Boston Blends the Best of the Old and New

Boston is a wonderful city, and I had the pleasure of visiting recently for the first time in many years.  In every neighborhood you see a mix of the old and the new, and that is also exemplified by the hotels.
 

Boston’s North End

For example, just a few blocks from one another are the Fairmont Copley Plaza and the Mandarin Oriental Boston.  Both are luxury hotels and members of Virtuoso, and I would be confident sending discerning clients to either one.  However they are dramatically different in décor and ambiance, so they would suit different travelers depending on their taste.
Fairmont Copley Plaza
The Fairmont Copley Plaza is a historic, grand dame hotel which opened in 1912.  There’s a real “wow” factor on arrival as guests pass through a majestic hall clad in marble and highlighted with a gilded ceiling and chandeliers.  The seven story tall building (with a health club on the roof) faces Copley Plaza, with views of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.  (Insider tip: The library offers daily complimentary art and architecture tours.)
 

Fairmont entrance hall

Fairmont lobby

Rooms were recently renovated in honor of the centennial anniversary, so they retain a traditional and elegant (but not “fussy”) style, and have modern amenities such as Keurig coffeemakers, iPod docking stations and laptop-size safes. The Fairmont Gold level is home to a private lounge offering complimentary breakfast and evening appetizers.

Fairmont Signature room

Fairmont Gold Lounge

Virtuoso amenities are:
  • Upgrade at time of booking (on arrival in 2015, based on availability)
  • Daily full breakfast for two
  • $50 hotel credit
  • Seasonal amenity from the Executive Chef
  • Early check-in/late checkout, based on availability

Copley Square & Trinity Church (Fairmont to the right)
If you enroll in Fairmont President’s Club, you’ll immediately receive these benefits:
  • Complimentary high-speed internet and local calls
  • Complimentary health club access
  • Complimentary shoe shine
  • Daily newspaper delivery
  • Discounts in the spa and gift shop
  • Complimentary use of TaylorMade golf clubs & BMW bikes at select hotels

(After achieving Premier or Platinum status, additional benefits apply.)
Back Bay neighborhood
If old world style is not what you’re looking for, then you can head just around the corner to the Mandarin Oriental Boston, less than 2 blocks away from Copley Plaza. Situated in the heart of the Back Bay, it’s surrounded by trendy restaurants and Victorian brownstones, and is a short stroll to the upscale Newbury shopping district.  
Mandarin Oriental lobby

The Mandarin Oriental Boston has a modern yet elegant style, with blond-wood paneling in rich tones, original artwork, and cozy seating areas around a gas fireplace.  Clean lines, earth tones, and understated but elegant touches carry through into the rooms, which are some of the largest in the city. 

Mandarin Back Bay Room
They feature custom inlaid maple and sycamore furnishings, silk fabrics, more original art, large bathrooms, and, my favorite, a walk in closet.  It’s not huge, but you can walk in and even sit down!
That’s a bench in the closet!

Spacious bathroom
The hotel does not have a club level, but fine food and cocktails are offered in a French-inspired bistro and wine bar.  And many consider the spa to be the best in Boston. (Insider tip: Lifestyle rooms are closest to the spa and feature Japanese-style soaking tubs and a daybed next to the window.)  This is the ideal hotel for a traveler who wants traditional luxury with more modern styling, a cozy home away from home.
Since our agency is both Virtuoso and a member of the Mandarin OrientalFAN Club, my clients receive: 
  • Upgrade at check-in, based on availability
  • Daily continental breakfast
  • $100 spa or food and beverage credit
  • Complimentary wi-fi
  • 4 pm late check-out, subject to availability

 These two equally fantastic hotels represent what makes Boston such a fun and special destination.  The mix of old and new means offers something to suit every taste.  And both are kid and pet friendly!

