Fairmont Grand Del Mar Maintains Top Tier Status With Impeccable Resort and Service Levels

Michael
-
0
Fairmont Grand Del Mar Maintains Top Tier Status With Impeccable Resort and Service Levels
Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego – Photo Credit: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of the top luxury 5-star hotel and resorts in the United States, located in San Diego, California. The resort has won countless awards and continues to do so year after year, including the AAA Five Diamond Award, 2009-2018 and Forbes Five-Star Awards, 2012-2018. The once independent hotel joined the Fairmont brand in 2015.

The Elegant designs that encompass the entire resort were inspired by Addison Mizner, an architectural legend of the 1920s. As you gaze upon the resort and walk around the grounds, guests are exposed to incredible characteristics of Spanish, Portuguese, Moroccan and Venetian designs.

The beautiful grounds have gained the hotel its popularity over the years, yet it is the extraordinary service keeps customers coming back to stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The staff is attentive and proactive when it comes to the needs of guests. Even children are treated like royalty, from the toy chest at check-in, to a personalized plate of gummies and cookies waiting in the hotel room. For a Northern California counterpart in the same group, see our review of the Fairmont San Jose.

The resort is ideally located just minutes away from some of the best beaches Southern California has to offer, including La Jolla Cove and Del Mar. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a unique service for beach day. A driver will take guests to the beach of their choice, bring along and set up beach chairs, towels, water bottles, toys for the children and umbrellas, and will then clean all of it up and take it back to the hotel with the guests afterwards.

The resort hosts six dining venues, including Addison, an award winning fine dining French restaurant. Our favorite place to eat at the property was Amaya, offering all-day service and outdoor seating. We highly recommend frequenting Cen’Anni, which offers coffee, tea, pastries, ice cream and other snacks.

There are four heated swimming pools, including an adult-only spa pool, and a children’s pool. The staff accompanies guests in setting up their beach towel, offering bottles of water and sunscreen. They regularly stop by to offer beverages and food.

The hotel features a luxurious spa that is 21,000 square feet and offers many services, from cleansing facial treatments using natural therapies, to herbal reflexology and therapeutic massages. Steam and sauna rooms are also accessible for all guests.

There are many outdoor activities at the resort that guests can participate in. There are pro-style tennis courts and a championship golf course. The Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve stretches 37 miles and is great for bike riding, hiking and horseback riding, with trails starting right next to the hotel grounds.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has 249 guest rooms. There are 31 luxury suites that include one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom presidential suites that can be expanded to three-bedrooms. These suites range from 1,010 to 2,840 square feet, some of which include private balconies. The sophisticated and classic spaces include detailed crown moldings, hand-stenciled ceilings, and gilded gold and wrought iron accents. Each room includes feather down pillows and a luxurious bathroom with dual sinks and a European-style bathtub. One of our favorite features is that every room includes a Nespresso coffee machine.

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has an inviting atmosphere offering many different activities that guests can enjoy during their San Diego vacation without ever having to leave the grounds. The hotel caters to each of its guests and truly makes them feel as though they are living a life of luxury. Travelers weighing high-end brands may also enjoy our Aman vs Four Seasons comparison.

The night rates at Fairmont Grand Del Mar start under $500 per night.

LUX Tip: Keep your calendar outside the resort light. Once you arrive at Fairmont Grand Del Mar you won’t want to leave, as there are endless activities to keep you entertained or relaxed depending on your preference.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court
San Diego, CA 92130

Tequila Company, Patrón Offers Secret Invitation-Only Hotel

Michael
-
0
Tequila Company, Patrón Offers Secret Invitation-Only Hotel
Tequila Company, Patrón Secret Invitation Only Hotel – Photo Credit: Patrón

The tequila company, Patrón offers a secret 20-room hotel at the company’s headquarters in Jalisco, Mexico. We’ve heard of exclusive resorts, and private suites, but Patrón brings it to a whole new level with their property.

