The Chicago Peninsula

The snow seems to keep following me this season. Luckily, this time I left Chicago just in time to escape the big storm and get back to sunny LA.

And speaking of the windy city, we must chat about my favorite Chicago hotel: The Chicago Peninsula. It's classic, elegant and I love the location. It has received numerous awards and is consistently named one of the best hotels in America- and I agree with all of the accolades.

My favorite parts of the hotel? The bath tubs with tv's and a Lake Michigan view,  the Mini Cooper that comes as part of the service package and the super-cool, rooftop bar (which unfortunately I was unable to visit this time because of the bad weather).

If I lived in Chicago, I would live at the Peninsula.

www.peninsula.com

The Setai NY

After all of these years - I finally found Nemo!

I am in NY for Fashion Week  and winter storm Nemo has hit.  But I am staying at the Setai Hotel. What a great place to wait out a storm and watch the snow fall.  As a matter of fact what a great hotel for any occasion.  The Setai is now one of my  new favorite NY hotels.   The food, the bar, the rooms and interior design. The place is fantastic and I highly recommend it.

The only negative would be the location.  I prefer to stay up or downtown.  But I feel stuck in the middle on 36th in the funky low end textile district.  I much prefer to be in a walkable area like the West Village or Central Park.  

The Setai is currently managed by the Capella Group but it will soon be run by the Langham Palace Hotels.  Give it a try next time you are in the city.

www.setaififthavenue.com

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the iconic hotels in America that has stood the test of time.  It recently had it's 100 year anniversary and continues to be the home-away-from-home for some of the richest people in the world.

From the green and white stripe entrance ceiling to the palm tree wallpaper down the halls, the Beverly Hills is full of fantastic interior design. The incredible stories and lives that have walked through its halls make its history fascinating. Howard Huges lived in one of the bungalows for 30 years and huge amounts of celebrities and countless legendary parties have been hosted on its premises.  "If these walls could talk" is a phrase that well fits this hotel.  The Beverly Hills is and will always be one of the landmark hotels in America.

Enjoy these "now & then" photos.

http://www.beverlyhillshotel.com

The Post Ranch Inn

Driving up the California cost on the Pacific Coast Highway, you will run into one of my favorite getaways. 

The Post Ranch Inn is situated directly on the Big Sur mountainside cliffs facing the Pacific ocean. The stunning views of huge waves crashing on rocks is a dramatic backdrop to this elegant, very sophisticated, no kids hotel.  You will check in and not want to leave the room. The food and spa are amazing and you will love the organic architecture that blends into nature. Way romantic!

So if you are making the drive up or donw the California coast - make some time for Big Sur and the Post Ranch Inn.

http://www.postranchinn.com/

Amanzoe

I am a huge Aman junkie and one of the biggest fans of the Aman hotel concept.  So I'm happy to report on the opening of their new property in Poto Heli, Greece; Amanzoe.

I have not been to the property in person yet, but all of my peeps say it's amazing. There are 38 suites, each with their own private swimming pools and all with stunning views.  They all have bathrooms and living areas that open up to the terraces and are decorated in the simple, clean Aman decor.  The beautiful architecture was designed by the fab Ed Tuttle, who never ceases to amaze me with his perfect sense of scale and uncompromising  use of local materials to create stunning luxury.

Can't wait to get there!

http://www.amanresorts.com/amanzoe/home.aspx

San Ysidro Ranch

One of my favorite hotels in California has to be the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito.

Up in the hills of Santa Barbara, the charming bungalow style lodge is the most romantic, tranquil and luxurious setting one could imagine.  The beautiful bungalows have fireplaces, terraces, Jacuzzis and rain shower heads .  The furniture is cozy and welcoming.

The most discriminating services and privacy have always been a part of this legendary hideaway where Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier exchanged vows and where John and Jackie Kennedy spent their honeymoon. More recently, Natasha Henstridge and Darius Campbell, Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow married at the Ranch. Julia Roberts and husband Danny Moder spent the first night after their wedding in one of the bungalows.

San Ysidro Ranch  has a fascinating history. The ranch was recently and expensively renovated by its new owner, Ty Warner. But in the 19th century it was home to Franciscan monks, was an actual working farm and was then made into a hotel in the thirties when  actor Ronald Colman purchased the property with partner Alvin Weingand at the height of the Great Depression and urged his Hollywood "glitterati" pals to party there on weekends. Thus, the reputation as an enclave for the rich and famous began.

http://www.sanysidroranch.com/

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende

I recently returned from the central Mexico town of San Miguel de Allende and have added the Rosewood San Miguel to my list of favorite hotels.

