Chic Boutiques
The funky, cool Hotel Saint Cecilia
By Amy Kite
Photo by Allison V. Smith
If you are visiting Austin, Texas and enveloping yourself in the hip music and art scene, you will feel like one of your revered rock legends when you step foot in The Hotel Saint Cecilia. Named after the patron saint of music and poetry, the Hotel Saint Cecilia is a beautiful and incomparable 14-room property that certainly would make its namesake proud. From the moment you walk along the lushly-lined path of this serene property, you feel as if you are strolling along someone’s exclusive yet welcoming estate.
The small room in which guests check in has shelves of books, DVDs and vinyl albums to check out and spin on your room’s turntable during your visit. The vintage Geneva sound system in each room is just the start of the hotel’s unique vibe. From edgy artwork to hand-written welcome notes, you feel like you could be staying at your artsy friend’s personal home. A bright neon sign that reads “soul” is the backdrop for the outdoor pool where you can take a plunge after a day of exploring nearby shops, music venues and restaurants.
While exploring the hotel’s property, you can envision the creativity that has poured out of previous guests as they maybe lounged under a grand oak tree or sipped a cocktail outside as the nearby-burning incense wafted in their direction. If the artistic side of you is not enticed to sneak out during your stay, then at least the part of you that enjoys indulgence and beauty will certainly be grateful.
Photo by Allison V. Smith
Built in 2008, the Hotel Saint Cecilia has already become a favorite spot for not only celebrities but for many guests who are lucky enough to experience this rare property. It is artsy and elegant, hip and classy, romantic and fun. Guests can get a clear vision of this boutique hotel’s vibe just by visiting their website. The melodic piano music is the perfect backdrop for reading about the various studios, suites and bungalows. But, the quotes on the bottom of each page really set the creative tone, like this one by Bob Dylan: “The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense. Take what you have gathered -- from coincidence.”
For more information on the Hotel Saint Cecilia, visit: http://www.hotelsaintcecilia.com. For reservations, call 512.852.2400.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
112 Academy Drive
Austin, TX 78704
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Get treated like royalty
If you’re ready to step up your vacation to palatial heights, consider staying at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a AAA five-diamond resort in Arizona.
Sure, tourists flock to the Valley of the Sun to soak up the warm temperatures and scenic desert views. But the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess also draws guests in with its four award-winning restaurants, an innovative wellness program, two 18-hole championship golf courses, five sparkling pools and 200-foot waterslides — including the After-Dark Techno Waterslide with fog, disco lights and live DJ.
This world-class resort is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with great deals sure to make every guest feel like royalty.
With the Silver Summer Celebration Package, you pay just $125 per night, per room, Sunday through Wednesday; and $169 per night Thursday through Saturday.
To reserve your place in the sun at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, log on to www.scottsdaleprincess.com or call 800.257.7544.
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Live like a rock star in Germany!
The Regent Berlin and Mercedes-Benz Berlin Branch have teamed up to offer you an exclusive hospitality package that includes the keys to a Mercedes SLS AMG for two days. Take along a fully stocked picnic basket for a leisurely drive in the country, embark on a sightseeing tour of the German capital during the day or a nighttime cruise through this vibrant metropolis. Wherever you want to go in Berlin, this awe-inspiring sports car will rev up your passion for sightseeing.
Back at the Regent Berlin, you’ll spend two nights with an upgrade in one of the luxurious Premiere Suites, where a complimentary bottle of champagne awaits you -- and enjoy a romantic six-course candlelight dinner at the two-Michelin-stars gourmet restaurant, Fischers Fritz. (An optional à la carte breakfast is available through room service.)
The price is € 2,995, based on double occupancy; available for reservations from May 1 through October 31, 2013. Guests are advised to make reservations four weeks prior to arrival, if possible.
