Category Archives: Hotel Reviews USA

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 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