Retro-Cool Motel in Dallas

Our photographers are so terrific. They often give us great ideas, because they are inveterate travelers themselves. Recently we sent a new contributor, Peter Frank Edwards, to Dallas to shoot a story for us. His partner, Sandy Lang, accompanied him. Not only did they produce a beautiful shoot (which you will see in our November '09 issue), they also gave me a great tip on a cool affordable motel they found:

Whenever we're in Austin we get to the Hotel San Jose (to stay or for drinks), so wanted to try the Belmont, which is managed by the same company. The Belmont is also a revamped 1940s-50s motor court, with the same kind of retro coolness. Instead of cars parked in front of rooms, there are walking paths and gardens, and the former carports are arranged with patio chairs.

The paint is fresh, the furniture spare and modern, with an airy check-in counter for guests. The exterior is bright white stucco and there's a pool, health club, bar and café... the adjacent Cliff restaurant is being remodeled (it will re-open this fall). One night, there was a good crowd for an opening art reception in the café; and the day we left, there was to be a pool party with Texas barbecue and a rockabilly band.

Trip for Luxe Caribbean Resorts

When you want the perfect view, the best golf course, the gaggle of nannies to take care of the kids, and luxurious touches everywhere you look, including plasma tv's, plunge pools and indoor/outdoor living spaces, look no further than these resorts and villas. If it's good enough for the creator of James Bond, it'll probably do.

What is Boutique hotel?

Boutique hotel is a term popularised in North America and the United Kingdom to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels and motels by providing personalized accommodation and services / facilities.
Despite this definition, the popularity of the boutique term and concept has led to some confusion about the term. Boutique hotels have typically been unique properties operated by individuals or companies with a small collection. However, their successes have prompted multi-national hotel companies to try to establish their own brands in order to capture a market share.^[2] The most notable example is Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide's W Hotels, ranging from large boutique hotels, such as the W Union Square NY, to the W 'boutique resorts' in the Maldives, to true luxury boutique hotel collections, such as the Bulgari collection, SLS Hotels, Thompson Hotels, Joie De Vie hotels,The Keating Hotel, and O Hotel, among many others.

Golden Nugget Hotel with Casino

Hotel Description
1,915 rooms, 22 floors

This classic fixture of downtown Las Vegas since 1946 has undergone a complete renovation. It has kept it's clssic charm, while adding many new modern ammenities and features. It is located in the heart of the Fremont Street Experience, and is approximately six miles from McCarran International Airport. The hotel is home to the Hand of Faith, the largest gold nugget on display, weighing over 61 pounds.

The Tank is a year-round, three story outdoor swimming pool complete with a live shark aquarium, private cabanas, water slide, and bar. The hotel's 45,000 square-foot casino offers blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, slot and video poker machines, race and sports book, and a poker room. Live entertainment in the showroom includes Gordie Brown and other headline shows. Dining options include Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Lillie's Noodle House, the Grotto, the Buffet at the Golden Nugget, Carson Street Cafe, and a Starbucks. Drinks are served at Claude's Bar, and the International Beer Bar. The Golden Nugget Spa offers massages, a beauty salon, fitness center, saunas, tanning rooms, and whirlpools. Other amenities include a gift shop, golf and tennis arrangements, tour assistance, laundry service, dry cleaning, and valet parking.
Hotel Amenities (Additional fees may apply to some amenities)

* Swimming Pool
* Non-Smoking
* Parking
* Restaurant On Site
* High-Speed Internet
* Room Service
* Hot Tub
* Fitness Facility
* Gambling Facilities
* Dry Cleaning/Laundry

* Golf Course
* Spa
* Business Center
* Convention Center
* Meeting Rooms
* Interior Corridors
* Wheelchair Accessible



All 1,907 newly renovated guest rooms have safes, high-speed Internet access, armories, marble bathrooms, and cable TV.

The Willard InterContinental — Washington, DC,

shining jewel in the heart of Washington DC, the Willard InterContinental Hotel gracefully blends tradition and luxury with contemporary amenities and service. Offering a superb location, extensive meeting facilities, and elegant private and public space, the Willard ranks among the world's great historic hotels.

The Willard Hotel combines a majestic decor with all the features expected by today's business and leisure travelers. This award-winning grand landmark offers wireless high speed Internet in all guest rooms and public areas, gift shop, business center and fitness center.

The I Spa at the Willard provides guests with a rejuvenating world class spa experience. Enjoy sumptuous fine dining in the prestigious Willard Room, or casual dining in Cafe 1401 followed by a specialty drink and dessert at the Round Robin Bar. New in 2007 - Cafe du Parc!