 was spacious, had a fireplace and a great bed and shower. A couple of the rooms are very small, so choose carefully. Room #12 has a king bed, fireplace, private entrance, jetted spa tub and overlooks the pool area.
Blueberry Sour Cream Scones or Pumpkin Muffins.
warmth and coziness. Located in the Back Bay area on Boylston Street and connected to the Prudential Center, the location is ideal for both business and pleasure travelers. With only 136 rooms and 12 suites, it has the feel of an intimate boutique hotel.
equipped with luxury beds and linens, spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs and all the high tech amenities you would expect. The color palette is soothing, the setting elegant and comfortable. Great soundproofing give you wonderful city views without the noise.
water facilities, including dedicated hydrotherapy room with therapeutic tub, color therapy experiences and Vichy shower, crystal Steam Rooms, vitality pools, experience showers, and ice fountains. Quite an experience and unlike anything you have seen before.
The Mandarin chain has slowly crept up on the super luxury leaders, Four Seasons and Ritz, to become a formidable competitor in markets in which they compete together. In fact, the Mandarin has surfaced as the #1 or #2 hotel in many major cities.
the view so amazing, that we cancelled our dinner plans and ordered from room service. Our Deluxe Hudson River King room was somewhat small, but the sleek marble and glass bathroom, which was almost the size of the bedroom, more than made up for it. The bath had a soaking tub next to a large picture window where you could enjoy the views of the River while watching the bathroom TV. The glassed in shower had a regular and rainforest shower head and the toilet had a separate room unto itself. A wonderful array of Aromatherapy bath products covered just about any need.
Spectacular views create the foundation for 
pool overlooking the Hudson. This Forbes Five Star Spa is one of the best you will ever experience.
One of the things that make Mandarin special is their ability to find locations that afford a spectacular view. New York has Central Park and the river, Washington DC has the Jefferson Memorial, La Vegas has the Strip and Miami has water views from nearly every room. Set on Brickell Key,
neutral tones with splashes of color from artwork and furnishings. Beds are dressed in luxury linens and goose down duvets. Marble baths feature a separate tub, a glassed walk-in shower and Shanghai Tang amenities.
avocado and onion) and Los Choritos (mussels with caucau flavours), YAKU is the place to be Thursday – Saturday night
One example tells it all, I arrived at the hotel before my room was ready and they gave me a locker in the Spa, so that I could change and enjoy the pool while waiting.
The area is as beautiful as you remember it from the film. A boat tour will allow you to revisit the settings for many of the scenes; the boathouse, Purgatory Cove and the lakeside home.
a Jacuzzi. My room, the Stratford, was delightful with pine walls, a king 4 poster bed, comfortable reading chairs around a wood burning fireplace and decorated with wonderful antiques. The color scheme was burgundy with plaid curtains and bed canopy offset with flowered bed sham and gingham chair fabrics. The view of the lake and mountains from my windows and private porch were spectacular. When I awoke the morning of my stay it was raining and foggy. I made some coffee, lit a fire and read the paper by the fire. The dreary day didn’t seem so bad after that.
The menu changes often but here are some recent highlights and their suggested wine pairings: Lobster “Roll” Butter Poached Lobster with Crispy Wonton , Arugula and Mignonette
a magnificently renovated 1888 Victorian mansion, the 126 room MFP is located right on beautiful Forsyth Park in the heart of Savannah.
THE ROOMS at the Mansion on Forsyth
favorite place for cocktail hour and piano music. Casimir’s Lounge atop the restaurant is a favorite after dinner, offering live jazz and blues and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Park.
is an outdoor heated pool and a fitness center.
OVERVIEW of the Marshal House
overlooked Broughton Street and had rocking chairs for relaxing and watching the action on the street below. The bath had white pine walls, a pedestal sink, Bath & Body Works toiletries and thick robes and towels.
Located just two hours from Manhattan in the hills of Connecticut, the 30 room luxury inn sits on 58 gorgeous acres of gardens and woodlands and is surrounded by a 3,000 acre nature preserve.
topped mattresses, antique oriental rugs, oversized marble baths with brass and Limoges fittings, gas fireplaces, a well-stocked in-room bar, thick luxurious duvets, plump oversized pillows, linens by Frette and antique four-poster beds.
The Tap Room offers small bites, oysters, salads, sandwiches, lobster rolls, burgers, pizza, steaks and more.The Dining Room menu has an Italian bent with items like Burrata Salad with
we were offered a glass of champagne or bottled water and a hot towel with a eucalyptus fragrance. Check-in was swift and we were escorted to our room, a short drive away. Our room had a choice of pillow types and an aromatherapy device that released a choice of fragrances into the room. Downstairs in our building there were rain slickers and umbrellas for those wet days.
introduced to 
But it is the Restaurant at 
walking executive golf course, a driving range and a golf studio: the patented TrackMan technology will transform your game, monitor your swing and help you to become a better golfer.
housed in a 19th century mill. With 23 suites, the Inn is located just two blocks from the center of town, convenient to restaurants and shopping. It is a member of the prestigious “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” Collection and became a member of the “Green” Hotels Association.
quality linens and towels and Aveda toiletries add a luxury touch. Floors are covered with area rugs and the leather and fabric covered furniture is stylish and comfortable. The marble bathroom is small but has a great rainfall shower with lots of pressure. Townhouse suites, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors have two levels, a separate living room and bedroom and a private outside deck with views of the Harbor.
OVERVIEW of Mirbeau Inn
blues, the rooms are generous in size and equipped with super luxurious beds, made especially for Mirbeau….you’ll feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. Bathrooms are huge with a tiled walk-in shower (and great water pressure), claw foot soaking tubs (anything better?) and double sinks.There’s a flat screen TV, DVD player, Bose stereo system and complimentary Internet connection and coffee service.
wines from all price points from $2.50 per taste to $70.00 per glass. Selections may include top local Finger Lakes Wines, Opus One and Caymus from California, along with a wide variety of European Wines.
dipped in royal batter, gruyère, ham, scrambled eggs, whole grain mustard aioli. Dinner might start with cheese and charcuterie or French Onion Soup or perhaps Lamb Lollipops, with smoked tomato jam & goat cheese crostini. Entrees might include Goat Cheese and Herb Chicken, goat cheese & herb stuffing, artichokes, wild rice, pan jus or Steak Frites, 10oz handcut sirloin, with caramelized shallot butter, truffle fries. pair your courses from an excellent wine list, fairly priced.
coming back. 
Adirondack accessories and a comfortable fishing print chair and ottoman overlooking the Lake. The bathroom had a stone shower with dual showerheads and fat, fluffy towels. Lots of quality features here; beautiful crown moldings, flat screen TV, down comforters and pillows and wonderful local Adirondack artwork.
The Inn’s restaurants, 
lake for ice skating, rowboats, canoes and paddleboats and a truly outstanding spa. The spa is an exercise in total relaxation. Treatment rooms have luxurious appointments and fireplaces. Don’t miss the Adirondack Maple Sugar Body Scrub. Rates are surprisingly reasonable with a 50 minute massage at only $80.
Perched on a bluff above the mighty Pacific Ocean with the rugged coastline below, the 
made me feel giddy with happiness. Luxe, nearly full sized toiletries smelling of lemon verbena adorned the yellow and white striped bathroom, while a golden glow emanated from the light fixtures at the vast marble sink. It was this bathroom and the balcony overlooking the crashing waves that fought for my attention. The balcony looked out over the Montage’s elegant ocean front infinity pool, as well as one of the resort’s restaurants, perched on a bluff that seemingly arose straight from the cerulean depths. Shades of yellow, blue and white were ever present in the spacious room, replicating the sun, ocean and white sands of Laguna Beach.
with strawberry compote. Paired with a chilly New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, recommended from an intense 33 page wine list, the Loft at Montage is a “foodies” idea of food heaven.
the food is ‘divine’, the spa ‘consistently excellent’ and the setting ‘unbelievable’ with ‘everlasting’ views; there are ‘fabulous rooms…and the ‘amazing’ staff ‘knows what you want before you do’…ZAGAT
and decorated with period furnishings. All have a shower/bathtub or standing shower and Jacuzzi, 600 thread count cotton sheets, Egyptian cotton towels, IPhone docking stations, plasma cable TV’s and EcoFresh bath amenities. Beds were comfortable with down bedding and pillows.
& 2 bedroom private cottages. All are decorated with a beach theme and feature whimsical artwork and accessories, some rooms have kitchenettes and decks. Luxury beds are dressed in Frette linens and bathrooms feature plush towels and custom blended bath products.
Lobster Risotto with English pea puree and sage and pancetta to a hearty burger served on toasted brioche bun to organic salmon on a polenta cake, with truffled wild mushrooms, asparagus and hazelnut brown butter. If you are around for the Sunday brunch don’t miss the chocolate chip pancakes with blueberry compote and whipped cream.
spa treatment rooms and yoga and fitness classes. There is a complimentary Summer Children’s Program from 9-12pm each day and an Evening Children’s Program offered Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m, so parents can get a little time to themselves.
Set at the top of a sloping lawn that overlooks the Kennebunk River, the imposing yellow Mansion sits on a beautifully manicured lawn with perennial gardens and shaded by towering maple trees. Comfortable Adirondack chairs are scattered around the lawn, perfect for a lazy hour or so with a good book.
computer, iPod dock, complimentary bicycles, beach chairs and towels, a birding kit, chocolate chip cookies in your room, iced coffee and tea and lemonade in the summer and “Swedish Glogg” (a non-alcoholic mulled cider and cranberry juice) simmering in a crock-pot on the antique stove in the kitchen, a sewing kit in the bathroom, special make-up remover and towel and even a pretty good wine list.
Lafayette is home to a tea room, a cigar bar and the resort’s AAA 5 Diamond award winning restaurant Lautrec. The 124 rooms and suites are oversized and made to seem even larger with vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Furnishings are elegant and stylish in muted shades of beige and olive with heavy formal drapes covering large windows and furniture in Queen Anne styling. Butter soft linens top pillow-top beds covered with silk bedspreads. Bathrooms are large with plenty of space, equipped with high end toiletries and soaking tubs and separate showers.
burgundy with fabric covered walls, mahogany furniture and either a small balcony or a sitting area. Pillow-top beds and luxury linens make for a luxurious sleep. Marble bathrooms are also large with plush towels and robes, a deep soaking tub and separate glass enclosed shower with more shower heads than I could figure out. 24 hour butler service is a great touch. They will get you food, iron your clothes, draw a bath, wake you up in the morning, just about anything you can think of.
as well as wines, beers and Prohibition-style cocktails, all served by bartenders adorned in attire reminiscent of the era. Guests can enjoy fine cigars from the neighboring Cigar Shop.
potato chips, the chili, the Wigle Bourbon Glazed BLT and the Hot Fried Chicken.