Once you’ve found the perfect hotel, then you can have fun exploring all Boston has to offer!
Paul Revere House

Fenway Park

Boston Regatta

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Ritz Carlton Can Make Holiday Wishes Come True

Yes, you can still book an awesome family vacation for the holidays!  Many Ritz Carlton hotels and resorts still have space available, though rooms are booking up quickly.  Contact me for the latest information on current availability and rates.  Some properites do not require a minimum night stay, either!
Here is just a sample of some of the great destinations where you could spend Thanksgiving or Christmas, and why they would make a great family getaway any time of year.
Sarasota

  • The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art showcases costumes, photography and artifacts from the greatest show on Earth.
  • The beautiful beaches of Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key (rated #1 by Dr. Beach) are within easy reach of the resort.
  • A live mermaid welcomes patrons in the Jack Dusty restaurant on weekend nights (it’s not as cheesy as it sounds).


Amelia Island

  • They honor the area’s heritage with a weekly Pirate Toast, Pirate Tuck-ins for little ones, and a giant gingerbread pirate ship during the holidays.
  • The island is home to museums, forts, nature paths, and eco-tours, so it appeals to history buffs as well as nature-lovers. 
  • Parents who reserve a 50 minute or longer spa service will receive a complimentary afternoon Ritz Kids program for a child age 5-12. 


Key Biscayne

  • It’s located on a seven mile-long barrier island near South Beach, so you are close to the action but not in it.
  • A short drive away are Jungle Island, home to exotic birds, mammals, primates, and reptiles, and the Miami Seaquarium, featuring marine animals.
  • Complimentary tequila tastings are offered every evening by the Tequilier, who was trained in Mexico’s Agave growing regions.


Aruba

  • It’s one of the newest properties, open for less than one year, is located at the very end of exclusive Palm Beach.
  • It features a 15,000 sq. ft. casino open 24×7, with slot machines and card games.
  • The island is known for hot weather and little rain, and it lies outside of the hurricane path.


Grand Cayman

  • It’s located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with crystal clear turquoise-blue water and pristine white sand.
  • Stingray City is just a 15 minute boat ride away.
  • Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program offers unique Caribbean eco-tours for all ages.


Dorado Beach (Puerto Rico)

  • All rooms are ocean-facing, with an entire wall of windows or louvered panels which can be opened up facing the water.
  • It features an onsite waterpark with waterslides, a lazy river, a family pool, large fitness center and snack bar.
  • Residential suites are perfect for larger families with up to 5 bedrooms.

And no passport is required!

 


St Thomas

  • Nearby is Coral World Ocean Park, a five-acre marine park with a three-story underwater observation tower
  • It’s perfect for active families, as use of Hobie cat boats, paddle boats, noodles, kayaks, snorkel gear, etc. is included.
  • The resort operates its own 50 foot catamaran, the Lady Lynsey, for sailing and snorkeling excursions.
(No passport required here either, but  you must carry proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate.)


And remember, at all Ritz Carton properties any time of year, my clients receive complimentary STARS amenities which include:

  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Upgrade at check-in-in, based upon availability
  • A special welcome gift
Plus VIP treatment such as first priority for sold out space, connecting rooms, and other requests such as bed type, rollaways, etc.

Exclusive, unpublished offers are also available throughout the year at various properties, only for clients of Ritz Carlton STARS agencies!

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The Best Barn You’ll Ever Stay In

Yes, this review is about a barn.  But a very special barn, at a very special resort.  (“Retreat” is actually a better word, as there is definitely nothing “resorty” about it.)

Old Stone Farm is a very unique place, a 200 yr old working horse farm just 2 hours from New York city via a scenic drive or train ride along the Hudson River.  
On arrival you can tell there’s nothing else like it.  A gravel driveway meanders through the gorgeous sprawling grounds (236 acres!), and you find yourself surrounded by horse corrals and trees.  A sign points you to the “office,” a house that looks like it is centuries old but is in fact quite new, an accurate replica of an old farmstead.
The welcoming committee
Dining area
View from the “office”
The staff picks up guests at the Rhinecliff Amtrak station.  But if you drove, your car will be valeted to a parking area until you need it again. All the buildings are close enough to walk to, but if it’s raining or you just don’t feel like walking, staff can shuttle you in a golf cart. 
Next you’ll be taken to your room, a short walk across the lawn to a big beautiful red barn.  Yes, a barn.  A really old barn.  And yes, your room will look old, but very charming.  However don’t let looks deceive you.  The barn was completely gutted down to the frame and rebuilt with all modern, luxurious amenities.  So the only really old things are the timbers visible in the walls, and the antiques and accent pieces, which are authentic.

