Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, only 20 miles from Los Angeles International airport, the Mediterranean estate overlooks the spectacular Pacific Ocean with  views of Catalina Island looming in the distance.

The peninsula was discovered by Spaniard Juan Cabrillo in 1542. Its  terraced hills and sheltered coves were once home to the Gabrielino-Tongva tribe (www.tongvatribe.net),  who  made their living as traders, fishermen and seafarers. The land was at  one time part of a Spanish land grant awarded to Juan Jose Dominguez in 1784.

Fast forward many years later, when Don Delores Sepulveda  in 1822, received this Spanish land grant for his support of the Mexican Revolution. He held the land for 60 years, but  due to misfortunes,  much of the land eventually passed to Jotham Bixby of Rancho Los Cerritos. 

In  1913 a group of New York investors headed by Frank Vanderlip, considered to be the founding father of Palos Verdes Peninsula,  bought 16,000 acres of Bixby’s land, where in 1924, the first homes were built along the coast.  The valuable and fertile land also became  home to Japanese farming communities in the early 1900′s.

Around 1954,  Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal theme park (opening  one year before Disneyland), moved in,  occupied the site and was the setting for  the famous black and white television series, Sea Hunt, starring Lloyd Bridges.  The series aired from January 4, 1958 to September 23, 1961.  In 1973, the city of Rancho Palos Verdes became  incorporated and  the oceanarium,  bought by Sea World San Diego,  eventually closed its gates  in 1986.  Marineland, a special part of California history, contributed greatly to marine science.  A visit to their website (www.marinelandofthepacific.org), will give you a glimpse of the largest oceanarium of its time.

By 1977 Lowe Enterprises began a ten-year project to bring Terranea Resort to the site, resulting in their  groundbreaking in 2007 and grand opening of Terranea in June 2009. Established in 1973, Destination Hotels and Resorts  now maintains control of the property.

Longing for a quick California getaway and having heard about the beautiful scenery with  outdoor fire pits located throughout the property,  I  knew Terranea would be a good choice.   Once on the property, the first thing I noticed besides the Mediterranean style of the main building,  and the fact that I was actually not on a work layover, was the low-key, subdued  look of the hotel entrance.  A Spanish style fountain  in front of the hotels circular drive, complimented the tasteful exterior of the simple, yet dramatic architecture.  

Standing in the foyer, I could see tables and dark-colored  chairs placed in intimate groups along the length of the  rear patio.  A  Mexican tiled  outdoor fireplace surrounded by patio chairs and two patio sofas filled one end of the area.  Across the balcony railing, the  terraced landscape complimented the  blue-green  ocean in the distance.

 The hotel foyer was decorated with a large round  table adorned with a colorful floral centerpiece.  Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed  a  larger room  filled  with comfortable sofas, chairs and a magnificent stone fireplace, lit with  orange flames flickering in the hearth.  Since the day was cool and a little damp, the room  looked relaxing and  inviting. I loved the warmth of the fire, brightly colored rugs and classic decor. 

Check in, thankfully, was quick and conducted in a friendly, professional manner.    Surprisingly, I was given an upgrade to an ocean view room, along with directions regarding the layout of the property, pools,  and restaurants.  

 Following  the sea green,  cream-colored carpet down the  hallway to my room, I  slipped my key into the slot with the anticipation of finally getting  a look at my accommodations for the evening.  Not at all disappointed, I walked across the room toward a  small balcony,  stepped out and took a look around. It was delightful  not only  to see the ocean,  but to hear sounds of waves crashing against the rocky coastline. If you are visiting on a warmer evening, you might want to open the balcony sliding door in order to savour the sounds of the ocean before drifting off to sleep.

A nice view of  native California plants and flowers planted directly below my balcony,  added spots of color to the sights and  ocean sounds outside my room.    In addition, a  small  patio table and chairs were great for sitting in the fresh air and taking in the well manicured landscape.

In keeping with the resorts  California  decor, my room was light,  airy and very comfortable.   A  fabric chair with matching  leather ottoman was placed  beside my bed.    Hanging above the  bedside table,  an ocean inspired painting by D. Pinkham, a member of the local Portuguese Bend Artists Colony (www.pbartistcolony.com), brought out a splash of bright blue colors into the room.    Formed in 1998, the Portuguese Bend Artists’ works, displayed along the halls and in guest rooms, were a wonderful reminder of the common interest they share in preserving the beauty of the Portuguese Bend area  through their paintings. 

My bed, covered in a  white on white patterned duvet,  four large pillows and a colorful bolster pillow couldn’t have been more inviting  for a comfortable nights sleep.  

Entering the bathroom through a  shuttered door, the room appeared  larger than most hotel bathrooms.  The  walls, painted  a vibrant sea  green, held  two large wall lamps on either side of a gold framed square mirror. 

The thick lamp bases, covered in tiny little sea shells,  swept up  toward  two white lampshades adding  a  soft glow to the room.   A  white  terry bathrobe hung on the wall near the bathroom door while its matching partner draped over  a hanger in the closet.  On the edge of the deep marble tub, Italian bath products adorned a  small silver tray.  

Nearby, a separate  walk in tiled shower stood in the corner.   Not one to overlook great spa and bath products, I noticed the Terranea Lemon grass sage exfoliating body soap, bath gel, bath salts and body lotion  by Torri 1886, Milano, Italy, and couldn’t wait to try them.   The bath products were displayed   beside the sink  along with a  mother of pearl  lined soap dish. The shiny dish  looked like an elegant , gleaming gift from the sea.  

On top of the toilet tank, an extra roll of paper was  tucked inside a white cotton drawstring bag  bearing the Terranea logo embroidered across the front.  A very nice little touch!

My  large flat screen tv, sat on a long cabinet, which  contained a hidden mini refrigerator and coffee maker with teas, coffee and condiments. A desk and two chairs near the balcony  door provided a view of the landscape below.  Last but not  least,  a  member from  housekeeping  appeared at my door  early in the evening with Terranea brand bottled water and offered nightly turn down service, thus completing my sheer happiness with my accommodations! 

Unless you have a car, you are limited to dining at the resort.  This is not a bad option since Terranea provides a wide array of dining choices. 

The Grill, located in the main building near the pool,  provides  poolside service along with  informal indoor and outdoor seating. Salads, burgers and sandwiches along with cocktails, beer and wine are a few of the menu items.

Nelson’s, my favorite casual restaurant, not only for the food, but for the awe-inspiring view of Point Vicente Lighthouse and Catalina Island, was named after the character Lloyd Bridges played in the old television series, Sea Hunt. Sitting on the edge of the bluff, complete with dinner, drinks, two fire pits and  one outdoor fireplace, the setting could not have been more wonderful!  If you live in the Los Angeles area, take a drive to Terranea and stop by Nelson’s for lunch or early dinner and enjoy the beautiful views.

While sitting in front of the fire, the restaurant staff offered blankets to snuggle into and  enjoy soothing sounds of the ocean on a chilly evening.  Delicious  chipolte  shrimp tacos , burgers, salads and sandwiches are listed on the menu along with  cocktails and California wines.  You couldn’t ask for a more  beautiful location to relax,  enjoy the scenic ocean views and sunset or spend a romantic evening with that special someone.

The Catalina Kitchen, part of the  main hotel,  is  a pleasant spot for  lunch, dinner or a delicious full breakfast.  Mix in a view of the ocean and pool for a  perfect combination  to enjoy your  meal.  A Friday night Seafood buffet and  Saturday, Sunday breakfast buffet add to the popularity of the restaurant.  It is also kid friendly as is Nelson’s.

