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

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

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/

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

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

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

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/

Though Las Vegas may be synonymous with cheap flights, cheap rates, and cheap buffets (and other things that we shall allow to go unmentioned), it has also become an unparalleled center of world-class accommodations, dining, and entertainment. If you haven’t been to Vegas for a while, just check out any of the films in the “Ocean’s” franchise for a taste of the heights of luxury Vegas can offer. And be aware that even since the making of the latest of these films, the most decadent of the hotels depicted has more than likely been eclipsed by another, even grander one by now.

For incredible accommodation possibilities, consider the Signature at the MGM Grand, a series of luxury condominium towers off but not far from the strip. The Wynn and its newest sister, the Encore, are gorgeous inside and out, and promise a five star experience. While not “cheap” in the absolute sense, the value for your dollar is unheard of almost anywhere else in the world. This is an indulgence that even the more reluctant indulgence seeker can enjoy.

As for food and wine (always at the heart of our quest) you will be beyond satisfied by the options available to you in Las Vegas. Let your sense tingle and your mouth water as you merely contemplate the menus offered at Alex (Wynn), Picasso (Bellagio), Joel Robuchon (MGM Grand), Nobhill (MGM Grand) and Daniel Boulud (Wynn).

Vegas has and always will be what you make of it. However, the possibility to make it an experience of luxury to such a great extent is more real than ever before.

There are many ways to enjoy this incredible site, day-tripping being a popular option for those staying in Banff, Canmore, or nearby campsites. Simply strolling around the paved area in front of Lake Louise to take in the view is an immensely enjoyable experience. You can also rent a canoe in the summer and take a casual paddle around the blue-green water. If you want a more vigorous walk or a different perspective of the area, you can choose from a number of hiking paths with trailheads beginning at the lake. Take an easy walk down the paved path at the lake’s edge, or hike one of the more challenging sawback trails that take you into the forest, some passing smaller alpine lakes along the way. Two tea houses, undetectable from the lakefront, are nestled in the mountains that border the lake. Refreshment paired with spectacular bird’s-eye view of Lake Louise is certainly worth the climb.

Speaking of refreshment, another way to spend a most pleasant afternoon is to take afternoon tea in the famed Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Lakeview Lounge. The lounge overlooks the lake and provides an amazing view of Victoria Glacier. First-class elegance and an unparalled view will create lifelong memories.

Day trips are just the beginning of what you can do at Lake Louise. You can certainly make Lake Louise your Rocky Mountain vacation base. World class accommodations, fine dining, and elegant spa services are available at the Chateau and the nearby Post Hotel (located in the town of Lake Louise, not a five minute drive from the lake itself). Other hotels and accommodations are also available nearby. Lake Louise is a popular ski destination in the winter months. And there are nearby alpine lakes to explore, such as Moraine Lake.

Whether Lake Louise is your base or a must-do along your Rocky Mountain path, getting there can be just as breathtaking as visiting the lake itself. If you are driving from Banff, you might consider taking the Bow Valley Parkway, which runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway. This quieter, meandering highway follows the Bow River, and offers more opportunities for scenic views, wildlife spotting, and mountain hikes.

Despite the crowds that you may find on a day trip to Lake Louise, the beauty of the location seems to inspire calm and wonder in everyone. Though you may be surrounded by others, you will also find a sense of peace and solitude, which is certainly worth the trip.

The restaurant itself is hip but also very inviting. Neutral colors, low lighting, and plush seats envelope you in style and comfort. Warm “San Francisco” sourdough bread is brought to your table to start you off, served with a selection of organic butters. As the butter melts into the hot, perfectly chewy roll–the ultimate comfort food–you know just how much you’re going to be cared for. 

The menu boasts a number of tantalizing starters and appetizers, such as Cheese Fondue with the restaurant’s signature sourdough bread, or an equally tempting and enormous Shellfish Platter. We chose the Charcuterie Board, featuring delectable smoke meats and sausage, tangy cheeses, and incredibly mouth-watering marinated olives. Served with warm foccacia bread and a selection of mustards, this starter was perfectly satisfying. The whole grain and lavender mustards were particularly noteworthy–I could have eaten them up with a spoon. 

