I love the Hotel Experience! Especially Boutique Hotels like the Empire in New York. I get the pleasure of traveling often and get to enjoy many hotels in the process. I am always looking for new places to stay. My requirements are comfy beds with feather pillows, wireless internet, a mini-bar and flat panel television! But beyond the basics, it is the stylish interiors, fabulous restaurants and bars, and spa experiences that keep me coming back to my favorite destinations!
Near the top of my list for stylish hotels is the Viceroy Santa Monica. It was designed by the fabulous Kelly Wertsler. The pool cabanas are fantastic, the restaurant delicious, and the lobby stunning!
The beds at the Viceroy are super comfy. My husband and I recently stayed in a suite on the property that was chic, plush and had a gorgeous ocean view. Definitely one of my better hotel experiences!
Hotels continue to be big business! And there are now great web-based companies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hotel Specialists that review and organize all the info you could ever need to book a great hotel anywhere around the world!
My friend Ronda Carman at All the Best Blog partners with Mr. and Mrs. Smith for Giveaways and reviews properties for them. Not a bad gig in my opinion, maybe I should try it too!
Many hotel groups offer a similar service on their websites. One such group is the Kimpton Hotel Properties. I happen to enjoy these hip hotels. I have stayed in several including 70 Park Avenue in New York that was designed by the stylish Jeffrey Bilhuber. Tonight in Seattle we are bunking at the Alexis, another Kimpton Property. I’ll report back soon on the experience but I expect it to be a good one.
On Day #25 of the Things I Love…Hotels! And I’m always open for suggestions! What are you favorites?
Surely, this can’t be Day #25 already!! I hate to think this will be over so soon! I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed it!
You are speaking my language! There’s nothing I love more! I have too many favorites to name but I like both the Viceroy and the Empire. And welcome to Seattle, by the way! Hope you enjoy your time here.
Oh Tobi, i love hotels.. love them.. Everything about them, gorgeous views, the inviting beds, the fancy breakfast, always the best coffee. I love the Chateau Frontenac and Hotel MacDonald here in Canada. Because I feel like a Queen in a Chateau. But some of my favorite Boutique hotels are in Old Montreal, like Auberge du Vieux Port. Exposed Brick walls, hardwood floors and Wrought Iron beds.. Beautiful!
Love this – I am sure you inspired another post.
Vitania
Vitania
Loving hotels as you do.
Although not a hotel Mill House Inn, in East Hampton is a top notch place to stay. Propieters (and Antiques by Zaar customers/friends) Gary and Sylvia Mueller do not miss a beat and a stay there is a must.
But the hotel that has the strongest sentiment for me is the very fine Regent Hotel in Bangkok Thailand. It was where we called home for 10 days (with our 3 pre schoolers) before moving into our condo, upon moving to Bangkok. Furthermore we spent 6 delightful Christmas Eve’s there with the family…like the entire city block we were decked to the nines, as we enjoyed sumptuous dining.
Ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com
We recently stayed in San Francisco at a hotel that is part of a small chain called, Joie de Vivre. We absolutely LOVED it. Gorgeous setting in the most beautiful part of SF, Pacific Heights, and wonderful rooms and service. Absolutely first class and very European in feel (the manager is from Europe). They have other hotels all over SF and California.
Searching out for these hotels is part of the fun of traveling. Thanks Tobi for more ideas.
I love Kimpton properties….Have you ever requested the gold fish delivered to your room to keep you company? When we don’t travel with our dog we do it, they even feed him, low mainentance.