Although I did not eat at Mar’sel, another oceanfront restaurant, they feature fresh locally produced organic herbs from their herb garden.  The garden, which is managed by Home Grown Edible Landscapes (www.groedibles.com), is also the site for hands on gardening workshops and lectures.  The restaurants  delicious food, California and French wines are served  on the outdoor terrace, or indoors near a large stone fireplace.

The Spa Cafe, Lobby Bar Lounge along with Sea Beans Cafe and gift shop are all on premise.  Menus for all restaurants can be found online  on the resort website.

Resort  activities are often important considerations when  planning a trip.    From swimming in the family, adult or spa pool to  golfing on the spectacular links, there are activities  for everyone.  While  hiking along the coastal terrain, you can get a glimpse of the El Segundo Blue Butterfly, 14 acres of natural coastal sage scrub and trees including the New Zealand Christmas, Coral, and Pine.  The landscape is testimony  to Terranea’s willingness to work in conjunction with the environment and their deep respect for land and sea .

The Spa at Terranea  overlooks the ocean with 25 luxury treatment rooms, wellness and fitness center.  The spa  includes a full service salon for pampering  facials and massages. With 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, the spa one of many  highlights of the resort.

If there are golfers in your group, The Links at Terranea, intertwine with the natural setting of the area resulting in a dramatic golf course and winner of 2009 awards, including: 2009 Developement of the Year, US courses – Golf, Inc., Best New Courses of 2009 – Links Magazine.

In addition, Trump National Golf Club (www.trumpnationallosangeles.com),  located three miles away from Terranea,  boasts breathtaking ocean view links and is open to the public.

The resort is  a wonderful venue for weddings due to the gorgeous backdrop of the ocean and the beauty of the entire estate.  Most important is the ability to accommodate wedding party guests with various lodging choices.  From standard hotel rooms in the Main building to Casitas, Bungalows and Villas, guests have a variety of lodging selections.  Some of the more spacious accommodations offer private patios and glorious fire pits.  For me, the most  striking part of Terranea was the abundance of   fire pits and California style outdoor living areas.  There were so many  it was hard to count but, coupled with the natural beauty of the land and stunning ocean views, the resort had a classically rich, yet casual Mediterranean look without stuffy pretentiousness.  I noticed that all of the restaurants faced either one of the many pools,  ocean or fireplaces, which gave me the impression the resort planners designed every aspect of the resort with their potential guests comfort and interests  in mind. 

For some reason, possibly because most of my hotel visits are very short, I usually miss the opportunity to indulge in some of the unique attractions the hotels have to offer.  This visit was no exception.  I missed the Sunset Ritual.  At the end of each day a ritual is held on the terrace of the lobby lounge. Beginning at sunset, the end of the day is signified by the ringing of  crystal singing bowls. This ancient ritual is known for healing and relaxation through sound and vibration.  The sounds of the crystal resonating bring body and spirit back into harmony.  Once again, I have found a reason to return to another hotel!  

The Terranea Resort (www.terranea.com), 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with its grand views of the Pacific,  its gold, rust, blue-green  hues and mystical solitude, lovingly weaved its way into my heart.  Somehow this resort  has successfully worked with the natural environment to protect and enhance a beautiful historic site. With respect for those who walked the land before us, Terranea graciously opened its doors for all  to indulge and  enjoy the hospitality of a spectacular resort.  Peace and tranquility await so take a weekend break or  just celebrate life and enjoy a  truly magical resort!

The Honolulu Westin Moana Surfrider and its porte cochere are grand reminders of  the historic beauty of one of Hawaii’s first hotels.  Known as “The First Lady of Waikiki”, the Moana Surfrider is distinguished by its portico type structure.  Popular during the 18th-19th century,  there are structures today which feature  a porte-cochere. The White House in Washington, D.C. is a famous example.

Opening its doors on March 11, 1901, The Moana,  (meaning “broad expanse of ocean”),  was the vision of Walter Chamberlain Peacock. Born in England, Peacock and his brother, Corbet, settled on the island of Oahu and in 1896 formed The Moana Hotel Company.  Upon opening, there were only 75 rooms, with a different fine wood (oak, mahogany and maple) for each floor.  In 1918 with the addition of  two more floors,  koa and cherry became the  fourth and fifth fine woods added.  After the hotels grand opening on Waikiki Beach (Waikiki meaning “sprouting waters”)  and a few years of  success, Peacock sold it to wealthy businessman Alexander Young in 1905. 

After the death of Young, his estate managed the business  until the Matson Navigation Company purchased it in 1932, making the hotel one of two (The Royal Hawaiian Hotel) owned by the Matson company.   Arthur Benaglia, general manager of the Royal Hawaiian for many years, also managed The  Moana  from 1941-1945.  In 1959 the hotel was sold to the Sheraton  chain, the same year Hawaii became our 50th State.  This was also the year jet airline service appeared on the island.

The hotel once again changed hands in 1974.   It was sold to Japanese Industrialist, Kenji Osano (Kyo-Ya Company, Ltd.).  With the building of the Surfrider  and other additions, the hotel ultimately became one complete complex and was named the Moana Surfrider.  It is  now a Westin property and  after many renovations, is restored to its present day  light and airy design.  

 A March 1989 renovation resulted in a return to its 1918 off-white and grey grandeur.  Thanks to the Kyo-Ya Company, Ltd, its owners and their desire to preserve the beauty of the building, it took a well deserved place in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Back in Honolulu  for the second time in three months, I was looking forward to my three night stay at the Moana Surfrider. Never tiring of the purple flower lei greeting (fish net style lei’s  filled with candy for children), I quickly walked up  the front steps of the hotel, past the long front porch  with rows of rocking chairs and stepped into the hotel.

Across  the  breezy lobby,  a large doorway opened onto a long  porch in back of the building. Large comfortable chairs on the porch overlooked  the Banyon Court Patio,  famous Banyon Tree, pool and  ocean. The open air feel of the hotel entrance, light colors and stunning Hawaiian Plantation style of the lobby, gave the hotel a tasteful elegance.  I couldn’t wait to check into my room and start exploring. 

During check in a professional and friendly staff member gave me  a list of activities and general information regarding the hotel.

 My tower room had both a partial city and  partial ocean view. The room was typical of most Westin hotels, but with a slight Hawaiian flair.  A sage green and white quilted Hawaiian style throw across the foot of the bed,  gave the room a touch of Hawaii mixed with a contemporary look.  The Heavenly Bed (www.westin-hotelsathome.com), was just that….heavenly!

My bed,  decked out in  white on white sheets, duvet and comforter, had lots of soft pillows  and the mattress was just as comfortable as you would expect a Heavenly Bed  to be.  Each time  I stay at a Westin and sleep in a Heavenly Bed, I always walk away thinking that someday, if at all possible,  I hope to order this bed plus the coordinating bedding that goes along with it!

 Westin Spa and Bath products sat on the bathroom counter and a shuttered closet contained hotel slippers, robes and a safe for valuables.

A tour of the property took me to the Banyon  Courtyard to see the tree I had heard so much about.  It was rumoured that Robert Louis Stevenson spent time writing under this tree, but there seems to be no documentation or proof.  He did, however, stay at the Sans Souci,  a series of bungalows built in 1884.  This gigantic focal point of the property brought to mind  the many people who long ago  sat under the same magnificent tree enjoying drinks, dinner, and dancing to  the sounds of enchanting  Hawaiian music.

