Lodging

Staying in a grand chateau that overlooks a lake. Hiking on a mountain path to a tea house. Does this sound like a French fairy tale? I found both on an autumn visit to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as part of a Tauck tour of the Canadian Rockies. The majestic outdoors satisfied my need for adventure while luxurious accommodations kept my inner princess smiling.

But this princess has a secret wish—to see Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise when winter turns the UNESCO World Heritage site, Banff National Park, into a frozen wonderland. I imagine ice skating on Lake Louise or sitting in Lakeview Lounge as snowfall covers towering evergreens.

If you visit during the 16th Annual Ice Magic Festival (Jan 22-24, 2010), ice carvers will be wielding their tools to turn blocks of ice into sparkling towers of ice art. Here’s what’s included in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Ice Magic Celebration Package:
·         Accommodation – choice of room or suite;
·         Self Parking;
·         Special Guest Ice Magic Reception on January 23;
·         Breakfast Daily.

Rates starting from $380 USD per night, based on double occupancy.  For more information visit: http://www.fairmont.com/lakelouise/HotelPackages/SpecialEvents/IceMagicPackage.htm.

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet

Photo courtesy Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Because the regular Ritz-Carltons and their five-star restaurants, posh rooms and housekeeping service that’s so attentive your dirty laundry might be folded for you weren’t luxurious enough, yesterday the hotelier opened its first Reserve property: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

Ritz-Carlton's first Reserve resort opened at Phulay Bay yesterday.

Designed by Thai architect Lek Bunnag, the 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel combines modern Thai, Middle Eastern and Moroccan themes with the natural beauty of southern Thailand and the shore of the Andaman Sea.

Guests enter the resort through 20-foot-tall aubergine walls and hedges created from indigenous trees, following a stepping-stone pathway to a pitched-roof Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of flickering candles.

The resort’s 16 Reserve Villas are all unique, differing slightly in design and styling, yet all are luxurious. Options include

• a villa with lap pool and lawn area for sun bathing
• a private rooftop for alfresco dining and sunset viewing
• a secluded pool bathing area for total privacy

This view of the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand at the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve looks nice.

A room near the elevator and ice machine that overlooks the parking lot, however, does not appear to be an option.

And in case guests don’t trust the Ritz-Carlton–and, really, you should always trust the Ritz-Carlton–they can customize their stay with the help of their own  villa butler, who can plan humdrum events like

• a meditation class with local monks
• a sea plane tour
• elephant trekking

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, also has six restaurants geared towards a small number of diners and personalized service, with the chef conferring with guests before preparing their meals and using only ingredients from local markets. Take that Olive Garden.

Thai silk soft furnishings are used in the villas and restaurants at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

And in case a stay at the resort isn’t pampering enough, its two-level ESPA villa spa has 11 treatment rooms, including single and couples massage rooms, and two VIP treatment suites.

The Ritz-Carlton plans to open five more Reserve resorts, including ones closer to the United States in Costa Rico, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico (which is so close to the United States it’s rumored to be in it).

Opening rates for Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve are

• Resort Pavilion THB19,550
• Ocean Pavilion THB21,250
• Beach Villa THB 27,200
• Reserve Villa THB44,200
• Royal Beach Villa THB68,000

(As of Dec. 23, 2009, THB1 = US$0.299760. All rates are subject to 18.7 percent service charge and taxes.)

Photos: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
111 Moo 3 Nongthalay, Muang
Krabi 81000 Thailand
(66) 07-562-8111
kbvrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com

Relais Chateaux Hotel La Torre del Visco's wine cellar's deep selection of reasonably priced wines can provide hours of entertainment.

Like many places in Spain, when you leave your luggage unattended at La Torre del Visco, it might disappear on you.

But unlike a street corner in Barcelona, at this Relais Chateaux Hotel in the Spanish countryside, you’ll find your bags later, waiting for you in your posh room.

The vanishing luggage trick–one of my favorite features of luxury travel–was just the first of many opulent touches we enjoyed at our stay here. Located 4.5 hours from Madrid and 2.5 hours from Barcelona by car, La Torre del Visco, makes a peaceful if slightly out-of-the-way respite from visits to Spain’s biggest two cities.