The beautiful and graceful architecture was completed by KDM Architects.  They worked hard to create a building that felt old and honored the hacienda style characteristical of San Miguel. Every detail was considered and they completely succeeded at creating a  five star hotel with a truly luxurious Mexican  flair.

The rooms are large and beautifully furnished, with tall beamed ceilings and beautiful ammenities. Each room has a balcony overlooking an inner garden.  All of the hallways are covered in exquisite artwork.  But the best part was the roof top bar where sunset drinks were served.  It overlooked the entire town and the Cathedral top. 

If you ever find yourself in San Miguel, check in.  My only regret was having to leave! 

http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/sanmigueldeallende/

PROJECT UTOPIA

Project Utopia?  Sounds like and looks a bit space age.

But in reality, Project Utopia is an ultra luxurious floating island with four legs that extend and keep it still even in the worst storms.  Although designed to stay in one spot as an "island," the legs each have a motor that can propel it at a slow but steady speed.  

Project Utopia measures about 330 ft. in diameter and has 11 sun decks.  The upper deck is covered with a glass canopy, filling the top floor with light.  The canopy is made of glass so when the weather is nice it can be raised, morphing the upper deck into an outdoor pool terrace.  The interior boasts a movie theater, shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and a casino.  You can reach the Utopia by air or water, as there are four helicopter landing pads and a place to house and jet skis.

I have not personally seen any Projct Utopia islands, but how much fun it would be to design one. Can you image creating  your own dream paradise island and get away from it all?

http://www.yachtislanddesign.com/

 

The Soho House

Have you been to a Soho House? 

The Soho House is a private member's club with locations in several major cities such as London, Berlin, NY, and LA.   It started in London by founder Nick Jones in 1995, with the concept of having a social club for successful film, music, fashion and creative professional. The club requires a small background check before accepting anyone as a member and anyone applying must know at least 2 current member who are used as referrals.

It's a cool place to hang out, to have meetings, or to just have a drink.   They all have great interior design and very cool amenities such as screening rooms, pool tables and concierge services.   The food is excellent and the service is great.  I highly recommend getting to know a member if you are not one already!   But don't call me.  My membership is still pending.

http://www.sohohouse.com

 

The Dolder Grand

I loved staying at the Dolder Grand in Zurich Switzerland.

The old classic grand dame hotel that opened in 1899, has been renovated with a fantastic modern twist by the architectural firm of Foster & Partners, who basically created a new hotel next door to the old Belle Epoque landmark.  Beautiful details, amazing sliding doors, modern iron railing.  The design is a perfect blend of old and new.  The new rooms are modern, sleek, with tall ceilings and amazing views of Lake Zurich.  They are completely electrified with Bang and Olufsen universal controls systems that operate the music, tv, lights, electric curtains and door signs for the staff.  And the bathrooms are every girls dream with tubs overlooking the view. 

The spa is one of the best in the world, the private golf course is beautiful, and the 2 star Michelin "the Restaurant" is outstanding.  Once you check in, there is no reason to leave this lap of luxury.The Dolder Grand has hosted everyone from  Winston Churchill, Arturo Toscanini, Albert Einstein, the Shah of Iran, Henry Kissinger, the Rolling Stones, and now, me.

I'm a huge fan and can't wait to go back to Zurich!

http://www.thedoldergrand.com

 

St. Regis Mexico City

Just got in from Mexico City and it was such a fun and exciting trip.

I stayed at my favorite hotel, The St. Regis Polanco. It's an oasis from the hussle and bussle of the honking cars, traffic and people.  Right up my alley. Beautifully decorated, all of the great amenities and services, and comfotable, modern luxurious rooms.  A true home away from home.

There are lots of cute little boutique hotels throughtout  Mexico City, but there are very few proper luxury hotels.   The Nikko and the Four Seasons are so old and in such need of renovation that they simply no longer qualify as luxury hotels, in my opinion. The next group are the basic Intercontinental and Hilton type mid-management style hotels, none of which I would stay at.  So the St Regis is such a great find and trully gives me the comfort I need after a long day of shopping for art.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico City, no doubt, The St. Regis is currently the best hotel available.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com

The Demetria Hotel

I'm in Guadalajara, Mexico today and I'm staying at a new hotel called The Demetria.

Until recently, the only proper place to stay in Guadalajara was the Hotel Quinta Real. It is a beautiful property with old world charm and a lovely open courtyard.  But sadly the rooms are old and uncared for and they are no longer comfortable.  They have not been renovated in over 15 years.