The shining star of the group, however, is the AAA Five Diamond, 
The Newport Hotel and Suites
wonderful queen bed with luxury linens and pillows, a 37 in. flat screen TV, DVD player, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker and complimentary wireless. The bathroom, which was almost as large as the room, was finished in Carerra marble with custom cabinetry, had luxury toiletries and plush towels.
There’s an indoor pool with a cascading waterfall, a full fitness center, a rooftop hot tub and fire pit.
coast though redwood forests, on winding mountain roads with more hairpin turns than you’ve ever experienced and beside green pastures with grazing livestock. The mountains were dotted with yellow flowers and purple heather and the views of the Pacific, lined with towering cliffs was just breathtaking.
THE ROOMS at Nick’s Cove
The menu changes daily and much of what is offered comes from local waters, but there is something for everyone from a delicious looking burger to fois gras, Block Island swordfish and Coq Au Vin. The fresh, ice cold oysters were fantastic. The signature BBQ oysters were a revelation. The Bodega Dungess crab cakes were delicious and the chowder made with leeks and Applewood smoked bacon was outstanding.
THE SERVICE at Nick’s Cove
catalog. The stone buildings with slate roofs surround a courtyard that has seating areas and fireplaces. The entrance way is lined with citrus trees, hand painted tiles and lanterns. The chic lobby is bathed in shades of brown with one end anchored by a large stone fireplace surrounded by a brown leather sofa and coffee table set on a woven rug.
headboards and bath vanities, comfortable reading chairs and custom wool carpeting. Comfortable beds are draped with Italian linens and goose down duvets. Ground floor rooms feature a personal patio while upstairs units include a private balcony. Bathrooms have soaking tubs and glass showers with rain showerheads. Many rooms have fireplaces and all have custom bath products, espresso machines, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and complimentary wireless internet.
Celebrity chef Richard Reddington has created a wonderfully casual and delicious Italian styled osteria, 
local cherry wood, an all-natural, bamboo-fiber, DreamFoam mattress, down alternative bedding, a spacious European-style bathroom and luxury amenities by Malin + Goetz. Each room has a unique color palette. Some rooms are built for extended stays with a full kitchen, and washer and dryer.
This boutique hotel, just steps away from the 
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the 
The Inn sits majestically on 13 oceanfront acres overlooking a 650 foot white sand beach. The views are spectacular and the color of the building changes during the day depending on where the sun is. The grounds are immaculately maintained and the building is in pristine condition. The Inn maintains its own herb garden and bee hives for use in the restaurants.
terraces. Starting at a very generous 450 square feet, rooms feature feather top beds with Frette linens and goose down pillows. Bathrooms have custom milled vanities and carpevola marble, Italian woven towels and large showers. My room had a couch, club chair and ottomon, fireplace and a terrace with patio furniture that overlooked the ocean.
open kitchen and marvelous views of the Atlantic make for a unique dining experience. Farm-to-table menu is exquisite. This is a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star experience. A more casual, classic bistro menu is available in 
WHAT OTHERS SAY About Ocean House
THE ROOMS at the Ocean Key Resort
DINING at the Ocean Key Resort
OVERVIEW of The Ocean Place Resort & Spa
glaze and cusabi sauce and stuffed soft shell crab, lemon panko crust, heirloom tomato, olives, baby arugula, radish, asparagus, garlic, peppadew peppers and saffron e.v.o. Other options includes, steaks, pork tenderloin, chicken and more.
main bedrooms were outfitted with Italian marble fireplaces, individual bathrooms and walk-in closets. Woodworkers were brought over from Italy to create the fine woodwork carving on stairs, ceilings and interiors. The Nickerson family owned the property until 1945 when it was sold to the LaSalette religious order and finally Corcoran Jennison purchased the property in 1980 and opened Ocean Edge in 1986.
rooms in the historic Victorian style mansion and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas in the Villages section. Rooms start at a generous 480 sq feet and feature bedding with luxury linens and custom embroidery on pillows and duvets by well-known textile designer Andrew Morgan. Custom built entertainment centers house flat screen televisions, books and games.
Terrace
#8 on Parents Magazine’s list of “Top 10 Beach Resorts for Families”.
OVERVIEW of Ojai Valley Inn
tinkled out a merry welcome. I was taken by golf cart (golf carts are used to ferry guests between reception, the restaurants and guest rooms as the grounds are a rambling mélange of hills and gardens) to my guest room and welcomed by a jaunty basket of pixie tangerines−a local specialty grown only during the spring and only in the Ojai Valley.
parmesan, Cabernet Braised Short Rib, four cheese whipped potatoes, cipollini onion agrodolce, heirloom carrots, Almond Semolina Cake, greek yogurt mousse, orange gelee, candied fennel, citrus tuile,
by the glass
Ridge Mountains and surrounded by pristine mountains, lakes, and waterfalls 
rooms), 
Soup,Arugula, Benton’s Bacon Jam, Aged Cheddar, Fried Egg Yolk and Green Onions; Bacon Wrapped Quail, Chorizo, Roasted Jalapeño and Cream Cheese, Buttermilk Grits, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Garden Squash; Local Lamb Merguez Fettuccini, Hand-made Fettuccini, Spicy Merguez, Basil Walnut Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Goat Milk Feta and 48-Hour Braised Beef Short Ribs, Root Vegetable Risotto, Braised Greens, Aged Cheddar, Poached Farm Egg, Roasted Winter Roots.
casual fare, artisan cocktails and snacks. Great wines by the glass menu. 
Turnpike has a fascinating history. Original construction began in the 1790’s near seven natural springs. Believed to have “curative powers” the springs were the primary draw when the hotel opened to colonial travelers in 1804. A $120 million renovation restored the resort to its earlier splendor.
THE ROOMS at Omni Bedford Springs
open kitchen and dark hardwood floors are offset with beige walls covered in historic photographs, stark white/beige chair covers in muted striped and checkered patterns, white tablecloths and gleaming tableware. Candles and small table lamps cast just the right amount of light on the room to create a sense of intimacy. Some favorites from the menu; Butternut Squash Risotto with cipollini onions, gran padano and greens; Crab & Corn Chowder wit fresh basil; Mustard Braised Chicken with spinach gnocchi, cherry tomato, smoked ricotta and basil.
THE SERVICE at Omni Bedford Springs
Dried Panko Crunch, Edamame Bourbon Carrot Caramel, Corn Creme Brulee; Turkey Schnitzel, Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Baby Kale, Ham & Beans, Hot Honey; Dark Beer Braised Boneless Short Ribs, Fingerling Potatoes & Frizzled Onions.
Located about two miles outside the center of town on North Roosevelt Blvd.(U.S. 1) this is the perfect places for families, couples traveling together or “girl’s weekends”. You are close enough to all t
a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless appliances, dinner and silverware for 8 and all the necessary small appliances. The second floor has a master bedroom with a porch, 32″ flat screen TV and its own bath with a soaking tub and separate glass shower. Also on the second floor is a Queen guest room and hallway bath. The third floor is home to a Media Room with X Box 360, two Ultimate gaming chairs, Bose sound system, and a 37-inch LCD TV. With an open floor plan with pine furniture, local artwork and decorated in bright tropical shades of turquoise, yellow and fuchsia, the homes have a wonderful tropical vacation feel.4 pools are located amidst beautiful tropical gardens and set with lounge chairs and umbrellas.
tacos, mimosas, and more, in the morning; ceviche, burgers, chips n’ dip, sandwiches, and everything in between in the afternoon. Pair any dish with a tropical island drink.
of the Montage luxury group of properties. We immediately became big fans because Pendry offered many of the same amenities, same level of outstanding service at a more mid-range price.
to ceiling windows with views of the City. Heritage surf and coastal C
Fifth & Rose: A classic cocktail bar in an elegant, chic, and comfortable room. A classic setting for a fitting drink, it is a place to engage in conversation, enjoy bar fare, and linger over the perfect cocktail.
lifestyle with its light, contemporary open-air design and indoor/outdoor aesthetic.
Hotel entry is at street level where you are whisked in an elevator to reception and greeted by name as you arrive at the desk. Check-in is swift and efficient and a staffer accompanies you to your room to review all its amenities. The reception and lobby area are anchored by the dramatic Lobby restaurant which serves all meals. Just off the lobby is the dark and intimate “The Bar”
DINING the Peninsula Hotel
THE SPA at the Peninsula Hotel
many attractions, restaurants and bars. The small lobby evokes memories of small European hotels….lots of marble and interesting murals. This charming little boutique hotel is a great value for a major city. Rates are often in the $150-$250 range.
draperies, rich dark wood furniture and a well sized marble bath. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi, daily breakfast and newspapers.
THE RATES at Penn’s View
About 30-45 minutes south of Stowe on Rt. 100 is the picturesque little hamlet of Warren, Vermont, just outside the Sugarbush ski area. With a covered bridge and an authentic general store, it is the quintessential Vermont village. After the original 1800’s building burned to the ground in 1993, David Sellers and a team of architects set about rebuilding 
architectural marvels. Mallard Room, where I stayed, is described this way by the Inn, “Mallard is an emperor’s duck blind. The designer’s conception of the room was a Vermont marsh just before sunrise in November. Indeed, the curved, painted ceiling seems a dawning blue sky, and a wooden Canada Goose suspended from the ceiling moves with the direction of the wind. Antique decoys and guns, a king-size hand carved bed, camouflage pillows and a view of the garden make the Mallard Room a duck hunter’s paradise.” Colonial and School are the smallest rooms, Chester A. Arthur and Calvin Coolidge are the favorites with King beds, balconies, fireplaces, Jacuzzis and steam showers.
overlook a brook rushing to a small waterfall. With Sinatra in the background we were ready for what the evening had to offer…and it was quite spectacular.
Italian white imported by Joe Bastinach, son of famed TV chef Lydia Bastinach for @$40. Sadly, as with many wine lists, there is not much at all under $50 and most bottles are pretty expensive.
The Planter’s Inn, 
On my last visit, I stayed in one of the new Penthouse Kings (#402) and it was one of the most luxurious and comfortable I have ever enjoyed. Particularly spacious with 20ft ceilings, it had a hand carved 4 poster bed, luxury linens, soft beige walls with sparkling off-white moldings, a fireplace, a sitting area, a terrace overlooking the City with table and chairs, a large marble bath with a huge soaking tub and separate glass enclosed shower.
