Small Barrels Magazine » Hotel Reviews

Shipwright Inn (Charlottetown, PEI)

karin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:10:40 +0000

Just a pleasant summer stroll away from the Charlottetown harbour front is the Shipwright Inn, a lovingly restored home originally built by shipbuilder James Phillips Douse in 1865. The quiet, treed neighbourhood and utterly charming architecture of the Inn creates a feeling of being tucked away despite staying in the city.

Innkeepers Judy and Trevor welcome you with a wonderful warmth and make it clear that you will enjoy first-class hospitality. Judy is a vibrant, energetic hostess whose cheer is infectious and who makes you feel immediately well-cared for. Despite the enveloping friendliness of your first moments at the Inn, you will not find the service at all intrusive. Your will feel treated as honoured guests with your privacy respected, and all of your needs met.

The Officers Wardroom

Upon your first glance around the interior of the Inn, it will become clear that your hosts enjoy the home that they have worked hard to outfit with modern comforts, subtly incorporated to maintain the building’s heritage feel, and gracious touches of old world charm. Intriguing antiques grace the lobby, dining area and guest rooms. Little touches throughout your room and throughout the entire Inn – extra blankets here, fresh lemonade and home baked goodies for afternoon tea there – make you feel that every detail has been thought of, and then some. We greatly appreciated our hosts’ friendly, welcoming nature as well as their knowledge of the neighbourhood and excellent dining and day trip suggestions.

Our accommodations were on the second floor of the Inn. The Officer’s Wardroom, is a spacious suite with a large lounging area, a very comfortable bedroom with a private deck, and generous master bathroom complete with luxurious air tub. The décor theme had an intriguing Eastern flair, with Japanese furnishings, lamps and collectibles. The room’s signature antique piece was the king bed’s headboard, made from the home’s original doors, a testimony to Judy and Trevor’s efforts to preserve the building’s unique heritage.

Bedroom with King Bed

Our suite also had a fridge and kitchenette area well stocked with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We were impressed by the very spacious closet, which was virtually a room itself. All around, the accommodations were unique, generous and very comfortable, kept spotlessly clean and thoughtfully stocked by the Inn staff. It was a wonderful place to spend a few nights, and we would have gladly stayed longer – maybe next time!

Being a bed and breakfast, we also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast menu each morning, including delicious fare such as Belgian waffles, eggs and ham, fresh baked muffins with lovely local jams always on the table, fresh juice, good coffee, and of course, friendly, attentive service. A scrumptious and relaxing way to begin the day!

The Shipwright Inn is in a quiet, safe neighbourhood within walking distance of Charlottetown’s major attractions, such as the harbour front, boardwalk, Victoria Park, the Arts center, shopping, and a myriad of wonderful restaurants. We highly recommend it if you plan to stay in Charlottetown.

Overall Experience
We give the Shipwright Inn 4 and 1/2 Stars- Outstanding!

The Shipwright Inn is located at 51 Fitzroy Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For hotel reservations call 888.306.9966, or visit http://www.shipwrightinn.com/

Inn at St. Peters (St. Peters, PEI)

karin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:02:06 +0000

Anne of Green Gables is Lucy Maud Montgomery’s most famous literary creation. But there’s another character in the Anne books that is arguably just as important as Anne–and that is the setting of Prince Edward Island itself. You can open up any of the stories of Anne Shirley and lose yourself in Montgomery’s masterful reflections of Canada’s fair island. Or you can go there yourself and experience it firsthand.

We fell in love with Prince Edward Island in the summer of 2007. On that trip, we based ourselves in Charlottetown and explored the central and eastern side of the island, discovering the charm of its red, sandy beaches, sleepy villages, and awesome ocean views. On one of our last daytrips, we discovered St. Peter’s Bay, a picturesque inlet and home to beaches, forest trails, and a sense of quiet solitude. We vowed to return here next time.

Two years later, we booked a stay at the Inn at St Peters, an intimate hotel on the St Peters Bay waterfront. A short drive from Charlottetown, the town of St Peters is a lovely, quiet and inviting place. The approach to the town is dominated by the bay itself, and a great, white church across the water, on the same side as the Inn. Head toward the church, turn left, and you are almost there.