The barn
The upstairs lounge
Rest assured you’ll be comfortable, enjoying a queen size bed with organic mattress and Frette sheets, a private bathroom, robe, safe, and beautiful artwork.   And a pretty awesome view.  
Old look, modern comfort
Love the medicine cabinet & shutters!
Aaaaah!
For a special treat, book a loft room on the second floor, or the sole two room suite with extra seating and a desk.

Two room suite
Writing desk in the suite
Ready for a spa treatment?  You simply walk down to the first floor, where you’ll find 3 massage rooms, 1 wet room, 2 locker rooms and 2 cedar steam cabinets.
 

Have a seat!

A separate four bedroom/3 bath guest house, with its own yard enclosed by a white picket fence, is perfect for a family or couples traveling together.   It has a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dining area, and spacious living room with fireplace. A fun feature:  a bedroom upstairs has a “secret door” that leads to a play room with toys.
 

The Guesthouse
Living room
Private yard

Guests have access to the horses and can hang out with the trainers, and also book riding lessons or an Eponaquest workshop.  There are some hiking trails around the property, and many outdoor spaces ideal for weddings or other events.  Another beautiful barn with a large open space on the ground floor hosts complimentary daily yoga in the morning, but can also be set up for weddings, cocktail parties, or corporate events.
 

Allison, the resident horse-whisperer
Horses, horses, horses!

This is truly a unique place, perfect for anyone seeking a serene, relaxing getaway.  A typical day consists of yoga, spa treatments, short hikes, a riding lesson or just hanging out with the horses, and relaxing.
The yoga barn and event space
A walk in the woods
Or picnic by a pond
But if you want a little more to do, there are plenty of activities nearby, though you would need to have your own car.  You can go wine tasting, tour the Roosevelt or Vanderbilt mansions,  or go kayaking, tubing, or hiking.  For a special treat visit the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to see an old-fashioned air show and take a bi-plane ride! Then come “home” to enjoy a wonderful gourmet dinner, and relax with a glass of wine and a book.

Playing on the water

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Up, up, and away!
The property just opened in 2013, so it’s not on everyone’s radar yet. As there are less than a dozen rooms, I recommend going sooner rather than later before the word gets out.  To make a reservation, contact me for more information, and I will also reach out to the general manager to make sure he personally oversees your arrangements. 
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A Perfect Girls’ Getaway Weekend at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe

I recently spent a glorious weekend at Lake Tahoe with 4 girlfriends to celebrate my 50th birthday.  Over the past 5 years, we’ve traveled to various destinations to help each other celebrate this milestone event.  We’ve had some really fun adventures, which have all been unique, and that will be the subject of a future post.  But today my blog is all about ME!
For my birthday celebration, I wanted to relax, be pampered, spend quality time with my friends, and not have to travel too far from our home in San Jose, CA.  And I didn’t want to have to dress up!  So the obvious choice was a place I’ve been wanting to get back to for several years:   the Ritz Carlton at Lake Tahoe.  I love being in the Sierra Nevadas, so its location right on the mountain at Northstar ski resort is ideal, summer or winter.

The view from our balcony

Our accommodations were a one bedroom suite connected to a guest room with 2 queen beds.   Not only did we have a large shared living room with plenty of seating, and a fireplace in each room, but we had 3 full bathrooms!  Now that’s a nice setup for a group of girls, we were wondering if we were ever going to want to leave the suite!


Living room with sofabed
Master bedroom, plenty of room to add a rollaway.