Our selections for the main course are certainly worth writing home about! My dining companion had the famous “Michael’s Lobster Pot Pie.” And yes, it is as rich and decadent as it sounds. The pie features a Two Pound Maine Lobster, Fingerling Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and a rich Brandy Cream sauce. Presentation is part of the fun: Our server arrived at our table with a large pot fit with a pastry “lid” atop a wheeled cart. The tender, golden crust was cut from the pot and placed on the dinner plate. The pie “filling” was then ladled in generous spoonfuls over the crust: heaps of sweet lobster meat, tender potatoes, and beautiful vegetables, all artfully presented. It is a monster of a course, but absolutely fantastic in every aspect! 

For myself, I chose the Crispy Skin Japanese Snapper served over Butternut Squash Risotto, Chanterelle Mushrooms, and a Red Wine Butter Sauce. The flavors were so wonderful and complementary! I especially enjoyed the contrast of the salty, crispy snapper skin with the sweet, creamy butternut squash risotto. Based on the attention to detail and flavor in the dishes we ordered, you surely cannot go wrong with any of the entrees. And there are many offerings to tempt you (including non-seafood options), from seasonal tasting menus, to courses like  Suckling Pig with Perigord Truffles, Red Snapper  with Cauliflower puree, and a twist on comfort food: Whole-Fried Chicken For Two Truffle Mac N’ Cheese and Onion Jus.

Lest I forget, our meals were accompanied by a sampling of creamy mashed potatoes in various flavors: sour cream and chive, curry, mustard, horseradish, and classic. Served “family style,” this  “side” was an unanticipated delight. I personally loved the exotic curry flavor and hot horseradish, while my dinner companion’s top choice was the sour cream and chive. Truly, there’s something for everyone here!

Nobhill features a good wine list, with plenty of tantalizing white wines to whet your seafood-inspired palette. There are choice reds, to be sure, but I feel you can never go wrong with a crisp, French Chardonnay, with that distinctive mineral undertone. Perfection!

How did we manage to have dessert, you ask? How could we not, I say, based on the calibre of the rest of our meal! I was delighted to find a twist on my favorite, crème brulee; the Cinammon Spiced Creme Brulee with Crisp Brown Sugar wafer combined the rich creaminess of crème brulee with my favorite spice. My chocolate-fiend companion enjoyed every bit of the decadent Valhrona Chocolate Soufflé with Milk Chocolate-Espresso Ice Cream.

Service was flawless. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and attentive and kept the evening relaxing and laid back.

We recommend dining at Nobhill and will make it a priority to return there on our next Vegas trip.

Overall Dining Experience
We give Nobhill Five Stars - Outstanding!

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.mgmgrand.com or call (702) 891-7337.

Charlottetown, the lovely, waterfront capital of Canada’s Prince Edward Island, is no exception. A gem of the maritime provinces, Charlottetown offers something for everyone. The wharf is the centerpiece, where you’ll find pleasing views, great seafood eating (especially Flex Mussels – not to be missed!), and unique shopping. You can get to know Charlottetown by foot (or walk off all those seafood dinners!) by following the boardwalk along the shoreline – a pretty stroll passing by parks and greenspaces, and quaint neighborhoods. For history buffs, the road to Canadian Confederation starts here. (You may want to plan on a visit to Founders Hall, a museum/history pavilion and brush up on your confederation facts or stroll by historic landmarks with costumed re-enactors.)