 A ficus and member of the fig family,  it  was planted in  1885,  grew to a good size, then dug up and planted in the hotel courtyard  in 1904 by Jared Smith, director of the Department of Agriculture Experiment Station.  Easily propagated from cuts of itself and growing rapidly,  throughout the years it provided shade during the day and a romantic spot on moonlit nights.  The Banyon Courtyard  was also the setting for the famous radio show, Hawaii Calls,  broadcast from 1935-1975.   In 1972, both the Banyon tree and the Moana were registered  with the Historical Landmark Society.

The Beach Bar and patio,  located ocean side and shaded by the huge Banyon,  beckoned  guests to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery.    Following in the  steps of  many before me, I sat down at a table under that magical tree and  enjoyed  lunch  while taking in  a remarkable view of the pool and deep blue ocean.

The hotels Veranda Restaurant, just  steps from the ocean,  provided a daily breakfast buffet.   In addition to traditional breakfast fare, the chef prepared fresh pancakes, waffles and french toast.  Along with fruits, cereal and fresh pastries, a traditional Japanese breakfast was provided on a table nearby. 

Anxious to enjoy the sun and surf on the golden shore, I   checked  in at the pool and beach kiosk  to secure a chair, towels  and umbrella.  I noticed that most hotels along this area of Waikiki Beach had a  small amount of beach space. 

If you prefer to be near the snack bar and pool and don’t mind being a little close to other guests, then this is the place for you.  Otherwise, pack up, take a walk down Kalakaua Avenue along the beach walk toward Diamond Head and look for a more open area.  The hotel beach is probably a safer location to place your towels and beach bag, but if you  do use the other beaches, I would caution you to keep an eye on your items and don’t take valuables with you.   The beach area across from the Marriott Waikiki Resort has  a little more space.  You can rent umbrellas and if you get hungry, there are fast food restaurants across the street on Kalakaua Avenue. 

As I walked along the  beach walk on my way back to the hotel,  I passed the statue of famous surfer and Olympic swimmer,  Duke Kahanamoku. A  visit to nearby Dukes Restaurant (www.dukeswaikiki.com),  for drinks and sunset watching, made the end of my  day exceptional.

A visit to Honolulu isn’t complete  unless I have at least one dinner at Sansei Seafood and Sushi Bar  (www.sanseihawaii.com),  located at the Marriott Waikiki Resort.  The Chef’s recommendations for two are a great choice to sample the restaurants new wave Asian inspired creations.

While shopping  along  Kalakaua avenue,  I made numerous stops at the International Market Place to browse and take a look at  all the souvenirs on display. This open air, market setting has close to 130 shops and carts and is located right across the street from the Moana Surfrider Hotel in the heart of Waikiki. (www.internationalmarketplacewaikiki.com).

The day of my departure from Honolulu, I discovered the hotel offered a Historical Tour. I was unable to take  the tour, which was conducted by Chris Maehara, Stewarding Manager for the hotel, but this gave me another reason to return to Honolulu  and try again!  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Maehara, a second generation hotel staffer and he graciously gave me a wonderful book filled with interesting information regarding the history of the Moana Surfrider.

I also wanted to check out the lei making class held under the Banyon tree, but my hotel stay didn’t correspond to the class dates. In addition to lei making,  nightly Hawaiian music and hula dancing, the Beachhouse Restaurant, located in the hotel,  features wine tasting that explores regions and wine making styles of the world.  A small fee is required.  Last but not least, if you are fond of yoga,  classes are held on the hotel property.

The Moana Lani Spa, a Heavenly Spa by Westin, offers massages in a tranquil setting and incorporates Hawaiian healing traditions  and rituals. 

During my stay,  I noticed many beautiful brides  from Japan walking through the hotel in gorgeous wedding gowns.  The bridal couples, all so happy and joyous, made my stay so enjoyable.  It was always a nice surprise to turn the corner and run into the sight of a beautiful bride.

Honolulu has been and continues to be  a  popular wedding destination for Japanese couples, therefore, the  hotel has a fantastic array of wedding options to choose from.   In addition to catering to Japanese traditions, the staff  has the experience to handle any type of  wedding request.

Engulfed in history and mysteries, the Moana was the scene of  the 1905 death of Mrs. Jane Stanford, widow of Senator Leland Stanford, who was the founder of the University of California that still bears the family name.  After enduring a near fatal ”poisoning” at her home in San Francisco, Mrs. Stanford decided to flee the city and arrived in Honolulu with her paid companion and her maid.  She checked into room 120 at the Moana Hotel in the hope of relaxing and escaping another incident.  On the night of February 28, 1905, Mrs. Stanford began screaming in her room.  Her traveling companion and maid came to her aid and found her suffering in agony from convulsions and spasms.  The final diagnosis of her violent death was from strychnine poisoning which was found in her nightly dose of bicarbonate of soda, the same medicine she had taken in San Francisco. 

 Hawaiian doctors  and local authorities determined that her death was not from natural causes and suggested foul play.  Disputed later by representatives of Stanford University, the visiting San Francisco contingent left Honolulu with the body of Mrs. Stanford and issued a statement that there had been no foul play and that she died from heart failure.  Ironically, when Mrs. Stanford’s will was made public, she left 1 million to her brother and 15 million (a very large sum in those days) to Bertha Berner, her companion  who had been aware of her place in the will.  The inquest was conducted in the dining room of the Moana Hotel and many were skeptical of the motives of Ms. Berner.  While no one was arrested in the murder, it was thought that Stanford officials didn’t want a public scandal of the incident.  Pharmacy records for the first poisoning in California had been destroyed in the well-known San Francisco fire.  The matter was dropped and remains a mystery today.

The Westin Moana Surfrider,  2365  Kalakaua Avenue,  Honolulu, Hawaii (www.moanasurfrider.com), is a one of a kind hotel.  From the friendly and efficient waiters at The Veranda,  the professional  front desk staff and Chris Maehara, Stewarding Manager,  my visit could not have been better.  The beauty, history and the fact that it is located right in the middle of shopping and restaurants  on Waikiki Beach, are great reasons to visit.    I have only touched upon a small part of what makes this hotel unique and special,  therefore  I’ll  leave the rest for you to explore and enjoy!  Many thanks to the Westin Moana Surfrider for  a fantastic stay and your wonderful  Aloha spirit!

After undergoing an  $8 million dollar renovation, the Casa De Palmas is a unique  historic  hotel with a friendly, professional staff.  From the moment I stepped onto  the property, I knew the town of McAllen had a very special treasure.

A wrought iron  table, chairs and  a terracotta and blue Mexican fountain  were on patios on either side of the walkway for guests to enjoy. 

Opening  the front door,  Mexican tile floors throughout the lower level led to  a  spiral winding stairway which was the  focal point in the lobby.  The  stairway and entire hotel, all decked out in red and green Christmas colors and white twinkle lights, added not only a festive look to my holiday stay, but gave the hotel a warm and inviting look.

Not too far from the check in desk, The Lomax Cantina bar   was a great place to enjoy a beverage or visit with friends.  Comfortable sofas and  chairs were available near the bar area and  throughout the lobby for guests  to unwind and recap the days events.

My cozy and comfortable room, located on the third floor, was just as much of a pleasant surprise as the exterior of the building.   The full size  bed had a  white duvet covering a thick comforter with lots of soft white pillows resting against the headboard.  A gold filigree print throw, draped across the foot, gave the bed an updated style.   A large flat screen tv sat on a console with a desk and chair nearby.  

 In the corner beside my bed, a comfortable chair in a red print fabric added a splash of color to the room.  The colorful stripe carpet, wood beamed ceiling  and wrought iron refreshment table  gave my room a modern  Mexican feel.

Considering the smaller size of the  room, I found the selection and design  of the furniture  perfect  for my  peaceful  little sanctuary!