The hotel, La Casona does not have a website. The general public cannot visit the resort. Patrón invites its own guests to the resort.

As you would expect the bar at La Casona is impressive. It has three glass-blown chandeliers and high ceilings. All 18 of the brand’s tequilas are available.

Some of the rooms at La Cosona have custom-made beds that are five inches longer than standard king-size beds. Additionally four master suites have hot tubs and terraces looking over a garden.

Because the property is invite only there aren’t available rates or availability for the resort. So who gets an invite to the property? It’s rumored that Instagram and YouTube stars, as well as other VIPs are the lucky ones to get an invite to the property.

Enjoy a Wine Weekend Getaway at Willows Lodge in Woodinville Washington

kara
-
0
Enjoy a Wine Weekend Getaway at Willows Lodge in Woodinville Washington
WIllows Lodge Woodinville, WA – Photo Credit: Willows Lodge

Tucked away in the heart of wine country, Woodinville’s Willows Lodge offers a luxurious stay full of relaxation and self-care, complete with a glass of wine upon arrival. This 84-room resort boasts a large presence as soon as you enter the well-kept grounds, with its rustic yet elegant decor that creates a sense of romance and charm. Willows Lodge is home to the iconic farm-to-table restaurant, The Herbfarm, as well as the highly-regarded Barking Frog, which offers Pacific Northwest cuisine. Guests are welcome to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails at the Fireside Lounge, as well as live music Tuesday – Saturday.

Inside Willows Lodge Hotel Rooms

The luxurious resort offers 3 different types of guest rooms; nice, nicer and nicest. The nice room has an entrance view, while the nicer and nicest rooms offer views overlooking the courtyard or garden. The Northwest-style space includes an oversized jetted soaking tub, Mexican marble sinks, and a stone-trimmed gas fireplace. Each guest room also includes a voice-activated personal assistant, Roxy. Roxy can assist with sending requests to the front desk, playing your favorite music or acting as your alarm clock in the morning.

Since most people have different preferences when it comes to sleeping comfortably, Willows Lodge has a custom pillow menu for guests to fill out upon arrival.

Evening turn-down service is complimentary, inclusive of a delicious chocolate treat.

Willows Lodge Hotel Amenities

Willows Lodge offers complimentary bicycles and helmets for guests. There is also a shuttle van to nearby locations pending availability. These both come in handy with the location of the lodge being near wineries, breweries, distilleries, and the Burke-Gillman trail.

There are specific parking spots designated to Tesla and other electric cars. Four Tesla charging stations are available along with two ChargePoint EV stations for all other models.

An outdoor relaxation pool is available to all guests between 7:00 AM and 1:00 AM. The fitness room is next door to the pool in the main building, and is open 24-hours. The gym offers equipment like 2 elliptical machines, 1 treadmill, free weights, and more. Personal training sessions are available and can be scheduled with guest services.

Willows Lodge Full Service Spa

With a sizable local following, you know the spa is worth taking advantage of during your stay. There are five treatment rooms, including two treatment rooms for couples, an outdoor cabana for two with a private garden (permitting weather), and a new relaxation room that guests can enjoy in their soft robes and comfortable slippers. Flavored water and snacks are a great bonus, too!

Only the most knowledgeable aestheticians and spa therapists are used to provide spa services and many have been with the Willows since it opened in 2000.

The spa offers facial treatments, facial enhancements, massage treatments, body treatments, and intraceuticals (oxygen facials). Each treatment uses locally harvested ingredients such as local honey, salt and lavender. Personal favorites include the massage because it is tailored to your personal needs and is 60 minutes (or more) of true relaxation, the signature facial, and the body polish, which leaves your skin silky smooth.

Woodinville Nearby Restaurants

Willows Lodge is home to two revered restaurants; the Herbfarm and Barking Frog.