So I was happy to find out about the new Demetria Hotel via a local friend.  It is a boutique hotel along the lines of a W Hotel that I would consider a nice 4 star.   Modern and cool with lots of creative details throughout, it has 38 unique rooms. Although I miss the Quinta Real's traditional Mexican stone walls and artwork, I do enjoy sleeping on a nice new mattresses and pillows.  The Demetria is trying hard to be the best hotel in Guadalajara, which is not hard since there is virtually no competition in the upscale market. But don't arrive and expect the service of a 4 Seasons!  

Guadalajara is not a luxury destination.  But if you do find yourself here, the Demetria is by far the best place to stay.

http://www.hoteldemetria.com

 

GLAMPING in style

"Glamping?"  It's a new term to describe luxury and camping, or upscale luxury, camping.  There are resorts that have already pitched tents, in gorgeous and exotic locations.  They are stocked with luxury linens, private baths and flattering lighting.  They are bug proof,  have around the clock butler service, private guides to take you fishing or hiking, and gourmet food.

So yes, while you are actually out in the wilderness sleeping in a fabulous tent with no one else around you, you will enjoy a proper bed, a bathroom, and all of the services of a 5 star hotel. It's still camping. Just not the way your cousin in Tennesse does it!   

I have done a few glamping trips and I love them.  My all time favorites have been in Tanzania, Africa as we followed the animal migration and Amanikhas, India where we did a Tiger safari.  

Grab the credit card honey, we’re going glamping!

http://www.amanresorts.com/amanikhas/home.aspx

 

Comfy Airport Lounge

Nothing is more boring than waiting at an airport for a connection.  Most airports are old, ugly and the lounges are dated and stinky. 

But the trend in First Class lounges has been to create luxury spaces for V.I.P. passengers to wait in and be entertained before hopping on to their destination. Beautiful interior design and creative spaces in lounges has become the norm for frequent flyers to hang out in.  The Emirates Lounge in Dubai is a new example, as is the SLOW lounge in Capetown Ainternational.  But one of my favorites has to be the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow, because it has a great bar, bubble chairs and a pool table.   Helsinki's Finnar Lounge is not far behind with a spa overlooking the runway.

Luxury airport lounges are just one more reason why not to fly back of the bus....

 

Skibo Castle

Looking for your next super amazing holiday destination? Dreaming of a championship golf course? Old world architecture or falconry classes?  Well  I've got just the place for you.

Skibo Castle is a private, residential sporting club located in Southern Scotland. It dates back to the 12th century but was mostly restored and renovated in the 19th and early 20th century. It was the former country home of industrialist  Andrew Carnegie. Today sits on a 7,500-acre estate and has fully restored guest rooms, many of which have original Edwardian details. There is a members-only spa and an 18-hole championship golf course. Hotel guest can stay once. To stay a second time you must become a member.

And if you go before me, make sure and taste the famous ginger crunch cookies.  I hear they are amazing!

 

I'm a Fan Too

One of my favorite hotel groups is the Mandarin Oriental.  Not only do I love their locations, their service and their style, I also love their ad campaign.

A few years ago Mandarin Oriental Hotels  launched a series of ads with world wide celebrities endorsing the hotel with a simple slogan "I'm a Fan".   The likes of  Harry Connick Jr,   Sigourney Weaver, Jerry Hall, Helen Mirren, and Liam Neesen have graced these ads.   One of the new 2012 celebrities will be Lance Armstrong who also frequents the brand.

This campaign  simply and elegantly connects the hotel with it's famous guest. It makes a strong statement about luxury without being obnoxious.  It is a clear statement of their service and quality in an honest way.  As one of the most interesting and prestigious hotel groups in the world, they succeeded in their a message.

I recently saw one of the celebrity ads featuring architect I.M. Pei.  So if anyone from Mandarin Oriental Group is reading this  ... hello!...  "I'm a Fan Too".  Call me.

The Trump SoHo Hotel

I just got back home from a fun trip to Fashion Week in NYC.   I booked a room at the new Trump SoHo Hotel.   And what did I think?

Most people might disagree with me.  But my overall feeling from the moment I stepped into the lobby was - Yawn!    Perfectly decorated, perfectly pretty and so business.  Zero coolness factor, no excitement and just another standard expensive hotel. There was no interest, nothing new or exiting and so standard.Very masculine and very Donald Trump.  The place lacked a soul!

To it's credit, the Trump Soho hotel is new and fresh and the view was amazing.  The restaurant was good and the pool was small and cute.  But truly - for the amount of money, I didn't feel I got any bang for my buck and I was not wowed.  Not on my return list.

Have you been yet?

The lovely Mr. C

Do you love the Hotel Cipriani in Venice?  