Sitting on the wrought iron table  in a wooden box, I discovered an assortment of coffees,  a specialty tea,  (Pure  Assam Indian Tea,  www.taylorsofharrogate.co.uk),  along with the usual  condiments.  I loved the nice touch of finding these items, hidden away in a pretty  little wooden box.

After  a quick glimpse of the bathroom, I spotted  Aveda  Spa and bath products, (www.aveda.com), another favorite of mine. What is it about finding a quality bath product that can make  a hotel stay  much more special than others!  The  clean,  comfortable room, nice products  and the fact that the decor of the room reflected the style of the building,  added  to the ambience of the hotel. 

From lovely patios, red tile roof,  stucco walls, bright clean carpets and sparkling Mexican tile floors, the hotel was a bright star and a stunning historic beauty.

While exploring the hotel, I noticed a formal party being held in the ballroom  one evening.  As  I walked through the downtown area the next day, I discovered numerous store front businesses displaying pretty formal Quinceanera dresses. 

The Quinceanera dresses in many vibrant colors were fascinating to me. Quinceanera is a coming of age party  for a young Hispanic girl’s fifteenth birthday.  In the Hispanic  tradition, a  young lady would don a pink, white or festive formal dress to celebrate her passage into young womanhood.  Typically, the celebration  consists of mass, a reception and a dance. 

Being a very special milestone for a young girl, her Quinceanera dress is a top priority for the celebration.  Formal dresses  with huge, full skirts made of satin and net were on display in the shop windows as I walked by, only adding to my curiosity regarding this wonderful  celebration and my admiration of the many dresses on display.  Photos of  Quinceanera dresses can be seen online from  Glitz and Glamour, 1001 S. 10th Street, McAllen,(www.glitzandglamouronline.com),  a store catering to Quinceanera  celebrations, proms and weddings.  Another online site to view dresses to get an idea as to what might be  currently fashionable  is (www.thegstar.com),  a Shanghai, China  formal dress-maker. 

 The Spanish Room, the in-house restaurant located near the Lomax Cantina, had  delicious lunch items listed  on their menu.

My lunch selection,  one of two specialty burgers on the menu,  consisted of Blue Cheese and Portobello Mushrooms topping a beef patty. Accompanied by a cup of Tortellia Soup,  my very unusual looking burger was  delicious.  On my second visit, I ordered the Stuffed Chicken Breast  in Pesto Cream Sauce with Wild Rice, Grilled Asparagus and  Carrots. 

The  pretty decor inside the restaurant, attentive and friendly service made the atmosphere  feel more like a fine dining experience rather than just a place to grab a quick lunch.

Room Service was also available if you prefered dining in the privacy of your own room.

On recommendation from several  locals, I was given a list of restaurants to visit  off the hotel property.   Casa Del Taco (Tex-Mex) and The Patio (Steaks), were located within walking distance.  Around 17th street there were other dining options and exploring those options could  be fun.  Transportation to malls or restaurants may  be scheduled through the hotel if the shuttle van is available.

The Casa De Palmas,  101 N. Main Street, McAllen, Texas, was such an unexpected  and pleasant surprise to find  nestled in this south Texas town .  Known in Texas as  “The Valley”,   the area is a gateway between Mexico and the United States and is a busy town for business and commerce.  If you find yourself traveling to the area for business or pleasure, a stay at the Casa De Palmas would be a good choice if you enjoy historic older hotels.  The attentive staff, comfortable, quiet rooms and authentic Mexican food, which  can be found in the  downtown area, are all good reasons to experience this adorable hotel.  Gracias and Merry Christmas, Casa De Palmas!

Perched on an edge of land jutting out toward the ocean, Turtle Bay Resort, built in 1973, brings to mind the distinct difference between the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Honolulu and the unrestrained pristine beaches of the rocky North Shore.  Encompassing 880 undisturbed acres, the resort is a forty-five minute to one hour drive from Honolulu through the Dole Pineapple fields. 

There are three accommodation options available at Turtle Bay.  The resort hotel, cottages and ocean view villas all offer a variety of appealing choices for varied tastes in accommodations. Looking for the least expensive option,  I selected the resort hotel, which sits high above the sea with scenic ocean-view rooms.  The cottages, placed along a strip of rocky coastline and  villas (studio,  three and four bedrooms), facing the sea and just steps away from a white sandy beach, were all perfect accommodations to enjoy gorgeous views, scenic Kawela Bay and the well cared for  resort property.

Behind the gated Turtle Bay entry, a circular drive led to the front of the hotel and open-air foyer.  The foyer led to an even larger lobby where the check-in desk faced a floor to ceiling glass wall running the length of the lobby.  Sweeping  picture-postcard views of the stunning beach and coastline set the stage for what I knew would be a wonderful three-day stay.

Check-in was quick and my room was ready right away. I took the elevator to my floor and as I stepped out, I noticed the hallway Common area brightly decorated in green, tan  and pale yellow colors with a large mirror, simple table and ornamental plant. The colors and  furniture added to the pleasing Hawaiian decor.

 Located on the third floor, I entered my room anticipating a full view of the ocean.  I was surprised to find part of the view directly below my lanai, blocked by the roof of the lower part of the building.  This took a little getting use to, but I soon adjusted my expectations and realized I could look straight across and to my right and still have a view of the mountains and coastline. 

The hotel rooms, being part of an older hotel, might seem a little outdated to other guests, but my room was very clean and perfectly comfortable in every way.

My standard, double bed room was of average size with a small desk and two rattan chairs covered in blue, tan and white fabric.   My tv, enclosed behind two wooden doors in the large armoire, faced a full size bed.  The white bedding was topped by  a soft comforter and a blue decorative throw  had been placed across the foot of the bed. 

Blue matching decorative pillows with dark navy colored Turtle Bay logo embroidered on the corners were placed against the standard white pillows.  A cute stuffed pink and blue fish pillow sat on the bed and I found out later that other little pillows of different styles (turtles, etc) were also on beds in other guest rooms. I loved the addition of the colorful stuffed ocean themed pillows and could just imagine the thrill for small children when entering the room for the first time.  A very cute touch for both children and adults! 

 The sleep sound system beside my bed, tuned to play soft Hawaiian music, gave the room a relaxing tropical feel.  The mountains, rocky shoreline along with soft Hawaiian music, began to work its magic.  Serenity and tranquility, the magic I was searching for was mine for the duration of my stay.

Although the bathroom fixtures had a slight dated look, the bathroom in general was large, sparkling clean and the counter space was more than adequate.  A very large dressing area with sink, small refrigerator and roomy shuttered closet gave me plenty of space for my luggage and clothing. White towels hung on towel racks near signature spa bath products. 

 A coffee maker accompanied by  coffee, tea and condiments,  sat on a small table in the dressing area .  My lanai, furnished with two patio lounge chairs and a small side table, was perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee early in the mornings while taking in the views of the mountains and ocean. 

As I spent more time in my room and on the lanai, my accommodations began to “grow on me”.  With the passing of each day, I found my room, the hotel grounds and serene beauty of the North Shore revitalized and restored my spirit.

I enjoyed the hotel, but the cottages and ocean villas might be an even better choice if you are staying at Turtle Bay.  The cottages, grouped in clusters of six, were secluded in a lush setting along the jagged shore and the ocean villas were just a few steps from the beach.  The resort grounds were incredibly clean, immaculate and beautiful.  From the golf course, pool and ocean, the landscaping was gorgeous and the entire resort appeared to be well-maintained in every way.  A walk around the property led to viewing areas with tables and benches overlooking the rocky coast on one side and a white palm tree-lined beach on the other side. 