What did we do on our girls’ weekend?

* We ate.  We tried all the on-site dining options, including the signature restaurant Manzanita, Café Blue which serves casual ‘to go’ fare, and the Backyard BBQ on the patio which served huge portions of pulled pork, ribs, and baked beans. Our culinary adventures also included a tour of the kitchen led by the pastry chef, which was very interesting.  We got some great cooking tips from the staff, and also saw preparations for a wedding that evening.  We were very impressed to learn that everything at the resort is made on-site.  They even have a sourdough starter mix from 1997, used to make wonderful bread with a bubbly crust.

Chef picking herbs
The kitchen tour

Fresh baked bread.  The sourdough starter
creates the bubbles in the loaves on the top shelf.
* We got some exercise. Exercise classes and use of the fitness center are included in the resort fee (yoga classes for a small fee), so we had some early morning workouts and then also went for a hike right from the resort patio to a pretty lake.  I generally prefer to work out outside, but looking out at the trees from the gym was the next best thing.  If we had arrived a week later, the lifts to the top of the mountain would have been running for mountain bikers and hikers.


Pretty view from the fitness center


Sawmill Lake

* We partied a little. Truckee is just a 10 min drive away, but there are taxi services so nobody has to be a designated driver.  “Downtown” is only a couple blocks long, but it has quite a few restaurants and bars, some more upscale with live music, and some more of a “local watering hole” featuring karaoke. I won’t go into any more detail about where we spent most of our time. (What happens in Truckee stays in Truckee!)

Birthday dinner with a view in Truckee
* We got pampered a lot. Whether sitting by the main pool or the fire pit on the terrace, we always had staff checking on us to see if we needed drinks (grapefruit margaritas, yum!) or a snack, or even a pool noodle!  The resort fee included access to the beautiful spa amenities, including sauna, steam room and outdoor adults-only pool.  I loved swimming and relaxing under the pine trees!

A great place to have s’mores.


It’s not a girls’ trip without plenty of People magazines.

The peaceful adult pool next to the spa

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my special day.  While there are many luxury hotels to choose from in northern California, few are in such a beautiful and peaceful setting.   And the alpine-inspired décor and artwork create a homey but luxurious feeling. It is truly one of the most relaxing places I’ve stayed, and the ideal place to hang out and enjoy the company of good friends.

The “Living Room”
Some of the fun artwork.  Do you see the song lyrics?
If you’re looking for a great place for a girls’ (or guys’) getaway, give me a call. If I book your stay at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, you’ll receive daily breakfast for free and an upgrade, if available. And I guarantee you my wonderful contacts at the resort will make you feel like VIP’s the whole time!

Happy birthday to me!
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The Fairmont Kea Lani – A Little Slice of Heaven on Maui

Kea Lani means “white heaven,” and it doesn’t take long to see how perfect this name is for one of my favorite resorts on Maui.  Whenever I walk into the Fairmont Kea Lani’s beautiful lobby, the Mediterranean style architecture and expansive, lush landscaping makes me feel like I’ve just entered paradise.
 

Aaahh!

Here are some of the other reasons I, and many of my clients, love the Kea Lani:
It’s the best suite value on the island.  All the accommodations are800 sq ft one bedroom suites, and the starting price point is comparable to standard rooms at other hotels.  Other properties have a limited number of suites so they charge premium rates.  The entry foyer and bathroom are also very spacious, so there’s plenty of space to store bags, snorkel gear, etc.

One Bedroom Suite (king or two doubles plus sofabed)

Spacious lanai with views of Molokini and Kahoolawai
It’s in a quiet but convenient location. Wailea is a serene, country club setting, with much less traffic than Kaanapali or Lahaina, but there are still many restaurants and shops just a few minutes away.  A stroll along the oceanfront pathway leads to other resorts, offering lots of dining options in walking distance.  In Kihei, just 10 min away, is a shopping center with a full size grocery store and Hilo Hattie’s. 
 