The Herbfarm offers a nine-course dining experience, which incorporates seasonal foods and is paired with different local wines. The menu is finalized before opening each day.

Barking Frog offers a four-course tasting menu or items a la carte. With a newly remodeled kitchen, guests can enjoy watching their food being prepared as they anxiously await their meals. Executive Chef, Bobby Moore, uses local ingredients from Woodinville and Washington state to create fresh and seasonal dishes. Current menu items include; farmers kale salad, seared hudson valley foie gras, butter poached halibut, and beef ribeye. The warm atmosphere of the restaurant makes it desirable to stay after you’ve finished your main courses for dessert and coffee. The vanilla beam crème brûlée and chocolate peanut butter parfait are two delicious menu items that should not be passed up!

Activities in Woodinville

Aside from the many activities available to do at Willows Lodge, there are local wineries, breweries, distilleries and more so close by that they are accessible by foot, shuttle or bike.

Woodinville has over 100 wineries and tasting rooms, nine local distilleries, and five breweries. Willows Lodge can drop-off and pick-up guests in their shuttle van, pending availability. A delightful afternoon could include being whisked away by the shuttle to Januik winery for some wine tasting, a simple stroll to Woodinville Whiskey Company after that, and then walking to enjoy wine and flatbread at Columbia winery, all before arriving back at Willows Lodge.

There are four different golf courses nearby; Willows Run in Redmond, The Golf Club at Echo Falls, The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge, and The Golf Club at Newcastle. The concierge can assist with figuring out tee times and other necessary reservations.

The Burke-Gilman trail runs next to Willows Lodge and goes all the way to Seattle. the 26-mile trail is used for walking, running or biking. The scenery makes for a beautiful outdoor activity whether it’s in the morning or afternoon. Don’t forget that Willows offers complimentary bikes for guests.

Teatro Zinzanni is set to be joining the area in November, at the old Redhook brewery location in Woodinville. This form of entertainment includes cirque, comedy, and cabaret in a live experience.

Pro Tip: Bring your pets! Willows Lodge is pet-friendly and offers amenities like a doggie room service menu, a doggie bed with turn down service including a night-time doggie biscuit, and a map with directions for walks. There is a $50 pet fee charge.

Nightly rates at the lodge start at $300.

Willows Lodge
14580 NE 145th Street
Woodinville, WA 98072
willowslodge.com

The Private Suite at LAX Airport Offers VIP Experience

Michael
-
0
The Private Suite at LAX Airport Offers VIP Experience
The Private Suite at LAX Airport Offers VIP Experience – Photo Credit: The Private Suite

If you’ve ever been to LAX Airport before you know it’s not the smallest, nor most relaxing airport. The Private Suite has created an unparalleled experience that one could only dream about at an airport, or get paying for via a private plane. In total, guests of The Private Suite will only take 70 footsteps from the seat of their car to a plane once they arrive at the airport (this compares with 2,200 for a typical airline guest).

The experience starts with a highly secured and unmarked entrance where guests can valet park their cars upon entry. While a guest is away the car is treated to a car wash. From there guests are escorted to a private suite.

The Suites at LAX Airport

There are 13 private suites. Each are furnished with seating areas, a daybed, TVs, a private bathroom, a food pantry stocked with snacks and drinks, various treats, a mini-bar, and travel accessories. When a guest books a reservation (more on the price later) at The Private Suite, all of the amenities in the room are complimentary. The destination isn’t just for adults, one of the offerings in the suites includes a children’s toy menu. There’s also an outdoor area where kids can go outside and play.

In addition to the snacks available in the room, guests have the opportunity to order food from their menu (or from any restaurant in LA). Annual members even get access to complimentary massages, manicures, haircuts and event doctor’s visits.

VIP Transportation to the Plane

A representative from the company will come by your suite to verify IDs and pick up any bags that a guest wishes to be checked onto the plane.

