Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Top Romantic Vacations in Canada -hotel



Top Romantic Vacations in Canada -hotel

by Jo Klobouk

Though Canada is known for its large share of deep winter freeze, it is also among the most popular places with spectacular natural vistas. It is also one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations, because of the sensual delight associated with cities such as Quebec City, Vancouver, and Niagara Falls.
Those who assume that Canada is just another version of the USA, are greatly mistaken. The country's wild northern frontier has successfully etched itself into the national psyche. Its distinct patchwork comprising different people has shaped a country that is decidedly distinguishing from its neighbor.
Canada's three-dimensional character edging between the nation's indigenous tradition, and that of a mix of British and French traditions, make it both remarkable and complex. This, together with a plethora of traditions brought by the migrants and by the continuous infusion of US culture, make up for the nation's multicultural society.
Romantic Vacation in Quebec City
Quebec City offers a blend of aristocracy and the charm of Montreal, and is easily accessible from Montreal. Visitors can travel to Quebec City either by road (takes two hours and a half) or take a plane or train, all of which are comfortable. This city with its backdrop a distinct European charm, makes the perfect setting for a romantic interlude in the winter, lighting or rekindling the flames of love in hearts.
In Quebec City, you can spend the day exploring boutiques and shops, riding the romantic calèche (a horsedrawn carriage) through the old Quebec City, relaxing in a spa, strolling hand-in-hand with your loved one through the streets admiring the gracious old buildings and forts. Take up to any activity, the aura of the city is such, that there is got to be romance everywhere.
During your visit to Quebec City, you have to savor its dining experience that is amongst the finest in North America. The intimate tête-à-tête with your beloved will surely set the mood for love. If you enjoy crafts and art, you will be delighted to know that the city often takes up to hosting cultural shows, exhibitions, as well as performances by musicians and dance troupes. Whichever time of the year you visit Quebec City, you will have something to enjoy.
Romantic Vacation in Vancouver
Vancouver with its fresh ocean air, green mountains, variety of eateries and accommodation facilities, and abundant recreation is simply great for romantic vacations. The most unique aspect of Vancouver is its location, surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Besides breathtaking sceneries, the city offers great sports such as golfing, hiking, skiing, and sailing to its visitors. One can drive down to Whistler easily, within an hour and a half, and a ferry to Victoria takes only a 30 km trip southwards. There is plenty to enjoy in beautiful and romantic Vancouver.
Romantic Getaway to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is renowned as the honeymoon capital of the world with its dramatic views and scenic tunnels. The first thing to do on a romantic Niagara Falls getaway is to focus on the falls themselves. This is where the romance and magic lives. It is not possible to describe the feeling of wonder that comes over you when standing on the "Maid of the Mist" boat and seeing all that water cascading over the falls, and no there is better way of seeing it than with the person you love. It truly is an unforgettable experience and romantic way to start your getaway.
Apart from the great natural wonder of the falls, the Niagara area also has tons of restaurants and hotels. There are shows and casinos to keep you busy not to mention lots of scenic trails and even day trips where you can visit some of Ontario's major wine regions. Close by is the beautiful quaint town of Niagara on the Lake. If you still need more to do, there is always the IMAX theatre where you will be hanging onto your seat, and a host of additional museums and Niagara Falls exhibits to meander through.

About the Author
Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent and editor of http://www.best-romantic-vacations.com where you can find great ideas for romantic vacations and Romantic Vacation Spots.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Samui Island - A Paradise For Travel Lovers-hotel


