Conceived by the Ken and Joan Austin and managed today by Waterford Hospitaliy, Allison Inn is destined to be one of the best in the country and certainly the best in the Northwest. Located at the north entrance of Willamette Valley wine country and set on 35 lush acres, the…
The Andaz Napa is located in the heart of downtown Napa, accessible on foot to everything in town and by car for the surrounding areas. Part of the Hyatt chain, this upscale brand offers luxury accommodations at affordable prices.
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…
With vineyards in the foreground and the Santa Lucia Mountains as the backdrop, Bernardus Lodge is the quintessential "Relaxing Retreat", a property so special it raises the bar for all others. The setting could not be more idyllic, but it is the…
The history of the Boar's Head Resort property dates back some 300 years and has ties to Thomas Jefferson. The 3,000-acre tract that the resort resides on was part of Virginia's first land grant in 1734, and Terrell's Ordinary, an inn for westward travelers, opened at the exact location…
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 of many travelers, myself included. This is not a cookie cutter chain hotel. It…
If I only had one more day on this fine earth, I just might want to spend it at the Charlotte Inn. This is a magnificent inn with museum quality antiques and oil paintings that still manages to be one of…
Cape Cod is the body of land that extends from Massachusetts into the Atlantic like a beckoning finger. Its year round population of 200,000+ explodes in the summer as Bostonians seek to escape the city and…
About halfway between Miami and Key West in Islamorada is a wonderful resort called the Cheeca Lodge & Spa. It’s George Bush the 1st’s favorite place in Florida. (at least I think so because there are pictures of him everywhere and there is a George Bush Suite) Anyway, I never miss an opportunity to…
Just outside of town and about a block from the legendary Cliff Walk is one of the most charming B&B’s we have seen, the Cliffside Inn. Once the home of noted artist Beatrice Turner, it has retained all the wonderful subtleties of days gone by, while including all the…
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…
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 an exquisite European hideaway. Ideally located in the heart of the Back Bay, the hotel is only steps away from Newbury Street…
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…
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 the bustle of the city. The impeccably manicured grounds are designed in Spanish hacienda…
OVERVIEW Just outside the Sante Fe city limits, Encantado is tucked away against the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The adobe style design is integrated perfectly to the stunning desert terrain and is positioned to take maximum advantage of the magnificent sunrises and sunsets.…
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…
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. Up the maghogany railed stairway from the street level, you enter a large richly appointed lobby and upon check-in…
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 is a wonderful and warm European style boutique hotel steeped in history, but perfectly…
Gurney's Inn Montauk has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation led by new owners George Filopoulos and Lloyd Goldman that has transformed the once stodgy old resort into the new hot spot at the East End. Wunderkind designer Michael Kramer has created 38 new oceanfront suites with grand terraces overlooking…
A few years back, new owners George Filopoulos and Lloyd Goldman transformed the once stodgy old Gurney's Montauk resort into the new hot spot at the East End of Long Island. Now they have worked their…
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 great architectural features like 13 foot ceilings, 12 foot. windows, delightful balconies and some…
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 coverlets, custom made armoires and original art. Many have overstuffed club chairs with ottomans. The large, European tiled baths are outfitted with…
Hawk’s Cay is a 60 acre AAA Four Diamond resort, located on the island of Duck Key about 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…
You are just a short distance from New Hope as you drive down a narrow country lane looking for the Inn at Bowman Hill, a luxury B&B that sets a standard for accommodations in Bucks County. Suddenly the woods give…
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…
Set in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster, PA, the Inn at Leola Village is a female owned and operated historic property. The original buildings date back to 1867 and served as farmhouses, a tobacco farm and a carriage house. This is a wonderful…
Perched on a hill with wonderful views of the mountains and the village below, there’s much to like here at the Inn at Thorn Hill from good sized rooms with amenities like two person Jacuzzis and steam showers to a…
