In my recent trip to New York, I stayed at the Trump Hotel. I almost feel I could leave it at that. The name Trump is so culturally fraught. But let’s dive in. This is the story of one man, one brand, and the eponymous hotel. You arrive at night. Throw your stuff on a [...]
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Well hello everyone! I hope you had a lovely Labor Day holiday, if you’re in the US. If you’re in Europe or Asia, I hope your summer is coming to a nice finale. You Australians, I hope spring is warming your heart. But let’s linger on vacation, for a minute. I just got back from [...]
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This weekend I found myself, spontaneously, at the San Francisco Ritz Carlton. We had talked of the Carneros Inn, but since we left reservations to the last minute, they were full up. I was quite disappointed, and Significant Other determined to mitigate my distress. So we stayed at the Ritz for a couple of nights, [...]
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Last weekend, my sister, brother-in-law, niece, significant other, and I, had a sleepover at the St. Regis in San Francisco. Separate rooms of course, and I don’t think anyone slept on the floor except the dog, but calling it a grownup sleepover wouldn’t be too far off. This is one of my most favorite hotels [...]
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Maybe you eat in the morning. Maybe you don’t. I think it’s time to relinquish shame. You like breakfast? Eat it. You don’t? Ignore with impunity. Never mind the diet pundits. 55 years of life have convinced me that breakfast is one area where everyone gets to decide for themselves. The world is full enough [...]
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As I have explained, the Four Seasons Maui is very beautiful. As I have also explained, my little family and I had a wonderful time there. As I have not yet explained, however, the visit set me to thinking about resorts, communities, and how you react when other people seem not to be your sort. [...]
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The holidays are done. Kitchen counters and office desks reclaim us. What better time to daydream? How about a brief tour of luxury Aloha? Yes? OK then. We’ll start with a Garden View, and progress to, even better, an Ocean View. There she is, that vast palmed Pacific. The spot, by the way, is the [...]
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Right before the 4th of July weekend, I spent a couple of days at The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Cavallo Point, in Sausalito.. Henceforth called simply, Cavallo Point. Some good resorts make almost everyone happy, almost all the time. (Some people will find fault even with perfection. But why make yourself unhappy?) Places at [...]
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I recently spent 3 nights in Washington D.C. I stayed at the St. Regis, which is a member of the Starwood Group, and therefore redeemable for points. Very helpful in the world of fading family fortunes. The lobby is just gorgeous. Wood paneling, gilt, and flower arrangements. I would have brought my bedding down and [...]
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A few weeks ago, for the Lavish! Unconference, I stayed at the Atlanta-based Mansion on Peachtree. It’s a Rosewood Hotel, which is a nice group of luxury hotels. And the Mansion was very nice. One feels, upon entering, that one is visiting a very large private house. Where the host is thrilled to have you [...]
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