Other luxurious highlights:

• a stocked 15th century wine cellar where if you open a bottle and don’t like it, you can just pick another one and not be charged for the first (the owner only carries wine he likes, so he just drinks the opened bottles himself–the wine selection is so good, however, he doesn’t get to do this often)
• a menu that changes daily based on what’s fresh–or freshly killed (it damn near killed me that right after checking out I saw a plate of just-caught fish on ice in the kitchen)
• while chatting with some other guests on a porch enjoying a panoramic view of the Spanish countryside, we were asked if we wanted  lunch–moments later the white table cloth was brought out, as were plate after plate of meats and cheeses

La Torre del Visco has 17 rooms (four suites, two junior suites, six superior double rooms and five standard rooms). Prices range from 151€ to 303.5€ on weekdays and 275€ to 425€ on weekends and holidays. It is not suitable for people with disabilities. La Torre del Visco also has two acres of formal gardens, terraces and fountains as well as a 220-acre organic farm to explore.

Enjoy a good sit taking in the Spanish countryside.

Photos: Zach Everson

Relais Chateaux Hotel La Torre del Visco
Partida Torre del Visco s/n
44587 Fuentespalda, Spain
( 00 34) 978 76 90 15

Philadelphia Morris House Hotel

There is often a distinct difference between a true hotel and that of a true bed and breakfast. You don’t often find the two mixing together. However, one particular hotel/bed and breakfast in Philadelphia has seemed to conquer that rare feat. The highly respected and well-known Morris House Hotel in Philadelphia offers guests the hospitality and experience of a bed and breakfast, mixed with the accommodations of a hotel.

This restored 18th-century mansion is rare in how it perfectly blends together the accommodations and experience that you would find at both an inn and a hotel. The Philadelphia hotel has been converted to a boutique hotel, offering the ideal place to vacation in Philadelphia with its location in the city’s historic district. Philadelphia attractions that are within walking distance include South Street, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the theater district and plenty of shopping and restaurants.

Many of the rooms at the Philadelphia Morris House Hotel offer the types of rooms you would typically find at a bed and breakfast, but with the service and added amenities you would find at a luxury hotel. Amenities in standard rooms include private baths, TV, phone, sitting area and turndown service. However, unlike many luxury hotels, the Morris House Hotel offers complimentary Internet access. Included with your stay is complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon tea. Room service is also available upon request. Rooms start at $179 for the standard luxury room and go up to $200 for the suites.

The Philadelphia hotel and bed and breakfast follows in the path of many other hotels in offering a variety of seasonal specials and deals. There current midweek specials consists of getting your third night free when you book two nights at the available rate between Sunday and Thursday.

Morris House Hotel
225 S. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-2446

Photo taken by Spencer.

New Orleans Marriott Deluxe Guest Room

Get into the holiday spirit in New Orleans, the city that knows how to celebrate everything just right. Celebration doesn’t have to break the bank, however. The New Orleans Marriott Hotel makes it much easier on your wallet with Papa Noel rates, starting at $89 per night.

Located at the edge of the French Quarter on Canal Street, the New Orleans Marriott is conveniently located for all your holiday shopping, sightseeing and celebration.  Fresh from a $38 million renovation, the hotel features 1,329 guest rooms and suites.

Papa Noel rates start at $89 per night (based on double occupancy, not including tax), and are available from Dec. 1 to 24. In addition, get in on the local culinary tradition at this time of year, and take part in a reveillon feast at the hotel’s 5 Fifty 5 restaurant. For $45 per person, the six-course reveillon dinner menu features char-broiled oysters, Creole fried green tomatoes, butternut squash bisque, speckled trout, lamp chops and more.

5 Fifty 5 Restaurant

If that’s not enough, and you want to learn how to make these luscious dishes when you get home, participate in a free cooking demonstration with Mark Quitney, 5 Fifty 5’s executive chef. The 45-minute cooking demonstrations are available at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 to 4, 8 to 11, 15 to 18 and 22 to 23.

On my first visit to New Orleans nearly 20 years ago, I stayed at the New Orleans Marriott. My friends and I were in town for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and looking out our window to the city and river below, I was mesmerized before I even began to explore the Crescent City on my subsequent trips over the years.