Oceanfront lawn

It’s elegant but laid back.  Everyone can feel at home at the Kea Lani.  Service and accommodations are five star, but nobody is pretentious.
It works for everyone.  There are 3 swimming areas to accommodate all ages: an adults only pool, a two level family pool with water slide and swim-up bar, and a wading pool for little ones.  There are plenty of public spaces, so families can feel comfortable letting their kids play on the lawn and in the pool, while couples can find a quiet spot to relax (including a hidden hot tub).
 

Family pool, water slide, swim-up bar & grill
Adult pool
Lots of lawn with ocean views,
 plenty of chairs for everyone

It has a great beach. The beautiful crescent beach is public, like all beaches in Hawaii, but since there is no public parking nearby, it gets little use by non-hotel guests.  There is good snorkeling right off-shore, and it’s common to see turtles.
 

Polo Beach

Complimentary outrigger canoe experience
Oh, those villas! If you want more space and some of the conveniences of home, like a private plunge pool, full kitchen and washer and dryer, then book a 2 or 3 bedroom villa.  There is a large lawn in front, with plenty of space for kids to run around, and the beach is a just a few steps beyond.  They are perfect for larger families, multi-generational groups, or couples traveling together.
 

Oceanview villas
Villa living room and kitchen
Villa plunge pool


(You can read a testimonial from one of my clients in the the April issue of Virtuoso Traveler.)
Here’s how you can get even more value at the Fairmont Kea Lani:
Register for a Fairmont President’s Club number.  There is no charge, and you get extra benefits including free high speed internet (an upgrade to business premium at the Kea Lani), discounts in the spa and store, complimentary use of bikes, and in-room delivery of Reebok shoes and apparel, yoga mats, and stretch bands.

Let me book your stay so you receive Virtuoso amenities.  These include daily breakfast for two, an upgrade on arrival (based on availability), and a welcome gift valued at $100.  Plus my fantastic contacts at the resort will personally take care of your reservation, and ensure you have a great suite.

Buffet breakfast
For help planning your Hawaii vacation, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

Another day in heaven ends

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New Orleans’ Hidden Luxury Hotel

I recently visited New Orleans for the first time, and I had some trepidation because of its rowdy reputation.  On top of that, my friends and I were staying in a hotel right on Bourbon St, yikes!
But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.  When I walked into the Royal Sonesta Resort, it was like entering an oasis.  The lobby is impressive with large floral arrangements, interesting artwork, and traditional French Quarter architectural features.  On site there is a coffee shop, a jazz bar, a well-known restaurant, an oyster bar, and a pretty outdoor terrace with fountain.  An outdoor pool with a bar and spa cabanas is sequestered in the center of the hotel, a nice amenity year-round.
There were four of us celebrating a friend’s birthday, so we booked a split level suite, which turned out to be the perfect set up.  It had a spacious living room on the first level, with both a double and single sofa bed, and a spiral staircase led upstairs to a bedroom with a queen bed and bathroom.   There are only eight of these suites, some of which are located poolside, so they can book up early.
Royal Sonesta Split Level Suite – Living Room
Royal Sonesta Split Level Suite – Bedroom
Our suite opened to a shared patio area with covered tables, and despite having lively Bourbon St just on the other side of the wall, it was amazingly quiet.   Service was very good, everything we asked for was delivered promptly:  extra towels, extra blow dryer, even middle of the night pizza.  The hotel also has an exclusive Club Level on the 7th floor which serves breakfast, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.
Patio outside our suite
The location was excellent, with Canal St. only 2 blocks away, and Jackson Square and the waterfront an easy 10 minute walk.
For those who want to be close, but not right on, Bourbon St, Canal Street is lined with  many hotel options, including the regal Ritz Carlton New Orleans, which I also toured.
Like many hotels in the French Quarter, the hotel is quite large, taking up almost a whole block with its 527 rooms and suites.  The first three 3 floors used to be a department store, and a beautiful fountain outside the spa on the ground floor is a leftover from that era.
 