There were two pools at the hotel, both lush and tropical in design.  The main pool, looking as if it were one with the ocean setting, became a relaxing part of my everyday activities!  

A water slide,  connected to a smaller pool  nearby,  seemed to be a favorite gathering place for children  staying at the resort.   The sound of cascading waterfalls in the smaller pools added to the tranquility of the area. 

Don’t miss spending a day at the pristine swimming beach located beside the hotel.  This  beautiful beach was a perfect spot to enjoy the sun, snorkel or use boogie boards.   Each day a  hotel associate was on hand to set up umbrellas,  chairs, towels and  provide water sports equipment.   The most wonderful part of this particular beach was the fact that it was located close to  the hotel and  yet not at all crowded.

The hotel Spa Luana,  had six treatment rooms for massages and facials. A special outdoor ocean side hut may be booked for soothing beachside treatments. Couples massages  seemed to be very popular with honeymooners and wedding party guests.

Keiki (kids) Turtle Club, is  a seasonal club for children to enjoy arts, crafts and fun activities.  Lei making, swimming and night sand crab hunts are just a few of the special activities that might be of interest for families traveling with children.

Weddings and wedding vow renewals, popular packages at the resort, brought to mind the movie, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall’,  filmed on location at the hotel and cottages.   I was surprised to see the many destination wedding parties booked at this resort.  From couples massage at the Spa to private beach dinners and picnics, the hotel can plan the perfect getaway for any special occasion.  A white building with floor to ceiling glass walls and  amazing ocean views sat on the edge of the hotel property.  The perfect special location for a romantic wedding.

From markets, shrimp trucks and hotel restaurants, dining on the North Shore was a fun and interesting experience.  For an early morning coffee fix,  a  coffee cart located in a corner of the lobby sold  coffee, smoothies and continental breakfast items.  I ordered a delicious mango smoothie one morning and you can’t beat the specialty coffees for an early morning wake up call.

My favorite on premise restaurant was Ola Beach Restaurant (www.olaislife.com). Lunch and dinner, served directly on the beach was a unique dining experience.  Ola in Hawaiian meaning “life, living, healthy and alive” offered farm-to-table fresh greens, herbs and melons grown locally.  Fresh Island Fish, Misoyaki Butterfish in addition to Steak and Lobster Tail were on the menu along with salads and lunch fare.  I ordered the Kalua Pork and Goat Cheese Nachos which proved to be a very good selection.  Ola also placed a few tables and chairs in the sand behind a roped off area among tiki torches for a true Hawaiian  beach dining experience. 

Hang Ten,  located poolside, served lunch, snacks and beverages.  From hot dogs for the children to fish tacos and burgers, a day at the pool can be enjoyable for the entire family.

The Palm Terrace prepared  breakfast, dinner and weekly dinner buffets that included Prime Rib and seafood.  A menu posted at the doorway listed a wide array of selections.

For a treat, take a drive out to Romy’s Shrimp Truck to taste the most delicious shrimp in the area.  Shrimp trucks,  lined up one after the other along the North Shore, are a favorite with tourists and locals alike.  A shrimp lunch at Romy’s was by far, one of the best lunches on the shore. 

Romy’s, located two minutes from Turtle Bay Resort,  provided picnic tables in a covered open-air sitting area beside their shrimp shack.  Their menu consisted of Butter and Garlic Shrimp, Sweet and Spicy Shrimp  with sides of Kahuku Sweet Corn, steamed white rice and brown rice.  Open from 10am to 6 pm, Romy’s was a great choice for a roadside “shrimp shack” lunch.  Don’t forget to pick up plenty of napkins when your delicious meal  is ready and if napkins aren’t enough, a large wash basin tub for hand washing will keep you tidy for your next North Shore experience.  Be prepared to wait for your order, but the food is worth it!

Matsumotos Shave Ice, (www.matsumotoshaveice.com)  66-87 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Hawaii,  is  well-known for shave ice. Matsumotos  tasty homemade syrups combined with ice and served in a flower shaped cup are colorful sweet treats.  Very long lines in front of the building will let you know you have arrived at the right place for this not to be missed icy treat.

Aoki shave Ice, (www.aokishaveice.com) 66-117 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Hawaii, another source for shave ice,  provided delicious cream-based specialty syrups to tantalize both young and old.

Ted’s Bakery, (www.tedsbakery.com) 59-024 Kamehameha Highway, Sunset Beach, Hawaii, located in a bright blue old building, is another favorite of locals.  A short drive from Turtle Bay, it is a good place for breakfast or bakery items to take back to your room.  Ted’s serves a good breakfast bacon and egg sandwich, cakes, pies, pastries and breads.  Sandwiches and plate lunches are also on the menu.  Served in a very casual setting, round picnic tables are always occupied by visitors to this popular establishment.

There are many activities and nearby attractions to fill your days at this somewhat isolated and lovely resort.  Golf on two PGA/LPGA championship courses by Frazio and Palmer are great for the golfer in your group.  Horseback riding, surfing (a surfing school is located on the hotel premises), kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving are among the activities enjoyed by guests.  Explore an old World War II Bunker or take a helicopter tour.  Helicopter tours start and end right on the property.  Sixty minute tours over famous Falls, Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach showcase Hawaii at its best.  Forty, twenty and ten minute tours are also available.

The Polynesian Cultural Center (www.Polynesia.com), just a few minutes drive from the resort, is the perfect place to explore and learn about island villages and Polynesian culture.  Experience a Luau and activities related to the Polynesian Center.  On-line tickets may be purchased from their web-site.

The North Shore Polo Club (www.hawaiipolo.com), is the place to visit for an entertaining afternoon of “Polo-by-the-Sea”. The Mokuleia Polo Farm  is the setting for this sport every Sunday during their six month polo season.  The equestrian center promotes trail rides, activities and is host to teams from Argentina, England, Germany, Mexico and  China.

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing(www.triplecrownofsurfing.com), is professional surfing at its best featuring the history and prestige of surfing competitions.  North Shore beaches, Haleiwa, Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline Champions win extraordinary monetary prizes when competing in this famous competition during the winter when swells reach 50 feet in height. 

A story regarding the history surrounding the surfing contests date back to Paul Van Doran, a Huntington Beach, California shoemaker who approached famous Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming and father of surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, telling him a custom pair of slip-on shoes could be made of any fabric he selected by morning.  Duke turned to his teammate friend, Fred Hemmings and asked for the Hawaiian print shirt he was wearing.  Thus, Paul Van Doran made the first pair of Vans shoes related to the surfing industry.  Vans shoes are a well-known company today.  Fred Hemmings became Hawaii’s World Champion of surfing and created the Triple Crown of Surfing .  The hotel lobby at Turtle Bay displays a pair of cloth  shoes related to the Triple Crown event along with more information about the rich history of surfing in Hawaii.

If relaxing on the beach and beach activities are not enough, watching Sea Turtles at Laniakea, a protected area for the threatened species, gives an interesting glimpse of basking sea turtles.  The turtles can be seen on rocks near the hotel and along the rocky shore drive to and from Haleiwa and Sunset Beach.  Haleiwa, a quaint little Hawaiian town, is a good place to visit.  Longs Drugs, Foodland Grocery, restaurants and shops are close together making it the place to stock up on bottled water, snacks, etc to take to your room, since Turtle Bay Resort is a little isolated and some establishments close early.

Last but not least, the drive to the resort from Honolulu takes you by the Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, Hawaii, (www.dole-plantation.com).  Stop in and browse the gift shop, take a ride on the Pineapple Express Train and take a look at the Pineapple Garden.  Once a pineapple fruit stand in the 1950′s, Dole Plantation opened to the public in 1989.  Enjoy the presentations, displays and try the chocolate covered pineapples.