1989. The Inn & Club (250 rooms) and the Lodge (66 rooms) both offer elegantly appointed and oversize rooms with most of the Inn rooms and all of the Lodge rooms facing the ocean. The Inn is a AAA Five Diamond property and the Lodge a Four Diamond property.
Rooms in both resorts offer soothing color palettes, luxury linens, rich fabrics, upscale bath amenities and private patios or balconies. Some Inn rooms have kitchenettes and the Lodge rooms are equipped with cozy window seats, Jacuzzi or Roman tubs and some have fireplaces.
Lodge features five restaurants and bars including the Inlet Dining room a dramatic oceanfront room with vaulted ceilings, custom artwork and oversized chairs.
the eastern coastline and this is a B&B that has raised the bar on our expectations of what a B&B can be like. It is a gorgeous historic property with beautiful rooms and exquisite service. Set in its own little compound surrounded by bamboo fencing across from the beach with meandering brick pathways, waterfalls, vibrant, colorful gardens, draping bougainvillea, intimate little nooks for reading, a spa pool and a couple of fire pits where fires are set in the morning and at the end of the day to take the chill off.
THE ROOMS at Port D’Hiver
As a B&B, breakfast is the only formal meal served and it is quite special. We started with a cup of fruit, fresh juice, delicious coffee and a warm, homemade banana muffin. There are two entrees offered or they will make you whatever you want. We had a broccoli and cheese strata, layered croissant, broccoli, cheese, ham and eggs, served with crisp Applewood bacon and a creamy potato with a crispy cornflake crust.
including golf, horseback riding, 
individually or groups can lodge together by opening up the common living room and 11 spacious Mountain Homes containing between one and seven bedrooms.
Bedroom features include down duvets, wooden floors, and custom Frette linens. Bathrooms feature imported European glass mosaic tiles, soaking tubs and Bvlgari toiletries.
Elements
its own ridge top is
is hard to know where to begin. The best place, I guess, is with the innkeepers who after nearly 20 years still enjoy welcoming guests and it shows in their warm and gracious hospitality. The buildings and property are immaculately maintained. The rural setting is tranquil and soothing. The staff is happy and friendly. And, the restaurant is a revelation. That this inn, far from anyplace, was nearly full on a Sunday night in the shoulder season, (after foliage and before snow) speaks volumes for its appeal.
THE ROOMS at Rabbit Hill Inn
eggs atop layers of onion rye, sweet kraut, corned beef, and a light Swiss cheese sauce. Or, maybe it’s Corn & Couscous Pancakes with apple relish, house-cured & smoked ham, and of course plenty of Vermont maple syrup.
Nestled amidst the sprawling neighborhoods of San Diego’s coastal mountains, 
authentic side of San Diego. The lobby and reception areas offer an array of benches, couches, nooks and crannies with books and fireplaces on hand to ensure you have a cozy place to lounge.
ingredients and offers an impressive 1,600 label wine list.
unwind after a long day in the spa or on the golf course.
OVERVIEW of Rancho Valencia Resort
(unbelievable; seats go up and down automatically, are heated and the toilet washes you and dries you!). Many have steam showers as well.
and dinner in a warm hacienda atmosphere. Dine inside with valley views or in the intimate fireplace lit courtyard. We enjoyed a delicious prime tenderloin steak tartar, grilled swordfish, lobster risotto and a bittersweet chocolate soufflé. A wonderful Spotswood Sauvignon Blanc was the perfect meal pairing.
The Ritz Carlton brand is one of our favorites and 
THE ROOMS at Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
Club Lounge on the 30th floor is a delightful oasis with a dedicated concierge and continuous culinary offerings throughout the day.
coriander avocado – green oil – pickled red onions. You won’t want to miss something from the wood fired grill like the Jidori organic half chicken with one of their marinades like the Mojo; Cuban-style marinade of roasted garlic, citrus, lemongrass and herbs. Pair your meal with a selection from their reasonably priced wine list that includes offerings from Spain, Argentina and Chile and end your meal with a wonderful dessert choice like the Yuzu custard; matcha purée – almond daquoise – pulque sorbet.
THE RATES at Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
overlooking the Park. The service is impeccable, the rooms beautiful and the views of the Park are just spectacular. We first saw this hotel in the Fall with the leaves changing in the Park and then again on a night in the midst of a major snow storm. The next day with the sun shining on the newly fallen snow was magical.
Located on a barrier island off the coast of Florida, the
private balconies, Frette linens, goose down pillows and all the technical ameniti
at 5:45pm called “First Call”. Fantastic selection of small batch spirits. Fruit drinks are made with fresh squeezed juices. The signature Smoked Old Fashioned is incredible.
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the 
screen TV’s. Wellness level rooms feature PURE air purification, making the guestroom hypoallergenic, iHome Zenergy, light and sound therapy machine, Yoga Mat, Foam Roller and Stability Ball and complimentary daily access to Resolution Fitness at 191. Club Level rooms offer breakfast, light snacks, hors d’ oeuvres, beverages and sweets throughout the day, a dedicated Concierge and spacious Club Lounge and complimentary WiFi.
and live jazz, classical guitar and Peruvian flute Tuesday-Saturday.
Staying at a Ritz Carlton is always a pleasure and staying at one on the water makes the experience even better. The Ritz Carlton Ft. Lauderdale sits right on the Atlantic and boasts an elevated pool with fantastic ocean views. This is Ft Lauderdale’s only AAA Five Diamond rated hotel.
views of the Intercoastal or the ocean. Room features include; a state-of-the-art DVD theater entertainment system, Pratesi linens, oversized marble baths with Asprey bath amenities.
the drinks are delicious (fresh squeezed juices) and the staff is attractive and engaging.
OVERVIEW at Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne
rooms are options. The furniture is custom designed and the rooms decorated with a tropical theme. The beds are draped in luxury, butter soft Frette linens and marble baths feature mother of pearl wall coverings, Asprey toiletries and a separate shower and tub.
air Mexican restaurant, 
square feet and go up from there. All guest rooms feature a hardwood floor entry, a 32-inch LCD flat-screen television, DVD player and iPod docking station. Bathrooms are equipped with marble vanities, tub/shower, telephone and Bulgari bath essentials. Each guest room also contains a fully-stocked mini bar and an in-room safe.
apple crumble with hazelnut cake, crème Anglais and pear ice cream or the chocolate soufflé with vanilla Chantilly, caramelized hazelnut and lemon emulsion will do the trick.
like black bean soup with green chili corn bread, crispy conch fritters with a chorizo-lime remoulade and mango barbecued chicken with ham hock hash and charred corn-black bean salsa. All delicious.
Built in 1908 by Texas cotton baron Sheppard T. King as his family’s estate, the property burned to the ground in 1923, was rebuilt by 1925 and then passed through two other owners before being purchased in 1979 by Carolyn Rose Hunt. Hunt spent $21 million to transform the residence into a world class hotel and restaurant that opened in 1980 to rave reviews.
THE ROOMS at Mansion on Turtle Creek
A 2007 makeover of the 
THE SERVICE at Mansion on Turtle Creek
shower. The Kohler Numi toilet has a control panel that raises and lowers the seat, provides welcome music, a heated seat, Bluetooth, eco-flush and offers the benefits of an automated bidet. Decorated as one might expect of a private yacht, walls are paneled in teak, draws and closets have leather facing and floors are made of marble. Bathrooms have regular and rain forest showers, digital temperature control and Red Flower toiletries. Plush platform beds are dressed in Frette linens.
of market-fresh ingredients and is served in an elegant dining room with views of the ocean, a large fish tank and cascading waterfalls outside. 
in every sense of the word. There is a sense of tranquility here that you will find in few other places. The sprawling hacienda style estate is meticulously manicured and has wonderful meandering pathways between buildings and around courtyards and fountains. Throughout the property there are intimate little nooks, some with fountains, some with fireplaces that are perfect for reading or quiet conversation. The lush gardens release intoxicating scents of citrus, eucalyptus and sage.
pillows provided a nice accent. The pillow top bed was covered in luxury linens and had a Southwestern throw on it. There was a comfortable reading chair with foot rest and a balcony with table and chairs overlooking a fountain below. The large bath had an oversized soaking tub with shutters that opened into the bedroom. Flat screen TV, DVD, mini bar and all the other normal amenities were included. In-room coffee was a French Press which was a nice touch.
Restaurant
years that the quality of lodging options has achieved a level consistent with other great city destinations.
trim, hardwood floors and feature floor to ceilings windows with garden or harbor views. Custom patterned area rugs and stunning artwork add color to the space. Many rooms have a marble coffee table and leather couch. Beds feature Fili D’oro bedding from Northern Italy. Natural stone baths feature Pendry and MiN NYC toiletries. The shower has both a built in seat and a ledge (for leg shaving!)
and more). The restaurant’s focus is on classic Italian with prime cuts, the restaurant’s menu features prized, seasonal ingredients and the country’s best purebred beef, sustainable seafood and farm-raised poultry alongside house made pastas, antipasti and homespun desserts. Guests can enjoy items like 28 day dry aged prime beef James River, VA & Donnely Ranch, NE, Linguini Fini with Spicy Maryland Blue Crab and Peroni Roasted Chicken with Pendry Bay Spice, Salsa Giallo
find a NYC newspaper. Moët & Chandon Vending Machine…just love this idea.
OVERVIEW of the Salamander Washington DC
THE ROOMS at the Salamander Washington DC
restaurant. In nicer weather, meals are served on the terrace overlooking the gardens. 
complete any work-out. Speaking of the Spa, this is experience you won’t want to miss, perhaps the most relaxing experience ever. Imagine total tranquility, soothing music, intoxicating aromas and magical treatments.
THE RATES at the Salamander Washington DC
Built in 1916 as The Snoqualmie Falls Lodge, the Inn became famous for its country breakfasts which it still is today. The Lodge was completely remodeled in 1988 and become the 
pillows. Who knew there were so many? The decor features natural textures, warm woods, and organic fabrics. Nice touches abound….a coffee maker for the morning, a throw for the window seat, bath salts, body scrub and moisturizer set in dishes in the bathroom with fresh rosemary sprigs and chocolate truffles with house made honey at turndown. I would come here for that alone.
BBQ pork sliders and a wild boar and venison chili. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Always someone to help, but never in the way. Dining staff is exceptionally well trained. The Lodge runs like a well-oiled machine. Side benefit for pet lovers is the Lodge is dog friendly.
