A.R. Valentien was a talented 20th century California artist and is the namesake for the signature restaurant at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Many of the artist’s works are…
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The best cities to visit for a weekend getaway. Discover the best accommodations, restaurants, and activities.
Addison, at the Fairmont Del Mar Resort, is San Diego’s most acclaimed restaurant earning two Michelin stars, AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star Awards and Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. Chef William…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Andaz Savannah We became fans of the Andaz luxury boutique brand of Hyatt when we stayed in one in Napa and loved it. They are very well done with service…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Ballastone Inn The wonderfully restored 1838 Ballastone Inn is the choice of accommodations for virtually every visiting celebrity; Paul Newman and JoAnne Woodward, Kevin Spacey, Matt Damon and more.…
View full profileThere are few chefs as accomplished as Daniel Boulud. The author of eight cookbooks and the recipient of multiple James Beard Foundation awards including “Outstanding Chef” and “Outstanding Restaurateur,” chef Boulud has…
View full profileOVERVIEW Hidden behind 80 year old palm trees and banana leaves, the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel sits on 12 acres of tropical gardens and exotic flowers. The familiar “pink palace” is part…
View full profileBix is a throwback to the days of the old supper club. It would have been called “swanky” back then. It’s a place for ice cold martinis, cool jazz and meeting people.…
View full profileBorn & Raised is a fantastic steakhouse opened in 2017 in Little Italy. The $6.5mm project created a 10,000 square foot restaurant with 250 seats that pays homage to the mid-century and…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Boston Harbor Hotel With spectacular harbor views, excellent service, an award winning restaurant and a wonderful outdoor entertainment arena, it is no wonder the Boston Harbor Hotel is a favorite…
View full profileBouchon is the Las Vegas iteration of Thomas Keller’s wildly successful French bistro in Napa. Keller, the Chef/Owner of the world renowned French Laundry, also in Napa, has created a near perfect…
View full profileOpened by acclaimed chef/owner Nancy Oakes in 1993, Boulevard is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has received local, national and international accolades, including The James Beard Foundation Award…
View full profileOVERVIEW 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…
View full profileOVERVIEW 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…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Cottages on Charleston Harbor 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…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Eliot Hotel Privately owned and operated by the Ullian family, the The Eliot Hotel, is a stone building with green awnings and an ornate iron entry portico that suggests…
View full profileOVERVIEW 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 Embassy Circle…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Encore at Wynn Wynn and Encore are sister properties in Las Vegas. They sit next to each other on the Strip and are, in many ways, interchangeable. Here are the differences;…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Estancia La Jolla Just north of San Diego lies the upscale enclave of La Jolla (pronounced hoy-a), and within it, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a peaceful refuge from…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar The magnificent 249-room luxury San Diego resort, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, captures the elegance and comfort of an old-world Mediterranean estate with an enviable Southern…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Four Seasons Washington DC 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…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Four Seasons Las Vegas 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…
View full profileOVERVIEW Just steps away from the popular Union Square shopping area of downtown San Francisco lies the inimitable Four Seasons Hotel. It may not look like much from the outside, as it…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the French Quarter Inn The 50 room French Quarter Inn is a sister property of the Harbourview Inn and overlooks the Market Square in the heart of the historic district. …
View full profileGary Danko is one of the most award winning restaurants in San Francisco. It has garnered Five Stars from Forbes, Four Diamonds from AAA, a Michelin Star and has also earned several…
View full profileI never miss an opportunity to visit George’s at the Cove in La Jolla when I am in San Diego. It’s cliffside location with views of the ocean is nothing short of…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Grand Colonial La Jolla La Jolla is our favorite part of San Diego and The Grand Colonial is the ideal base for your activities in the area. The hotel…
View full profileWe came upon the wonderful Green Truck Pub on our last visit to Savannah because everyone was talking about it. We kept hearing, “Have you been to Green Truck yet?” Too many…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Greenwich Hotel The Greenwich Hotel exudes so much charm. There is a “soul” to this place that you will find in few other places. The small sign marking the…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Hamilton Turner Inn The circa 1873 Hamilton-Turner Inn is a charming Victorian mansion located on the beautiful Lafayette Square. Surrounded by lush greenery and gardens, the Inn has some…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Harbourview Inn The 52 warmly decorated rooms at the Harbourview Inn, in shades of brown, are spacious with 14′ ceilings, triple sheeted 4 poster beds with luxury linens and…
View full profileOVERVIEW The Hotel Bel-Air opened its doors in 1946 and quickly became a favorite of the Hollywood elite including Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Purchased in 2008 by…
View full profileOVERVIEW I am not usually a fan of trendy, boutique hotels. Their funky design and eclectic furnishings usually leaves me cold. The Hudson Hotel, however is an exception. There is so much…
View full profileHugo’s Cellar is a somewhat unlikely choice for dinner. It doesn’t show up on any “lists” of the best restaurants in town, it has been around forever and it is located underneath…
View full profileIn 1885 Keens Chophouse was opened by Albert Keen, a noted figure in the Herald Square Theatre District. Keens soon became the lively and accepted rendezvous of the famous. Actors in full…