If you are looking for a beautiful tranquil beach at a resort that offers a multitude of activities  or if you prefer, as I did, relaxing on the white sand enjoying sunsets, Turtle Bay is an excellent choice.  After spending time in Honolulu, the North Shore took time getting use to, but it didn’t take long for the rugged, windswept area to win me over.  With some of the most gorgeous, breathtaking views I have ever seen, Turtle Bay Resort (http://www.turtlebayresort.com), 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kuhuka, Oahu, Hawaii, was enchanting and the ideal tropical location.  Turtle Bay, along with the entire tempestuous North Shore will slowly work its way into your heart and pull you back for more.  Start packing and enjoy the “true Hawaii” of the North Shore.

Resembling a lustrous pale pink pearl, encircled in a creamy-white shell, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel sits regally on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach.  The land, once the playground of Hawaiian Royalty, was the  summer palace of Queen Kaahumanu.  The 15-acre coconut grove parcel of land was purchased as a site for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, where in 1925 Matson Navigation Company spent four million dollars to build the original main building, much to the disappointment of  local native Hawaiians.   The New York architectural firm of Warren and Wetmore, hired to design  the building, played a major role in the construction of the hotel.  The use of 9,000 gallons of paint, stain and lacquer were required in the largest building project of its time in the Pacific.

Known as “The Pink Palace”, the hotel opened its doors February 1, 1927, with 1,200 people attending a black-tie dinner.  Arthur Benaglia, the first manager, spent eighteen years at its helm establishing a reputation for excellent service.  Thus, with the hotel sitting on Royal land among coconut trees ( a symbol of wealth and power in old Hawaii),  it continues to host  Heads of State, Hollywood stars and visitors from all over the world to enjoy its legacy of outstanding service.

My entrance into the Spanish-Moorish designed palace  began with a beautiful orchid lei greeting (Kukui nut leis for men), bags whisked away and an escort to guide me up the wide stairway into the main lobby.  As I approached the check-in desk a staff member quickly, yet gently, pulled  my chair out as I took a seat and began the most pleasant check-in I have ever experienced. 

While my Guest Service Agent produced my paperwork, another  associate brought a tray containing a cool small hand towel and  pink refreshing drink made of Hibiscus Tea, lemon drops and acai berry.  I was given my key along with a brief history, layout and description of the building and its restaurants.  With my check-in complete, my escort walked me to the elevator assuring me my bags would soon be delivered to my room.

The  standard garden room (there was nothing standard about it), located on the second floor in the historic section, overlooked well maintained  lawns, the Coconut Grove and lush tropical gardens.

The location of my room could not have been more perfect for me.  The newer tower section. with ocean views, was not as desirable  since I preferred residing in the original, newly renovated older part of the building. 

Standing in the hallway, I noticed  the door to my room,  a beautiful carved door made of Nara wood,  depicted a detailed scene of the Hawaii Coat of Arms and state motto, created by King Kamehameha III.  Carved in Hawaiian the words translate into “The life of the land is perpetuated into righteousness” .  What an interesting beginning to the beauty that lay behind my door.                       

  Stepping onto a soft sage green scrolled print carpet, my first glimpse of the room brought a sense of happiness and excitement just to know that my “dream” hotel was shaping up to be everything I had hoped and imagined it would be.  The king size bed sat against the middle of a hot pink wall with silver Hawaiian designs resembling pineapples covering the surface.  The wall paper made  a nice backdrop for displaying the beautiful large bed. 

Egyptian cotton bedding, in the brightest white color I have ever seen in hotel linens, felt soft to the touch.  Four large pillows, two of which were enclosed in bordered pillow shams, were positioned against the headboard.  A sage green bolster pillow, taken away during the nightly turn down service, lay across the edge of the white pillows.  My bed was luxurious, very comfortable and allowed  a good nights sleep after a long flight.  Two very pretty unusually thick glass lamps sat on night tables on each side of the bed.  A sleep sound system, set to play soft relaxing instrumental Hawaiian music, was so enjoyable I never once turned on the tv during my entire stay!

A large writing desk and chair with a thick wooden framed mirror hanging above, was the perfect spot for my lap top and to prepare a cup of Infusion  Relax (Jetlag P.M. Therapy) Tea, (www.tealeaves.com).  Nightly turn down service, gold wrapped chocolates with Royal Hawaiian logo embellished on the front and  two white mats positioned on the floor on each side of the bed,  were evidence of the comfort and amenities offered by the hotel. 

Directly across from my bed, a dark cabinet held a large flat screen HDTV.  A  small white china plate containing a clear wrapped mini banana-nut bread, garnished with a fresh  orchid, sat on a black attractive tray.   Beside the plate, a recipe card for the complimentary specialty  bread added a unique little touch. 

Below the cabinet and behind double doors, another flat black tray held a single cup coffee maker, kona coffee, teas and condiments.  The entire set-up was perfect for a light breakfast in my room and a great start to my day.  

  As I pulled back the light beige drapes,  gazed out my window overlooking the historic Coconut Grove, I knew this was the only hotel who could pull off green carpet, pink walls embellished with pineapples and pink robes! I couldn’t wait to wrap up in the pale pink Frette robe, grab a cup of tea and listen to Hawaiian music coming from the sound system. 

A large wicker ceiling fan gave me the feeling of being in a room straight out of the movie, Casablanca, but with a more understated Hawaiian elegance.

My bathroom, although very small in size, had a large walk in tile shower with floor to ceiling glass.  The marble vanity was esthetically attractive in design, providing enough space for my toiletries.

Gilchrist and Soames, founded in London and makers of fine bath products, were placed on the tiled vanity and in the shower.  Thick soft white towels hung on towel racks beside my new best friend, “the pink bathrobe”.

As I explored the hotel, I was anxious to get to the beach and pool area.  The round pool was small by most hotel standards, but very pretty and located just a few steps from the tower elevators  near the beachfront.  Poolside white tent cabanas and lounge chairs (placed very close together), shaded by pink umbrellas, adorned the edge.

Candy colored pink umbrellas dotted the seaside landscape where a roped-off area was reserved for use by hotel guests. The Royal Hawaiian pool appeared to be occupied mostly by adults, therefore guests with children might prefer to use a very large kid-friendly pool  shared by both the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Hotels,  located on the beach between both buildings.

The Abhasa Spa, offered unique cabana spa treatments in a beautiful garden setting.  Massages, facials, hair styling, nail services and make-up are just part of the services available. 

The Mai Tai Bar, famous for its Mai Tai  drink, beautiful views of Diamond Head, sunsets, and located ocean side, is a quiet, romantic bar serving the best drinks in Honolulu.  Non-alcoholic specialty drinks, tapas and appetizers complete the setting for an awe-inspiring sunset view and was a must on my list of places to visit. Musicians perform nightly.

The Surf Lanai, a casual  cafe-style  restaurant, located beside the Royal Hawaiian pool, provided breakfast and lunch.  My grilled  Asian Seafood Salad lunch  was delicious,  although a little pricey. Nevertheless, the view, the friendly wait staff and atmosphere made it seem like a bargain.