Waterfront King Suite at The Inn at St. Peters

The Inn itself is the ideal place for a restful retreat. Innkeepers Karen and Garth have done a wonderful job creating an environment that is beautiful and welcoming. They extend warm hospitality and a “let us know what you need” atmosphere, yet your privacy is always respected. Reception takes place in the great building, which also houses the large, airy dining room. Accommodations are housed separately from the main building, and just a short stroll away. The grounds are immaculately kept, and gorgeous flowers bloom in neat, winding rows along pretty walking paths. (We were amazed at how green and n bloom everything was for our mid-June stay. The huge clusters of irises were especially breathtaking). The peaceful inlet, lush green grass, and elegant flowers invite calm and relaxation.

Our King Suite was also very pleasing. Spacious, and spotlessly clean, we enjoyed a comfortable sitting area, fireplace, TV and DVD player, as well as a deck overlooking the water. The Suite is a single room, so there is no private bedroom/lounging space. However, this did not affect our enjoyment as we spent our days outside enjoying hikes and scenic drives, and our evenings lingering over delicious cuisine at the Inn’s dining room.

The Beautiful Waterfront Property of The Inn at St. Peters

I suppose here’s the perfect time to mention the gourmet dining provided by Chefs John Haines and Tracy Wallace. It was certainly a highlight of our stay. Sumptuous first courses included offerings such as “Nova Style” House Smoked Salmon with Avocado Oil and St. Peters Bay Mussels (from but a few feet away!) steamed in White Wine, Butter and Rosemary Cream Sauce. Noteworthy mains included Lobster Ravioli in a Garlic Infused Cream Sauce, and Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon with Aged Cheddar Croquette Potato, Shiitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Shallots and Balsamic Grilled Vegetables (landlubbers are not excluded here.) A fine wine list added to our enjoyment, and Karen, who was often present in the dining room, shared her knowledge and enthusiasm about wine with us.

We stayed at the Inn for five nights; a rejuvenating amount of time. Our particular vacation package included a nightly three-course dinner, as well as a full, hot breakfast. It was too much food, really, but far better than leaving you wanting. Other packages at the Inn include first-class golf, cycling day trips, and a “City and Sea” package where you share your holiday between the Inn at St Peters, and the attractive Shipwright Inn near Charlottetown’s harbour front. We opted for the dining package, and chose our recreational activities depending on our mood day to day.

Beautiful Views Overlooking St. Peters Bay

We found ourselves exploring the trails and parabolic dunes in nearby Greenwich park (also home to a spectacular interpretive center – literally just down the road from the Inn), driving along the eastern coastline of the island, stopping in quaint little nearby towns for steamed lobster lunches, and getting acquainted with the quiet, peaceful rhythm of this lovely part of Prince Edward Island. (We developed a particular fondness for Rick’s Fish and Chips, a small dining establishment about a five minute drive from the Inn, especially the restaurant’s deep-fried scallops. Worth checking out!)

A note on nature – at the time of year we visited (mid-June), we found the mosquito population thriving. Apparently mosquito fogging is not done on the Island. Especially on hiking expeditions in treed areas, we recommend that you bring along bug spray for maximum enjoyment. Beach excursions are another matter – but if you are heading for the trees, be aware that you might have some irritating company.

Charlottetown is a beautiful place to stay, and hardly a big, bustling city. However, for an even deeper sense of peace and seclusion, consider beautiful St Peters Bay.

Overall Experience
We give the Inn at St Peters 4 and 1/2 Stars – Outstanding!

The Inn at St Peters is located at 1668 Greenwich Rd, St. Peters Bay, PEI. For hotel reservations call 800.818.0925, or visit http://www.innatstpeters.com/

George V (Paris, France)

karin — Thu, 02 Sep 2004 23:26:45 +0000

The Four Seasons George V, lauded in books and films for decades, meets and surpasses the imagination. From its stunning lobby, richly and elegantly appointed rooms, and unparalled service, George V ensures that the romance of Paris is rendered indelible. Located in Paris’ prestigious 8th arrondissement amid some of the world’s finest shops and restaurants, George V lives up to its reputation of luxury and elegance from the moment you step through the revolving doors.

