There is something very comforting and home-like about the Pacific Palisades, even though it doesn’t resemble home at all. Instead, it’s filled with lively colors splashed across the walls, with South Beach inspired decor. And there are even balconies, which are very nice to sit on at night when the city begins to sparkle.
Rooms are specious and there are many affordable suites to be found. These also feature a kitchenette and a mini-bar that for the first time doesn’t make you feel like someone’s reaching into your pockets and stealing all your cash. A bag of morning cereal, is only $1. If more hotels offered reasonably priced mini-bar, not only would they sell more product, but they would also make their guests very happy.
And this is what the Pacific Palisades seems to care about – guest satisfaction. This is not a luxury hotel, but a very hip, cozy hotel where the staff are very welcoming and will go out of their way, whether you’re a guest or just a visitor.
It’s no wonder that many film productions host their out of town crew and talent for extended stays at the Pacific Palisades.
Should you get thirsty for a drink at the bar or a craving for a snack, the hotel’s Zin Lounge is happy to oblige. It’s not particularly full on most nights, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. It’s worth stopping by for a drink or a snack, though for meals there are much better options nearby. Nonetheless, it’s actually a very neat spot and it’s surprising that it’s not more popular than it is. For breakfast, try the authentic French crepes across the street.
Situated on Robson Street, the Pacific Palisades Hotel is convenient to shopping, dining and for exploring the Downtown core. On top of that, the hotel is dog friendly – so you don’t have to leave your pooch at home. And at prices starting at just $140 (deals can be found for even less), it’s a great value.
Definitely one of the best hotels in Vancouver.
For more information, visit:
www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
12 cities in a month...
12 cities, 16 hotel rooms...in just a wee bit over a month. Is that
crazy? Because that's just the sort of adventure that I'll be embarking
on soon!
crazy? Because that's just the sort of adventure that I'll be embarking
on soon!
I'm both excited and terrified. And now that it's getting closer to my
departure date, both emotions are getting rather powerful, almost
shouting at each other.
I worry so much...
What if no one speaks English where I am? How will I figure out the
transit system? Will someone snatch my purse? And what about the food,
how will a semi-vegeterian with a gazzilion dietary restrictions and a
picky taste to boot be able to navigate foreign menus in countries where
the main attraction is meat - and the more the better. I have enough of
a hard time here, in North America, where everything is politically
correct, including the menus.
But on the other hand, I'm excited. Things to see and discover. People
to meet. Adventures to be had. And I get to "taste" everything... From a
traditional B&B in the place where it all started, to Victorian homes,
fancy shamncy hotels and even palaces with lagoon views. From museums,
to shows, to private theatre guides, recommended pubs where ghosts hang
out, cafes, spas, and worlds I've yet to discover.
If I had a chance to back out? I'd dismiss it in a heartbeat!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ipods are for more than just tunes...
Seems like the ipod is being used more and more for things other than music or videos. It is THE one piece of technology that you need on your travels. After all, you can have maps, wifi, addresses, widgets, and much more on this one tiny device.
A company called Tourcaster.com is taking advantage too, offering downloadable "guided" tours for travelers who want to see the sights on their own, creating multi-point guided tours that are separated by chapters and come complete with a full color map that is marked with numbers that correspond to the programs on your tour. They currently offer 250 tours in 75 cities on 6 continents...ranging from $10-25, saving you the costs of actual guides and allowing you to take your independent spirit and enrich its experience. Apple would be proud.
A company called Tourcaster.com
My favourite hotel in New York...
I'm no stranger to New York, having lived there. But at one point, I too, was one of those pesky "tourists", staying only for a few weeks at a time - if I was lucky. So, of course, I'm no stranger to New York hotels, with the astronomical prices and tiny quarters.
When one embarks on an adventure to the Big Apple, no doubt their place of residence plays an important role in the overall experience. After all, New York is the city that many have come to expect so much from based on its immortal images in movies and other popular culture venues. And what does one look for in that elusive New York hotel? One that fits like a glove in terms of the old mantra ‘location, location, location’, service, quality, uniqueness – and of course, your wallet too…
Even though everyone knows that New York is the city that never sleeps, it is a well-kept secret that sometimes its residents do take naps. Shocking, isn’t?
It’s unlikely that I will ever find a hotel in New York that will replace the landmark Beekman Tower as my all-time favorite. After all, it’s a perfect haven in every way.
THE BEEKMAN TOWER HOTEL
3 Mitchell Place | At 1st Avenue and East 49th Street, New York City
The Beekman is nestled in a very nice, quiet neighborhood that is only a few blocks away from the United Nations. Not surprisingly, many ambassadors and other dignitaries stay here. The added convenience is that each suite has a mini-kitchenette (with a stove-top, microwave, sink & fridge), a spacious living room to receive guests and a separate bedroom. Just in case for some reason you are suffering from a rare condition and don’t have anything to do in New York, there are television sets in each room. Although the lobby is fairly small (standard for New York), the suite is particularly large.
The décor is gorgeous Art Deco, which provides plenty of old-fashioned charm to this hotel. Lately it has become increasingly difficult to find a hotel that doesn’t look like every other hotel—and this one certainly doesn’t.