If you rent a car, which we highly recommend, Charlottetown is a great base and starting point for day trips which take you to red sandy beaches, through scenic farmland with gorgeous rolling hills, from lone lighthouse to lighthouse standing guard over the rocky shoreline, and to the recreated dwelling place of the Island’s most famous red-head, Anne of Green Gables. We were thoroughly charmed by the beaches and views at St. Peters, a small town not far from Charlottetown. We also found Cavendish, the tourist-magnet of the Island, to be less busy than we had assumed. Certainly, our visit to Green Gables was relaxing and interesting, and not jam-packed shoulder to shoulder with Anne fans. A fan of the Anne books myself, I was overjoyed at the re-creation of Lovers’ Lane and the Haunted Wood, two short walking trails nestled among the trees on the Green Gables property. And I was truly inspired by the educational film about Lucy Maud Montgomery’s remarkable life and career.

Our enjoyment of Charlottetown was enhanced by the unique character of our hotel, The Great George. Actually several heritage buildings re-developed into Inns, each with their own personality, The Great George will certainly be an important part of your stay. The location of the hotel was quite wonderful, putting us in walking distance of the major attractions of Charlottetown, such as the wharf and its restaurants, the boardwalk, local arts and crafts stores and galleries, the arts and entertainment centre, and also more “generic” shopping destinations – which you just sometimes have to visit!

The Inns at The Great George are linked by The Pavilion Building which, in addition to housing several guestrooms, is the location of a common lobby area. The lobby is furnished like a large, elegant sitting room with plenty of vintage chairs, sofas, and loveseats for lounging with the paper with coffee in the morning, or a drink in the evening. A buffet breakfast is served to guests each morning, with a fine selection of pastries, cereals, fruit, coffee and tea (get up early before the fresh-picked raspberries run out!). Attendants are quick to provide you with small folding tables, and remove dishes quickly, making you feel like a valued guest and surpassing the more usual, “functional” continental breakfast experience. You will also find helpful staff in the Pavilion who generously provide maps, brochures, and great suggestions for island day trips and thing to do closer by.

As for our particular accommodations, we stayed in a spacious suite in the Witter Coombs House. The long room was divided into a generous sitting area, complete with a fireplace, and a sleeping area enhanced by a luxurious Jacuzzi tub. A large bathroom with separate shower completed the room, and high-quality Aveda toiletries were generously provided. The décor was tasteful and comfortable, and housekeeping services was attentive.

The shortcomings of The Great George are few, and mostly due to the same factor that makes it charming: its heritage character. For instance, though air conditioned, the wall-unit was quite noisy and took away slightly from the overall feeling of comfort and relaxation here (though the cool air in the hot August weather was appreciated!). Our particular suite was also adjacent to the parking lot. This proved to be a busy and noisy place, even late into the night with guests coming and going, and visiting with one another on the patio. The parking lot is in itself another drawback for The Great George- space for vehicles is extremely tight in the lot, and street parking is highly restricted. Though this never ultimately resulted in a problem for us, parking was an issue and there was always a lingering feeling of uncertainty about whether or not we would get a space for the night.

These small shortcomings aside, our overall feeling and experience at the Great George can be characterized by elegance, and a sense of welcome. Being in walking distance to the most picturesque sites of the city and the best seafood dining was invaluable. We look forward to a future visit to The Great George, perhaps to one of its other Inns to experience another unique accommodation of this fine establishment.

Overall Experience
We give The Great George 4 Stars – Excellent!

The Great George is located at 58 Great George Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For hotel reservations call 1-800-361-1118, or visit www.thegreatgeorge.com.

Famed French Chef Joël Robuchon has created a menu “degustation” unparalleled by any restaurant in Vegas, and likely by any restaurant in North America. From the decadent 13 course list, to the exquisite delicacy of the ingredients, to the soaring bill you will face when all is said and done, Robuchon is far more than a meal; it is an unforgettable event.

Named simply after the central ingredient, the offerings on the degustation menu for our visit included Le Caviar, La Truffe, Le Boeuf de Kobe, and La Langoustine (Robuchon’s signature). Each course is delicate and presented with the exacting hand of an artist. The dishes and trays chosen for each course reflect the color, texture, and ethnic inspiration of the ingredients. Flowers garnish ambrosia-like concoctions. Sauces are dotted onto your plate with geometric precision. No luxury is spared, as dishes accompanied by gold leaf or marked by more caviar than one can readily consume surely attest.