The lobby is immaculate, with floors of highly polished marble decorated gorgeously with huge arrangements of exotic flowers. Magnificent stone sculptures here and there add to the sense of history permeating the hotel. The reception desk and concierge desk face each other on either side of the room so that your first view is of flowers and the lushly-landscaped courtyard restaurant just beyond the lobby. You are immediately transported from the busy Paris streets just beyond into a world of high-class serenity.

A Suite at the Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris France

Though many guests stay at George V, there is a sense of openness and spaciousness about the hotel. High ceilings and elegant yet never fussy decorative details add to this feeling. Our particular room had a large balcony overlooking the verdant courtyard. Though you never feel away from city life, the hotel spares no effort to make the city a luxurious experience for their guests.

Just outside the hotel doors are some of the world’s most luxurious shops. Designer names that almost anyone would recognize – Hermès, Versace, Armani, Louis Vuitton – are mere footsteps away. And at George V, you are in the very heart of the Paris the whole world imagines. The Champs Elysées is mere moments away, and you can easily walk to many of Paris’ most renowned attractions including the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. As for navigating Paris from George V by foot, metro and train, we had very few problems if any, thanks in great part to the superb map supplied by the concierge.

As for our particular accomodations at the hotel, there is no doubt in my mind that Louis XIV never had it so good. In fact, all I wanted to do while day-tripping at hot, sticky, overly ornate, stuffy Versailles was get back to our soothingly coloured, perfectly acclimatized, tastefully decorated room with its massive bathroom, and pillow-soft bed with gazillion-thread- count sheets. Our room was absolutely gorgeous with the best of everything, including a huge bathroom outfitted mostly in marble and providing deliciously scented designer bath products from Italy.

Perhaps Gene Kelly Stayed in this Room?

Comfortable furniture welcomed us for an afternoon of reading and relaxing. An elegant writing table served as an inspiration for scrawling memoirs and “wish you could see this” postcards. There was even a miniature library of books either about or written at George V – a fine touch for the literary connoisseur. And that portrait of Gene Kelly beside our bed? Could it mean that the most famous “American in Paris” stayed here? Perhaps or perhaps not… imagination is enouraged by the romance of the room’s surroundings.

Service is, not surprisingly, second to none at this world-class five star hotel. It is said that almost no wish is impossible to fulfill at George V, and you can believe it from the thoughtful, first-class treatment you receive. Your needs are all anticipated, even the ones you didn’t know you had. Service is prompt and expertly executed, whether you need one-hour laundry service, an elaborate in-room meal, tickets to any of Paris’ many attractions, even (so we’ve heard and can readily believe) a pet puppy to commemorate your stay! Housekeeping visits your room twice a day with turn down service, refreshing and replenishing your linens and designer amenities daily.

Beautiful Marble Bathrooms at George V

During our stay, I enjoyed a wonderful manicure at George V’s beautiful spa. The main reception area overlooks the hotel’s indoor pool which is flanked by cozy, comfy lounge chairs and walled by a “trompe d’oeil” garden scene. My aesthetician was friendly and very professional; alternately talkative and silent when I wanted to be. All treatments are performed in private rooms, which I very much appreciated. Soft, glowing lighting and soothing music created a relaxing atmosphere.

Treatments are, not surprisingly, quite expensive here. The emphasis on privacy, relaxation and the use of very high end products does go a long way, however, in justifying the price.English was spoken by all of the friendly staff that I encountered. My only negative comment is that while the spa staff will attempt to accommodate any request, I did find it difficult to secure an appointment at the time of my choice. If you know that you will want to visit the spa during your stay, I would recommend booking any treatments as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment.

Spacious Marble Shower

And now, to business. If Paris is the epicenter of food and wine, then George V and its neighborhood is the epicenter of the epicenter. Le Cinq is the shining culinary light of the hotel, having earned three prestigious Michelin stars. The menu, which combines traditional French cuisine with contemporary dishes and influences, is exquisite and accompanied by an encyclopedic wine list. Renowned establishments like Taillevent, a restaurant that has inspired novels as well as palettes, are also close by. Excellent, if more casual, dining can be had on the Champs Elysees as well. What could be more delightfully Parisian than an al fresco dinner and bottle of wine in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe? Be aware that many restaurants and shops do close for several weeks in the summer (particularly August). Tourists may converge on Paris in summertime, but Parisians need their holidays,too!

