Category Archives: Hotel Reviews

Hotel Reviews, Hotel Reviews USA

Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Minneapolis

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I’ve been a frequent guest at Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis when I’ve traveled to my company’s headquarters. The hotel is outstanding on many levels: service, accommodations, location, amenities. The property is centrally-located near the convention center.

About Hotel Ivy

This luxury Starwood hotel incorporates the historic Ivy Tower and features 136 rooms with 21 luxurious suites. The staff is polished, warm and helpful. The lobby is simple and classy and is where the check-in desk and the lounge are. The hotel offers meeting space also.

About the Rooms

While there are several room categories to select from, I’ve always stayed in the Superior Room which is the hotel’s “entry level” room. The room design is much like the whole feel of the hotel – understated elegance. It’s about 400 square feet and features a soothing color palette of creams and blues accented by dark wood. There’s a sitting area, a desk perfect for getting some work done, an ultra-comfortable bed with premium linens and a flat screen television. There’s also a clever custom armoire that creates a sense of division between the bathroom, wardrobe area and bedroom. The bathroom is tiled in limestone and offers both an enclosed glass shower and deep soaking tub. I opt for a king bed but a two queen bed layout is also available.

By the way, the hotel is pet-friendly.

About the Amenities

I’ve taken advantage of three of the hotel’s amenities while visiting: the spa, the lounge and the fitness center.

The Spa Club is luxurious without being showy. It features 14 treatment rooms offering specialty massages, body treatments, facials, nail services, and more.

The lobby lounge is named Venetia and features creative mixologists who make drink that rival any of the hippest bars in town. There are also many wines by the glass and a fun beer list, including local favorites. There’s a great happy hour daily from 3PM – 7PM.

There are also a restaurant, the very popular Monello, serving classic Italian fare.

Ivy Fitness Club is beyond a business traveler’s hotel gym dreams. The club has more than 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art fitness equipment. There are also classes (more to come in a separate post).

Address: 201 S 11th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Phone: (612) 746-4600

Happy travels,

Veronique

Hotel Reviews, Hotel Reviews USA

Feeling Like Royalty at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

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I’ve visited the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess over Thanksgiving for the last two years. I’m in the travel industry and see MANY nice properties in the course of a year, yet, this gorgeous resort is at the very top of my list.

About the Property

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a AAA Five Diamond resort situated in the Sonoran Desert. The property features 750 guest rooms, six pools, two newly-renovated TPC championship golf courses, five top-ranked restaurants and lounges, an award-winning spa with a salon and a wellness facility, catch-and-release fishing lagoons and the popular Trailblazer’s Kid’s Club and  Family Adventure Center.

Top Notch Food & Drinks

Having a solid food and beverage program is something that’s a must for us when staying at a hotel. The Princess excels in both with award-winning restaurants and specialty lounges/bars.

For a casual breakfast or lunch, we like Ironwood American Kitchen which serves classic American cuisine in a casual indoor/outdoor bistro atmosphere. The all-day offering ranges from flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and salads.

Our dinner favorite is La Hacienda, celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s modern Mexican restaurant. We adore the classic-yet-refined Mexican cuisine and the tequila bar that features 240+ varieties of tequila from 36 different labels presented by a Tequila Goddess – amazing mole, guacamole and margaritas!

My golf-avid husband loves to lunch after playing at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar located at the Clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole of the famed TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. The restaurant has a Pan Latin menu and he enjoys lunch of ceviche paired with one of the 151 varieties of rum available.

Another restaurant I’ll be dining at on my next visit is Bourbon Steak, a Chef Michael Mina restaurant.

Well & Being Spa

When my guy’s at golf, I’m at Well & Being Spa. This place is AMAZING and I’ll write about it in more details in a future post, but it includes more than 70 treatments to choose from, has a top-of-the-line fitness center and tons of daily fitness classes. I love starting the day with a yoga class then enjoying a few spa treatments.

Seasonal Experiences at the Princess

One of the reasons I enjoy visiting this property over Thanksgiving is because of its Christmas at the Princess event. The place transforms in a winter wonderland, yes, in the desert, complete with ice skating rink, giant decorated trees and millions of twinkling lights. The place is festive and beautiful and sets the tone for the holidays to come – I highly recommend it.