The food defies description and must be experienced to truly understand why Robuchon is known throughout the world as the “Chef of the Century.” If you do go, stop to savor each bite, as every one is a revelation of complementarity and balance. Robuchon seems to gravitate toward unusual, delicately flavored foamy concoctions. He liberally accompanies dishes with fine truffles. By course number 9 or 10, you wonder how on earth you are going to manage. It is all rather too much, really. For the stomach, for the palate, for the brain. But then again, of course it is. Robuchon, on the surface so alien to Vegas, is in fact right at home–in its appeal to your inner Hedonist.

The wine list is, to be sure, out of this world. But the varied flavors on the tasting menu make picking the perfect wine a challenge, if not impossible. With a desire to match at least most of the courses and to indulge in a wine as fine as the meal, we selected a Burgundy –Cote de Nuit, Dom Rene Engel 2002. Our sommelier was supremely knowledgeable, and as French as they come–an unusual encounter in a city as American and over-the-top as Vegas. And of course, the fleet of servers and attendants is constantly clearing away this, and refilling that, before you even know your needs. The service is so good and attentive it is almost too good, taking perhaps a fraction of intimacy away from the meal.

You are presented with a menu tied in a delicate ribbon as a keepsake. Each guest is also given a huge (no exaggeration here) loaf of brioche as a token of thanks, highly unnecessary, highly decadent–actually, a fitting conclusion.

We certainly recommend dining at Joël Robuchon to those who love food, cooking, wine, and fine service – it is simply an extraordinary experience.

Overall Experience
We give Joël Robuchon Restaurant 5 Stars – Outstanding!
Joël Robuchon Restaurant is located in the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. For more information or to make reservations, call (702) 891-7925 or visit www.mgmgrand.com.

And so one cannot imagine a place to stay that could surpass the grand Chateau Lake Louise that sits overlooks the lake and stands seemingly level to the mountains. A lakeside room may be the finest accommodations on the planet. But setting “setting” aside, there is another place tucked away in Lake Louise. If it lacks the supreme view, it more than makes up for this shortcoming in terms of service, dining, and other luxuries.

The Post Hotel is located in the town of Lake Louise itself about a five minute drive from the actual lake. This luxury log chalet is set beside a babbling mountain brook and majestic, rich green pines. Strolling over the brook’s bridge, one is sure to see cheerful, billowy clouds of smoke coming from several of the hotel’s chimneys. Each room is outfitted with a stone, wood-burning fireplace for chilly mountain mornings all year round, cozy après ski afternoons, or romantic evenings. The fireplace alone is a reason to go (and return) to the Post Hotel. Staff cleans the fireplace and refreshes the wood daily so that you can always keep a glowing fire burning.

And it is only the beginning of the luxuries. The rooms, cozy and attractive with wood-beamed ceilings, are outfitted with fine sheets and down pillows and comforters. You sink into the homey yet tastefully patterned sofas and chairs set in front of the fireplace. Bathrooms are spacious, clean and modern, complete with an air tub and fine Aveda products. Even the towels are lofty and cozy. And this is just the sort of touch that you come to expect at the Post Hotel where the greatest attention is paid to the smallest detail to make you feel transported, pampered, and worry-free.

Our sole complaint about our room paired with a strong recommendation–when staying at the Post, be sure to request a room on the “Preferred Side” as opposed to the “Standard Side”. Not only is the view better, but across the parking lot on the Standard Side is a rail line with trains constantly making their way across the Rockies. Charming in postcards, but not so at four in the morning. I’ll say it again–insist on the Preferred Side when making your booking.

The hotel itself is spacious, with a main building, and several private cottages along the mountain brook. If you need a change of scenery from your room or the unparalleled outdoors, an attractive reading room,the great room of the chalet, is steps away. Comfy reading chairs, board games, and walls lined with books make this room a particularly homey and relaxing way to spend a few hours.