Our hotel package included the option of having breakfast in our room or in the restaurant. Our first morning, we chose the restaurant. If truth be told, this was our only disappointment with the hotel – our orders were incorrect, and service was slow and surprisingly inattentive. We chose to dine in our room for the other mornings of our stay, and enjoyed this immensely. The beautiful spread is brought to you and laid out by a thoughtful attendant, who is in and out as quickly as possible. Breakfast is anything but just functional when served with crisp white table linens, plates covered with gleaming silver domes, and your own personal attendant to prepare a comfortable eating space and then whisk it all away.

Al Fresco Room Service Anyone?

We took advantage of the In-Room dining menu one evening for a fine dinner of French onion soup and lamb with vegetables Provencale style, and sipped wine on our outdoor terrace. The meal was wonderful, although we were rather surprised at the somewhat limited menu offerings. Likely, you can get whatever you request, but we were surprised at the apparent dearth of choice on the menu.

Overall, our experience at George V more than exceeded our highest expectations. The service and luxury were so tremendous, our time in Paris seems almost to be a dream. One that we would not mind having again and again…

Overall Experience
We give George V 5 Stars- Outstanding!

Four Seasons George V is located at 31 avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France. For hotel reservations, call 33 (1) 49 52 70 00. For more information, call 33 (1) 49 52 70 00 , fax 33 (0) 1 49 52 70 10 or visit www.fourseasons.com

Hostellerie de Plaisance (St. Emilion, France)

karin — Wed, 11 Aug 2004 15:49:27 +0000

Perhaps the most ironic thing about our journey to the medieval hilltop town of St. Emilion in our tour of Bordeaux, was our passing a McDonald’s along the way. I can imagine nothing more dramatic with which to juxtapose the ancient, walled city where cars are largely not permitted than the famed golden arches. We may as well have stepped into a time machine.

Finding St.Emilion seemed simpler than finding other places in Bordeaux. I suppose that at this point in our journey we’d finally become more accustomed to the maps, roads and traffic signs that at first had seemed indecipherable. As we neared St. Emilion, the countryside transformed from the rather flat expanses of Pessac-Leognan and Pauillac to a more picturesque, hilly landscape. The drive offered views with a lovely natural quality, and fewer palatial chateaux hovering near the road.

St. Emilion

Finally, the city of St. Emilion emerged from the landscape as though out of time itself. Fortified with ancient stone walls, St. Emilion was originally built in the 12th century and then rebuilt in later centuries to its present appearance. The steep, cobbled roads weave round, up, and through in a fashion clearly not intended for automobiles. Indeed, traffic is limited to a unidirectional road, and parking, other than in the tourist area at the very top of the city, is nonexistent.

As one may imagine, the layout of this quaint place made it a challenge to find and park at our hotel, Hostellerie de Plaisance (of the Relais and Chateaux chain). Several false starts forced us right through the city; we then had to find the entrance once again due to the one-way road. Finally, we identified our hotel – partly due to the photo that we had printed from the hotel website, partly due to the fact that there was no other place to park our car than right near the hotel, and mostly due to luck.

The Pavie Suite

The Hostellerie de Plaisance is located at the top of St. Emilion, which is also its heart. It is adjacent to a grand, carved stone cathedral that inspires awe in its visitors. The inn, once a monastery, is owned and operated (since 2001) by Madame and Monsieur Perse, also the owners of the renowned Chateau Pavie (Premier Grand Cru Classe), and of Chateau Monbousquet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. The interior is beautifully refurbished, offering elegance and modern amenities.

Our room, “Pavie,” was beautifully appointed with rich draperies and fabrics and elegant furniture. The bathroom was very spacious (note to North Americans – the WC is located in a separate room from the bath tub, shower, and sink). But it was the view that was completely breathtaking.