Samui Island - A Paradise For Travel Lovers -hotel

by Simolzear
Samui Island is a picturesque island providing world-class experience of vacations. There is a wide range of resorts that provide facilities like spa parlors, dance clubs, restaurants, Jacuzzi bathtubs, and swimming pools.
Samui Island is a paradise on earth for all travel lovers as it is full of picturesque locations that provide serenity and tranquility. This island is surrounded by some 60 odd islands that are part of the national marine park of Ang Thong and other world known tourist destinations such as Ko Nnag Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan.
This island of Thailand is circular in shape with a 15 km in radius. The centre of this island is an uninhabitable area consisting of jungles, mountains and lowland areas. The outskirts of the island include beaches. The island is beautiful and provides scenic beauty to all the vacationers.
Top rated destinations
This island is also considered to be one of the most visited places of the world as it has popular attractions that can give you an experience of a lifetime. Following are some of those destinations:
o Chaweng: This is the place in the island that is mostly visited by tourists. It has large chain of retail outlets and shopping malls where you can shop to your heart's content. This place is a treat for all the vacationers. It has an amazing nightlife for the vacationers.
o Maenam: This place offers awesome views of Marine Park and Koh Phangan. The waters are clean and calm. It is protected by the northeastern currents of Koh Phangan.
o Grandmother and grandfather rocks: These rocks are close to the lamai beach and are popular among tourists. They have striking resemblance to the male and female genital organs.
o Bangrak: This is another one of the most visited destinations of this island and is generally known as big Buddha beach. This is one of the calmest beaches of the world. The best part is that it is located nearby airport.
Resorts in Samui Island
This place has numerous hotels and resorts such as kala Samui resort, zazen boutique resort, the Sundays, Leparadis boutique resort, the Samudra retreat and Varinda garden resort; providing world class services to their customers. The best part is that all the services are cost effective and suit the budget of customers in the most appropriate way. The resorts cater to the needs as well as taste of different visitors as they offer diverse services such as bars, spa facilities, rooms with Jacuzzi bath tubs, swimming pools, spa parlors, Thai architect, dance clubs and restaurants. You can book your rooms online 24/7 without any hassle.
The luxurious resorts are conveniently located near the beaches. It becomes very easy for all the vacationers to visit different markets, hotels, restaurants and shopping centers without any hassles.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to this beautiful island and enjoy your vacations in the most relaxed manner. By traveling to Samui as mentioned earlier, you are not only get the beast place for your vacation, but also gaining the great experience of cultural and natural resource.

About the Author
The article written by Weera Kunti, please visit the website for more information as it provides information about resort samui
La Shana Tova!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Etymology-Hotel


The word hotel is derived from the French hôtel (coming from hôte meaning host), which referred to a French version of a townhouse or any other building seeing frequent visitors, rather than a place offering accommodation. In contemporary French usage, hôtel now has the same meaning as the English term, and hôtel particulier is used for the old meaning. The French spelling, with the circumflex, was also used in English, but is now rare. The circumflex replaces the 's' found in the earlier hostel spelling, which over time took on a new, but closely related meaning.

Hotel


A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging, usually on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning or climate control. Additional common features found in hotel rooms are a telephone, an alarm clock, a television, and Internet connectivity; snack foods and drinks may be supplied in a mini-bar, and facilities for making hot drinks. Larger hotels may provide a number of additional guest facilities such as a restaurant, a swimming pool or childcare, and have conference and social function services.
Some hotels offer various combinations of meals as part of a room and board arrangement. In the United Kingdom, a hotel is required by law to serve food and drinks to all guests within certain stated hours; to avoid this requirement it is not uncommon to come across private hotels which are not subject to this requirement.[citation needed] In Japan, capsule hotels provide a minimized amount of room space and shared facilities.
In Australia and Canada, hotel may also refer to a pub or bar. In India, the word may also refer to a restaurant since the best restaurants were always situated next to a good hotel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel

Search Engine Submission - AddMe

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Incredible Flowers!


Today we had a photo shoot at the house. Look at the incredible arrangements the magazine editor brought for the dining room table! I love how the fresh asparagus form a vase around the deep red flowers. The other has grapes in the base of the vase with luscious deep colored flowers that look like velvet. The best is that they were kind enough to let me keep them!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

New Luxury Boutique Hotels: The SLS Beverly Hills


Boy was I excited to find out about the latest chain of luxury boutique hotels called "SLS." The SLS chains are run by entrepreneur, Sam Nazarian, and affiliated with the Starwood's Luxury Brand. This is exciting because I recently obtained an American Express Starwood credit card that earns reward points toward hotel stays (thanks for the tip Jen). What a great card! Now when I travel I can stay at one of these great SLS affiliates, as well as other great hotels that the Starwood program offers! Much better than my United Mileage Plus card.





Back to the SLS hotels...The first of the SLS chains is opening October 28th on La Cienega in Beverly Hills. The SLS Beverly Hills has undergone a 230 million dollar renovation of the former Le Meridian Hotel. Philippe Starck designed the look of the hotel. Luxurious bedding, 40" flat screen TVs, spa services, culinary delights from award-winning chef José Andrés, and more, I can't wait to stay here on my next trip to So. Calif.