There is much to enjoy in Charlottesville, but it will be a struggle to leave the confines of the exquisite Keswick Hall, located just outside of town in the rolling hills of Virginia hunt country. In fact, with its beautiful rooms, wonderful dining, great golf course and spa and excellent…
It would be hard to find a better setting for a romantic weekend away than L'Auberge de Sedona in Arizona. From the spectacular Red Rocks to cozy creek side cottages to private dining beside the rushing waters of the creek, a weekend here will rejuvenate an…
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…
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 train, Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal stayed here while filming Love Story and Tony…
As you pass through the entry gates, a long driveway, bordered by lush foliage, leads to The Big House, home to a group of rooms and suites, the main dining rooms, the Billiard Room and other public rooms. Guests can also select one of 12 rustic and charming cabins spread throughout the property in the…
Built in 1929 by the Dorn Family and used as a retreat for family and friends The Lodge at Glendorn began welcoming guests in 1995. Today it is owned by Cliff and Tracy Forrest, former guests who purchased Glendorn when the Dorn family put it…
Set high above the crashing waves, overlooking Carmel Bay, Pebble Beach Resorts is world renowned for its golf courses which host the annual AT&T Pro-Am PGA event and has been host to 5 U.S. Open tournaments. Golfers the world over are familiar with this amazing setting. Playing…
The dramatic Spruce Peak opened in September 2008 and is destined to take its place beside the great resorts out West in the best ski areas.The $400 million project includes 300 luxury guestrooms and private mountain cabins, a new base lodge,…
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…
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…
Like many, the movie, “On Golden Pond” is one of my favorites and this is where it was filmed. The area is as beautiful as you remember it from the film. A boat tour will allow you to revisit the…
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 room MFP is located right on beautiful Forsyth Park in the heart of Savannah.…
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. The majestic Mayflower House is home to reception, The Tap Room lounge,…
In 1979 H. William Harlan was searching for land on which to create a wine estate when he was introduced to Meadowood, which had been founded in 1964 as a private country club. The property wasn't ideally suited to grape growing, but Mr.…
The name “Mirbeau”, which may be loosely translated as “reflected beauty,” is inspired, in part, by the soft light and warm colors of Monet’s paintings. Set on 12 acres just blocks from the lake, Mirbeau was designed to evoke the warmth and…
Some places are just so comfortable and welcoming, you know from the start that you will keep coming back. Mirror Lake is one of those places. It is a delightful place to stay in any season, but it becomes truly magical…
Nestled beside the May River, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, SC is a spectacular resort just 15 minutes from downtown Savannah. Built on a 20,000 acre parcel, the Inn is part of a complex that includes residential homes, a delightful Village reminiscent of a New England town…
The Nathaniel Lord Mansion, is one of the best B&B's we have encountered in our travels. But don't let the term "B&B" dissuade you, because this place is much more than that. This is a AAA Four Diamond property owned by the same people, Rick and Bev, for over…
Nemacolin began life in the late 60’s as a private game reserve where Pittsburgh industrialist, Willard Rockwell entertained friends and business associates for hunting and fishing weekends on its then 400 acres. Today the resort is owned by the Hardy Family (84 Lumber) encompasses some 3000 acres…
After 20 years as the best fine dining restaurant in New Jersey and one of the best in the country, Chef Nicholas Harary and his wife, Melissa have introduced a bold, new concept, Nicholas Barrel & Roost, that has raised the bar for casual style restaurants. They…
Ocean’s Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, MA began as a private residence in 1890, burned to the ground in 1906 and was rebuilt in 1912 to a grand home that included 16 rooms. All main bedrooms were outfitted with Italian marble fireplaces, individual bathrooms…
The grand Bedford Springs Resort, set on 2,200 acres and minutes off the Pennsylvania 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…
From the minute you walk through the curved iron gate of the Peninsula Grill opening onto the side garden patio, you sense you are in for something special. Entering through a side door, you pass the beautiful dark bar, and reach a subtly lit, elegant dining…
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…
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.