Modern Luxury in St. Emilion

From our room, perched at the very top of this ancient, intriguing city, we could peer over the red-brown shingled roof tops of the snugly-situated buildings and the steeply sloping cobblestone streets. Open-air restaurants with canopied tables spread below us along with a thriving throng of visitors making their way from shop to shop, particularly in the Place du Marche. We could see beyond the city walls as well – and were delighted by the hilly, green vineyards that went on as far as the eye could see.

We dined two nights at the hotel’s restaurant and ate under the stars. We enjoyed a similar view of the city below as we ate the exquisite offerings of Chef Philippe Etchebest. Of particular note was an incredible, almost indescribable entree – a lasagne with foie gras, forest mushrooms, black truffles, and an amazing creamy sauce. The tender layers of noodles and the earthiness of all the rest will never be forgotten! Of course, neither will sipping the bold and beautiful 1998 Pavie-Macquin as we surveyed the land that produced it!

Ancient St. Emilion, France

We took in the city itself the next day. Even at a strolling pace, it did not take us long to see the major points of interest and most of the shops. We had lunch al fresco at a pizzeria, eating at a tiny table set against an old stone wall, and then sampled homemade gelato as we finished our walk about. We did not tour the outlying vineyards during our stay, partly by choice after the myriad of tours in Pessac-Leognan and the Medoc, and partly by circumstance. The French do holiday in the summer, after all, and not everything is open just to suit a visitor’s convenience.

St. Emilion is a tiny place, an old place, with nooks and crannies to explore, but not so many that you are left overwhelmed at the end of the day. And there is something truly restful about this old city at night, when the day tourists are gone, and a quietness settles over those left amid the stone walls.

Overall Experience
We give the Hostellerie de Plaisance 5 Stars- Outstanding!

Hostellerie de Plaisance is located in St.Emilion in the Bordeaux region of France. For hotel reservations call 33 (0)5 57 55 07 55, or visit www.hostellerie-plaisance.com/

Halekulani (Honolulu, HI)

karin — Mon, 05 Apr 2004 07:00:11 +0000

Halekulani, the “House Befitting Heaven,” is aptly named. Located in Waikiki, the hotel overlooks majestic palms, a private strip of sandy beach, and then beyond into the endless stretch of the blue Pacific. Serenity washes over you at every turn at the recurring sight of native Hawaiin flowers and plants, and in the the welcoming rooms decorated in soothing, muted cream tones. The swaying sound of traditional Hawaiin music floats through the evening air from the lanai of House Without A Key, the hotel’s popular outdoor lounge. Comfort and serenity truly await in this corner of Hawaiin paradise.

Situated directly oceanside, Halekulani looks out onto Gray’s Beach, part of the greater Waikiki beach, traditionally associated with healing and renewal. This location says a lot about the feelings of well being this resort successfully inspires in its guests. Halekulani is close enough to the bustling shops and restaurants of downtown Honolulu – a short walk will get you in range of almost any store or eatery imaginable. Yet with its palm-lined ocean view, serene open air courtyards, and abundance of lush Hawaiin flora, the hotel transports you to a place of peace and calm.

View of Diamond Head from Halekulani Hotel

The lobby itself is remarkable. Without doors or windows, the entrance welcomes you in along with the perpetually perfect Hawaiian air. An enormous, stunning floral centerpiece is the first thing that comes into view, and then the vast open grassy courtyard just beyond. A stroll toward the courtyard reveals several tranquil sitting areas, with comfortable chairs and love seats. The colors of the furnishings and décor throughout the hotel are muted and natural, allowing the vibrancy of the fragrant blooms and lush greenery to take center stage. Stunning stone fountains do double duty in the front seating area by delivering a sense of calm and effectively masking the sounds of traffic which, unbelievably, are quite present just beyond them.

Heading toward the inviting ocean and blue sky, past a row of beautiful shops (artwork, jewelry, resort clothing and sundries) you’ll find Halekulani’s restaurants and the gorgeous pool area. The pool itself is characterized by a stunning orchid pattern, made of over 1 million glass mosaic tiles, inlaid in the floor of its 46-by-82 foot dimensions. The lounge area is comfortable and spacious, with shade provided by enormous palm trees, should you desire. Towels and fresh, comfortable terry lounge chair covers are provided, and attendants circulate to take drink orders. And of course, the view of the ocean is beyond description.