View full profileClose your eyes and breathe in the scents of oregano, a wood burning fireplace and fresh flowers. Your mind takes you to a small Greek Island and an intimate taverna. This is…
View full profileI am kind of a stickler when it comes to seafood. If it has been frozen, I can tell with the first bite and I am done with it. That makes Lakeside…
View full profileIf ever there was a “go-to” restaurant in Washington it is Le Diplomate, a charming French bistro that has no pretension and is the toughest reservation in town. It is perfect for…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Le Pavillon Located in the center of the business district and minutes from the Superdome and the French Quarter, Le Pavillon sits on land once a plantation. Built in 1907,…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Lenox Hotel Originally built in 1900, The Lenox Hotel, was the first “boutique” hotel in Boston and has a fascinating history. Legendary tenor Enrico Caruso arrived on his private…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Lodge at Torrey Pines Set on 6 1/2 acres beside the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Loew’s Regency Hotel The Regency is a Loews Hotel, located on the Upper East Side near some of the City’s best shopping, museums and restaurants. With 379 rooms and…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Maison du Ville Maison du Ville is a charming B&B only a block from wild Bourbon Street, yet you would never know it. It is a tranquil oasis where rooms…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Mandarin Oriental Handmade furniture, carpeting and original artwork grace the lobby while a fireplace adds warmth and coziness. Located in the Back Bay area on Boylston Street and connected…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Mandarin Oriental The Time Warner Center has become a mecca for New Yorkers seeking the hottest restaurants and shops. Occupying floors 35-54 of the Center, the Mandarin offers stunning views…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Mansion on Forsyth Opulent, over the top, hip and trendy are all apt descriptions of the Mansion of Forsyth. Built in a magnificently renovated 1888 Victorian mansion, the 126…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Marshal House The unique 65 room Marshall House, right in the middle of the downtown area is the choice for a full service hotel. Originally built in 1851, it…
View full profileMenton is that rare opportunity to experience the culinary mastery of one of America’s best chefs in Barbara Lynch and the brilliance of its Wine Director, Cat Silirie. Lynch is a James…
View full profileWow, inadequately describes the view from Mister A’s 12th floor restaurant overlooking the in downtown SD. You’re so high up, planes are actually landing below you at the airport. Whether you are…
View full profileOVERVIEW The Morris House Hotel may just be our “find” of the year. Ideally located in the Society Hill area of the City, this 15 room, circa 1787 boutique hotel oozes with…
View full profileLike Balthazar in NYC, Parc is that wonderful restaurant that serves as a great choice for any meal. Modeled after a French bistro, authentic design elements like antique brass fixtures and vintage…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Pendry San Diego In 2017, we stayed at a new hotel called the Sagamore Pendry in Baltimore. It was a new brand of the Montage luxury group of properties. We…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Peninsula Hotel Since 1928 Peninsula Hong Kong has set the world standard for exceptional service, style and comfort. In 2001 Peninsula Chicago opened and quickly reached the pinnacle of…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Penn’s View Penn’s View is conveniently located at Front and Market Streets in Old City, walking distance to many attractions, restaurants and bars. The small lobby evokes memories of small…
View full profileLas Vegas is less than 10% the size of NYC, yet it has only one less Five Star restaurant than the Big Apple. This is a foodie town! The point is, there…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Planter’s Inn The Planter’s Inn, with 56 rooms and 6 suites, is a delightful haven and ideally located in the center of the historic district. This Relais & Chateau…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Rancho Bernardo Nestled amidst the sprawling neighborhoods of San Diego’s coastal mountains, Rancho Bernardo has been awarded the AAA Four Diamond award for 33 years running and has earned the…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Rancho Valencia Resort Set on 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, the Mediterranean-inspired Rancho Valencia, is an all-suite property and recently completed a $30 million renovation including remodeled…
View full profileRao’s was opened in 1896 in East Harlem, NY and is, today, one of the oldest family owned and operated restaurants in the country. Its 10 seat NY restaurant is the hardest…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Ritz Carlton Philadelphia The Ritz Carlton brand is one of our favorites and The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia has recently completed a $25 million redesign which has restored its place at…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Ritz Carlton Central Park The Ritz Carlton Central Park is a magnificent hotel ideally located on Central Park West, overlooking the Park. The service is impeccable, the rooms beautiful and…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Ritz Carlton, Atlanta Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Ritz Carlton Atlanta is a luxury oasis close to the city’s attractions and minutes from Georgia Aquarium and Centennial…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Mansion on Turtle Creek The Mansion is our first foray into an “urban escape” and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to start. This is a marvelous retreat…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Royal Palms Located at the base of the Camelback Mountains, The Royal Palms Resort & Spa is truly an oasis in every sense of the word. There is a…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore has always been a great weekend destination, but it has only been in the last few years that the quality of lodging options has achieved a…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Salamander Washington DC The Mandarin Oriental Washington is located in the heart of the district in the southwest section, overlooking the marina, the Tidal Basin and the monuments. The…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Simpson House Inn Located