Also, be sure and check out the interative website of SLS Hotels here. Look at the swinging chandelier. It's so charming!


Photos courtesy of slshotels.com

Thanks for the Mention...



Special thanks to Rossella Frigerio at the UK-based, ChicToday, for mentioning Paris Hotel Boutique in The Marks of a True Gentleman post! ChicToday is an online 'entertainment channel' with a branded television platform and interactive magazine. It's quite chic!



Additional thanks to Casa Sugar for mentioning PHB in their "Crave Worthy" column. Casa Sugar is an online media company for trendsetting. The "Sugar Network" is comprised of 17 distinct lifestyle and entertainment sites covering topics from fashion & shopping to health & beauty.



One more "thanks" to Emma of the beautiful blog, White & Wander, for the post "Extravagance". Emma is based in Australia and I just visited her charming blog!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

New Treats at Laduree


The talented artist, Carol at Paris Breakfasts, recently posted about Laduree in Paris. What a beautiful post! My mouth is watering here in San Francisco. Known for their famous 'Laduree green' decorative boxes that hold their delicious macaroons and treats, Laduree has just launched a new color theme, lavender. I LOVE lavender!





Every season Laduree comes out with a limited theme box and line. Last year it was the pale pink Marie Antoinette box. Beginning September 1st, they have added some fabulous new non-food gifty items such as lavender-colored candles, cosmetic bags, soaps, beauty products etc. etc. I am hoping that when my friend Janet goes there next month I can give her a small list of treats to bring back, since you can't buy it here in the states.


Isn't this the cutest bath product with a macaroon at the top of the bottle?

A beautiful lavender Laduree candle

New lavender items

I'm crazy over this make-up bag. Love the little tag fob

I have a collection of Laduree boxes that are so lovely. The pastel colors are so pretty together. In fact, if you haven't seen it, Laduree has a book out with their history, including the various designers of their highly collectible boxes.


If you love Laduree, this is a must-have book

Original "Laduree Lavender" watercolor by Carol at Paris Breakfasts

Photos courtesy of Laduree.fr.com

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Sweet Tooth Anyone?


I was reading this month's Vogue magazine and stumbled upon this eye-catching article. This month Sweetiepie opens in New York's Greenwich Village. The owner's Julie and Luke Janklow wanted to open a restaurant for kids to take their parents to reminiscent of the festive places she enjoyed going to while growing up in Los Angeles, such as Chasen's, or a fancy coffee shop like Leo's on Madison Avenue where you'd see Mrs. Astor eating a club sandwich.



Julie describes the restaurant as "bake sale meets Marie Antoinette." There are peppermint and almond meringues, Victorian rose pudding made with organic strawberries and a light biscuit and towering ice-cream sundaes!

The decor sounds amazing with a pink marble floor, pink banquettes, and ice-cream parlor-type chairs, antique Jansen tea cart AND vintage silver pieces! The restaurant's china is special ordered from Pickard, American plate makers for Air Force One.

I can't wait to go back to New York and check it out!!


Photos from Vogue Magazine, September 2008

Great Finds in Washginton: The Davenport Hotel


Last stop! After seeing Seattle, we went to Spokane to visit family. We celebrated my Dad's birthday having dinner at the Davenport Hotel. What a stunning hotel! Located in downtown Spokane, The Davenport Hotel has been world famous since it opened in September of 1914.

The Davenport was closed in 1985 and demolition was considered. Dismantling and salvage was determined to be too expensive so the hotel remained closed for 15 years. In 2000, local entrepreneurs Walt & Karen Worthy spent 38 million of their own money to make The Davenport Hotel grand again.



The Isabella Ballroom (above) design reflects Italian Neoclassical influence {see little Vito in the background}



The Hall of Doges (above) was inspired by the Doges' Palace in Saint Mark's Square, Venice, Italy

And Grand it is! There are the gorgeous Marie Antoinette & Isabella Ballrooms; The most opulent ballroom, the Hall of Doges with its amazing fresco ceiling and carved arches.




The Peacock Room (above) is a great bar in the lobby of the hotel. It has taxidermy peacocks on the back wall with a beautiful stained glass ceiling with a peacock motif.