Tucked away in the coastal hills of Santa Barbara, 
placed trees, shrubs and vines ensuring your separation from the outside world at large−no wonder John and Jackie Kennedy chose San Ysidro Ranch as their honeymoon destination back in 1953. An outside veranda beckons guests to linger on the porch in good weather, yet if it’s cold, a dip in the private, outdoor Jacuzzi can be equally enchanting. After you rinse in the outdoor rain shower, continue the waterworks in the massive bathtub. Bath connoisseur though I am, I have never experienced a tub as wide, deep or long. The Bvlgari bath accoutrements, sage green chenille robes and extra large, plush towels only added to the overall luxurious ambiance of the bathroom.
view deck where a a wood-burning fireplace and heated stone floor provides year-round comfort. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Awarded the “Most Romantic” Restaurant in Santa Barbara, the restaurant serves a California menu with fresh herbs and vegetables grown on the property. Stonehouse is the recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for one of the best wine lists in the world.
foothills near Santa Barbara, and the staff “treats you like royalty”, the “lovely” cottages are “secluded” (outdoor rain showers and hot tubs delight) and the dining is “fabulous”; its “pricey”, but the recent $150 million renovation has made this one “worth every penny” ZAGAT
exemplary service and wonderful golf make a visit here a “must” on any travel wish list. There is such a sense of tradition here and it is not just the marvelous pictures of celebrities, politicians and others from days gone by that line the hallways. It is the fact that there are so many families who have been coming here for generations. It is Tuesday night bingo where men wear jackets and ties and there’s a waiting list for the 500 seats available! It is the sense that you are visiting friends. One visit and you will want to become part of the tradition.
where you would want to stay if you are traveling with children or plan on spending a lot of time at the pool or on the tennis court. For golfers or those who want a little more privacy and quiet, The Lodge would be the choice. Cottage Rentals would be the option for larger families and extended stays.
racks, plush robes and towels and Lady Primrose toiletries. You even get personalized stationary. Suites offer 24 hour butler service. Many have vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, compact kitchens.and French doors opening onto a balcony. The Cloister has been awarded the Forbes Five Star award for lodging, for the Georgian Room for dining and for its Spa.
with a carved mantle fireplace, crystal chandeliers, fresh flower bouquets, arched doorways and gold framed artwork, this will be a highlight of your stay here. Tables are set with European linens, crystal glassware, silver flatware and hand painted china and the service is extraordinary.
tomato and a smoked pecan vinaigrette. As an entree, there are excellent seafood, lamb and chicken choices, but this is a steak house, so opt for the dry-aged steaks…the strip was amazing, and select one of the seven sauces…the Cabernet shallot was perfect. For sides we had pommes frites with truffles and sea salt and fried Vidalia onion rings. Paired with a fantastic Prisoner Cabernet, this was an extraordinary meal.
AAA Five Diamond – Dining
A stunning grand winding staircase greets you as you enter the Inn and pass into the parlor which serves as reception and host to afternoon sherry and cookies (this is a southern B&B tradition which we think is great) and morning coffee and tea. The parlor is exquisitely decorated with English wall coverings, antiques, furniture covered in rich fabrics, original hardwood floors and a working fireplace. Upstairs on the second floor there is a similar parlor, also with a working fireplace, that is ideal for curling up with a book, a pre-dinner cocktail or a board game on a rainy day. A collection of original artworks; oil, watercolor and sculpture adds an extra dimension to the beauty of the Inn.
conditioning. Most have 4 poster beds and all are Queens or Kings. Our room, #4 was a delight, #8 is the largest room, has a little balcony and a claw foot tub. Love this little blog on why their beds are so comfortable…they go to a lot of trouble to insure you get a great sleep and we did.
their unique touches are what make it different; its quiet, yet convenient location on the island, continental breakfast delivered in a basket outside of the room, and freshly baked cookies every morning exceed guest’s expectations.” – BOSTON MAGAZINE
Located in historic downtown Santa Barbara, the 
coziness. The bed was soft, topped with the finest linens, and the bathroom offered only the fluffiest of towels. Decorated with white wicker furniture, toile wallpaper with gold leaf and though there were such modern amenities as a flat screen TV, Pandora radio, streaming Netflix and Kiehl’s bath products, I still felt as though I had been transported back to a time where electricity was still a sparkle in Edison’s eye. I spent the afternoon reading on my sun deck with beautiful garden views and set with a teak table and chairs and umbrella, while eating the rum cake in the shape of a rose that greeted my arrival.
scrambled eggs dominated the menu the morning I was there, and I can personally vouch for their supreme scrumptiousness. I chose to eat within the privacy of my rooftop balcony, amidst the birds chirping, the church bells tolling and the placid morning sun shining down.
We are big fans of the French 
top mattresses and down pillows make for a great night’s sleep. Rooms are equipped with wireless Internet access and fully stocked mini-bars. The marble bathrooms feature a separate shower, French bath products, robes and slippers.
My Queen bed room was large by NY standards at 350sq. ft. and tastefully decorated with beige walls, patterned carpet and an oak paneled accent wall behind the bed. The pastels were offset with burgundy and black trimmed furniture and a maroon bed duval. A lighted Impressionist painting over the bed added an air of the dramatic. The bed was a delight, a soft plush featherbed with high count cotton sheets that made for a wonderful night’s rest.
THE SERVICE at Sofitel Hotel
The French inspired
sized bed had a feather top, down duvet and plump feather pillows and made for a wonderful night’s sleep.
Rattatouille, Herb Roasted Chicken and our signature Opaline Burger topped with gruyere and caramelized onions.
The Chicago hotel is no exception, although its decor, while sleek and stylish, is a little more modern and avant-garde than others we have seen. The location, however, can’t be beat. It’s just steps from the Miracle Mile, Michigan Avenue, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Institute.
color and style. Huge windows provide a wonderful view of the City.
OVERVIEW of Sofitel
THE ROOMS at Sofitel
THE SERVICE at Sofitel
via a mention in a magazine and it looked so interesting that we immediately booked an overnight. Built @1935 as a “motel”, it has been completely transformed into a charming boutique hotel by the Brooklyn design firm, Studio Tack.
comfortable platform beds with luxury linens and custom furnishings. Bathrooms have subway tiles, great fluffy towels, (malin + goetz) toiletries and wonderful showers. All rooms have either a shared or private deck with table and chairs overlooking the rocky beach below. A big screen TV, a Nespresso machine and a refrigerator round out the amenities.
a Maine lobster roll with North Fork chips and more. Be sure to try the grilled local corn when available. There’s also a bar food menu for snacking and brunch is served Saturday and Sunday. Excellent and fairly priced wine list highlighting Long Island wines.
York by the Astor family. Many of the early traditions remain; fresh flowers in the rooms, the English style butler service, afternoon tea and midnight suppers. Another tradition, started by John Jacob Astor has guests gather at 4:15 each day for the ceremonial champagne sabering to celebrate the transition from the day into night. St. Regis Aspen also celebrates the “Bloody Mary” invented at the NY hotel, with the Bloody Mary Ritual where samples of the Downhilll Snapper are served from 11am-noon. I just love tradition!
weather activities and gorgeous weather.
linens with a down comforter and down pillows and a faux fur throw. A leather trimmed headboard and writing desk were designed by Ralph Lauren. Large gray marble baths feature a soaking tub, a rain forest shower and Remede bath amenities. Floor to ceiling windows that actually open afford great views of the mountain or the town. Antique oak floors with a dark stain are covered with an accent rug completing the luxurious mountain lodge feel.
amenities that include a sexy coed spa and grotto and live music in the bar (“lots of jet-setter sightings”); although penny-pinchers pout over “absurd rates”, most say this one has it all. ZAGAT.
OVERVIEW of the Stephanie Inn
burgundy. The furniture is contemporary Northwest with beamed ceilings and wood trims. All have fireplaces, two person Jacuzzis, a seating area and marble baths. Oceanfront rooms have wonderful, large decks with patio furniture. The Oceanfront Rooms, particularly the “Janice Kay” are just wonderful.
With Dungeness crab, Wild King Salmon, amazing craft beers and wonderful Oregon Pinot Noir, all in their backyard, you can imagine the culinary feasts. Executive Chef Aaron Bedard doesn’t disappoint with a regionally inspired menu available a la carte or prix fixe. The restaurant is an “Oregon Wine – A List Restaurant”.
room. From 9:00-9:30pm you can return for complimentary after dinner drinks. There is fresh coffee and homemade cookies available in the lobby 24 hours a day. Rooms are equipped with binoculars and lanterns for beach enjoyment. They’ll even wash your car for free!
that may be one of the most relaxing and romantic places you will encounter. Delightfully decorated rooms include two way fireplaces into the bedroom and bathroom.
had a two person Jacuzzi, stall shower and a two sink vanity. A two sided fireplace opens to the bath and the bedroom. You can actually sit in the Jacuzzi, and see the gardens and mountains through the roaring fire. Nice!
afternoon, candles around the Jacuzzi, soap pump dispensers (not just wrapped bars), oversized thick towels, luxurious monogrammed robes, a single rose at your bedside, a video library, Plasma TV’s, light dimmers in your room and a parting gift of maple popcorn.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking a pond, beautiful gardens and sweeping lawns, the property was originally intended to be a vacation home, but the owner’s plans changed and current owners Caroline and Erich purchased the property, completed the work and decorating and opened the inn in 2006. They are hands-on owners who do everything themselves from the cooking and cleaning to the yard work and snow removal. Always a better experience when owners actually run a place and this couple makes you feel like you are visiting friends.
chilly Fall. The room featured a King 4 poster Tempur-Pedic bed with luxury linens, a comfortable reading chair and ottoman, upholstered window seating and a gas fireplace. The huge bath suite painted in a rich burgundy faux finish had two toilets and sinks, built-in cabinetry, radiant floor heating, a jacuzzi tub for two and a wonderful steam shower with two rain forest shower heads. Locally made toiletries perfumed the air with aromatic scents.
DINING at Stowe Meadows
seclusion and luxury are what you are seeking, the Cottages are perfect for your weekend.
available for a romantic dinner in your cottage. A real treat though, is an intimate dinner at the island’s open air restaurant, 
Destieu Bordeaux. Also a great place to sample Wisconsin cheeses before or after dinner.