in historic downtown Santa Barbara, the Simpson House Inn is the ultimate in Bed and Breakfast perfection. Built in 1874, the actual structure is everything you…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Sofitel Philadelphia We are big fans of the French Sofitel chain of hotels. We think of them as 4+ star hotels at a 3 star price. While there are only…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Sofitel Hotel I have become a real fan of the French inspired, Sofitel Hotels, having enjoyed them in New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago and LA. They are sophisticated and stylish…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Sofitel Washington DC The French inspired Sofitel Lafayette Square is a favorite for its service, stylish rooms and price/value. With 220 rooms and 17 suites, this charming hotel is both…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Sofitel Hotel Sofitel Hotels are a favorite of ours and are recommended in our New York, Washington, DC and LA profiles. As I have said before you get a 4…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Sofitel Los Angeles is notorious for having no real downtown area. However if it did have one, it would probably be the few blocks surrounding the Beverly Center. A major…
View full profileState Bird is one of the most unique and fun places to dine that we have ever encountered. Not surprising, it is one of the toughest reservations to get in town. The…
View full profileTadich Grill is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in California and the third oldest in the United States. Their servers average 33 years in the industry and 16 years at Tadich Grill.…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Charles Hotel For charm, history, and atmosphere, Harvard Square in Cambridge has few rivals – and it is right outside your door at The Charles Hotel. Boasting a unique…
View full profileOVERVIEW Once in a while a hotel value comes along that we can’t wait to tell you about it. Such is the case of The Eldon Luxury Suites in Washington, DC. The…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Hay Adams Even the most jaded political observer would have to admit to being impressed by the view from the Hay Adams, across Lafayette Square to the White House.…
View full profileOriginally opened in 1949, the House of Prime Rib continues to be a San Francisco favorite for its 21 day dry aged beef. There’s only one thing on the menu – prime…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Inn of Five Graces The Inn is part of the acclaimed Relais & Chateau group and owned by Ira and Sylvia Seret, internationally-known importers of unique and exotic architectural elements,…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Ivy Hotel 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…
View full profileOVERVIEW of the Jefferson Hotel The Jefferson Hotel was built in 1923 as an apartment building and converted to a hotel in the 50’s. It closed in 2007 for a two year renovation…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Liberty Hotel The Liberty Hotel, is ideally located in my favorite part of town, Beacon Hill, just steps from the cafes and boutiques of Charles Street. The 298 room…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Lowell Every list of the most “romantic” hotels in New York City includes the Lowell at or near the top. This is our choice for any special occasion. With…
View full profileSince opening in 1941, The Marine Room in La Jolla, has become renowned for its beachfront location, spectacular sunsets and high tide surf that creates incredible activity right outside your window. In…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Palazzo at the The Venetian This is another instance, like Wynn and Encore, where there are two sister hotels, side by side, that share a lot of features. There…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Rittenhouse Joining the Ritz Carlton at the top of the list of Philadelphia hotels is the Rittenhouse Hotel located on beautiful Rittenhouse Square in the heart of the City.…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Ritz Carlton New Orleans It is hard to match the elegance of the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans. Located on the edge of the French Quarter it is close to…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Roosevelt Another New Orleans hotel with a long history, the 116 year old Roosevelt has been through a number of incarnations, the latest after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. Originally…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Roxy Tribeca This “has it all” hotel came up in a search one weekend on Hotwire when we were looking for last minute accommodations in NYC. That weekend and…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Surrey The Surrey, the only Relais & Chateaux property in NYC, is an utterly charming hotel just a block from both Central Park and Madison Avenue and is everything…
View full profileOVERVIEW of The Watergate Hotel People of a certain age will remember the Watergate as the scene of the break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters that ultimately brought down the Presidency of…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Trump International Hotel Its gold façade glistening in the desert sun, Trump sits on the edge of the Strip, close enough to walk anywhere, yet seemingly far away from the…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Trump International Hotel Say what you want about Donald Trump, the man knows how to do a hotel right and the Chicago incarnation is no exception. Located in the Loop…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Waldorf Astoria Located within the bustling City Center, right on the Strip, the Waldorf Astoria (formally the Mandarin Oriental) is close to all the major attractions and casinos, but thankfully…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Waldorf Astoria It is not often that a new hotel enters a major city and takes it by storm… almost immediately. This is particularly true in Chicago which boasts some…
View full profileOVERVIEW of Windsor Court A $22 million renovation has restored Windsor Court to the top of the list of New Orleans hotels. All 316 guestrooms have been refurbished, the Grill Room and…
View full profileOVERVIEW of XV Beacon Generally the description “hip and trendy” for a hotel translates into a minimalist, ultra modern décor that has about as much warmth as, well, a glass and chrome…
View full profileZuni Café is a warm and inviting restaurant with soft lighting, big picture windows, a copper bar, a roaring wood fired oven and piano music. The interior is kind of rustic chic…
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