I do and I have some great memories of time spent at the Cipriani bar while traveling Italy.  I adore the place. And now, Im so exited because Venice has come to Beverly Hills. The lovely "Mr. C Hotel" ( C for Cipriani )  has just opened.

 Look for me by the pool.  I'll be the girl drinking Bellini's.

http://www.mrchotels.com

 

THE HEARST CASTLE

Unlike Europe, here in America we don't have a plethora of old castles.  But between Los Angeles and San Francisco in San Simeon, California we do have the Hearst Castle.  

William Hearst, creator of  Hearst Publishing, built himself a  mega-home, the site of many tales, extravagant parties and hosted incredible guests such as Clark Gable, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow and Howard Hughes.  Decked with a full on zoo, an airport, 127 acres of expansive rambling gardens, two grandiose swimming pools, movie theater, tennis courts, 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and incredible views of the Pacific ocean, it is a truly decadent residence worth seeing.  Its Spanish Revival architecture and detailed finishes are unrivaled in America and it gives us a glimpse into the grandiose lives of the great American magnates of the 19th century.  

Once William Hearst passed away, the property fell into the same fate as most castles and had to be donated to the  state of California and declared a national park because of the cost of upkeep. Today you can tour this beautiful estate’s interior and grounds.  It is  open for occasional summer barbeques and has holiday events.   

If only Hearst Castle’s walls could talk!

http://lxtv.com/openhousenational/video/10412

http://www.hearstcastle.org/

 

The Peninsula Shanghai

I'v been to Shanghai several times and on each trip the city keeps getting better and better.  It has recently had a complete overhaul transformation for the World Fair and many new hotels are opening up in the hot Bund district.  

I chose to stay at the Peninsula and I adored every minute of my stay.   It was the perfect location and the perfect spot to come back to every day after hanging around town.  The top floor bar was fantastic with it's Chinese red upholstery and a circular bar that overlooked the river.  My room had the most incredible view of the river, the Pearl, and all of Pudong.  It was a smart  room  with controls for everything including the tv, A.C. and drapery.  The furniture was all laquered and a beautiful bar, and tv built was both function and decor in  the sitting room. The bathroom was huge and my dressing room had every detail a girl could need from a makeup vanity to a jewelry drawer and a permanent blow dryer instead of one of those cheap min hand helds so many hotels have.

If you have an upcoming trip to Shanghai, I highly recommend the Peninsula.  Make sure and ask for a room with a river view.

http://www.peninsula.com/Shanghai/en/default.aspx

 

Anouska Hempel

Does anyone else love Anouska Hempel?

In the 80's I remember arriving in London and being wowed by her "Blake's Hotel".  It was such a happening spot and had such sophistication.  It was a luxurious feast for the eyes with luxurious fabrics, and furnishings. Each room was decorated differently and all rooms were over the top.  I slept in the swan room and couldn't get enough of the decor.  In the 90's I returned to stay at the Hempel Hotel, her new masterpiece and again was completely blown away by the ultra modern, clean, simple design.  There was nothing like it in London at the time.  My room was all cream, platform bed, sky lights and had a garden view.  I didn't want to leave.

There are certain designers who have a style all of their own and who do not follow but lead with their creativity.  Anouska is one of them and I have enjoyed her visions.  

I can't wait to see where she resurfaces again.

http://anouskahempeldesign.com

Pantone Hotel

In May of 2010, the world renown Pantone Inc. Color Matching Company has launched a boutique hotel in the trendy Saint Gilles quarters of Brussels. Their design concept is to exite you with color from the moment you arrive, and awaken your senses to an array of hues.

It's a fun, affordable and approachable  design. "Design that is within reach. We want people to understand that Pantone is everywhere" says Lisa Herbert, Executive Vice President of Pantone.  Each room provides a very specific color and mood depending upon the reason of your stay.  Each floor is carefully designed within its own Pantone color wheel of fashion which would appeal to different types of traveler.  Floor # 1= blue. Floor # 2=green.  Floor # 3=purple.  Floor # 4=yellow. Floor #  5= orange Floor #  6 = red. Floor #  7 = bronze.  When you check in they can ask you what color your mood is and you are  assigned a room accordingly!

Very "designer".

http://www.pantonehotel.com

Baker's Bay, Bahamas

I just landed at heaven on earth!

I'm in the Bahamas today, at the "Baker's Bay Club".  It's on the Northern part of Great Guana Cay in the Abacos and it's part of the Discovery Land Company private clubs. One of my clients bought a homesite here and is building a residence right on the beach, so I have come to work with the architects and to get all of the specifications completed.