Once a guest is ready to make their way to their flight, an agent for the company will provide access to a private TSA screening area. Once completed with the TSA screening, guests will be escorted into one of The Private Suite’s BMW 750i cars where they will be driven across the tarmac to their aircraft. When a guest arrives at their flight, there’s another agent waiting for their arrival ready to provide them access to the door of the plane. From there, you’re in the hands of the airline.

The service is available for departures as well as arrivals.

The Private Suite Membership Pricing

For a domestic one way booking, the price is $2,700 as a member and $3,500 as a non-member. Membership costs $4,500 annually. Members can have three complimentary companions, and non-members are allowed two companions.

The Private Suite opened in 2017. The company anticipates opening more experiences at airports, as well as other locations like malls in the future. For more information about the company’s offering, visit their website.

 

Portland Boutique Luxury Hotel Packed Full of Personality: Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco

Michael
-
0
Portland Boutique Luxury Hotel Packed Full of Personality: Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco


Tucked away in the heart of downtown Portland, Hotel Monaco is one of the city’s finest boutique luxury hotels. Although it does not boast a large presence from the outside, you are greeted with a warm and intimate welcome with its’ high ceilings, colorful furniture and quaint gathering space. Guests are welcome to enjoy a daily hosted wine reception from 5 to 6 P.M as well as the complimentary morning coffee and tea service. 

Inside Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Guest Rooms

The meat and potatoes of this hotel lie within the whimsical guest rooms, which mirror the spirt of Portland. When guests walk into their room they’ll notice various Oregon birds in flight featured on the wall coverings. 

The color palette within the room incorporates the characteristic pine green colors of the Willamette Valley, the orange sunsets of summers and the gray skies of the long Oregon winters. Geometric fabrics, high-gloss lacquer finishes, touches of gold and solid chrome tie the room together.

Other fun elements in the room include a duck-footed desk lamp that pays homage to the University of Oregon, and an abstract art-piece that was inspired by Mt. Hood. 

These Guest Rooms are Large! The hotel has 139 suites out of the total 221 guest rooms. The King and Queen suites have sliding doors, creating a separated living room from the bedroom. These rooms are large at about 550 square feet. 

Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Hotel Amenities

During the summer, you’ll want to take advantage of the complimentary PUBLIC Bikes that you can use to explore the city, located directly outside of the building. We also recommend grabbing a cocktail and dinner at Red Star Tavern, which is attached to the hotel. The restaurant is popular for its American fare that has a commitment to using local ingredients from Portland area farmers. 

Nightly rates at the hotel start under $300. 

Pro Tip: Bring your pets! They are welcomed free of charge at Hotel Monaco Portland. 

Hotel Monaco Portland
506 S.W. Washington Street Portland, OR 97204
www.monaco-portland.com

[wzslider]

Photo credit: Kimpton Hotels & Kelly Marshall

Four Seasons Announces Napa Valley Resort

Michael
-
0
Four Seasons Announces Napa Valley Resort
Four Seasons Napa Valley
Four Seasons Napa Valley – Rendering Credit: Four Seasons Napa Valley

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced their newest luxury resort is planned to open in Napa Valley. The resort is scheduled for early 2018. Four Seasons Napa Valley will be located in Calistoga.

The resort will feature 85 guest rooms, as well as 20 one and two-story private residence villas that will be available for purchase. Owners of these private residences will have full access to the resort amenities.

Four Season Napa Valley will offer three restaurant options, multiple pools, a fitness center, and a spa. The resort also includes a full winery and hand-farmed vineyard. For wine-country travelers planning a stay nearby, see our review of Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Yountville.

“As we extend our presence in California, having a property in Napa Valley, a preferred destination for our luxury guests, is essential,” said J. Allen Smith, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, in a statement. “This is a unique opportunity to combine a privately-owned and operated winery and vineyard with a world-class luxury resort. We look forward to working with Alcion and Bald Mountain to bring Four Seasons legendary quality and service to Napa Valley.”