The first floor features reception, a Business Center, a small art gallery highlighting local artists, a comfortable lobby seating area and the hotel’s restaurant and bar. The 5th floor is home to a state-of-the art fitness center (open 24 hours), a private sun deck with lap pool that looks out onto the ocean, a bar, a cafe (serving lunch) and a unique spa.
A queen 2 poster pillow top bed was draped in luxurious linens and plump soft pillows. The view over the pool to the ocean beyond was spectacular and I was treated to a breathtaking sunset in the morning. The large marble bathroom was painted in a faux bamboo style and had a soaking tub and a separate glass enclosed shower. This is a “Hall of Fame” shower…perfect pressure and temperature. You’ll linger way beyond the usual.
Customer service is a main priority with management and it shows in the way the guest is treated. A very knowledgeable and friendly concierge staff can help you with activities and reservations.
1300 acres of natural beauty in the Sonoran Desert just outside of Scottsdale, Arizona. The stunning majesty of these rock formations matched with clear blue skies, the natural colors of desert flowers and the lush fairways of the two golf courses create a breathtaking tableau. As an Easterner this terrain is unfamiliar, but that unfamiliarity makes its impact all the more dramatic.
tiling and Southwestern artwork. Each has a separate sitting area and a patio. Many have wood burning fireplaces. Bathrooms are also large and feature fluffy robes, plush towels and Clear by LXR toiletries. Beds are plump with Egyptian cotton linens, there’s a personal refreshment bar, Internet access and a walk-in closet.
Scottsdale, this “unique venue” is “a treat for the senses”; “outstanding” for golfers and a “magnificent” spot even for non-duffers (try the “couples massage in a VIP suite” at the “A++” Golden Door Spa), it boasts “secluded” grounds, “breathtaking views,” “luxurious” casitas in which you “could live forever,” a “can-do” staff that “goes above and beyond” and “excellent” dining. ZAGAT
elegant, full service hotel, just steps from the beach and the Atlantic. A delightful wrap-around porch offers the opportunity to soak in the ocean views while enjoying a book or a cocktail. Whether you are planning a summer vacation or a weekend away in another season, The Breakers is an ideal option. Originally built in the late 1800’s and called the Wilburton, it was later renamed in 1905. The Hotel has since been through numerous renovations preserving the integrity of the past, while updating the interior to incorporate 21st century amenities.
offering splashes of beach colors. Traditional furniture includes a small table with chairs. Many rooms have full or partial ocean views and some have fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs. Marble baths feature Gilchrist & Soames Bath Amenities.
nights) and on the porch during warmer months. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Veranda Lounge which overlooks the pool. Dinner is served in an elegant room overlooking the ocean and features a Northern Italian menu as well as fresh seafood and prime steaks and chops.
OVERVIEW of The Breakers
THE ROOMS at The Breakers
magnificent and the food is delicious, albeit at a somewhat stiff tariff. Can’t imagine a Brunch being worth $115pp excluding tax and gratuity. Breakfast from 7am, brunch from 11am. For lighter and less expensive fare, The Breakers News and Gourmet Shop has coffee, tea, juice, pastries and fruit. Open from 6:30am.
Lobster Club. The tropical fruit salads, fresh vegetable and fruit juices and chicken or fish served with vegetables is ideal for health conscious diners. There’s also a great list of specialty waters. Open from 11am.
selections and about 28,000 bottles. The list, while deep and boasting some spectacular wines, is surprisingly approachable from a cost standpoint. I was fortunate to spend some time with Gomez during my visit and his depth of knowledge was quite amazing. To become a Master Sommelier is a long and arduous course of study and testing. There are only 168 worldwide so it is some feat.
advantage of it. Perched atop towering cliffs overlooking Eaton Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, few spots offer as dramatic a setting. Housed in a spectacularly renovated 1873 mansion, The Chanler sits on acres of lushly landscaped property surrounded by a beautiful stone wall.
nothing short of breathtaking. I stayed in the first floor Regency room which had a private entrance, an outdoor porch area with chairs and a wonderful view of the ocean. The room was decorated, in the Regency period style in shades of beige and burgundy. Crystal chandeliers hung from the crown molded ceilings of the bedroom and bath and the walls were adorned with ornate gold trimmed mirrors and stunning oil paintings. Beside the marble and wood fireplace that centered the room was a separate sitting area with two comfortable club chairs and an ottoman with views out to the ocean. The hand carved mahogany high boy bed had plush Fili D’oro linens and the perfect vantage point for the flat screen TV over the fireplace. The large marble bathroom had archways over the 2 person Jacuzzi and the walk-in multi-jet shower. Heated floors, an additional flat screen TV you could watch from the tub, thick soft towels and Penhaligon’s Quercus toiletries completed the delicious array of amenities.
overlooking the ocean. We’ll review our dinner experience in the dining section, but the Kobe beef hamburger ($25) at lunch is worth the trip alone.
We arrived through the iron gate onto a stone paver courtyard and parked under the portico. Our car was met immediately, our bags collected and the car whisked away. When we entered the lobby area which looks like a grand living room, the person at the front desk (an elegant library table) rose to greet us pleasantly. Check-in was swift and we were escorted to our room where all its features were explained. We were asked if dinner reservations could be secured for us. A hand written note welcomed us along with a delightful tray of fruit. Turndown brought soft lighting and music, robes and slippers laid out on the bed, a tray of chocolates and bottled water. In the morning a New York Times was outside our door in a canvas Chanler bag.
paneled wall finishes, inspired rug designs, Shaker detailed furniture, Italian marble bathrooms with TV mirrors, “smart sleeper” mattresses with Frette linens, an energy saving light system, and enhanced amenities like 55” TV screens and curated superfood minibars.
from the legendary Bentel & Bentel architectural team that draws inspiration from the rural sophistication of Umbria. Seasonally, the outdoor patio will serve both beverages and food in Italian café style.
hill….and you won’t be disappointed at this stunning Relais & Chateau property. The rolling lawns rise to meet the white clapboard Inn with its columned front portico, green shutters and matching rocking chairs that evoke thoughts of another era. Your car is met by a staff member who takes your luggage and escorts you to reception. The elegant entry hallway portends what is beyond and check-in in the parlor is swift and efficient.
surrounded by an antique mantel. The luxurious king bed with its upholstered headboard was covered in plush Mascioni linens and overlooked a comfortable reading sofa with views to the front lawn. Clothes were stored in an antique armoire and four draw dresser. Fresh flowers and decanters of port and sherry sat on a side table. A short 5 steps down led to the delightful, crisp white bathroom with a deep claw foot tub, a wonderful separate shower (a Hall of Fame Shower, by the way) that was stocked with Molton Brown toiletries and fluffy terry robes. It is hard to pick a favorite room here as all have a particular charm. Our room was wonderful and the Shadwell Suite in the Livery Cottage has a garden and porch entrance, views over the private lake, a cozy separate sitting area and an antique claw foot tub.
from Charlottesville, but it’s really the “magnificent” food “served with precision” that sets it apart; rooms located in several buildings are “romantic” enough, but foodies joke”I’d sleep on a cot in a broom closet” just to eat here; N.B. Thomas Jefferson’s daughter and son-in-law were the architects behind the inn’s original 1799 mansion.” ZAGAT
The hotel is in a neighborhood in transition. In fact, it stands as a rose among thorns (buildings waiting to be torn down). Rest assured, however, that it is a safe area, even at night, so don’t be dissuaded by its location. Marriott has bought up all the surrounding property with a planned Marquis scheduled for completion in a few years. This area will be booming then with accompanying rates.
Other amenities include wireless Internet, valet parking, a complimentary Continental breakfast and a roof-top fitness room. The staff is friendly and helpful. We asked for directions and got a print-out with walking directions.
has a delightful living room with reading material, videos and information on what to do in Key West; the Breakfast Room, which spills onto an intimate patio; and an atrium with a white baby grand piano.
THE ROOMS at the Gardens Hotel
The marvelous 
are porches and rocking chairs and hammocks. It’s hard to pick favorites. We loved the Dutch Cottage (Magnolia Room) and the Hayloft in the Carriage House has a wonderful rooftop deck, but the truth is you can’t go wrong anywhere here.
woodlands mingled with the cooking aromas is intoxicating.
WHAT OTHERS SAY About the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant
Mountains of West Virginia. The resort got its start in the late 1700 s when word spread of the restorative powers of the mineral springs. The first buildings were erected in the early 1800 s and the legendary hotel Old White was opened in 1858. During the Civil War both sides occupied the hotel as a hospital. In 1910 the C&O Railroad purchased the property and began the expansion which included many of the buildings that stand today. The army commandeered the property in 1942 and purchased it from the railroad for use as a military hospital.
THE ROOMS at The Greenbrier
The Main Dining Room is the most elegant and formal of the resort’s restaurants. Dining in this cavernous space is what it must be like at a state dinner in the White House. Huge chandeliers hang from the high ceiling and towering pillars are scattered throughout the room. Illuminated oil paintings and huge mirrors hang on the walls and soft piano and violin music is provided by live performers. Captains are in tuxedos, waiters in white jackets with black epaulets and ties and servers in black dresses with white lace collars.
Management must treat them well too. Of 1800 employees, 250 have been there over 30 years. That is an astounding testament to how well this resort is run and managed. Everyone says hello as you pass and I mean everyone from the gardener to the golf caddies to the management of the hotel. The staff is constantly cleaning, trimming and polishing to keep everything in perfect condition. The attention to detail is amazing; we saw one employee who did nothing by touch up nicks in the wood on the elevators
as ever “because they want to, not just because they’re supposed to”; from golfing to spa-going to “falconry, horseback riding, tennis” and a “stunning” infinity pool, active types find it “hard to leave,” the “only drawback is the distance” (about 80 miles from Roanoke, VA).” ZAGAT
Long Island. Ideally located at the eastern end of the North Fork, Greenport gives you easy access to many of the best wineries and two short ferry rides get you first to Shelter Island and then to Sag Harbor on the southern shore in The Hamptons. The best of both worlds. The quaint town, which has been a working seaport since the 18th century, is a wonderful blend of nostalgia and the modern world. You’ll find a restored Art Deco movie theater, an antique carousel and many merchant signs in town are from another era. At the same time you’ll enjoy trendy restaurants, contemporary boutiques and delightful art galleries. There is a real sense of community here. This is small town America at its best.
wood furniture in a kind of Mission style and colorful oil paintings and local photography. Our room had a comfortable leather club chair and ottoman, flat screen TV and CD player. Bed linens are high quality and luxurious. Bathrooms have limestone vanities, sinks that sit on the counter, glass enclosed showers (with multiple shower heads) and stone tiled walls and floors. They feature EO Toiletries. Rooms 201-204 have straight facing waterfront views with balconies. The sun rises right before your eyes.