Halekulani Hotel Room - Sitting Area

A wonderful feature of Halekulani is the in-room check-in service. Rather than making our initial arrangements on our tired feet in the lobby, a reception staff member accompanied us to our room and check us in there, personally pointing out the room’s amenities and giving a brief but informative verbal orientation to the hotel. The only draw back to this service is that the room and the view is so incredible, it may be hard to keep your mind on checking in! Our room was quite spacious, and decorated in creamy muted tones, allowing the azur blue of the ocean and sky beyond the window to be the focal point (lof course, you should be aware that not all rooms have an ocean view). We had a balcony that allowed us to gaze over the tops of the high palm trees and to catch a bird’s eye view of the famous “Orchid” pool and the evening hula show at House Without a Key.

Our bathroom was fairly large with a soaker tub and separate shower. It was regularly restocked with good-quality amenities. We appreciated various small but memorable touches throughout our stay, including the bowl of fresh Hawaiian fruit (guava, papaya, banana) awaiting us on our arrival, consistently prompt and thorough housekeeping service, and the presence of little gifts on our pillow left for us at turn down. The excellent service at Halekulani is definitely worthy of further note. Everyone was genuinely friendly, extremely accommodating, and seemed truly concerned that our stay was carefree. We became especially fond of the staff who parked and retrieved our car, each day offering directions and a willingness to help us with any question or concern.

King Bed and Comfortable Linens

Halekulani boasts several dining options within the hotel itself. The House Without a Key is a gorgeous open air lounge area, great for drinks and snacks in the evening, and also open in the mornings for a buffet breakfast. Even locals are drawn to the place, especially for Mai Tais and appetizers at sunset, to watch the sun sink into the ocean beyond the stage to the tune of Hawaiian hula music and mesmerizing hula dancing. This place quickly became a favorite of ours. We sipped many an orchid-bedecked Mai Tai, and tried tasty appetizers such as coconut shrimp, spring rolls and the complimentary “Maui Chips”.

The aptly named Orchids (several varieties of this graceful flower grow throughout the restaurant) restaurant is also open to the air and the ocean. Breakfast is served here (the sweetest pineapple you’ll ever taste!), and a tantalizing dinner menu is also offered (reservations are recommended). Finally, La Mer, Halekulani’s premiere restaurant offers elegant fare and an award-winning wine list. For lighter snacks, drinks or afternoon tea, you may also visit Lewer’s Lounge and the Veranda area. This location also features musical entertainment on certain evenings.

As the Halekulani is located in the heart of Waikiki, you’re in walking distance to huge public beaches and lots of shopping. Nearby stores are sure to satisfy every taste and price point, with the curious mix of swanky shops like Coach in Waikiki’s ”Luxury Row” alongside ubiquitous souvenir and sundries stores. You will not go hungry either – an impressive array of restaurants lines the streets near Halekulani. A particular favorite seems to be The Cheesecake Factory. You’ll recognize it by the throngs of people outside its doors holding those restaurant pager gadgets willing to wait sometimes over an hour and a half for dinner!

Overlooking Waikiki Beach in Oahu

A short distance away are other worthwhile attractions. The lush Honolulu Zoo is practically down the street from the hotel, and is a pleasant way to spend an hour or two. Not too far away is Diamond Head, perhaps the most famous volcano crater in the world. Diamond Head can be seen from Halekulani’s pool area and the open-air areas of Orchids and House Without A Key restaurants. Be warned that if you are going to climb Diamond Head, it is a steep hike – be sure to wear proper foot gear and bring plenty of water. Despite what you may hear about stairs and railings, this is a long, hot walk. The view is beautiful, but you will work for it.