Foodies planning the trip should also book a coveted seat at The French Laundry in Yountville.

For more information bout the project visit the Four Seasons Napa Valley website.

[wzslider]

New St. Regis Dubai Hotel to Have 360 Degree Infinity Pool in the Sky

Michael
-
0
New St. Regis Dubai Hotel to Have 360 Degree Infinity Pool in the Sky

featnew-st-regis-dubai-hotel-to-have-360-degree-infinity-pool-in-the-sky

St. Regis Dubai, as a part of The Palm tower is planned to open in 2018. The luxury hotel chain plans to deliver a 360 degree infinity pool that will sky nearly 700 feet above street level on the 50th floor. This will be one the highest pools in the world.

Four Seasons Has Free Wi-Fi at Hotels & Resorts for Guests

Michael
-
0

Four Seasons Free Wifi
Four Seasons this week announced that they will be providing guests of their hotels, as well as guests of their restaurants and shops complimentary wi-fi access to all of their hotel properties across the word (with the exception of China & India where the local governments won’t allow it).

“We have introduced new global standards to give Four Seasons guests a seamless, convenient and higher quality internet experience, whether staying with us, using our mobile app or visiting the public areas of our hotels and resorts,” says Scott Taber, Senior Vice-President of Rooms, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “And, we offer complimentary Wi-Fi across the Four Seasons portfolio.”

The Four Seasons will still offer a pay option for those requiring higher bandwidth at 20MB.
“In addition to free, faster Wi-Fi, with seamless, one-click service, guests no longer need multiple logins in different areas of the hotel, and they can access our Wi-Fi network with as many devices as they wish,” says Taber.

Surface Hotels Launches Curated Luxury Travel Booking Website

Michael
-
0
Surface Hotels Launches Curated Luxury Travel Booking Website

Surface Hotels Launches Curated Luxury Travel Booking Website
With so many choices for where to book travel, coupled with so many review sites, it can be hard to truly find what you’re looking for without curation of some kind. Surface Hotels intends to deliver a curated experience providing high-end hotels to luxury consumers.

Surface Hotels is an extension of Surface Magazine, the editorial magazine known for their contemporary design. Surface’s editors have individually selected the 1,000 hotels featured on site.

For more information about their offering, or to book travel online visit their site at surfacehotels.com.

W Los Angeles Downtown to Be Third W Hotel in the City of Angels

Michael
-
0
W Los Angeles Downtown to Be Third W Hotel in the City of Angels

LA W Hotels

The W Hotel brand is already well known in Los Angeles thanks to popular locations in West Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Now the chain is preparing to add a third property in the heart of the city, directly across from the L.A. LIVE complex. W Hotel Los Angeles Downtown will be the chain’s newest property in the city of Angels, designed specifically to be the anchor of a revitalized downtown area growing more exciting by the day.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is partnering with developer Shenzhen Hazens Real Estate Group Co. to create the new hotel space. The W Hotel property will be the first structure built in a much larger project that will also include 80,000 ft.² of dining and retail space, 650 condominiums, and three impressive towers. The development will be in the heart of the Los Angeles entertainment and fashion district, with the Los Angeles Convention Center and Staples Center nearby. The financial district will be just blocks away as well.

As for the hotel itself, it will feature the same high-energy music and fashion concentration as the other W Hotels in Los Angeles. Guests will enjoy an open lobby area where they will be encouraged to gather, mingle, and enjoy the latest in music, fashion, and design along with good company and world-class cocktails. The hotel will feature a 2,500 sq. ft. outdoor pool deck with bar and grill, a 5,000 sq. ft. spa, and 250 guest rooms and suites designed with luxury and comfort in mind.

Los Angeles is already abuzz with anticipation of the new downtown development project. W Hotel Los Angeles Downtown will be the anchor of that development, and a must-see destination unto itself.

1...131415...36Page 14 of 36