The bright lobby has wonderfully comfortable chairs and couches and a warming fireplace. Great place to read the morning paper (available early around the corner at a convenience store) and enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast, especially the delicious coffee.
Even the most jaded political observer would have to admit to being impressed by the view from the 
tulle draperies, a canopy bed, luxury linens, elegant furnishings and fresh flowers. Mirrored closet doors made the room seem larger. The marble bath had Asprey toiletries and plush towels.
center opens at 5am. The staff is pleasant and helpful without the “in your face” customer service at some high end hotels.
internationally-known importers of unique and exotic architectural elements, rugs, furnishings and antiques. The Inn is a series of buildings most of which surround a beautiful courtyard with fountains and flower gardens. Furnished with treasures from their world-wide travels it is a design marvel, the likes of which you will not see anywhere else. East Indian and Tibetan antiques, oriental carpets, spectacular tile mosaics (designed by Sylvia) create a magical and mysterious ambiance that is both warm and exciting.
THE ROOMS at Inn of Five Graces
squeezed juices, granola and more.
service is how quickly they respond to problems that may arise. I had gone to the fitness center and the TV’s were not working. Who can work out without something to watch? A call to the front desk had someone there in minutes. Satellite settings were re-booted and we had reception.
Baltimore as a weekend destination has much to offer; the Inner Harbor area with its dining and shopping attractions , Camden Yards and the Baltimore Orioles, the football Ravens, historical venues and a vibrant cultural scene. But until recently, it has lacked world class accommodations that add an extra element of enjoyment to a weekend away.
Built in the 1800’s as a private mansion, The Ivy has retained the stunning architectural characteristics of the original design and seamlessly blended it with a new addition that expanded the footprint. Over 200 local artisans contributed to various elements of construction and design. The main floor has high-ceilinged rooms with original hand-carved paneling, beautiful hand painted wall murals, leaded windows, elegant fireplaces and inlaid floors and serves as breakfast room, music room, game room and library. Designer Meskan has made wonderful use of antiques and artifacts purchased from historic (but closed) Inn at National Hall in Connecticut. This floor opens to a terrace that surrounds the walled courtyard.
milk fed pork from Montreal and a lemon cream. Each course was expertly paired with wines from France and California.
50’s. It closed in 2007 for a two year renovation that resulted in the stunning property it is today. The hotel is a Forbes Four Star recipient and is currently ranked the #1 hotel in Washington by Trip Advisor. Influences from the hotel’s namesake, Thomas Jefferson, are everywhere from the original signed documents in the lobby to drapery patterns Jefferson brought back to Monticello from Paris to parquet flooring in the lounge recreated from Monticello’s main salon to the Book Room inspired by Jefferson’s own Book Room at Monticello and more.
THE ROOMS at the Jefferson Hotel
receives the highest Zagat ratings for service and décor. Executive chef Ralf Schlegel is a classically-trained chef in French cuisine and hails from Germany and a long line of German hoteliers and restaurateurs.
views down 16th Street to the White House), a “romantic” restaurant and a “beyond-professional” staff; according to a few critics, the overall effect is perhaps “a bit stodgy”, but smitten admirers insist that for an “intimate” “getaway” worthy of a “second honeymoon”, it’s “delightful.” ZAGAT
lakes. The region is known for producing excellent wine, particularly world-renowned Rieslings. Nearly 100 wineries operate in the region.
super soft 350 count linens and towels and hardwood floors with area rugs. Amenities include a 55” HDTV, in-room coffee (with an exclusive blend from Joe Bean) and tea, a mini bar, high speed internet and a workstation with charging ports. A complimentary tote bag was a nice touch upon arrival in our room.
the main bar. The piece is a restored Peterborough wooden motorboat from 1954. The bar offers an extensive beer and wine selection, fresh cocktails, and simple bar staples. During the winter (December-February) they offer “The Rink at The Lake.” Their “Magic Ice” can be skated on with or without the cold weather. Located just outside of Sand Bar.
Chef Scott Riesenberger, a Rochester native who has returned home after honing his craft at renowned restaurants L’Esperance, Union Pacific and Bouley. Using local ingredients, Riesenberger, has crafted a delicious menu that features steaks, chops and chicken cooked on a post oak ember fired hearth.
experience. F.L.X. Table is their take on their favorite form of entertainment; the dinner party. With only 14 seats and no barrier between the dining area and the kitchen, it is meant to be an intimate and interactive experience. Each evening, a set menu is be served based on seasonality of products and will change regularly, but, each evening only one menu will be served. A seasoned sommelier helps select wines for you.
Travel + Leisure: It List 2021
The 298 room hotel is the former Charles Street Jail and carries the jail theme throughout the hotel from the tiered floor lobby to the restaurant, Clink with its jail cell booths, the bar, Alibi and room service, Solitary. Whimsical as that seems, this is a serious hotel with excellent service (a bartender went and printed out directions for my next day meeting), delightful rooms and restaurants and bars with major buzz.
reading chairs and lamp were off to the side. A large desk was perfect for working. A flat screen TV and a private bar rounded out the room amenities. The oversized bath had a deep soaking tub and separate glass shower, Molton Brown toiletries, huge towels and silky robes. Most rooms are in the 400-800 sq. foot range which is unusually big for a city hotel.
dinner and features North Atlantic seafood, seasonal New England fare, heirloom produce and artisanal heritage meats. 
They have preserved the old buildings and blended in new ones seamlessly. Reminds me of East Hampton, NY, great design, galleries, tony shops, restaurants and bars. While most think of Aspen for its winter festivities, I suspect it is equally wonderful in the summer.
mid-winter snowstorm or a stand of aspens, The beds are luxuriously appointed with Fili D’oro down comforters and white goose-down pillows. Bathrooms have his and her stone vanities and all natural “First Tracks” June Jacobs spa amenities and Crème de Marfil heated marble flooring and walls. Other nice touches: gas fireplaces, a warming throw on the bed, fresh orchids in vases around the room, a portable humidifier to combat the dry air and Dow Port and Joseph Phelps Cab in the mini bar. With rooms starting at a generous 600 square feet, this is like home.
Restaurants in America” Executive Chef Keith Theordore helms the kitchen and the menu is a farm to table approach with an emphasis on local products. It’s called “Colorado Contemporary cuisine” emphasizing local wagyu beef, house-made pastas and seasonal produce.The wine program is overseen by Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, who is the 10th master to come through The Little Nell.
Staying here is more like visiting an exquisitely decorated private home more than a hotel. You arrive to a lobby that looks like a formal living room, filled with wonderful antiques, area rugs and draperies in fine fabrics. Check-in is at an antique desk with bookcases and old fashioned mail slots behind it. A formally dressed concierge sits next to reception, ready to help with tickets and other reservations.
ll shower. But it is the one bedroom suites that define this little gem of a hotel. Over 800 sq. ft. of space includes a separate living room with a wood burning fireplace, an in-suite kitchen, bookcases, an antique writing desk, crown molding, beamed ceilings, gold trimmed artwork and antique mirrors and an English antique armoire with a flat screen TV inside. The writing desk overlooks the tree-lined street below through iron paned windows that actually open. There are homey touches as well an umbrella for the rainy day and a throw to take the chill off. The large and luxurious marble bathroom features a separate shower stall with a Hall of Fame shower, thick, plush monogrammed towels, Bulgari toiletries and a TV to enjoy while soaking in the oversized tub.
influences from the Riviera to Morocco. Seasonal ingredients and wine pairings change in tempo with the flowering botanical oasis in the Garden, which offers outdoor seating year round.
When you walk in the back gate to the rear deck, the dogs are lounging about and you’re greeted by Dean, one of the two owners (Paul is the other), a charming laid back kind of guy. He’ll show you around the property tell you about the fresh lemonade on the patio, the complimentary wine in the evening, breakfast in the morning and even suggest some restaurants for dinner. You feel like you already know him.
THE ROOMS at The Mermaid and the Alligator
This is another instance, like Wynn and Encore, where there are two sister hotels, side by side, that share a lot of features. There are a few design differences, but 
feature a separate living area with an L-shaped sleeper sofa and coffee table, a dining table for two and a work desk. Beds are dressed in luxury linens and there is a TV in the living room, bedroom and bathroom. Baths are over-sized and have a large Roman tub, a glass enclosed shower and a private water closet.
CUT- 
AAA Four Diamond
visited. This small intimate little gem of only 18 rooms and 5 suites is a romantic hideaway for adults sitting right on the Inter coastal amidst lush gardens. The pace is slower, there is no urgency to do anything but lounge around. The building has the look of an old plantation house with a veranda and shutters and surrounded by tall palms. Inconspicuous from the road except for a white awning, your entry into the lobby is as if you were entering a luxurious private home. To the left is a small front desk and to the right a beautiful library/sitting room with hardwood floors, furniture draped in colorful tropical patterns, striking artwork, shelves of books and a wonderful old harp. French doors open onto a pool area which is surrounded by colorful tropical foliage and flowers.
THE ROOMS at The Pillars
intimate and cozy. Breakfast and lunch can be served in your room, around the pool or on the dock.
amenity and then invites you and some other interesting people for the weekend….that my friends, is 
reading chair and ottoman, a couch with a fur throw under the iron paned picture window, a walk-in closet and a featherbed you never want to leave. The two room bathroom suite had a rain forest shower that belongs in our “Shower Hall of Fame”, a wonderfully powerful and invigorating soak. Mysteriously, the shower would come on from time to time with no one around. The owner told us they have had any number of plumbers in to determine why it happens, but to no avail. Perhaps it is old Rockefeller letting us know he is still around.
kitchen apologized that they had no grits. but it was on the menu the next day and remains there today.
prosecutor) who had just been married at The Point that day, a young writer who was honeymooning with her European husband and a delightful couple from Connecticut celebrating a milestone anniversary.