Halekulani staff will be happy to arrange transportation for your touring needs. We recommend taking taxis to restaurants that are just out of driving range to save time navigating Honolulu’s often baffling maze of one-way streets, and to spare yourself the challenge of actually finding parking (you may want to consider this even if you have rented a car). A favorite dining discovery of ours was Alan Wong’s, and we’re convinced that the experience was enhacned by the fact that we didn’t have to locate it and negotiate parking by ourselves! Thanks to a cab ride, we arrived in time and sipped our wine without a care in the world! However, in general, we would certainly recommend renting a car so that you can get out there and experience Oahu. We drove almost the entire perimeter of this beautiful and dynamic island, taking in the phenomenal surfing beaches like Waimea, Makaha, and bohemian surfing towns (you must go to Haleiwa on the North Shore). You can’t go wrong taking in the sights at your own pace, stopping where and when you want to and being open to discovery and adventure.

It’s hard to say too much about the first-class treatment and slice of paradise we experienced at Halekulani. We would highly recommend it to the traveller looking for the best in rest, relaxation, and luxury.

Overall Experience
We give Halekulani 5 Stars- Outstanding!

Halekulani is located at 2199 Kalia Road, on Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, HI. For hotel reservations, call toll free 800-367-2343. For more information, call 808-923-2311, fax 808-926-8004 or visit www.halekulani.com.

Bellagio (Las Vegas, NV)

karin — Thu, 10 Apr 2003 17:17:46 +0000

It’s no longer your grandfather’s Las Vegas, and the Bellagio Hotel is proof. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, a canopy of glass flowers by Dale Chiluly soaring over your head, you’ve entered into elegance epitomized.

The Bellagio’s lobby’s surrounds you with fresh, natural light in the daytime – a welcome and unusual experience in Las Vegas casinos. Skylights and a massive indoor conservatory just beyond the lobby – a
destination in and of itself with ever-changing flower and plant displays invite the sun in like nowhere else on the strip. Even the casino itself has an inviting glow that you just won’t see anywhere else. Bellagio has clearly employed a new strategy – rather than creating a cavernous space that suggests you have nowhere to go, this casino offers an airy, open feel making you want stay.

Our accommodations were grand and impeccable. Our suite was tastefully appointed with fresh, contemporary colors, furnishings, and window coverings. We enjoyed the large, spacious living room area with plenty of seating and lounging room that made it easy to wile away the day reading and relaxing, despite the plethora of entertainment options of the city.

The bedroom was large and welcoming, and the king bed and linens supremely comfortable. The star feature may have been the remote controlled draperies that parted at the touch of a button to reveal massive windows looking over the strip – a stunning site in the evening. The master bathroom was huge, complete with a large Jacuzzi tub for soaking the day way. The privacy offered by a second bathroom off the living room is a welcome addition. Of course, each was stocked with luxury amenities anticipating all of your needs.

With a room like this, there really is an argument for doing nothing else but staying in and relaxing. It goes without saying that the service is impeccable, prompt, and discreet. Of course, outside the room (but still within the hotel) is a whole host of options. There is the casino of course, the spectacular waterworld of Cirque de Soleil’s “O”, an abundance of fine dining options such as Michael Mina’s Aqua and the culinary art of Julian Serrano at Picasso, and various clubs and nightspots to check out. Bellagio is also a destination for world-class shopping, offering names like Hermes, Chanel, and Armani.

This is the finest of Las Vegas luxury destinations. We highly recommend it. It is far more than a hotel, it is an immersion in elegance.

Overall Experience
We give Bellagio 5 Stars – Outstanding!

Bellagio is located at 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109. For hotel reservations call 888.987.6667, or visit www.bellagio.com.

Blackberry Farm (Walland, TN)

karin — Wed, 11 Dec 2002 23:28:43 +0000

Tucked away in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee is a world class resort known as Blackberry Farm. Quite deliberately, the proprietors have neglected to post a sign on the highway marking the turn off to this intimate resort destination. Privacy and tranquility are indeed the hallmarks of a stay at Blackberry Farm.

Blackberry Farm, reached by a meandering country road and charmingly enclosed by a white wooden fence, is in fact a majestic 4200 acre property bordering on the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. With these famous mountains as a backdrop, Blackberry Farm itself boasts gorgeous rolling hills, babbling streams, thick clusters of trees and wide meadows where horses graze. Accommodations and services are housed in elegant, country style buildings that blend perfectly into these idyllic Southern surroundings.