Fountain outside the spa
There are several public spaces, including a former “smoking lounge” with sofas and game tables,  a pretty outdoor courtyard with wrought iron furniture, and gaslight lamps, and the Davenport Lounge, named in honor of headliner Jeremy Davenport who has performed there for many years.  The dining room opens to this lounge, so guests can have a supper club experience.
Former smoking lounge off the lobby
The Davenport Lounge

I was first shown the 2800 sq. ft. Ritz Carlton suite, which had traditional décor with muted wall colors, ornate drapery, and wainscoting.   It was recently renovated, and a pool table was added.   It has hardwood and tile flooring, a full kitchen, living room with fireplace, and a large outdoor terrace with panoramic views overlooking the French Quarter, all the way to the river.

The Ritz Carlton Suite
Canal St view from the private terrace
Standard rooms and suites also have traditional décor with richly colored bedding. All suites have sofa beds, so they can accommodate a family of four if the children are young, and rollaways are also available.  French doors separate the bedroom and living room giving parents their privacy.
Standard room at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans 
One Bedroom Suite
If families want connecting rooms, there are 38 available in various configurations.  Some rooms have connecting doors, but many are set up as a “lock off suite” – separate rooms that share a foyer with a master door that can be locked off from the hallway.  There is even one suite that connects to 2 king rooms to create a 3 bedroom suite.
So I’ve talked about two very large hotels, neither of which are hard to miss.  So where is this “hidden hotel?” 

Well, it’s inside the Ritz Carlton! Their Club Level is not just a dedicated floor, it is a “hotel within a hotel.”  Club guests have to check in at the main lobby, but from that point on they never have to enter the main hotel as they have their own elevator and private drive. It’s completely exclusive, offering guests an intimate and personalized boutique hotel experience combined with the amenities of a full size hotel.

The décor is distinctly different, with more neutral colors and wood floors, to give the feel of being in a Southern home. (In order to prevent scratches, rollaways are not allowed in these rooms, but they have air mattresses which are fun for kids. They fell like they are camping!) 

Club room at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans
The Club Lounge was very spacious, with multiple rooms and plenty of seating.  In addition to the usual food spread, there was a 24 hour “grab and go” station which is great for those always hungry kids.
The Club Lounge
Grab N Go Station in the Club Lounge
So if you want to experience Ritz Carlton service and luxury, but don’t want the “big hotel” feeling, then a Club room is the perfect solution!
While Bourbon Street does not exactly cater to children, the rest of the city offers family friendly activities, and the concierge can provide a “Top 10 List.”  The hotel provides POLO Kits (Protect Our Little Ones) which include outlet covers, infant/toddler bath amenities, and (if needed) a forehead thermometer strip, and parents can also request  cribs, pack & plays, infant bath tubs, humidifiers, a diaper pail,  microwave and mini-refrigerator.  
And of course, my clients receive exclusive Ritz Carlton STARS amenities, which include daily breakfast, a welcome gift, and upgrade on arrival if available.


If you’d like more information about planning a trip to New Orleans, or cruising from there, just send me a note at suzette@family-treks.com.

Cruise ship in port
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Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: A Perfect Family Retreat

Spacious cottages, a beautiful beach, expansive lawns, an exclusive beach club, complimentary kids’ club, and gorgeous sunsets.  What more could you ask for in a family resort?  The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers everything a family could want, whether traveling alone or with the grandparents, siblings, and cousins.   Located just 2 hours from LAX, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in the country, and it makes a great stop on a driving tour of the California coast.


The resort is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a quiet two lane road used primarily by local residents.   In summer, butlers tend to guests soaking up the sun on quiet Butterfly Beach. A huge lawn area gives kids (and pets) plenty of room to run around, or play a game of croquet. 



Music plays underwater in the centrally located Jungle Pool, and two hot tubs offer different temperatures to ensure everyone a comfortable place to relax.  While children are entertained in the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program, parents can enjoy the huge spa, rated #1 in the US by TripAdvisor.