It’s “one of the musts before you die” sigh soujourners of the “once in a lifetime experience” to be had at this Relais & Chateau “escape from daily stress” on the Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks; “play robber baron” and indulge in the “fabulous service”, “top notch” dining and “amazing” rooms featuring lake views, custom made beds and eclectic antiques; it’ll “cost a fortune”, but it’s “pure class” ZAGAT
Some of the best properties in America were created by business people who had spent their lives “on the road” and decided to open their own inn or hotel incorporating the “best” of what they had experienced in their travels. The Inn at Dos Brisas in Texas and Glenmere Mansion in New York State are two that come to mind. Now, we have own our world class year round inn, right here in New Jersey, in the quaint beach town of Stone Harbor in southern New Jersey; 
ncluding 26 standard guestroom, 8 suites and 3 hospitality suites. (Turret Town View Corner Kings are particularly cool) Rooms are decorated in “beachy” shades of taupe, white and celadon and feature white oak floors imported from Holland, triple-‐sheeted, Fretted 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, frame-‐less glass showers with subway tiles and rain-‐shower-‐heads, and more. Select rooms have balconies with bay or town views, fireplaces, separate living rooms and full kitchens.
by Chef Hernandez in the Sienna Suite with views over the bay.
Joining the Ritz Carlton at the top of the list of Philadelphia hotels is the 
furnishings and rich fabrics. Park view rooms are the choice and you’ll need to request one at the time you make a reservation. Pillowtop beds are covered in luxury 300 count linens and down pillows. The large marble bathroom has an oversized tub, a separate shower and a separate dressing area. There’s Aromatherapy bath products, a 13″ TV, plush robes and slippers and huge bath towels.
tea, the cozy Mary Cassatt Tea Room and Garden is just the spot.
THE SERVICE at The Rittenhouse
It is hard to match the elegance of the 
the antebellum Garden District mansions. Rich fabrics join period antiques to create a sense of style and grace. Luxury linens and duvets cover feather beds and oversized marble baths are stocked with huge towels and exquisite toiletries. Many rooms come with an additional sitting room and all have great views of the City.
Ask for one of the “cheaters booths”, private and intimate spaces for well, “cheaters”, who don’t want to be seen.
number of incarnations, the latest after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. Originally opened on New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight in 1907, the 500 room hotel was sold to Dimension Development after the hurricane in 2005 and a historic $170 million renovation restored the property to its former glory.
filled comforters, 5 pillows, 300 thread count sheets, custom decorative bed pillows, a reading chair and ottoman and a writing desk. Baths feature a flat screen TV, multi-nozzle shower and bath amenities by Ferragamo. The hotel also offers 15 Pure rooms, featuring cutting edge purification systems that improve air quality and virtually eliminate allergens and irritants in the room.
Rooftop Pool & Bar
cold towels, water and fruit.
last minute accommodations in NYC. That weekend and one other we were able to get rates under $200. 
crafted cocktails on polished silver trays.
It’s all about the views here at this extraordinary resort located on a 70 acre island in Lake George. The Adirondack mountains provide the backdrop for the stunning lake views that surround the property. Sunrises and sunsets are dazzling and the pristine lake, fed by natural spring waters, provides both recreation and tranquility.
dollar renovation was completed which included the addition of an outdoor pool and 37 rooms being added to the main hotel.
bedding and towels. The Lodges, originally built to be sold as condos, feature 223 rooms including 111 spacious suites. The basic rooms in the Lodges are certainly adequate accommodations, but I prefer the Historic Hotel. The suites, however, are ideal for couples traveling together or for families and are particularly comfortable. They have a kitchen, fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the lake. The Hermitage, a self‐contained executive retreat with its 10 bi‐leveled suites overlooking Lake George, is available for small groups or individuals.
scenery. Excellent menu and wine list, and oh, the views!
The elaborate display all starts with between 60 to 100 300-pound blocks of ice and a multi-person sculpting team, which includes directors of food and beverage, executive chefs, and members of other Opal culinary teams. The hulking blocks are unloaded with hand trucks and lugged around before the carving commences. Chainsaws, ice chisels, and hot aluminum pieces chip away and shape the blocks.
Adirondacks” with “rustic suites” (stay in the main lodge) and “afternoon tea on the veranda”; the “genteel service” may be a “bit uppity” at times, and nostalgics orly note “it’s had its day in the sun”…during the Roosevelt administration,” but few can argue with the “inspiring views” of Lake George or the “spectacular Donald Ross” designed golf course. ZAGAT
create a seaside mansion that seemed as if it had been there for hundreds of years, passed from one homeowner to another. 50 foot live oaks were brought in to give a centuries old look. Walnut flooring was set on sleepers so the floor would “give” and creak. The public rooms have soaring ceilings and sweeping staircases…one could almost envision Scarlett O’Hara descending from above. The decor manages to be elegant and sophisticated without being stuffy.
collection of stunning private homes for rent.
think. Heirloom potato and leek soup with shaved black truffles and lump crab meat was paired with a 2007 St. Innocent ‘Vitae Springs Vineyard’, Pinot Gris. A watermelon salad with proscuitto, St; John’s Island chilis and line sorbet was matched with 2007 Damilano, Langhe Arneis, Barolo and a wonderful grilled cap of rib eye with a 2008 Dominio Del Plata ‘Budini’, Malbec. A wonderful farmer’s cheese course was accompanied by a Quinta Do Infantado Tawny Port. Finally a decadent chocolate marquis served with basil ice cream, strawberries, hazelnut was paired with a 2004 olivares, monastrell dulce, jumilla. $125pp.
from both Central Park and Madison Avenue and is everything a sophisticated hotel should be. Built in 1926 as a residence hotel, the original Surrey was home to many of New York’s most eccentric celebrities. JFK, Bette Davis, Claudette Colbert, and other famous faces who recognized the allure of exceptional, discreet service
desks with built-in vanities and tranquil sitting areas. Duxiana beds, (these $7,000 beds are like sleeping on a cloud) custom Sferra bedding and wonderful showers make these rooms the height of luxury and comfort.
accolades include a star in the Michelin Guide and a 3-star review in The New York Times.
purchased by the Grace Hotel Group in recent years and painstakingly restored to its present glory. Great care was taken to maintain elements of its original design yet with all modern conveniences. It has since been acquired by the Auberge Group.
at nearly 1000 square feet. The colors are soothing grays and cantaloupe and the furniture is a
There’s a cozy 
district, just a few blocks from the beach. Wraparound porches and a delightful outdoor dining patio beckon in warm weather and a lively bar area around a roaring fireplace and grand piano in winter make this a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
complimentary access to sister property Congress Hall pool, just around the corner. There is a fully serviced private beach area with complimentary set up of chairs and towels and optional food service delivered to you right at the beach.
Start your evening with a specialty cocktail on the porch or in the living room around the fire, but get there early because this is a hot spot in town.
places like Languedoc-Roussillon, Slovenia and Greece which you don’t see very often. Prices are reasonable and there are some real finds here. Excellent reserve list, good half bottle choices and very good dessert wine and port selections.
Democratic National Headquarters that ultimately brought down the Presidency of Richard Nixon. In fact, the hotel has a bit of a sense of humor about it, the last four digits of its phone number are 1972, the year of the break-in and they have a guest room called the Scandal Room which was the original room from the break-in.
and grays with color introduced by a piece of furniture or artwork. Many with balconies with seating and wonderful views of the Potomac. Beds are draped in luxury linens with goose down pillows and comforters. Marble bathrooms are large and feature La Bottega amenities and fresh flowers.
Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of cigars to be enjoyed on the outside patio. Also on the patios are the hotel’s heated Winter Igloos which can accommodate up to 8 people for drinks and snacks. 
olive oil, fresh herbs, goat cheese and fresh vegetables.
OVERVIEW of The Wauwinet
DINING at The Wauwinet
new entryway, lobby and lobby lounge, The Roost and the re-branding of Norma’s restaurant as The Flannel. The design offers a contemporary take on the quintessential Vermont lodge and blends nicely with the existing structure. The latest upgrade follows the renovation of the Topnotch Spa and pool area a few years back and confirms that Topnotch is at the top of its game.
country chic style….a kind of mountain Pottery Barn. Rooms are large (some have 13ft ceilings) and equipped with all the luxuries you would expect; pillow top beds, Keurig coffeemakers, IHome docking radio, 42″ flat screen TV’s, refreshment center and more.
serve all three meals and at night excellent bistro fare with a very good wine selection.
expanded to 35,000 square feet with 30 treatment rooms and stunning new décor, you won’t want to miss at least one treatment here. The rooms and lounges are filled with wonderful aromas and are so comfortable you just may fall asleep.
guided English and Western trail rides
In 2005, two old friends, Bill Campbell and Simon Critchell, joined together to purchase and restore 
Shades of gray are the color palette with artwork, accents and carpeting providing complimentary colors. Beds are dressed in luxury linens by Frette, bathtowels by Matouk, bathrobes by Chadsworth & Haig, and luxury bath amenities.
leads to the 25-seat Bar Room and beyond to the elegant the 50-seat dining room. The restaurant showcases produce from Topping Rose House Farm as well as other local farms, ranches and day boat fishermen. Dishes are prepared simply to let their ingredients to shine through. Serving all meals plus weekend brunch, the menu offers pasta and pizza, simply cooked fish, steak and chops, Maine lobster, organic salmon and more.
You’re not at 
and artwork. Each cabin has a deck with awe inspiring views of the mountains and many have a private hot tub. Except for two cabins, all are situated creek side. All cabins have a wood burning fireplace, air conditioning, a fully stocked wet bar with soft drinks and complimentary spirits, coffee beans and grinder, a selection of teas, freshly baked cookies and homemade trail mix.
peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, eggs and hash browns. Freshly squeezed juices, a wonderful selection of teas and delicious coffee. Add ever amazing views and you ve got a great way to start the day.
cheese course.
in our cabin was delivered promptly and hot. Everywhere we went at whatever time, our golf cart was waiting for us, turned around so we didn’t have to back up and make a turn. The Ranch understands that in this remote destination, they’ll only get one chance at getting you back and they make the most of it. The staff and management are genuinely nice and concerned about your well being.
WHAT OTHERS SAY at Triple Creek Ranch
walk anywhere, yet seemingly far away from the bustling crowds. If you want luxury and proximity without the hordes tramping through a casino, this is a place for you. As with all Trump hotels, the “view” is paramount and this is no exception. The towering hotel has spectacular vistas of The Strip through floor to ceiling windows in each room or suite.
complemented by dark woods and contemporary artwork and rich fabrics. Amenities include a pull-out couch, huge Italian marble baths with twin sinks and soaking tubs and a European style fully equipped kitchen with appliances by Wolf, Bosch, and Sub-Zero. Luxury line, a full complement of technology gadgets and oh those views make this a comfortable and luxurious outpost when visiting the City.
In a city where every hotel has numerous dining choices, the single restaurant at Trump, 
available when you needed them. They were quick to provide directions and happy to answer questions.