To book this exclusive package, please call: +49 (0)30-20 33 6666 or via reservation.berlin@regenthotels.com
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Breathe in Waikiki from your very own lanai
Have you heard about the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki? This three-star, smoke-free, beachfront hotel and spa is getting a lot of buzz. First off, the location is unbeatable – right on the pristine Sans Souci Beach and across from Kapiolani Park, a place like no other with scenic walking and jogging trails, tennis courts and a zoo! All 125 rooms are air-conditioned, even with fragrant ocean breezes blowing in from the lanai, available with every room.
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is close to many popular points of interest, such as the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. What’s more, a well-known surf school is right on the property, and offers kayak lessons, beach equipment rentals and kayaks.
Lovers of great food and drinks will appreciate the two restaurants on site serving up Pacific Rim and Japanese cuisine. At the Hau Tree Lanai, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner al fresco in the open-air setting, taking in the beautiful sights, smells, and sounds of Hawaii with every bite.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS:
Right now, the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is more affordable than ever. Guests will receive a 20% discount for stays of three (3) nights or more. Subject to space availability and restrictions may apply. (All on-line promotions are commissionable.) To book your stay and learn more about all the amenities and special promotional packages this spectacular boutique hotel has to offer, go to www.kaimana.com.
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The Craddock Terry Hotel: A shoe-in for a memorable stay
If you’re looking for a unique taste of Lynchburg, Virginia, and its rich history, consider resting your head at the Craddock Terry Hotel – a former turn-of-the-century shoe factory known as the Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation. This 44-room hotel blends the urban architecture of two landmark brick warehouses with modern décor, for an experience you won’t soon forget.
The guest rooms and suites are incredibly spacious, due to the nature of the buildings’ origins, and offer up dramatic views of the James River, historic downtown Lynchburg, and Blue Ridge Mountains. Accommodations include one king or two queen beds, tile and granite bathrooms, sitting area, work desk, high-speed Internet access, flat panel TVs, and shoe-themed amenities, including a complimentary in-room continental breakfast served in a wooden shoeshine box.
Planning a corporate meeting or event? The Craddock Terry Hotel Event Center is a shoe-in, with your choice of a large ballroom, smaller function rooms, and a private boardroom.
The staff at the Craddock Terry Hotel look forward to making your stay the very best it can be. And Buster Brown, our resident Wirehaired Fox Terrier and official “Hotel Dog,” can’t want to meet and greet you, too.
For details, click here.
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Some boutique hotels are going green!
More and more hotels and resorts are recognizing the importance of becoming environmentally conscious. In fact, the following award-winning hotels and resorts have been lauded for their commitments to going green: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona. From guest amenities to employee initiatives, these hotels and resorts go above and beyond when it comes to eliminating waste and preserving their environments:
In the South Pacific, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji is one of the most renowned and environmentally friendly vacation destinations, offering spectacular ecological exploration, relaxation, understated natural luxury, and warm hospitality in the traditional Fijian style. Located on the island of Vanua Levu and built on 17 acres of a former coconut plantation, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort requires sustainable fishing and agricultural practices and does not permit reef fish or threatened species when selecting seafood for its dining menus. The resort’s landscaping features a large number of indigenous fruit trees – including mango, papaya, lemon, lime, guava, pineapple, passion fruit, breadfruit, and coconut – which are irrigated using recycled water from the resort’s wastewater treatment plant. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is home to an extensive organic herb and vegetable garden that is meticulously cared for by the staff and provides the resort’s kitchen and bar with fresh produce for guests. The culinary garden also benefits from the composting of green kitchen waste. The resort’s full-time Fijian naturalist/marine biologist, Johnny Singh, guides Bula Club (kid’s club) outings, providing a delightful educational experience for children.
