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 displayed throughout the restaurant. Serving regional San Diego cuisine, the timbered and elegant restaurant…
and loved it. They are very well done with service and amenities seen more often in hotels a class or two higher. Best of…
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. The Inn’s walls are filled with accolades from its noted visitors and from the travel press. This is truly…
There 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 also been named a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by the French government. He is chef-owner of restaurants…
OVERVIEW 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 of the 
esteemed Dorchester Group of super luxury hotels. Steeped in history the hotel's…
Born & 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 art deco eras. Downstairs is classic steakhouse décor with leather booths, wood paneled walls,…
outdoor entertainment arena, it is no wonder the Boston Harbor Hotel is a favorite of many travelers, myself included. This is not a cookie cutter chain hotel. It…
Bouchon 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 restaurant where guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch or dinner, inside or on the patio.…
Opened 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 for Best Chef in California and Outstanding Restaurant in the United States, as well…
OVERVIEW 
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, Casa Madrona…
OVERVIEW 
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…
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 Cottages on Charleston Harbor in Mt. Pleasant, SC just over the bridge from Charleston.…
OVERVIEW 
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 Guest House, in Washington, DC that I wish the owners would clone all across…
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; Encore is slightly newer, debuting about 3 years after Wynn opened, it is slightly smaller in terms of number…
OVERVIEW of Estancia La Jolla
OVERVIEW of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
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. The Four Seasons Hotel is perfectly located in Georgetown, right on the Canal.
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…
OVERVIEW 
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 is simply another building hiding indiscriminately among the skyscrapers in the financial district, but…
Market Square in the heart of the historic district. Up the maghogany railed stairway from the street level, you enter a large richly appointed lobby and upon check-in…
Gary 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 James Beard Awards, including Best New Restaurant, Best Service and Best Chef – California.…
I 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 spectacular. It’s a great spot for lunch, for drinks or for dinner. 
George’s is…
activities in the area. The hotel is a wonderful and warm European style boutique hotel steeped in history, but perfectly…
We 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 people open restaurants with no real vision as to what they want to be…
few other places. The small sign marking the entry is indicative of the hotel itself…unobtrusive and unpretentious. The lobby foyer is small,…
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…
OVERVIEW 
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 Dallas businesswoman Caroline Hunt, the hotel became a member of the esteemed Dorchester Collection…
OVERVIEW 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 to like about this delightful hotel on the West Side, not the least of which are some great rates that make this…
Hugo'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 the Four Queens Hotel, a decidedly down market casino on Fremont. 
This is "old…
In 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 stage make-up hurried through the rear door to “fortify” themselves between acts at the neighboring Garrick Theatre. Keens Steakhouse owns the largest…
Close 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 Kokkari Estiatorio. Wood beamed ceilings, colorful pottery, flower vases and hardwood floors complete the…
I 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 at Wynn the perfect seafood restaurant for me. Lakeside serves Hawaiian seafood, line-caught by…
If 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 an after work drink, a mid-week supper, a weekend brunch or a romantic evening…
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, this grand hotel has an amazing collection of art, antique furniture and architectural features. You'll marvel at a 17th…
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…
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 the most dramatic settings for a resort in the country. The beautiful Torrey Pines State Park with its beaches,…
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 58 suites, it is one of my favorites for a number of reasons; great location, a wonderful bar, large…
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 encircle a wonderful brick patio centered with a fountain and the crowds seem far away. Built in 1783, apothecary…
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…
a magnificently renovated 1888 Victorian mansion, the 126 room MFP is located right on beautiful Forsyth Park in the heart of Savannah.…
OVERVIEW of the Marshal House
Wow, 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 there for lunch (Fridays) or Brunch (Sundays) and sitting on the delightful patio, or…
OVERVIEW 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 charm. It is a registered national landmark that has retained much of its…
Like 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 framed artwork were imported directly from Europe. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass…
of the Montage luxury group of properties. We immediately became big fans because Pendry offered many of the same amenities, same level of…
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…
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 property boasts exquisite rooms and a world class restaurant.