 I arrived early in the morning from Miami via small aircraft and was then boated to the property. Wow, this is spectacular!   I completely get it and understand why this club is so popular. It is a world within itself of pure relaxation and ultimate Bahamian hospitality.  There is boating, Tom Fazio golf, fishing, a spa, fab food, a marina and if none of that appeals to you, there are miles of perfect sandy beaches for you to get lost on.

The life of a luxury interior designer.  I love my job!

http://www.bakersbayclub.com

Luxury in the middle of nowhere

If you are out on safari in the middle of nowhere Tanzania, what should your room look like?  Klein’s Camp!

 10 cottages located in complete wilderness of a 25 thousand acre private game reserve in  the northern Serengeti of the  Masai Mara territory was exactly what I had imagined and more. It was like living in the movie “Out of Africa” but with staff.  I woke up at sunrise every morning to see spectacular views of herds of buffalo, elephants and giraffe from my terrace.  And I ended each day, after fabulous animal safaris, at the super old school, British-style bar for cocktails and elegant dinner. 

 I have no idea how they do it but they do;  luxury in the middle of nowhere.  And I loved it! I can’t wait to go back to Africa.

 http://www.kleinscamp.com

La Purificadora Hotel

I was in the colonial city of Puebla, Mexico recently and I stayed at the much talked about La Purificadora Hotel (which means water purifier).   It’s located downtown in the historic center next to the San Francisco church.  At one time, the building was an old water purification center and it was remodeled by the renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta.   He retained some original elements, like stone aqueducts and crumbling walls, but added modern additions, like a glass-walled swimming pool and rooftop bar, which are both very cool — especially at night when the hotel feels more like a nightclub.

 The problem I encountered was the poorly decorated rooms with cheap furnishings and little noise control.  Music could be heard all through the night and it was like sleeping on top of a disco.   But the public spaces are very well done and at any given time the hotel was filled with well-to-do professionals from Mexico City. 

 Currently there is no better hotel to stay at in Puebla, so if you go – take your ear plugs!

 http://www.lapurificadora.com

Le Royal Monceau Hotel

We all know his work;  The NY Royalton, the LA Mondrain,  The Miami Delano, The NY Paramount, the LA Katsuya, the Hong Kong Felix Bar, The Beverly Hills SLS.  

The latest incarnation of Philippe Starck?   The historical Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris.  The hotel  has long been known for its legendary guests, such as Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, Walt Disney, and Ray Charles. But after a 2 year renovation, with it's new facelift it's attracting the in crowd and beautiful people. It's currently the place to stay for models, actors, fashion and design types and the young affluent.

The interior design is very Philippe Starck, but a bit more classic and subdued than some of his other hotels.  He is still using his signature high bar table in the center of the lobby bar.  But this time the bedrooms are relaxing  and elegant - just what you expect when staying in Paris. The colors are soothing and accessories feature touches of glamor and whimsy.  

Although very nice and trendy, I would not categorize this as an over the top luxury hotel.  But it's so much fun and there is nothing wrong with having a bit of fantasy in your world, is there? Sometimes you have to let your hair down and this would be the place to do it.

http://www.leroyalmonceau.com

  

 

 

One & Only Palmilla

The One & Only Palmilla Hotel in Los Cabos is one of my favorite beach hotels in Mexico.  It's nestled on the beautiful Palmilla cove of San Jose and blends modern elegance and old world Mexican charm perfectly.  

There are 2 incredible restaurants.  The Agua bar for a more casual feel and the uber elegant Market by Jean George.  The rooms are equally as perfect and ingeniously, couples are checked into one side of the hotel   and families on another so your honeymoon will not be spoiled by a crying kid.

An incredible weekend guaranteed.

The Mondrian

 I love this video on the design of the iconic Mondrian Hotel in LA.   I remember going to the Mondrian when it  first opened in the 90's and I had many great evenings at the Sky Bar.  It's an L.A. classic.

http://www.morganshotelgroup.com

Have you ever been to the Mondrian?

Singita Lebombo

Going to South Africa is amazing.  But being able to stay at Singita Lebombo on a northern Kruger private game reserve is spectacular!   I was lucky enough to experience this hotel as my home away from home in the African bush.   The game rides were unique and animal filled with everything from lions to hippos.  

But what blew my mind most was the fantastic design and the outstanding modern architecture that perfectly fit into the rugged environment.  A complete eco structure of glass and steel with zero carbon footprint is a test to the wonders of modern man.

http://www.singita.com/index.php/game-reserves/lodges-and-camps-in-south-africa/singita-lebombo-lodge