Wow, What a Hotel!

Hint!: A gift card to one of our favorite romantic hotels trumps just about everything as far as a romantic Valentine’s Day gift.

Romantic hotels are Travel Belles favorite thing… And “pshaw” to the idea that celebrating the epic concept of “love” on one random day in the middle of February is an all or nothing deal. As much as we love the chocolate around here, we want to get it off our chest that we think forgetting Valentine’s Day completely is better than walking through the door at the last minute with a Whitman’s Sampler.

That is, of course, as long as the transgression is made up for some time during the next 365 days.

So for the sake of  Travel Belles throughout the world as well as for our extended significant other community, we let you in on a little secret:  It’s hard to wrong with a nice hotel; and boy, do we have some ideas for that.

A few days ago on Facebook page, we put the question to our community: What is a favorite hotel you have stayed in? What made your stay special? 

 

Wow, what a hotel! Some Travel Belles’ picks for great hotels (including a few recent finds from Margo and Briana)

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Located on Maui’s Southern Shore at Wailea, the Fairmont Kea Lani, features luxurious suites and villas, lots of dining options. What caught our attention are their dual packages, where you and your honey can experience two Hawaiian islands and two Fairmont resorts, visiting The Fairmont Orchid on the island of Hawaii as well. (photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kretyen/)

Christina Annaheim tells us why it’s a favorite: location and great customer service

 

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Essex House, South Beach Miami

Located in an iconic building in the middle of the Art Deco District, the Essex House buzzes the essence of  Miami’s South Beach nightlife, shopping, and cool elegance. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/infrogmation/)

Tracy Thompson Koch tells us why it’s a favorite: … rooms were clean and gorgeous, but the best part is sipping ur morning coffee or happy hour mojito (thank u Brogan!) on the outdoor veranda.
The hotel is one block back from Ocean Drive making it conveniently located but quieter!

 

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Hotel Le Hameau, Saint-Paul De Vence, Provence, France has a view of Saint-Paul De Vence, one of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera. Marc Chagall, the Belarusian artist and francophile, stayed here for a whole year in 1966 while building a house in the area. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toremor/)

Judith Works tells us why it’s a favorite: The rooms are furnished provencal style, the bougainvillea climbs over white walls and tile roofs and breakfast is outside with orange and lemon trees in the surrounding garden and all those flakey croissants, home-made jam, fresh juice, and strong, strong coffee. 

 

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The Bloomfield Melbourne, Australia (permanently closed)

The Bloomfield is located in what is part 1890 Victoria mansion and part 1960s renovation on one of Melbourne’s prettiest streets. Currently the stylish hotel is a hub for the the glitterati of Melbourne’s music and fashion industries. There are various sizes and configurations of rooms, including a 2 bedroom “Rockstar” suite. Believe it or not there is a roof top pool.

Fire and Tea tells us why it’s a favorite:  It’s part of the Art Series hotels. The corridors are decked out in ultra-cool rock photography and our room was coloured in white, black and red. Very rockstar, very fun.

 

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Hotel Pasquale, Cinque Terre, Italy

This small family-run romantic hotel, located in Monterosso, is only 300 meters to beach and has a charming garden full of lemon, orange, and olive trees. Couples can bask in the peace and quiet of the area, and enjoy gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. Last, but not least to planning Travel Belles and Beaus, the hotel has its own parking lot. Trust us: Being able to park your car near your hotel in Cinque Terre is the first step to having a romantic experience; not being able to park your car is not.

Associate Editor, Briana Palma, shares why it’s a favorite: Nothing like waking up to the sound of crashing waves and a delicious, homemade breakfast. The staff was absolutely wonderful, too!

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Hotel Indigo Asheville, North Carolina

The city of Asheville’s unique friendly charm coupled with urban sophistication and thriving arts scene are embodied at Hotel Indigo Asheville. To sum it up, the hotel is sophisticated, yet not in the least bit stuffy, much like the city itself.

Margo shares why it’s a favorite: Near all the action, but comfortably set apart from too much hustle. Great dining options and service. And dogs are honored guests.

 

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The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Since its opening in 1935  The King and Prince Resort has been a favorite destination for all kinds of romantics (Margo’s parents honeymooned there.) Elegant Southern hospitality flows freely and the oceanfront restaurant has transitioned nicely into the 21st century, featuring truly outstanding locally sourced cuisine. In addition to offering various sized hotel rooms, the resort has immediately adjacent beach houses available for short stays.

Margo shares why it’s a favorite: elegant without being overbearing or too formal – just right for a beach resort.

 

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Four Seasons Seattle,

A romantic getaway to Four Seasons Seattle is just right for former or wannabee urbanites who may find themselves currently feeling stuck in the cul-de-sac. Featuring what I’m pretty sure are the most comfortable beds in the world, a spa that will leave you feeling like a happy wad of cookie dough (Ok, so I was there in December and had a Sugar and Spice Body treatment – but I imagine what they have in store for you year-round is a good bet.) The extra elegant cocktail bar and restaurant, and adjacent Fran’s chocolates, for a romantic weekend anyway, you don’t really have to ever leave.

Margo shares why it’s a favorite: Location, views, Pacific Northwest feel and cozy and artsy atmosphere.

 

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The Red Horse Inn, Landrum, South Carolina

The Red Horse Inn is spectacularly situated atop a wide-open section of the Blue Ridge Foothills near Greenville, SC. The surrounding countryside, abundant with fairytale-like forests and waterfalls, is a great option for the couple who enjoys exploring together. Nearby downtown Landrum features a charming Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants. There are six perfectly romantic guest rooms, each one unique as well as six guest cottages.

Margo shares why it’s a favorite:  great sunsets and nearby outdoor activities, and the way you feel “a world away.”

 

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Hayman resort, Great Barrier Reef

Hayman is a luxury nature resort on its own private island off of Queensland, Australia in Great Barrier Reef marine park. The resort is all about the ultimate in luxury and romance, featuring proposal and wedding packages, all laced with abundant bubbly and couples’ massages. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sackerman519/)

Christina Annaheim tells why it’s a favorite: luxury, luxury, luxury!

 

 

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Le Parker Meridian, New York City

Located near Central Park, the MOMA and Carnegie Hall as well as the shops of Fifth Avenue. Ok so besides being a nice hotel in a great location, what makes it extra special for couples? How about showers for two, bed and breakfast options, and late checkouts!

Nina Prior tells us why it’s a favorite: …location and well-appointed rooms. 

 

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… And all the Travel Belles throughout the land lived happily ever after.  Want to play with us next time? Be sure to join us over on Facebook! 

{Now tell us your favorite romantic hotel in the comments. Or tell us a few great hotels at the top of your list… go ahead, you can have more than one. We do.}

 

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