For more information on Papa Noel reservations, call 888-364-1200, or visit www.neworleansmarriott.com and use reference code HOL. If your holiday spirit gets revved by giving back, check with the hotel’s concierge in advance of your stay for volunteer opportunities in the community. Santa will take note.

New Orleans Marriott Hotel 888-364-1200
555 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Photos courtesy of New Orleans Marriott Hotel

More New Orleans-related information:
Five Haunted Hotels in New Orleans

Hotel Pattee, Perry, Iowa

When one thinks of historic, restored, luxury hotels, Iowa is probably not the first place that comes to mind.  The Hotel Pattee in Perry, Iowa, however, should make you think again.  The Hotel Pattee is located in the small town of Perry, Iowa, about 40 minutes northwest of Des Moines.  With each of its 40 rooms decorated around a different theme, it has been called a hotel of Iowa history. Read More »

There’s a party going on in Santa Fe, New Mexico. That’s right. The oldest capital city in the United State is celebrating its 400th birthday. The Eldorado Hotel & Spa is joining in the festivities by giving travelers a present. Guests of the four-diamond property will receive the third night free; a 33% savings value starting at $219.

Located next to historic Santa Fe Plaza, Eldorado Hotel & Spa offers 219 non-smoking guest rooms, complete with 32” flat-screen HD-compatible televisions, terry-cloth bathrobes, a workstation with task light, high-speed internet access, overstuffed lounging furniture paired with a reading lamp and tables, a refrigerated mini-honor bar and optional turndown service. A selection of larger Deluxe rooms feature wood-burning kiva fireplaces and shared terraces.

While you’re staying at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa, enjoy the $100 discount on a 24-karat gold facial offered by the Nidah Spa. The golden 80-minute treatment tightens and brightens skin.

Although I haven’t stayed at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa, it sure sounds convenient for attending Santa Fe’s birthday festivities. Since both promotions are valid through December 30, 2009, there’s still time to plan a visit to the 10th Annual Santa Fe Film Festival (Dec. 2-6, 2009) or the Winter Spanish Market (Dec. 12 and 13, 2009).

To book this special at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa, use the ‘Super Saver’ rate code PROSSS at www.eldoradohotel.com or call (800) 955-4455

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet

All photos courtesy of Eldorado Hotel & Spa

The Galt House and the Louisville skyline

When booking a room in Louisville’s Galt House Hotel and Suites you’ll have to pick: newer room or bigger room.

The RIVUE (East) Tower, which was renovated in 2006, has 591 suites and deluxe rooms. The SUITE (West) Tower has larger rooms than the East Tower, featuring 600 executive suites, including premium ones with waterfront balconies, but they’re a bit older.

The rooms are clean but lack the amenities many guests expect from an upscale hotel, with the notable exception of complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building. Located on the waterfront, many rooms in both towers offer expansive views of the Ohio River and neighboring Southern Indiana, although the scene isn’t particularly notable.

Rates range from $169 to $950, but the Galt House does offer specials.

Online reviews yielded mixed experiences with the service: some guests raved about their treatment, but most others complained. It’s not too surprising that most reviews were less than stellar though: a few months ago I was sitting in the back of a Louisville bus next to a sweaty guy in a t-shirt who was pounding beers. We started talking. He was a Galt House employee on his way to work, albeit two hours late.

A room with a view of the Ohio River

Another knock on the Galt House is that all of the elevators go to all floors, meaning if you’re on a higher floor, getting to and from your room can take a while. So plan accordingly or ask to stay on a lower floor.

The 10,000 square foot, three-story glass conservatory that connects the two towers also offers  sweeping views of downtown Louisville and the mediocre Ohio. It has free Wi-Fi and houses Thelma’s Deli and Al J’s lounge, but if you’re looking for local flavor, you won’t taste it here (a common line at the bar seems to be “Have you ever been to Louisville before?”).

Al J’s bar is a long fish tank, albeit sparsely populated (although it’s possible I’d scared the fish to the other end). It has a lengthy martini menu, including–no surprise for Kentucky–whiskey martinis. Its cocktail prices, however, are geared towards drinkers on a per diem, but $4.75 for a Guinness is reasonable.