Dukes Canoe Club Restaurant and Bar, 2335 Kalakaua Avenue, is a beachfront gathering place famous for casual dining and beautiful sunsets.  Along with views of the ocean and Diamond Head, Dukes offers a traditional breakfast at a fairly reasonable price compared to several up-scale resorts. Lunch and dinner options are also available. Be sure to check out the 1920′s era surfing  photos hanging on the walls along with  famous surfer and restaurant namesake, Duke Kahanamoku.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar (www.sanseihawaii.com), 2552 Kalakaua Avenue, Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, Honolulu.  A nice stroll down Kalakaua Avenue will take you in the direction of  Sansei Japanese restaurant. Known for  serving contemporary sushi and new wave Asian-inspired dishes, this establishment  is a favorite of mine.  With an extensive menu of artistically prepared creations, Sansei offers a signature award-winning  Panko Crusted Ahi Roll, Kapalua Butterfly Roll and a delicious pre-set menu showcasing award-winning specialties.

DK’s Steak House(www.dksteakhouse.com), 2552 Kalakaua Avenue, Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, is located next to Sansei and is a great alternative for steak lovers. Try the Surf and Turf complete dinner and take a look at their menu on-line for a list of delicious offerings from DK’s.

Nico’s At Pier 38, (www.nicospier38.com), 1133 N. Nimitz Highway.  Nico’s is a locally popular restaurant featuring exceptional breakfasts and plate lunches at reasonable prices.  Casual dining on a dockside  covered lanai,  the menu includes fresh fish catch of the day along with Furikake Pan Seared Ahi with Ginger Garlic Cilantro Sauce, Ahi Poke Salad with Plum Vinaigrette, Fish and Chips and my favorite side, Macaroni Salad.  Menu boards on the wall list the specials of the day, breakfast and lunch items.  As each item becomes unavailable, it is crossed off the board so be sure to get there early for your breakfast or lunch preference. Not within close walking distance, a rental car or cab ride is required.  This establishment has been featured on the Food Network.

With a multitude of activities, tours and shopping, I enjoyed browsing through the Hawaiian Quilt Collection (www.hawaiianquiltcollection.com) store at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which  showcased a variety of quilts made in Hawaii.  The store has other locations in hotels throughout Waikiki.  Beautiful island designed quilts may be viewed and ordered  from their online catalogue.

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, has a vast array of upscale shops from Hermes, Juicy Couture, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bvlgari, Fendi, Lush to Bob’s Ukulele and Aunty Bella’s Lei Stand.

If a visit to Hawaii is in your future, plan a stay at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  The hotel is conveniently located off Kalakaua Avenue in a quiet lush tropical setting  on the beach.  This jewel of a hotel offers refined elegance and a glimpse of old Hawaiian history and luxury. 

From the tasteful lobby, open-air flower filled terrazzo-tiled sitting areas and expensive Hawaiian artwork, this pink pearl of the Pacific is without a doubt, one of my  favorite hotels.   The professional service oriented staff and Rory Cosma, Guest Service Agent, who provided me with a brief history of the hotel and made my stay so enjoyable, is proof that  the hotels legacy of excellence continues on.  Mahalo,  Royal Hawaiian!

I booked my stay online through the hotel web site.  I chose the Rosewood Escape Package, which included accommodations for one night, valet parking, internet access, 20% off dinner at the Crescent Club and breakfast for two in the Conservatory or the privacy of my own room.  As a solo traveler this was the best offer that met my needs.  Other packages included the use of the Spa at the Crescent for two and other dining options.  Besides the Rosewood Escape, The Pamper Daily Package for Two features the use of the Spa (a 22,000 square foot area providing health and beauty treatments), a welcome bottle of champagne, breakfast for two, lunch at the Spa Cafe and valet parking.  The Nobu Retreat Daily Package for Two features a welcome amenity, dinner at Nobu ($150.00 dining credit), breakfast for two, use of the Spa facilities and valet parking.  The above mentioned packages are just several of many packages to choose from.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by friendly staff members who parked my car, took my bags and escorted me into the hotel lobby.  Check-in was quick and the hotel associate was professional, friendly and helpful.  The hotel lobby, extremely spacious and elegant, had gleaming marble floors, limestone walls and floor to ceiling  windows that gave the area a luxurious look.  A large glass and wood table showcased  tall, clear glass cylinder vases containing beautiful and fragrant orchids. 

On each side of the table, sheer ivory floor to ceiling drapes formed  spacious alcoves for guests to sit, read and enjoy a cup of coffee or a beverage of their choice.

Upon entering my room, located on the fourth floor, my first reaction was one of slight disappointment as the European-style guest room wasn’t as luxurious as I had expected.  But after putting my bags away I became more accustomed to the style and feel of the room and within minutes it felt more like a nice bedroom in a private residence rather than a hotel room.  Large French doors led to a small balcony. The room was so cool and comfortable, I forgot all about the Texas heat.  The ivory bedspread mixed with the pastel colors of the room brought a feeling of calm and relaxation after a busy day.  Perfect for a hotel noted for its Spa. 

 The bathroom, although on the smaller side, was adequate and nice with a tub/shower combination and dual shower heads.  An extra roll of toilet paper wrapped in pretty, crisp brown tissue paper with a light pink bow was just one of many special little “touches” I noticed during my stay at the Crescent Hotel.  On top of the marble sink I found my all time favorite bath products.  Lady Primrose.  

One reason for selecting the hotel was to visit the Lady Primrose store to view their bath products, antiques and to experience the tea service.  Finding that the store had closed was a disappointment to say the least, but it didn’t dampen my spirits because The Spa at the Crescent and  Stanley Korshak, both located within the shops of the Crescent,  both carried Lady Primrose products.  The Crescent Hotel features Celedon, Emerald aromas of Italian bergamot, crisp lemons and black currant, that is sold in large glass decanters trimmed with a faux jade band. The Fragrance and Silk Gift set consists of Celedon Eau de Par fume and Dusting silk in a beautiful glass shaker with a silver top.  Both come with a glass tray and would make wonderful gifts for that special someone in your life.  

Dining options in and near the hotel are numerous.  Nobu is located inside the hotel, along with The Conservatory and the Spa Cafe, but I decided to try The Crescent Club as it was included as part of my Rosewood Escape Package. The Crescent Club is located a few steps across the street (inside the complex) in an 18 story office building on the 17th floor.  It’s a private membership club offering fine dining and excellent views of downtown Dallas.  Dark and intimate, this would be a great place for a special occasion or celebration.  While the staff was incredibly attentive and professional, I felt a little uncomfortable dining alone with only two other couples in the restaurant.  Nevertheless, I enjoyed my dinner along with the view of the Dallas skyline.  Try a Blue Cosmo cocktail for a very special treat.

Other dining options located across the street on Maple Avenue include:  

The Old Warsaw , 2610 Maple Avenue, Dallas, is rated “excellent” by the Zagat Texas Restaurant survey and received a four diamond award.  A landmark of elegant dining since 1948, the restaurant offers French Continental Cuisine and 460 wine selections from their wine cellar.

The Capital Grille,  500 Crescent Court, Dallas, serves lunch and dinner and offers prime aged beef and seafood entrees.

In addition to all the shops at the Crescent, you will find the boutiques of Highland Park Village located in an affluent residential area showcasing well-known designer clothing, shoes and cosmetics.   If you are visiting the Dallas area with children, a ride on the trolley is a must.  The Uptown Trolley operates 365 days a year.  All rides are free.  Check the trolley web site for the latest information. 

The Rosewood Crescent Hotel, 400 Crescent Court, Dallas, Texas, is a great hotel for business, leisure travel or a combination of both.  The Spa at the Crescent is a well-known Dallas institution offering the best in services.  For a relaxing getaway and luxury accommodations, I found The Crescent to be a comfortable and gracious retreat!

