While we interviewed dozens of New York women about their preferences for travel, our conversation with Dodai (our current - and very first - featured jauntsetter) was one of our absolute favorites.
Sadly, due to space limitations, we had to leave out a few of the gems she shared with us - including extra details on her list of top hotels.
So for your enjoyment today's blog entry puts the spotlight back on Dodai's accommodation picks: the reasons why she loves them, and some thoughts on why we too think they're noteworthy.
On a final note, we realize the site just launched and there's not too much traffic on this here blog. But for the few of you who *are* reading - chime in: tell us, what's your absolute favorite hotel in the world? We're eager to hear from you.
xo
the jauntsetter team
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London: Saint Martin's Lane
Weekend rates start at $359/night and include an English breakfast.
This Starck-designed hotel manages to be equal parts posh and fun with its baroque-meets-modern decor and interactive light displays that illuminate every guest room. The hotel's bar and restaurants are mini-scenes unto themselves, and the whole experience is surely a glitzy splurge. We say: if you find yourself whisked away to London for the weekend, be cheeky and ask for a room at this unique "city resort."
New Orleans: Hotel Saint-Marie
Rates start at $69/night.
We love New Orleans and think this hotel's location in the French Quarter is hard to beat. Many of the antique-filled rooms have balconies, but more importantly most of its Tripadvisor reviews are impressive - almost all the recent posts of this affordable abode are positively glowing. With such reasonable rates, we think staying at the Hotel Saint-Marie is a big, easy decision (sorry, we couldn't resist).
Miami: Casa Grande
Rates vary by date ($99-$500).
Dodai likes this hotel because it's "all-suite, ultra-modern, and the beach is across the street." With its pool, spa and easy access to Ocean Drive, the Casa Grande makes the perfect base for a Miami winter weekend getaway. Rates vary, but remember - every room is a suite - and when we checked, it seemed like the average pricetag for one night was a mere $150. Sweet!
Austin: Hotel San Jose
Rates start at $95/night for a basic room with shared bath.
This former motel has been transformed into an "urban bungalow-style hotel." It's also become the choice for bands visiting Austin to attend the SXSW music festival. Perks include a lovely pool, enviable location, and quirky design: each room is decorated in the theme of a famous musician (Dodai recommends the John Lennon Room).
And a quick note on New York:
Even though she lives here, Dodai's stayed in some New York hotels for special occasions. Her favorites include the Bowery Hotel for a splurge* (doubles from $375) and the Hotel Chelsea for character (one of her friends even had a Christmas party there).
Rates vary quite a bit at the Hotel Chelsea (they start at $179) and so do its accommodations. Says Dodai: "Every room is different but they're all cool. The hotel has this old crumbly Victorian furniture, and some of the rooms have fireplaces that don't work. The bathrooms are old 1920s tile and pedestal sinks. It's kind of falling apart but that's what's makes it so great." Sounds shabby and glam, definitely our kind of place - can someone throw a holiday party there again? Dodai?
*Note on the Bowery: the marble bathrooms come with sunken tubs or roomy stall showers with rainfall showerheads. Be sure to request the option you prefer when making a reservation.
3 comments
netts says:
my all-time favorite has to be phranakorn nornlen in bangkok. it’s an environmentally & socially conscious oasis in the middle of that bustling city. the rooms are spotless, with quirky hand painted murals and beautiful thai bathrooms. you can start the day with their delicious organic breakfast, enjoy a thai massage in the tropical garden and wind your day down with the complimentary tea they bring to your room at night. plus it’s really affordable (i think about $60/night).
http://www.phranakorn-nornlen.com/
(posted on 09/26/08, at 11:20AM)
Ann says:
Ahh! Holiday party in the Chelsea Hotel, please! Especially since it may not exist in it’s present form for long: I heard it’s been bought and will at one point be converted to — what else, condos. I haven’t been but hope to visit soon, considering the uncertain future of the place….
(posted on 09/26/08, at 02:30PM)
Ruxandra says:
Utoco in the Japanese Island of Shikoku. It has a minimalist design in pure white and a beautiful spa with sea water drawn 3000 feet deep. You can sit in the bubbling jacuzzi watching the sun set across the ocean, get a massage or be wrapped in algae like a, well, sausage. The concept is Shu Uemura`s, the Japanese cosmetics creator, and the spa water is supposed to do wonders for your skin (it left mine a lot softer, but no wrinkle went away – sigh). Each of the 17 rooms has a view of the ocean and is super comfy, with plush beds and high performance toilets as exist only in Japan – the only thing ours didn’t do is sing opera, it did practically everything else. All this can be yours for about 400/night if I remember correctly – a little pricey but really worth it. Shikoku is home to 88 Buddhist temples, many of which are really beautiful and are the object of a pilgrimage many people still do today.
http://www.utocods.co.jp/english.html
(posted on 09/26/08, at 05:26PM)