The Davenport has beautiful collections of hotel memorabilia throughout the hotel. This large cabinet (above) has magnificent old hotel silver, china, menus and more!


Silver Washing Department - 1914 {click on photo to enlarge}

Old Wedding Photo - Davenport Banquet Room

Another thing I went crazy over were these enlarged vintage photos (above) of the Davenport throughout the hotel. There are so many. I'd love to own one of these.



Beautiful Fireplace in the Palm Court

View of the lobby and Palm Court from the upstairs level

This hotel is really gorgeous in person. I'd love to stay there some time. They have a full spa, great candy shop and gift shop. The ambiance is beautiful and what a wonderful job they did in preserving this old treasure.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Great Finds in Washington: Seattle Shops

Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Apartment Therapy

Seattle is such a great city for shopping. It reminds me a lot of home (San Francisco) with its unique shops and neighborhoods. Our first stop was to the Georgetown neighborhood to visit Great Stuff Vintage. What a treat!


They were closed, but the owner Kirk Albert happened to be inside and was sweet was enough to open the shop for us. It is incredible! Each one-of-a-kind piece is keenly edited by Kirk's eclectic and unique eye.

Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Decorno

Brimming with everything from quirky antique signs, industrial lighting and furniture, paintings, film reels and more, Great Stuff is just as its name suggests. And Kirk is a wonderful guy with great stories and was so helpful in sharing some of his fabulous haunts in Seattle. Thanks Kirk!


Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Decorno

Great Stuff Vintage - Photo from Apartment Therapy

Next stop was the Pacific Galleries Antique Mall in the Sodo neighborhood. This large collective is amazing. With over 200 dealers booths, it took me several hours to see everything.


Lorie Bischoff's amazing antiquities at the Pacific Galleries Antique Mall

I was so excited to finally meet fellow antique dealer, artist and blogger, Lorie Bischoff from Soulful Adornments. Lorie has two exquisite showcases in the mall filled with Georgian & Edwardian jewelry, whimsical taxidermy and the most unique curiosities!


Lorie and I


Lorie creates intriguing found object assemblages and jewelry with items from her personal collection of treasures and antiquities. Lorie, it was so much fun finally meeting you in person!


One of Lorie's Treasures: A Victorian Relic House

More treasures from Lorie at Soulful Adornments

Next stop, downtown Seattle to visit the wonderful shop, Great Jones Home. This shop is a real treasure! Owner Carrie Hayden has the most beautiful jaw-dropping collection of contemporary furniture with antique, vintage and art deco finds.



Great Jones Home

Great Jones Home

Carrie has artfully displayed vignettes of stylish items including furniture, lighting, mirrors, books and accessories. You'll also find custom-made wallpapers, a large selection of silks, linens, suedes, velvets, natural fibers and imported textiles to reupholster your favorite pieces of furniture. Great Jones Home also does personal design consultation. Carrie, LOVE your shop! It was great meeting you!




Carrie & Bridget from Great Jones Home and yours truly

Vito relaxes in one of Great Jones Home's Coral Dog Beds - Isn't it cute?

Last stop, the magical shop, Souvenir, located in the artsy Ballard neighborhood. Entering Souvenir is like browsing through a small European boutique.


Souvenir - Photo from House Martin

Owner Curtis Steiner is a gifted artist. His shop showcases his custom-designed stunning letterpress cards, as well as beautiful vintage and contemporary jewelry and found objects. There are surprises everywhere you turn. There is a huge antique drafting type chest with drawers and drawers filled with treasures which include everything from antique dance cards and souvenirs, to buttons and old advertising. I couldn't wait to open up each drawer to see the next surprise.


Souvenir - Photo from House Martin

This store exudes charm and makes you want to come back for more. The owner Curtis has an amazing eye for detail and his shop is delightful!


Souvenir - Photo from House Martin

Seattle was great!! If you are visiting, be sure and visit the above shops. There are so many more cute shops and boutiques that I didn't mention. You will love them too!



Great Stuff Vintage Furnishings (owner, Kirk Albert)
5519 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98108

Pacific Galleries Antique Mall
241 South Lander Street
Seattle, WA 98134

Great Jones Home (owner, Carrie Hayden)
1921 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101

Souvenir (owner, Curtis Steiner)
5325 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107