All rooms are beautifully furnished, but the cottages are the real gem of this resort. They are comprised of 4 units:  a 1 bedroom suite plus 3 more bedrooms, which can be booked separately, or connected to make up to a 4 bedroom cottage.  The main building has standard rooms and suites as well, many of which are connecting.  Room size and décor is similar across the property, except cottage rooms have hardwood floors instead of carpeting.  Deluxe rooms have outdoor seating areas, and one bedrooms suites all have a king bed and sofa bed and a steam shower.  All the rooms are unique, accented with antiques and beautiful tile work in the bathrooms.

And if that isn’t enough, families can stroll across the street to the exclusive and historic Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.  Today there is no longer a casino, but it does have its own fitness center, restaurant lined with pictures of Hollywood “royalty,” and a large lap pool.   An oceanfront  hot tub and children’s wading pool offer the best sunset views on the property.  Club access is complimentary for some room categories, but clients who book with me receive admission as part of the Preferred Partner amenity package.

 The other Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities include: 

  • Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom
  • $100 food and beverage credit
  • Upgrade based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
  • Complimentary high-speed Internet access for suites
For more information on planning a family getaway to Santa Barbara, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.


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Exclusive Hotel Amenities from the Dorchester Collection

We all want the most for our money when traveling, especially when paying premium prices for a five star hotel.  Now my clients have yet another way to get more value when booking a hotel.

The Dorchester Collection recently announced a new preferred agency program, called The Diamond Club, and Brownell Travel is one of the charter members.

This is one of the best amenity programs I’ve seen, and there are no blackout dates! It’s good at all nine hotels in their portfolio:
 
(And more hotels to come)


Here’s what guests receive when they book a Dorchester Collection hotel through me:

  • A one category upgrade guaranteed at time of booking (if available, up to a junior suite)
  • Daily breakfast for 2 people per room
  • A hotel credit equivalent to 100 units of local currency, applied to the final bill
  • Unlimited internet access for an unlimited number of devices
 
Hotel Principe di Savoia Classic Room
 
For guests who book a suite, or any room at 45 Park Lane, they receive the same amenities, with a few enhancements:
  • Daily breakfast for 2 people per bedroom
  • A daily hotel credit of 100 units of local currency
 
45 Park Lane Deluxe King Room

Suite at Le Meurice

Also, each hotel will have a Diamond Club ambassador on-site around the clock, to ensure my clients are getting their amenities and to assist with any special requests.  This is especially helpful when I need to reach a hotel in case of emergency at any time of day, especially when clients are traveling abroad.

Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

This is just one of several preferred agency programs with which Brownell is affiliated, including Ritz Carlton STARS, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, and Starwood Luxury Privileges.

The next time you plan to book a hotel, whether it’s for one night or two weeks, contact me first at suzette@family-treks.com to check if you are eligible for any exclusive amenities or upgrades.   

The Beverly Hills Hotel
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Virtuoso Gives More for Your Money in Madrid

Here’s a great example of how booking hotels with a Virtuoso travel advisor provides the best value. I recently booked a client at the Westin Palace Madrid. This is one of the city’s top luxury hotels, a historic building commissioned by King Alfonso XIII, which first opened in 1912.


Westin Palace Madrid

 A professional review describes the hotel:

The lobby with its murals of vine-draped balconies and shadowy greenery looks ready for a royal ball. Its beauty is enhanced with inlaid-marble floors, velvety fabrics and Regency appointments. The staff is helpful and professional in English and a half-dozen other languages.


Reception

A dozen steps rise from reception to a small but elegant conversation area with a sumptuous 18th-century Flemish tapestry and high-end shops. Beyond, the dazzling stained-glass cupola of the main lounge is a genuine tourist attraction and the most famous feature of the property. Gathered around this lounge are restored frescoes and florid carpeting that make sipping a drink here all the more relaxing.