The resort features seasonal and holiday experiences complete with specialty menus, decadent brunches, concerts and family-friendly activities. Here’s a bit of info about the four main seasonal experiences:

Winter Escape to the Princess

Spring Blooms at the Princess

Summer at the Princess

Fall Adventure at the Princess

Note that there’s a daily resort service charge of $30 per room, per night (plus applicable tax). Resort service charge includes half day access to Trailblazers Family Adventure Center for up to three children (ages 5-12, lunch fee additional), self-parking, basic internet access, access to the hotel gym (not the spa fitness center) and more.

Who Should Stay at This Property

The best part of this property is that it truly caters to all: foodies interested in dining at four top-ranked Arizona restaurants, meeting/conference attendees, spa fanatics (like me) looking to partake in the innovative spa and fitness programs at Well & Being Spa, sun worshipers ready to soak in the sun at one of the six sparkling pools, and golf enthusiasts ready to tee off at two newly-renovated 18-hole championship golf courses, including one that’s home to the Annual PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

7575 East Princess Drive

Scottsdale, Arizona

United States 85255

Telephone: (480) 585-4848

Email: scottsdale@fairmont.com

Happy travels!

Veronique

Hotel Reviews, Hotel Reviews USA

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

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I’ve shown my love for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts on this blog and via social media in the past, and am, once again, doing that, this time for the beautiful, elegant Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, a AAA Four-Diamond property.

I recently stayed at the 687-room, 45-story property while I attended a business meeting within the conference space.

The front-desk staff was beyond courteous and addressed me by name and acknowledged my President Club status. These employees really set the tone for the level of service I’d be experiencing during my stay – simply delightful.

My king-bed room was on the 36th floor and overlooked Grant Park and the water. The furnishings aren’t brand new but are pristinely-maintained. The bedding made it so I never wanted to get up in the morning and the bathroom linens were top-quality.

I appreciate a hotel with bedside electric outlets and the Fairmont didn’t disappoint. The work desk was also well-appointed to fit my business needs with suitable outlets.

The check-out process was on-point with the proper level of appreciation for my business, which will ensure return visits.

The Fairmont Millennium Park Chicago is the perfect property for leisure or business.

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park – 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, Illinois, United States 60601. Telephone: (312) 565-8000.

Happy travels,

Veronique

Hotel Reviews, Hotel Reviews USA

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Alexandria

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A couple of weeks ago, I went down to Alexandria, a great town by the way, for a team meeting. Since near the headquarters office, we stayed at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, a boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, right on King Street.

I’ve been a big fan of Kimpton hotels for years as they put the fun in functional hotels with quirky décor, upbeat staff and welcoming atmosphere.

About the hotel

The Old Town boutique hotel recently went through a multimillion-dollar redesign by acclaimed Los Angeles designer, David Hill., The remodel helped re-invigorate the legacy of Monaco Alexandria, its guestrooms and suites and its fun and welcoming communal spaces.

Some of the amenities offered by this Old Town Alexandria hotel are a 24-hour fitness center, a heated pool, in-room spa services, free use of Gaiam yoga mats and custom-designed, PUBLIC bikes.

About the guestrooms

The hotel boasts 241 suites and guestrooms, including two-level loft suites, 28 terrace rooms with balconies, an 800-square-foot Mediterranean Suite plus the brand-new Eleanor Suite, perfect for wedding day prep. The guestrooms are playful yet sophisticated with subtle hints to the hotel’s location and storied Civil War past. Geometric carpet, cheery accent pillows, studded cream-colored headboards, new ergonomic teal chairs and graphic collages of flickering gas lamps adorn each room.

The fun stuff

I must admit that I primarily wrote this post to send kudos to this hotel for its fun robes and clever drink coupon. Is that strange? Perhaps, but as a road warrior, I feel it’s important to commend travel suppliers when they do something great.

I was tired from my trip in to Alexandria when I checked in and as soon as I went to hang my power suit for the next day, there were the two most fun robes waiting for me. Well done Hotel Monaco.