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 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. It is a cozy and intimate respite just 30 minutes from downtown…
OVERVIEW of Rancho Valencia Resort
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 the top of the lodging options in city. Originally built as a reproduction…
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…
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 Olympic Park, Newly renovated guestrooms make this a wonderful "home away from home." Guests arrive in a stunning lobby…
Built in 1908…
in every sense of the word. There is a sense of tranquility here that you will find in few other places. The sprawling…
years that the quality of lodging options has achieved a level consistent with other great city destinations. The latest entry into the market is the…
OVERVIEW of the Salamander Washington DC
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 would expect from a historical home; ambling gardens, cozy nooks, creaking stairs, and rooftop garrets that, though rustic, you…
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 comfortable and intimate. I was greeted immediately upon leaving my cab and the doorman introduced himself and asked for…
OVERVIEW of Sofitel
State 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 restaurant has garnered accolades from Bon Appétit Magazine and the James Beard Foundation. They…
Tadich 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. It’s quite incredible that a restaurant that is 174 years old has maintained its…
OVERVIEW 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 restored circa 1923 building is ideally located in the heart of the District, just a block from the Convention Center, close to…
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. At night with the building all lit up, it was quite spectacular. The historic Italian Renaissance-style hotel opened in…
Originally 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 rib, in a variety of sizes. (well, they do have a daily fish catch)…
internationally-known importers of unique and exotic architectural elements, rugs, furnishings and antiques. The Inn is a series of buildings most of which…
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…
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…
The 298 room hotel is the former Charles Street Jail and carries the jail theme throughout the…
Since 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 fact, when the tides are right the restaurant offers special High Tide Dinners. All…
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 The Venetian and The Palazzo are very similar. This is a huge resort,…
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. This serene park is my favorite in Philadelphia and is surrounded by some wonderful cafes that spill out onto…
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 most everything and a wonderful base for exploring the city. The gorgeous lobby opens onto a stunning courtyard filled…
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…
last minute accommodations in NYC. That weekend and one other we were able to get rates under $200. The Roxy Tribeca, formally…
from both Central Park and Madison Avenue and is everything a sophisticated hotel should be. Built in 1926 as a residence hotel, the original…
Democratic National Headquarters that ultimately brought down the Presidency of Richard Nixon. In fact, the hotel has a bit of a sense of humor…
walk anywhere, yet seemingly far away from the bustling crowds. If you want luxury and proximity without the hordes tramping through a…
Chicago incarnation is no exception. Located in the Loop beside the Chicago River, the soaring 92 story Trump is a bold design against…
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 does not have one itself. Guests arrive on the ground floor and are…
This is particularly true in Chicago which boasts some of the best hotels in the country. But that is what happened with the
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…
Use our handy tool to search for the perfect weekend with all the features you prefer. Search by accomodation type, recognition, geography, amenity and more. Search now!
Join BestWeekends.com and get FREE access to The Wow Factor - 25 of the Most Spectacular Ins in America Click here to Sign Up. Aready a member? View the Book by clicking here.
Michelin stars, AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star Awards and Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. Chef William Bradley is a Grand Chef of Relais & Chateau and was the winner of… 
then. It’s a place for ice cold martinis, cool jazz and meeting people. Tucked down an alleyway, it almost feels like you’ve come upon a speakeasy. The… 
chefs in Barbara Lynch and the brilliance of its Wine Director, Cat Silirie. Lynch is a James Beard Award winner, has won the coveted AAA Five Diamond award and Forbes Five… 
Las 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 are lots of choices for an over-the-top meal, but 
operated restaurants in the country. Its 10 seat NY restaurant is the hardest reservation to get in town. In fact, unless you have "table rights" (a standing… 
We are big fans of the French 
a roaring wood fired oven and piano music. The interior is kind of rustic chic divided into intimate rooms on multiple levels. It is a favorite of foodies near…