The Galt House's conservatory houses a deli and lounge

While the conservatory has a modern feel, much of the rest of the hotel’s common areas are dated. For example, the Archibald Cochran Ballroom in the West Tower is ahead of its time, but its time is 1973.

The Galt House’s location is ideal for taking advantage of downtown Louisville’s entertainment, dining and nightlife options. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory,  the Muhammad Ali Center and Fourth Street Live! (a popular, if gentrified, evening playground that attracts twentysomethings) are just a few blocks away.

And it’s just a cheap taxi drive from the Galt House to Bardstown Road and its eclectic mix of independent bars, restaurants and stores that help “keep Louisville weird,” a popular slogan around town.

It’s also a 10-minute drive to Churchill Downs, but getting a reservation at the Galt House on Kentucky Derby weekend can be difficult and expensive. (Check this article for information on events that are cheaper than the Derby, namely because they are free.)

The Galt House’s rates, size and proximity to Louisville’s attractions (including the Kentucky International Convention Center) make it a popular destination for conferences.

All photos courtesy of Galt House.

The Galt House Hotel and Suites
140 N. 4th St.
Louisville, KY 40202
502-589-5200

Visitors to Sicily may find themselves overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of its capital, Palermo.  It is dirty, congested and incredibly busy.  It’s definitely worth a visit (especially for the food), mind you – but it can still be a tad overwhelming.

So getting outside of the city can be a welcome respite. If you are set to stay on the island for more than a few days, it may even be a necessary one.  And if you are of a mind to truly get away from it all, the Relais Santa Anastasia resort, about 60 km away in the old town of Castelbuono, is a perfect escape.

When I say get away from it all, I’m not kidding.  The resort is about a dozen clicks away from the nearest town of Castelbuono.  And to do any sightseeing in the vicinity, you’ll need a rental car (and probably one with a good GPS at that).  But Relais Santa Anastasia’s sparse, breathtaking beauty, and its award-winning winery next door, means that you may not be all that inclined to leave anyway.  Its refined serenity, coupled with the grounds incredible history, should have you captivated in no time at all.

Read More »

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

View from Ko'a Kea Ocean View Room

Grab your iPod because the hip Ko’a Kea boutique hotel has docking stations in all of their rooms, in addition to flat screen TVs and Espresso coffee makers. But it’s not the L’Occitane amenities that bring you to this luxury hotel, opened April 2009, it’s the fact that it sits on Poipu beach.

Resting on the footprint of  the old Poipu Beach Hotel, this small-scale property takes over where Hurricane Iniki left off in 1992. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the Ko’a Kea name, meaning “white coral” in Hawaiian, is a tribute to the life-giving power of the coral reefs.

Ko'a Kea Ocean View Room #236

Of the 121 hotel rooms, you could reserve one of six ocean-front suites or an ocean-view suite. My room, #236, was an ocean view room that would typically rent for $600. Right now, the Kauai property is not fully occupied and is therefore offering $299 special rates. If you absolutely insist on an ocean front room, add $100 to the cost. If it were my money, I’d suggest booking the ocean view room and investing your saved dollars in a spa treatment.

Whether you’re here on a honeymoon or in Kauai on business, you won’t want to leave the fabulous bed. Take it from me; I’ve slept on a lot of hard mattresses and besides my flow bed, the Ko’a Kea bed is one of my absolute favorites.

For the honeymooners out there, I have no idea what the Ko’a Kea Signature Adventure Lovers Massage entails, but it sounds romantic. With my fair Norwegian skin, I’ll probably need the Sunburn Rescue Treatment.  Speaking of sunburns, the snorkeling at the Ko’a Kea hotel was better than our catamaran tour on the Napali coast. All sorts of brilliantly colored fish were spotted in front of the hotel, as well as a sea turtle. Guests can bring their own snorkel equipment or rent by the hour or day at the Ko’a Kea.

The Ko’a Kea’s website features special packages and promotions. For example, if you make a reservation between December 25, 2009 and January 4, 2010 you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a stay in 2010 equal to your stay during the holiday season. Check the website for details.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. If you like free internet access, upgrades when available and late check out, be sure to sign up for the Iprefer Guest Benefit Program. This trip was hosted by the Kauai Visitors Bureau.

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort (808) 742-1344

2251 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii 96756-9534