Chicago incarnation is no exception. Located in the Loop beside the Chicago River, the soaring 92 story 
Zagat says, “A voyeur’s view of the city distinguishes Trump International Hotel & Tower’s stunning River Norther, where 30-ft. floor-to-ceiling windows and a striking Swarovski-crystal chandelier are a backdrop for delicious New American fare that’s creative but not gimmicky; polite, professional service and a deep wine list complete an over-the-top package…”
with probably the best views of any health club and a 75 foot indoor pool. There’s steam and sauna, whirlpools and a complete menu of spa and salon treatments. Surprisingly, the 60 minute treatments are reasonably priced for a high end urban hotel.
promised to marry him if he bought her a farm in Vermont with sweeping lawns, orchards, and “delicious air.” They found their idyll in a 1795-era farmhouse on 300 acres — all of which they purchased in 1928 for $10,000. The property changed hands a number of times over the years, but opened to national acclaim as a small hotel in 1993.
Room is anchored by huge stone fireplaces, has a central area and an enclosed porch where French doors open onto a stone patio. Thick olive curtains grace the windows, the ceilings are beamed and the furniture is a twig and leather Adirondack style. The Barn Room is a comfortable living room with bookcases, sitting areas of couches and easy chairs, a large stone fireplace and an upper level library accessed by a spiral staircase. The Bar Room is warm and cozy with striking plaid furniture set against polished wood walls.
homey touches abound. What really distinguishes this place from others is that each room is strategically placed on the property to take advantage of a particular view through large oversized windows; a meadow of wildflowers, a cluster of tightly planted birches, tree tops or a rolling hillside.
in the morning. The bathroom suite had heated towels and heated floors, a full size steam room and a deep soaking tub. As if that weren’t enough there’s a flat screen TV, a DVD players (and plenty of choices in the Main House) and a Boise CD player.
freshly squeezed juices rounded out a great start to the day.
THE RATES at Twin Farms
Our favorite room is No.3. A corner room on the first floor with a high poster king bed. Original 18th century natural pine paneling surrounds the fireplace. Spacious room in colonial red and parchment with over sized wing chairs in front of the working fireplace and an Oriental rug.
when the regulations changed. A delicious full breakfast, that changes daily, is served each morning on the patio weather permitting or inside and newspapers from all over are provided in the breakfast room. One day enjoy a scrambled egg omelet with fresh dill, chives, smoked bacon and freshly baked croissants, on another french toast made with Challah bread, topped with fresh berries, Vermont maple syrup and sausage links. Guests can also help themselves to granola, cereals, yogurt, orange juice, coffee and teas.
Owners & hosts Ken & Deborah Withrow utilize their backgrounds in hotel management (Ken managed the Royalton/NYC for Ian Schrager) and retail management (Deb was at Fiorucci & Henri Bendel/NYC) to create a boutique-style experience for their guests.
and 1200 feet above the Pacific, the 
small deck with chairs was perched over a valley.
choices at more moderate prices from which to choose.
access and Poggesi of Italy bath products. Some have fireplaces, even actual wood burning ones (#3) and some have whirlpool tubs.
Evelyn’s homemade granola. The special was a light and flavorful bacon quiche served with a side of Green Mountain Smokehouse bacon and a choice of three homemade breads, Oatmeal, Challah or Irish Farmhouse Wheat, baked fresh each day by innkeeper Evelyn. (the oatmeal was wonderful). Excellent coffee and a newspaper and I was ready for my day.
With wonderful views of the harbor, the 28 room 
private balcony overlooking the harbor. For non-harbor view rooms, guests still have the use of 4 common harbor view decks. For longer stays or when traveling with children, the wonderfully appointed Residence Guest Suites are ideal. More space, great views and wonderful amenities. The roof deck is the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
The very popular 
Located within the bustling City Center, right on the Strip, the 
THE ROOMS at Waldorf Astoria
Signature fine-dining restaurant is Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, renowned Paris chef , in his first U.S. foray. The elegant dining room was designed by Adam Tihany and provides views of the Las Vegas skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows.
name, offered a hot towel and a cup of tea. Someone escorts you to your room and explains all the amenities. There is even a valet closet in your room, which allows deliveries from the hallway, so that you are undisturbed.
This is particularly true in Chicago which boasts some of the best hotels in the country. But that is what happened with the 
bathrooms have soaking tubs, separate showers and dual vanities. The beds are draped with 460-thread count Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens and each room has a fireplace, a furnished terrace and all the electronic gadgets anyone would want or need.
The Brasserie is an American brasserie with a distinct Chicago touch. This classic restaurant is a destination for fashionable cocktails and tasteful dishes, made with locally-sourced ingredients.
and trim. Bathrooms feature black subway tile, walk-in showers and thick towels. Rooms are an ample size and feature luxury linens, plush robes and Nespresso machines.
Booking.com
Cove suite which can be configured as a one, two or three bedroom suite. All rooms are over sized and feature sitting areas and patios or decks. Many have fireplaces, spa tubs pull-out couches and spectacular views of the water. The Signature Waterview Rooms have a patio (with fire pit) or a deck, a gas fireplace, luxurious marble bathrooms with air jet soaking tubs and walk-in showers.
nautical etchings, Limoges china and Riedel stemware the room is elegant, yet cozy.
Wednesday night Family BBQ’s.
the prestigous Relais & Chateau group, the Inn exhibits all the wonderful traits savvy travelers have come to expect from a Relais property….amazing service, exceptional accommodations and wonderful food. Renovations have brightened the rooms and the renowned Spa is a haven for the tired and weary. Outside there’s a wonderful pool with cabanas where you can have lunch or cocktails. Dinner in the converted barn is a magical experience with amazing food and a spectacular wine list. This is truly a Special Occasion destination.
THE ROOMS at The White Barn Inn
The menu changes weekly to accommodate the freshest ingredients available and it is fun to just sit back and enjoy the multiple courses and crisp, efficient service.
brandy in lobby, early morning coffee and newspapers, small portable book lights with the evening turndown service.
the Gardenview Suite. It has a separate sitting room, great views of the lush gardens and a fireplace.
destined to take its place along with other great US resorts. Established as a private residence club, its 85 suites are all owned by someone and maintained by the resort’s management.
were beamed and the floors a combination of slate, wall to wall carpeting and area rugs. A plump leather chair and ottoman sat next to the window and fireplace with a clear view of the good sized plasma TV. At the far end of the room was a fully equipped kitchenette. The bathroom, all done in slated wood walls and marble, had heated floors, a gloriously strong shower and a huge soaking tub.
Canoe Club with a private beach, canoes, kayaks and beach games. A state of the art spa offers a full range of treatments and amenities. You won’t want to miss the “Cigar & Cognac” Outdoor Lean-Tos.
guest experience lives on today at this remarkable property. Rockefeller and his wife were involved in every aspect of the design and traveled throughout England in search of furnishings. They even had a “sample” guest room built so they could visualize the décor. The attention to detail and the desire to preserve historical authenticity is quite extraordinary. It is evident in grand gestures like replicating original wallpapers down to a guest services directory that resembles a period scrapbook in a raw silk fabric binder.
silk window treatments. Couches and chairs are upholstered in silk damask and beds are covered in luxury linens and spreads.
sauce and scallion potatoes. Paired with a wonderful half bottle of Fess Parker Syrah, this was a deliciously satisfying meal.
THE SERVICE at the Williamsburg Inn
The sleek and modern Lodge marries contemporary design with the heritage of the Northwest. There’s a 1500 year old cedar “snag” (a stump remnant from the logging days) in the entry driveway, 100 year old Douglas fir timbers used to build the Port of Portland have been used throughout the buildings and landscape to create structure, the guest room tables are recycled slate pool table tops from old bars in British Columbia and the entry and bath floors in the rooms are a rustic slate.
THE ROOMS at Willows Lodge
across the distant mountains, I realized it would be impossible to come to 
in the White Barn was spacious and private with its own staircase. Area rugs covered hardwood floors and a couch and wingback chair surrounded the fireplace in a separate sitting area. Built-in bookshelves added a homey touch. The four poster king bed was set with luxury linens and was wonderfully comfortable. The bath was down a few steps from the main room and had a Jacuzzi and separate shower. A small deck overlooked the meadow. All of the rooms here are delightful, but the ones with fireplaces and window seats enhances the experience.
hotels. All 316 guestrooms have been refurbished, the Grill Room and Polo Lounge refreshed, a Cocktail Bar has been added to the lobby and a new spa has debuted. It is the only hotel in New Orleans with both AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four Star awards and deservedly so.
oversized at a generous 400 square feet. Decorated in a classic English/French Vogue style, most feature a robin’s egg blue color scheme with tan and brown accents and have a reading chair and ottoman and work desk and chair. Amenities include luxury linens, complimentary Internet, coffee and coffee maker and Italian marble baths. A Junior Suite (for an extra $50) is a great value, adds 200 square feet and a separate living room.
The Grill Room
THE RATES at Windsor Court
wonderful town in one of our favorite states.
together. All rooms have cherry wood or mahogany crafted framed beds, pillow-top mattresses, luxury linens and bathrooms adorned with Vermont marble, subway tile and wood accents. My Tavern King had a tranquil sitting area, built-in book shelves and writing desk and windows with custom interior shutters overlooking the interior square. It was one of the most comfortable rooms I have ever experienced.
the center of the room and lamp posts are made of tree bark. Cozy booths and banquettes create a wonderfully intimate setting. Food is locally sourced including from the Inn’s own gardens.
High on a hill surrounded by 300 acres of spectacular countryside, the circa 1792 stone 
rooms/suites and five cottages beautifully and thoughtfully designed and decorated create the feel of visiting a luxurious private country estate.
The Woolverton Inn and grounds are so comfortable and serene you will be tempted not to leave, but there is much to do in the surrounding area. It’s great to know, though, what you will be coming back to at the end of the day.
fireplace can all be operated by bedside controls. Marble bathrooms feature a small 4″ TV, heated towel racks, monogrammed bathrobes and slippers, Signature toiletries and one of the best showers we’ve ever encountered. You won’t want to get out of it.
after work hot spot. The menu is classic steakhouse, although the steaks are sourced from specific farms from around the country. Here’s some unique items Japanese Wagyu Beef Dumplings; Burgundy Escargot, red wine, garlic herb butter, ciabatta toast; Moo Meatballs, dry aged ribeye, sirloin, white polenta, madeira; Tenderloin of Beef Wellington, foie gras, spinach, duxelle; Wiener Schnitzel, brown butter, egg & capers.