If you have your sights set on Mexico, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are a premier collection of adults-only and family-friendly Gourmet Inclusive properties in Riviera Maya, Mexico, offering the best in food and service. A 100,000-square-foot, onsite greenhouse at El Dorado Royale services all 10 sister properties and neighboring resorts. Other eco-conscious features include a produce exchange with local farmers, educational programs and tours, signage on eco-efficient practices throughout its properties, a major recycling initiative, and ongoing certification programs. As a part of its commitment to sustainability, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma launched and participates in several programs designed to engage guest, staff and partner participation in environmentally-friendly practices, including Pasión por el Medio Ambiente (“Passion for the Environment”), a program inspired by the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI).
In Scottsdale, Arizona, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a luxurious resort that has just completed a $60 million renovation, is committed to a number of green initiatives year-round. Given the desert climate, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess takes significant water conservation measures and landscapes only with indigenous desert plants. The resort’s grounds are also home to wildlife, including Cecil, a rescued desert tortoise with his own habitat. The resort has a recycling program that collects more than 125 tons of refuse each year, as well as 700 gallons of used cooking oils from its kitchens, which is converted into biodiesel fuel. “Driving” the conservation message further, hotel guests who drive hybrid vehicles enjoy a 50 percent savings on overnight valet parking. As part of its renovation, the resort built a Living Wall that is formed of thousands of panels and plants on the front and back façade columns. All water for the Living Wall is sourced from irrigation overflow and its own lagoons. The design also includes a catch basin at the bottom of the wall, which captures water that flows back into the resort’s watering system and is treated for further use. As a LEED point, the addition of foliage adds oxygen to the air and also increases the efficiency of insulation, helping the resort reduce the need for air conditioning in months when the heat is less intense.
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Can a river cruise be a floating Boutique?
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises believes it can and it is one of the best in the industry!
By Ariela Kiradjian 
Recently, we boarded Uniworld’s River Royale Cruise Ship that was anchored in the river which was just a few steps away from the train station in Arles, France.. There, we were greeted with fantastic service and a little lunch buffet, which was absolutely amazing. The ship was beautiful and the staff greeted us with a warm and friendly 'Welcome Aboard!' We already felt at home.
Walking through the hallway to get to our room, we could smell a tint of lavender that really set the mood for the cruise. Our room was also beautifully decorated, just like a luxury boutique hotel, with a nice welcome gift of wine, fresh fruit, as well as a good working air conditioning, which is hard to find in Europe! The layout of the room was well thought out and every level of comfort was nicely taken care of and designed properly.
The whole day was spent relaxing, taking in the great views of Arles, and eating great food. We had a fantastic cruise manager who described the daily trips with great passion and visuals and what would be going on the next day. Bright and early the following morning, we started with a lecture about Vincent Van Gogh, since most of his paintings were done in Arles. Then, we split into groups and took a tour around the city. The city was so amazing - especially since it was a Roman built city! There were great shops, great ruins, and lovely weather. After, we all headed down to the restaurant for an amazing lunch buffet - everything was gourmet and fabulous. Then there was a tour around the olive trees and Le Boux. Following, we set sail for Avignon. Dinner was absolutely fantastic and a great way to end an almost perfect day!
After dinner was the time to explore Avignon at night! The city was beautiful and so charming - great buildings and great gelato ice cream. The next day we were greeted with another fabulous breakfast buffet and another walking tour around Avignon. It was quite hot, however, the city was just so beautiful with its main attraction, The Pope’s Palace. After lunch, we set sail for Viviers and had another delicious, gourmet dinner! It was very interesting to experience going through a lock in the river - and we had over a dozen on the trip! The next day (and the final day for me and my mom because we had to leave early to catch a flight home) we took a walking tour around Viviers. It was such a quaint and dainty little town. Not many cars or even people! But, the city was huge in its beauty. The tour guide was interesting and informative. Uniworld does a great job of hiring the perfect guides.
After a lovely walking tour, we unfortunately had to catch a taxi even though we were missing Tournon, Lyon, and Chalon Sur Saone! But throughout my entire stay, everything was absolutely amazing and unforgettable!