Let’s roll back to me checking into the hotel. The cheerful front desk agent checks me in and then tells me I’ve just missed their complimentary wine hour. I immediately go into a ‘why tell me that!!??’ mode but then the agent hands me the below drink coupon with some the most clever marketing on it. So, I’ve missed happy hour BUT you’re treating me to a drink anyways? Brilliant, simply brilliant.

In a world of cold and impersonal cookie-cutter hotels, I appreciate the thoughtfulness extended by this property and will be staying there again soon.

Happy travels,

Veronique

Hotel Reviews, Hotel Reviews Mexio

Hotel Review – Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

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We vacationed at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita a couple of years ago and were thoroughly impressed. We arrived from the Cancun airport, a mere 20 minutes away, by private, personalized chauffeured airport transfers.

The Resort

With only 90 rooms, the all-inclusive Cancun resort has an intimate feel that we appreciated as this was a couples’ getaway. For travelers looking for modern, minimalistic guest accommodations with tons of partying and activities, this isn’t the resort for you. The property exudes a much understated, unpretentious elegance with abundant luxury amenities – just what we were looking for.

The resort is part of the AMResorts chain of all-inclusive hotels and as such, offers what it calls Endless Privileges® – a more elevated service than at other all-inclusive hotels where wellness, gourmet meals, top-shelf spirits, fine wines, entertainment and other luxury amenities are part of the experience.

To say the staff was attentive wouldn’t do it justice. We felt like we were staying with friends at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. Guests are addressed by name throughout the resort and small gestures are everywhere – from the spa to the bars to the restaurants.

 

The Food

Guests can select from three gourmet à la carte restaurants, one sushi & ceviche bar and 24-hour in-suite dining. Private dining is also available in various locations. Organic, healthy, vegetarian and gluten-free food selections are available on all menus.

La Canoa – AAA Four Diamond restaurant offering Cuisine de los Soles, a unique fusion of spices and chilies.

Kaax – International Cuisine with a Mexican Twist.

El Chiringuito – Fresh seafood, chicken and grilled favorites prepared over zapote and mesquite.

Sushi & Ceviche Bar – Ceviche, Sushi and Sashimi

The Booze

Top-shelf spirits are served at two exquisite bars, Hippo’s Pool Bar and Library Bar. Guests can also enjoy a selection of wines from the 5,000-bottle international Wine Cellar, including rare vintage and Mexican wines, prepared exclusively for the resort.

The Spa

The 22,000 sq. ft. certified Thalasso Center & Spa, the first one in North America, blends ancient traditions and modern science to provide a wide range of treatments. The spa also offers an outdoor therapeutic saltwater pool, specialized treatment rooms, a fitness center, saunas and steam rooms, a traditional Temazcal Mexican steam bath, a beauty salon and a spa boutique.  Note that couples massages are also available on the nearby pier.

For golf fans, the amenities of the resort include complimentary greens fees at Grand Coral Riviera Maya Golf Course.

This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning boutique property is worth a visit when looking for a complete luxurious, pampering experience.

Carretera Cancun-Chetumal km 328, Puerto Morelos 77500 , Mexico. 888-496-3879.

Happy travels,

Veronique

Hotel Reviews, Hotel Reviews USA

Hotel Review – Wine Valley Inn & Cottages

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I stayed at the Wine Valley Inn & Cottages on a recent visit to wineries in the Santa Barbara wine country region. We checked in late in the evening with the assistance of an incredibly-helpful front desk person. We’d traveled from New York so we went to bed as soon as we got to our room without taking note of our surroundings. The next morning, when we got up and looked outside, we thought we’d landed in Denmark – what a neat sight!

We reserved a Chateau Standard King room which was adorable with its shuttered windows and small sitting area. Each room has a refrigerator which is a nice convenience for storing snacks to pair with the delicious wines available in the region. There is also an in-room coffeemaker, a hairdryer and a minibar. Connecting rooms are available and should be requested by calling the hotel directly.

The bathroom was traditional in style, impeccably-clean with a tiled shower and a giant granite counter in the dressing area.

The hotel is situated in the middle of town with many dining options, cute shops and various wine bars and lounges. The Wine Valley Inn & Cottages is located in a perfect place to visit local wineries.

1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463. (805) 617-3405.