Hall Cupola

The revamped Rotonda serves breakfast and lunch buffet fare to one side of the lobby lounge with starched white linens, meticulously prepared buffet dishes, and exquisite service.  The popular bar, immortalized in Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, is still a place to see and be seen. Rotating photography exhibits provide ample topics for conversation.


The Palace Bar

On the top floor, guests find the Westin Workout facility with panoramic city views and a sun terrace from which to enjoy them.

This grand dame has been wonderfully restored so it looks just like it did 100 years ago, but with the addition of the Westin touch, including Heavenly Beds, high speed internet, flat screen TV’s, and upscale bathrooms. As a Brownell colleague put it after her recent visit: “A great mix of tradition with our modern lifestyle. Comfortable, and wonderful personal service.”

Junior Suite

The base room rates for the peak summer season range from 225.50 € for a Deluxe Room to 455.59 € for a Junior Suite, or 260.50 € and 490.50 €, respectively, if including breakfast.

My clients pay the standard nightly rate, and then receive these complimentary amenities, simply because they are Virtuoso clients:  

  • Daily buffet breakfast for two
  • One lunch or dinner for two (first course, second course and dessert)
  • Free high speed internet
  • Late checkout
  • Early check-in
  • Complimentary upgrade on arrival, based on availability

So doing the math, a Virtuoso client gets an additional 51.20 € in value daily:
  Room rate difference (with and without breakfast) – 35.50 €

  Internet access: 15.70 €
  Plus any difference in room rate if they receive an upgrade


And over the course of their stay, there’s an additional 100-150 € value for the complimentary meal.

 

And that’s not to mention the extra VIP attention all our Virtuoso partners give our highly valued clients – priceless!


Royal Palace

There are Virtuoso properties all around the world, from city hotels to beach resorts to wilderness lodges to spa retreats. Before booking your next hotel stay, no matter how long or short, contact me to find out how you can get the most for your money.

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Enchantment Resort– The Perfect Place to Gather the Family

On our way back from the Grand Canyon last February, we spent a night at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, a place that has been on my bucket list for a while.  And I was not disappointed, except that we could only stay 24 hours.
There are so many things to love about Enchantment:
* The stunning location, tucked into a red rock canyon, with its own private and direct access to hiking trails.  It’s just a short walk among cacti & red rock to a pretty spire.
* The destination spa offering everything from traditional skin care & massage treatments to health & wellness consultations. Their menu is fun to read with entries likeFlower Essence Bath, Blue Corn Body Polish, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation, and Astrology with Crystals.
* Free onsite activities including pitch & putt golf, tennis, cycling and bocce ball.  
* Organized adult & family activities from yoga and nature walks to stargazing and watercolor painting.  (Check out the calendar!)
 * Camp Coyote to entertain and educate kids age 4-12, with theme days like Earth Friendly Tuesdays and Solar System Saturdays.  
* The cool architecture and authentic Native American decor – terra cotta tiles, adobe style structures, exposed wood beams, woven blankets and pottery.  
This is a fantastic, destination resort for any family, but it’s especially perfect for multi-generational reunions, or families traveling together.  The casitas are a great value, offering plenty of space & privacy, and all the comforts of home.  Ours had a small but fully equipped kitchen with dining table, and a large living room with a fireplace.   The patio had a gas grill, fireplace, and another large table, so guests can enjoy the wonderful mild weather year round.
A 3 bedroom casita can sleep up to 8, with a king bed, 2 queen beds, and a Murphy bed in the living room.  (Casitas can also be locked off to form separate 1 and 2 bedroom units.) And no worries about having enough bathrooms. There’s one for each bedroom and another off the living, room, each with a shower & 2 sinks.  
If you are looking for a place to travel with your family, that has spacious accommodations for a group, offers activities for all ages, and is in a beautiful setting, then I highly recommend Enchantment Resort. 
And because they are a Virtuoso partner, my clients receive:
– Upgrade at time of check-in, subject to availability
– Continental breakfast for two daily
– $100 credit for spa services
Combine this with a great deal through April 30, your fourth night free!
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