At a moments notice and on a whim, I booked a room using Expedia.com for a deeply discounted night at the legendary hotel.  From the moment I stepped out of the cab, my bags were whisked away by a uniformed staff member and taken to the reception desk.  Check-in was so easy and quick, I felt as if they had been awaiting my arrival.  A thick white folder embossed with the hotel logo, held business cards, hotel information and welcome letter, a nice start to my luxurious twenty-four hour stay. With the check-in process  complete, I was escorted to the elevator by a hotel associate dressed in black and wearing white gloves.  Within the hotel and on the walk to my room, I noticed the classic elegance of artwork on the walls and beautiful chandeliers gracing the ceilings.  

  As I entered the standard “Plaza room”, my first impression was one of peaceful comfort.  Decorated in Beaux Arts style decor, I felt as if I had been transported to another world. A large, low chest of drawers held a black HD flat screen tv and near a window overlooking the avenue below, a  small, ornate writing desk with a Medallion style chair became the perfect spot for my laptop.

 A large gold scrolled headboard framed the king size bed.  From the luxurious 100% cotton Mascioni Italian linens to a heavy, double sided chocolate fur throw folded across the foot of the bed, I anticipated a perfect night’s sleep.  Lovely and thick, the fur throw provided the extra warmth for a cold winter’s evening.  My first impulse was to wrap myself in a cocoon of chocolate colored luxury and enjoy the incredible softness of fur against my skin.  On second thought, I had a better idea.  When I returned home, I ordered a similar throw from Pottery Barn and a made to order double-sided sable faux fur  from Sheep Skin Deals . Both are wonderful reminders of my enjoyable stay at the Plaza.

As I made my way toward the bathroom, I opened two large frosted glass doors, only to find a beautiful gold and white mosaic tiled room.  A walk-in shower, separate tub, and pedestal sink, adorned with gold Sherle Wagner fixtures, added to the glamorous feeling of  the bathroom.  The heated tiles on the  bathroom floor were a welcomed warmth after stepping out of the  large shower.  Fluffy, thick white towels and robes along with signature Plaza bath products were provided for a relaxing bath if desired.

For those requiring the best of everything, white glove butler service was available twenty-four hours a day for guests on each floor.  Whether for turn down service or a forgotten item, this service was available to attend to customer requests.  The entertainment system, lights, climate control and butler service call button were controlled by using the wireless touch pad tablet, located on the wall near the entry way.  Wanting to stay in my room to enjoy the beauty and comfort it offered, I decided to place a room service order.  I ordered  salmon for dinner and although room service was timely, it was  expensive.  All in all, room service at the Plaza was a special treat I thoroughly enjoyed.

The well-known Oak Bar is located on the main level of the hotel.  Once a men only establishment, the Oak Bar was the target of a sit-in on February 12, 1969 by NOW, the National Organization of Women.  Four months later, women were able to share the same experiences as men at the famous bar.  So ladies, step into the bar and reflect on a little feminist history that is part of this landmark hotel and enjoy a drink along with artist Everett Shinn’s original murals of Central Park on winter evenings, which are on display.  Shinn made an impact on the art world in New York since most of his work centered on daily life in the city.

The Rose Club, formally the Persian room, is also located inside the Plaza and was inspired by the Opera National in Paris.

The Champagne Bar, located to the left of the lobby entrance, is a lovely spot to enjoy champagne, wines and light fare while overlooking Fifth Avenue and Pulitzer Fountain.

 A bit of fanciful history is reflected in the well-known book Eloise, by Kay Thompson.  Published in the 1950′s, the hotel’s Eloise Boutique carries books on Eloise’s hotel and Paris adventures along with dolls, clothing and other items.  Tea parties, birthday slumber parties, (featuring in room ice cream sundaes), and a pricey Live like Eloise Package can be obtained through the hotel desk.  For a look at the capricious little Eloise, a painting is on display in a hallway near The Palm Court or you can visit www.eloisewebsite.com.

A five-minute walk up Fifth Avenue will take you to the best shopping New York has to offer.  Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Mikimoto (a favorite of mine), as well as world-class dining, museums and Central Park are all a few steps away.  Those traveling with children can even experience the floor piano Tom Hanks danced on in the movie, “Big” at FAO Schwarz.

If hotel dining is too pricy, try Sarabeth’s, 40 Central Park South,  located around the corner from the Plaza for a nice start to the day with breakfast and a view of Central Park.  There are many options available for dining near the hotel property.

The Plaza Hotel is located at Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York, New York 10019.  This timeless mid-town hotel offers luxury and character along with New York history.  Pack your bags, book your room and explore this great hotel.

Modern yet minimalist décor, guests can expect outstanding customer service and accommodations at the Bryant Park Hotel.  This stylish and chic hotel radiates a cool, boutique style ambience.  From the sleek, dark lobby with red accents to the small dimly lit elevator, the hotel beckons travelers looking for a unique experience in the city that never sleeps.  Valet parking is complimentary on weekends for hotel guests. Check-in is a relatively smooth process, thanks to the friendly customer service oriented staff.  As soon as I stepped into the lobby, I was greeted by bright smiles from smartly dressed employees in head to toe black who were eager to please.  

Rooms are larger than most NYC hotels with Junior Suites available if more space is desired.  Staying in a Junior Suite is like having your own small apartment in the city.  My room on the 15th floor offered an incredible view of Bryant Park, the NYC main public library and city skyscrapers through three large windows.  The spacious bathroom featured a separate tub and shower with windows framing the square sink.  Molton Brown bath and spa products were provided along with thick fluffy white towels.  As soon as the two plush bath robes caught my eye,  I knew they’d be a welcome evening treat after an afternoon exploring the neighborhood. 

The sleek and simple queen size bed did not appear sturdy in photographs I viewed on-line.  But I was pleasantly surprised when the bed turned out to be just as comfortable, if not more so, than the well-known Heavenly Bed.  The mattress provided an incredible nights sleep and the bedding was fresh, white and soft to the touch.  Inside the closet I found an umbrella, garment bag and slippers.  When I opened my window in the early evening, the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin floated into the room from a wedding reception across the street at the Bryant Park Grill.  Not a fan?  An iPod docking station and a sound machine were provided in the room to drown out unwanted noise from the street below.  A small desk,  located near a window, allowed space for laptops and wifi connections which all  helped to round out the simplicity and minimalist decor of the room.  Evening turn down service along with delicious chocolates,  provide extra amenities from this four star NYC Fashion Week address.        

The Cellar Bar, located to the right of the check-in desk and down a flight of steps to the basement, is a well-known celebrity hot spot with complimentary cocktails served from 5 to 6pm.  Hotel guests may proceed to the front of the long line.

Koi, located directly across from the check-in desk, offers Japanese cuisine in a trendy, cool venue.  The miso bronzed black cod and Kobe beef carpaccio were the highlights.  Expensive but exceptional, the restaurant is the perfect setting for an evening with that special someone or friends. 

Step out the front door and you are right across the street from Bryant Park, an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of the city.  French style wrought iron café chairs and tables surround the park for reading newspapers, drinking  coffee or just people watching. During summer months, movies are shown in the park on Monday evenings.  In the winter, ice skating is in order when the park is transformed into a winter wonderland.  A beautiful, old-fashioned carousel is the true gem of Bryant Park and can be found nestled among the trees just waiting for young children to enjoy the sights, sounds and a carefree ride.  Restaurants are located within the park and a few steps on either side of the hotel.  Central Park is just a 15 minute walk away.  Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, located to the left of the hotel, provides a delicious start to any New York City day of sightseeing, museum visiting and city shopping. 

Now go book that room, try on those slippers and turn on the Do Not Disturb sign.  Yes, I DID say turn on.  There’s an electronic privacy switch behind the bed and a privacy light outside the door to deter “do not disturb” sign thieves.