Upon arrival for our week-long, early December holiday, we drove up to the tree-bordered entrance road to Oak Cottage where we were promptly and warmly received under a porte-cochere. The impression given by the courteous staff upon welcome is that any and all needs will be met with attentiveness and pleasantness. We found this impression to hold true from the start to the finish of our stay.

After checking in, we and our luggage were chauffeured in one of Blackberry Farm’s motorized carts to our lodgings. (Because of the size of the property, and the hilly terrain, these vehicles are a handy way to get from place to place. By phoning the reception desk at Oak Cottage, you can arrange to be picked up and delivered promptly to other locations on the property.) Luxurious rooms are available in the Main House, a stately, county manor style building, where the dining room is also found. There are more rooms in the neighboring Guest House, both just across the way from Oak Cottage. More private cottage suites are also available in Holly Glade, a secluded, treed space at the bottom of the hill descending from the Main House. Each cottage in the Holly Glade contains two separate units with their own private covered porch. A Holly Glade cottage suite is particularly impressive with its king sized canopied bed, spacious sitting area, large bathroom complete with roomy whirlpool tub, and a generous walk-in closet. Though quite large, the overall impression of the cottage suite is one of cozy luxury due to the rich, colorful fabrics of the furnishings and draperies, the homey antiques and, in no small measure, the wood burning fireplace. A generous woodpile is located just outside of your door should you wish to build a fire. (Of course, a staff member will gladly light the fire for you !) Even the small touches throughout the suite reflect the attention to detail characteristic of Blackberry Farm. The fridge and pantry are well-stocked with complimentary gourmet snack fare, and high-end Aveda beauty and bath products grace the bathroom.

Little could be better than sitting by a roaring fire on a pillowy soft sofa gazing out at the Smoky Mountains from the cottage’s picture window. However, should you manage to leave the comfort of your room, there is plenty to do at Blackberry Farm. You might explore the property by following the paved path, either by foot or by renting a motorized cart for a modest hourly fee. We decided on an initial driving tour, to get a sense of the magnitude of the property as well as spectacular vantage points for future strolls. As well, we noted the occasional hammock and pairs of adirondack chairs placed strategically for your repose during a pleasant walk of the grounds.

For those guests seeking more movement than rest, several unpaved hiking trails have trailheads leading off of the main paved road. Their level of difficulty is noted on the property map, and you might choose to take along your gourmet boxed lunch, provided each day, for refreshment.

Besides exploring Blackberry Farm by foot, a host of other activities are available. Horseback riding and fly fishing on the picturesque Hesse Creek can be done year round. (Fly fishing lessons are available, but should be booked prior to your arrival.) Tennis courts and a heated outdoor swimming pool are open, weather and season permitting.

If you have come to Blackberry Farm for relaxation, you will find it in its ultimate form at the Farmhouse Spa (an Aveda Concept Spa). Massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, makeup consultations and other treatments are offered with superior service in the most incredible surroundings. The converted farmhouse is outfitted with cozy couches, wood burning fireplaces in private treatment rooms, and huge windows looking out onto the mountains. And, of course, only scrumptious, all-natural Aveda products are used. (Again, it is wise to book spa treatments well ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.)

At the center of any stay at Blackberry Farm is fabulous food. We took our meals in the welcoming, genteel Main House Dining Room. An incredible view of the valley can be enjoyed through the large window at breakfast, where freshly squeezed orange juice and hot buttermilk biscuits are also highlights. In the evening, we enjoyed a roaring fire in the massive stone fireplace, chasing away the chill of the cooler December days. Sumptuous five-course dinners were served with impeccable presentation. Besides excellent beef, lamb and chicken dishes, the chef skillfully incorporates local recipes and ingredients such as grits, fresh trout and, of course, blackberries into the gourmet menu. Our knowledgeable sommelier breathed life into the impressive wine list, drawing from their 8,000 foot wine cellare, making excellent wine suggestions to highlight each of our exquisite meals.

Overall, Blackberry Farm is well worth visiting for those seeking serenity in their surroundings, luxurious amenities and excellent service.

Overall Experience
We give Blackberry Farm 5 Stars – Outstanding!

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.blackberryfarm.com