The Temple Mountain Spa is another way to wile away hours at a time while at the Post Hotel. With private treatment rooms and luxury products, this is a must for anyone who loves to be pampered.

And we have saved the best for last–the dining. It is truly spectacular. With one of the largest wine lists in Canada, the Post Hotel excels at every aspect of fine dining. Under the masterful direction of Executive Chef, Swiss-born Hans Sauter, the menu is tantalizing and portions almost too generous. With incredible seven course tasting menus, or items like lobster with morel mushrooms and port reduction, you will leave filled and fulfilled. The décor is inviting–tasteful without being stuffy, reflecting the relaxing yet refined alpine chalet atmosphere. A grand stone fireplace enhances the romantic, mountain mood. The Chateau may have the view, but the Post Hotel has the food.

Consider the Post while at Lake Louise. Yes–visit the lake, take the scenic hikes, book a seating for High Tea at the Chateau, and dine at the Waliser Stube there for a classic cheese fondue–nobody does this better than the chateau. But you will not regret returning to the Post to be pampered, to luxuriate over food and wine, to be served like you are a cherished guest. This is what a holiday is all about.

Overall Experience
We give The Post Hotel 5 Stars- Outstanding!

The Post Hotel is located at 200 Pipestone Road, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, T0L 1E0. For hotel reservations call (403) 522-3989 or Toll Free in North America at 1-800-661-1586. Email info@posthotel.com or visit www.posthotel.com for more details.

The service at Skylofts was absolutely exquisite, beginning with our pick up at the airport for a chauffeured ride to the hotel. We were greeted by an extremely personable concierge who like a genuine, old friend knew just what to say and what not to say. He led us to a private elevator and escorted us to our suite, offering a tour of its luxurious amenities.

The stark, ultra modern design of the suite is impressive, to say the least. There are two floors dominated by a floor-to-ceiling window with an incredible view of the strip. Though the room is hardly cozy, its minimalist décor and uncluttered openness is definitely comfortable–it’s a place that didn’t attempt to be “home”, and for a brief vacation, this was perfect. This is pure fantasy, the ultimate jet-setting side of Vegas.

Lights, draperies, televisions, sound system–virtually everything is controlled by a state-of-the-art remote control system. The bathroom is a particularly decadent space. The massive glassed-in steam shower and deep jet-tub promise more aquatic refreshment than should be possible in the heart of the desert. A sound system pipes music throughout the suite with several pre-programmed collections of relaxing new age and world beat tunes.

Naturally, there is the expected suite service of the highest caliber. An attendant carefully unpacked all of our belongings upon our arrival and took a few moments to point out several amenities we may have missed, such as how to operate the espresso/cappuccino maker. The room was kept impeccably clean throughout our stay, and small touches like the perpetually refreshed dish of berries on the dining room table made us feel truly welcomed.

Outside of the room is an entire world of rest and play. We could easily have spent our whole vacation in this single hotel. There is the casino of course, who’s blinking lights and groovy noises are strangely captivating, even to the non-gambler. Casual dining, like the Rainforest Café, is fun for families and those who enjoy heaping plates of food while sitting under a jungle canopy with simulated monsoons and animatronic animal antics–you know the type. Then, by way of utter contrast, for the ultimate in gastronomy and sophistication, there is Joel Robuchon Restaurant, named for the world famous French chef at its helm, offering a menu of culinary art and astronomical prices.

Take in a show–whether it’s Barry Manilow, the comedian du jour, or Ka–Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular show with all the thrilling and physics-defying acrobatics Cirque is famous for.

MGM Sky Lofts is all you could hope for in Vegas–luxurious, spacious, filled with amenities, away from the din but close enough to it when you actually want to embrace that signature Vegas insanity.

Overall Experience
We give the Skylofts at MGM Grand 5 Stars- Outstanding!

The Skylofts at MGM Grand are located at 3799 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109. For hotel reservations call 1877-646-5638 or contact skyloftsinquiries@lv.mgmgrand.com. Visit www.mgmgrand.com for more information.