The staff are extremely helpful, going above and beyond duty. There are no attitudes. Just a very laid-back and helpful vibe. Needless to say, during my stay, there were no disturbances, no noise, everything was in perfect working condition and clean. And when luggage needed to be stored away, there were no problems there either.
Coming back to the Beekman each night was like coming back home, but cozier. It felt like a luxurious private apartment more than a hotel. If I could, I’d move in permanently. (Who knows, maybe one day they'll put out an ad for a writer-in-residence)
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
The Top of the Tower restaurant was named in a book as one of the most romantic places in New York. It’s easy to see why. Although I cannot say that the food is at all above average, the Cosmopolitans I had were divine (though not inexpensive—but worth it!). But it’s really not so much about the drinks or the food as it is about the experience. Having drinks at that restaurant around 2am was probably one of the most memorable experiences in my life. Naturally the company had quite a bit to do with it, but the atmosphere was pure magic. It felt like a scene from a movie. The view of the harbor was mesmerizing, like it was shot and presented by some legendary cinematographer, the flickering candles and the classy-yet-so-down-to-earth service provided the ideal setting and the real treat, the pianist, was not merely the score, but also the soul of this picture. He played both old and new favorites (though I much prefer the old) with his own unique touch without ever destroying the appeal of the song. I've been back, and although the pianist has changed, the experience is just as magical.
CONS:
-Although it’s a very pleasant location, it does require a bit of a walk or short taxi ride to most attractions.
-It’s not the least expensive hotel around (ranging from $290 to as much as $1,300), though deals do come around and its price vs. value ratio is ideal
VERDICT: 4.5 out of 5
When one embarks on an adventure to the Big Apple, no doubt their place of residence plays an important role in the overall experience. After all, New York is the city that many have come to expect so much from based on its immortal images in movies and other popular culture venues. And what does one look for in that elusive New York hotel? One that fits like a glove in terms of the old mantra ‘location, location, location’, service, quality, uniqueness – and of course, your wallet too…
Even though everyone knows that New York is the city that never sleeps, it is a well-kept secret that sometimes its residents do take naps. Shocking, isn’t?
It’s unlikely that I will ever find a hotel in New York that will replace the landmark Beekman Tower as my all-time favorite. After all, it’s a perfect haven in every way.
THE BEEKMAN TOWER HOTEL
3 Mitchell Place | At 1st Avenue and East 49th Street, New York City
The Beekman is nestled in a very nice, quiet neighborhood that is only a few blocks away from the United Nations. Not surprisingly, many ambassadors and other dignitaries stay here. The added convenience is that each suite has a mini-kitchenette (with a stove-top, microwave, sink & fridge), a spacious living room to receive guests and a separate bedroom. Just in case for some reason you are suffering from a rare condition and don’t have anything to do in New York, there are television sets in each room. Although the lobby is fairly small (standard for New York), the suite is particularly large.
The décor is gorgeous Art Deco, which provides plenty of old-fashioned charm to this hotel. Lately it has become increasingly difficult to find a hotel that doesn’t look like every other hotel—and this one certainly doesn’t.
The staff are extremely helpful, going above and beyond duty. There are no attitudes. Just a very laid-back and helpful vibe. Needless to say, during my stay, there were no disturbances, no noise, everything was in perfect working condition and clean. And when luggage needed to be stored away, there were no problems there either.
Coming back to the Beekman each night was like coming back home, but cozier. It felt like a luxurious private apartment more than a hotel. If I could, I’d move in permanently. (Who knows, maybe one day they'll put out an ad for a writer-in-residence)
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
The Top of the Tower restaurant was named in a book as one of the most romantic places in New York. It’s easy to see why. Although I cannot say that the food is at all above average, the Cosmopolitans I had were divine (though not inexpensive—but worth it!). But it’s really not so much about the drinks or the food as it is about the experience. Having drinks at that restaurant around 2am was probably one of the most memorable experiences in my life. Naturally the company had quite a bit to do with it, but the atmosphere was pure magic. It felt like a scene from a movie. The view of the harbor was mesmerizing, like it was shot and presented by some legendary cinematographer, the flickering candles and the classy-yet-so-down-to-earth service provided the ideal setting and the real treat, the pianist, was not merely the score, but also the soul of this picture. He played both old and new favorites (though I much prefer the old) with his own unique touch without ever destroying the appeal of the song. I've been back, and although the pianist has changed, the experience is just as magical.
CONS:
-Although it’s a very pleasant location, it does require a bit of a walk or short taxi ride to most attractions.
-It’s not the least expensive hotel around (ranging from $290 to as much as $1,300), though deals do come around and its price vs. value ratio is ideal
VERDICT: 4.5 out of 5
Hotels as destinations?
Sure, for many people a hotel is just meant to be a base where they unpack and rest after a full day out exploring their surroundings. However, some types of lodging can be just as much a part of the adventure as an afternoon at the museum or a walking tour. At least that's the case when the place you call “home” for the time being happens to be a room in a Victorian or gothic castle, a cell in a prison, a quarter in a monastery or even on a giant pirate ship. When your lodgings are THAT interesting, you don’t need to feel particularly guilty about hitting the hay early and resting your tired feet. Or sleeping in.
What is the most interesting or unusual place you've stayed in?
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