Port d’Hiver in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Melbourne Beach is a delightful, uncrowded town on 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…
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…
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…
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…
Minutes from Miami by car, but light years away in temperament, Key Biscayne is a delightful low key island tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The island is probably best known as the Southern White House…
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 that merits a trip even from places outside local driving distances. Built in 1908…
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 sense of tranquility here that you will find in few other places. The sprawling…
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 level consistent with other great city destinations. The latest entry into the market is the…
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 of the Jefferson Memorial at night is quite spectacular. While I would generally…
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 Salish Lodge. The setting could not be more dramatic as the Inn sits on a…
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…
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 8 in the U.S. they are located in tourist favorites like NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Chicago.…
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 with the amenities and design of a 4-4 ½ star hotel, but with very reasonable prices. (except maybe Peak Season) They are…
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 star experience at a 3 star price. Their weekend rates are amazingly reasonable given the style and ambiance you enjoy. Read Full Profile >>
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 shopping and dining destination in its own right, the Beverly Center has garnered a panoply…
St. Regis hotels have a rich heritage dating back 100 years to the opening of the St. Regis in New 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…
St. Regis hotels have a rich heritage dating back 100 years to the opening of the St. Regis in New York by the Astor family. Many of the early traditions remain; fresh flowers in the rooms, the English style butler service, afternoon…
Just an hour and a half from Portland, the oceanfront Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach offers spectacular views of majestic Haystack Rock, the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast. Fireplace rooms and a wonderful restaurant add to the charm. Excellent accommodations…
There is no shortage of beach front hotels in Fort Lauderdale, but most are the traditional cookie cutter chains. The Atlantic Resort & Spa is an elegant and charming Mediterranean styled luxury boutique hotel with 124 rooms, 58 suites and 5 penthouses, most with balconies and stunning…
As its name implies, The Boulders Resort is set amidst massive, 12 million year old boulders on 1300 acres of natural beauty in the Sonoran Desert just outside of Scottsdale, Arizona. The stunning majesty of these rock formations matched with clear…
If the adage “location, location, location” is true, then The Chanler is perfectly positioned to take advantage of it. Perched atop towering cliffs overlooking Eaton Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, few spots offer as dramatic a setting. Housed in…
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 collection of bookstores, museums, cafes, restaurants and boutiques, the square draws an eclectic blend of
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…
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, 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…
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 hotel is the former Charles Street Jail and carries the jail theme throughout the…
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…
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 opened on New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight in 1907, the 500…
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,…
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 a sophisticated hotel should be. Built in 1926 as a residence hotel, the original…
In a town with great accommodations, the relatively new The Vanderbilt takes its place among the best. Originally built in 1909 by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, the former Vanderbilt Hall was purchased by the Grace Hotel Group in recent years and painstakingly restored…
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 Richard Nixon. In fact, the hotel has a bit of a sense of humor…
An acclaimed Relais & Chateau property (the only one on Nantucket), the Wauwinet is located about 9 miles from town at the northeastern part of the island and if you like inn accommodations, this would have to top any list. The rooms…
Topnotch Resort & Spa completed a major renovation in the summer of 2013 that introduced a 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…
In 2005, two old friends, Bill Campbell and Simon Critchell, joined together to purchase and restore Topping Rose House, which was built in 1842 for Judge Abraham Topping Rose and his family, and transform it into a year-round luxury boutique hotel. The stunning design by architect Roger…
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 bustling crowds. If you want luxury and proximity without the hordes tramping through a…
Nestled in a mountain meadow, amidst the towering redwoods, oak and bay laurel of Big Sur and 1200 feet above the Pacific, the Ventana Inn and Spa is a tranquil and serene refuge that will calm the soul of even the most…
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 of the best hotels in the country. But that is what happened with the
Located on The Cape (Cape Cod) on 27 exquisitely landscaped acres overlooking Pleasant Bay, Wequassett (pronounced we cwoss it) is a privately owned and operated resort that is a mecca for families and couples seeking luxurious accommodations, great food…
The White Barn Inn has long had a reputation as one of the finest in the country. A member of the prestigous Relais & Chateau group, the Inn exhibits all the wonderful traits savvy travelers have come to expect from…
Minutes from the center of town and sitting on the edge of the harbor is the elegant White Elephant Hotel, a sophisticated luxury hotel with 53 guest rooms and suites and 11 garden cottages. Personal service, as evidenced by the high staff to guest ratio, is important here and…
Developer Joe Barile set out to recreate the grandeur of the great Adirondack camps, but with a modern touch to it and he has certainly succeeded. The Whiteface Lodge is a magnificent facility destined to take its place along with other great…
Willows Lodge is a terrific weekend getaway located next to the Sammamish River in the heart of Western Washington’s wine country, just 30 minutes from Seattle. With a climate similar to France, the eastern part of Washington State has become one of the top wine-producing regions in the world.
OVERVIEW As I sat in an Adirondack chair with a cup of coffee and gazed at the morning mist traveling across the distant mountains, I realized it would be impossible to come to Windham Hill and not feel the weight of the world lifted from your…
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 Polo Lounge refreshed, a Cocktail Bar has been added to the lobby and a…
Sometimes, when we visit a property it exceeds even our expectations and that was the case on our visit to the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont. This is a beautiful resort in a wonderful town in one of our favorite…
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 table. XV Beacon manages to be hip and trendy without succumbing to that styling found in so many boutique hotels, particularly in…
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