Happy travels,

Veronique

Hotel Reviews, Hotel Reviews Middle East

10 Service-Driven Luxury Dubai Hotels

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Burj Al Arab
Photo by Burj Al Arab

Known for its splendid luxury hotels, Dubai is a destination with a reputation for high-touch client pampering, pristine beaches, refined diverse culinary options and luxe amenities.

Here are 10 luxurious that exude Dubai opulence and personalized service:

Ajman Saray

Ajman Saray, situated on white sandy beaches at the foot of the Arabian Gulf’s greenish blue waters, is the first beach-side resort in the Middle East. Conveying refined, understated elegance, this Luxury Collection Resort features 205 rooms and suites, many with extensive views of the turquoise Arabian waters.

Atlantis the Palm

The Palm, located on the largest man-made island, has become the visual cue visitors often associate with Dubai. The expansive, majestic ocean-themed resort and hotel houses 15 gourmet restaurants, the popular Aquaventure Waterpark and the 11 million liter fish tank, The Ambassador Lagoon. Every Atlantis room and suite is designed with comfort and incomparable luxury.

Burj Al Arab

The unusually-designed Burj Al Arab boasts a giant 1,000 feet tall sail structure. Not to be overshadowed by its iconic exterior, the hotel’s interior is also impressive with 2-floor luxurious suites. Each floor of the Burj Al Arab features a reception desk with teams of classically-trained butlers able to assist with guests’ requests.

Conrad Dubai 

Located near the Dubai International Financial Centre, across the World Trade Centre, the elegant and modern Conrad Dubai offers 555 spacious rooms with king-size beds and modern conveniences such as iPhone docking stations and Nespresso coffeemakers. The 52-floor hotel caters to business travelers but includes sought-after amenities for the leisure guest that includes a vast pool area, six modern dining options and a full-service spa with eight treatment rooms.

Fairmont Dubai

The 34 floor Fairmont Dubai is situated in the finance district and is adjacent to the Dubai International Convention Centre. With a boardroom and conference room available to guests this 394 room hotel has the business traveler in mind. Other features are the Willow Stream Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and two rooftop swimming pools with city views.

One & Only The Palm Dubai

This secluded, intimate property with its stunning beachside setting is known to be one of Dubai’s most private resorts. One&Only The Palm offers sweeping views of the Dubai skyline and is situated on a secluded peninsula of Palm Jumeirah. There are 64 rooms, 27 suites and four private beachfront villas providing guests the utmost personalized experience.

Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel

Photo by Grand Hyatt Dubai
Photo by Grand Hyatt Dubai

This award-winning luxury hotel is a testament to complete guest satisfaction with its impeccable service. Combining Mediterranean, Moroccan and Arabian styles, the Park Hyatt offers modern accommodations with exotic flair. Near the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club with its 18-hole, par-71 championship course, the resort is a golfer’s paradise. This hotel is a short 10-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, a convenience for business travelers.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Set in what is literally the middle of the desert amid the Liwa sands, the Qasr Al Sarab offer 206 rooms and 66 suites decorated in subdued earth tones with dark wood furniture and marble floors. To add to the relaxing setting, the free-form, infinity edge pool overlooks the desert and is furnished with comfortable loungers. The Anantara Thai spa offers six over-the-top treatment rooms and there are also two Thai salas for private outdoor yoga. The Qasr Al Sarab is the quintessential romantic resort.

Shangri-la Hotel Dubai

The Shangri-La Dubai, unlike many of its garish competitors, offers the highest level of luxury in an understated, refined setting. The property, located on the famed Sheikh Zayed Road, features 302 guest rooms all with rain showers, deep soaking tubs and welcoming décor. For guests seeking much-needed R&R, chaises lounge circle the inviting pool. The hotel also offers a fully-equipped fitness center.

Taj Dubai 

Taj Dubai, overlooking the esteemed Downtown and Burj Khalifa precinct, blends refined, contemporary luxury with authentic Indian flair. A short five-minute walk takes guests to the city’s lively business center and countless luxurious shops and restaurants. The hotel features 296 guestrooms, including Taj Club rooms, 20 junior suites and 14 luxury suites.

Safe travels,

Veronique