If you’re looking for a romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, the newly re-opened Riviera Resort & Spa offers several options that are worthy of your consideration.

The Palm Springs resort covers 24 acres, and was once the playground for the famous and infamous.  Elvis Pressley and the Rat Pack spent time here, and back in the 60’s this was the largest and most famous of the Palm Springs resorts.

Re-opened in 2009, the resort has a vibe reminiscent of its former glamour days.  Sleek line, bold graphics, abstract details and vivid colors combine with retro furnishings and mirrored walls to make this a hip place to see and be seen.

I love the improvements that have been made, and the efforts to restore the Riviera to its rightful place in hotel lore.   You enter the resort through a bright lobby area that’s bursting with color with orange flowered walls, reminding me a little of the flower power of Laugh In days.

The two story buildings, with 406 rooms and suites, surround a central swimming pool, outdoor living room area, and the Bikini Bar.  There are general lounging areas and private cabanas, along with fire pits and seating areas.  The fire pits make for a lovely touch, and would be a great spot for a nightcap on a chilly desert evening.

Spas have become a staple of resorts, whether its for relaxation, treatment, romance, or for a fun of a girls day out.  SpaTerre features a Zen-like oasis of serenity sure to satisfy the most discriminating spa goer.  Although I didn’t indulge in any of the treatments, the area looked comfortable, full of the expected appointments – and a few very nice unexpected ones as well.  Several treatment rooms accommodate two people.

Use of the spa is free for guests, and a variety of pampering treatment packages are available.  This would make a great escape for a wedding party or girl’s weekend.  Day passes for the facilities are also available.

Romance kicks into high gear with the resort’s choices of restaurants and bars.

Circa 59 is the resort’s fine dining restaurant.  Although dinner wasn’t on the agenda this visit, the aromas wafting out were heavenly.  I’ll put a dinner visit and review on my to-do list for another time.

I stopped off for a cocktail at the Starlite Lounge (top photo) with my traveling companion, Anita.  Located on the mezzanine opposite the lobby, the seating area includes tables, chairs and banquettes.  A video wall behind the bar shows vintage images of stars.  For awhile, we nearly felt like one of the stars ourselves!

We wanted to try some of the signature drinks on the menu, and asked our server Paige what was unique and special about their cocktail menu.  Paige explained that the resort has taken many of the classic retro cocktail recipes, updated them with a new twist, and that they only use fresh juices and ingredients.

So far, so good!

After explaining our taste preferences to Paige, we put ourselves in her hands and let her create something that she thought we’d enjoy.  She came back with a watermelon mojito (although refreshing in its lightness, there wasn’t much of a watermelon taste) and a Rock Hudson-tini (a raspberry based martini, a bit on the sweet side, but oh so yummy).  On a return trip, I’d like to try a house made Bloody Mary and a margarita – two drinks that are often made from a mix – but so much better when made from scratch.

Other bars include the Bikini Bar alongside the pool, the name derived from the many beauty pageants that have been held at the resort, and the Side Bar, for sophisticated patio cocktails.

The Riviera Resort & Spa is located at 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs (map)

Photo credits:  personal collection

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I was in Las Vegas last week, and if you haven’t been recently, well. . . you haven’t been at all.  The landscaped has changed so much over the last several years.  With the demise of many Las Vegas institutions, and the building of new ones, the skyline along the strip doesn’t bear many of the original founding names.

Today’s Matchbook Monday is a little trip down Las Vegas memory lane, back to the glory years of the desert, and the once infamous Desert Inn.  The Desert Inn was once the home to reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes, who rented a couple floors and holed up there for so long that he eventually bought the place.  This was the first of many Las Vegas purchases that Howard Hughes made.

The Desert Inn was one of the premium resorts on the strip, and all the top stars played its Crystal Showroom.  You weren’t anybody till you played the DI.  The original 1960’s version of Ocean’s Eleven was shot here, and it was the setting for the television show Vega$ which aired in the late 70’s.

The resort celebrated it’s 50th birthday in 2000, with a huge, splashy week long party that included many of the starts that had played there over the years.  Just three short days later, the resort was purchased by Steve Wynn.  The hotel eventually closed and was demolished, making way for the Wynn Resort.

I remember visiting the Desert Inn at a time when it was considered one of the elite spots on the strip.  Anyone else?

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Hotels and resorts are trying to drum up a little business anyway that they can.  From special promotions to free nights, from fruit baskets in the room to dinner credits, from room upgrades to concierge activities.  They want you to have a good time, of course, but they also want you to spend a little money.

I’m generally a fan of these approaches, being of the mind that travel can offer something for everyone.  I’m just a little concerned with what time of day some of these offers are made.

On a recent trip, I found myself awake rather early.  Since I was up early, and it was supposed to be paradise, I figured a beach walk at dawn would be a good idea.  The walk soon was lovely, and soon turned into breakfast — because I couldn’t pass up macadamia pancakes.  It was probably close to 8 am when I finally got back to my room. 

To find my message light blinking.  Which, at that time of the morning, was a very disturbing thing.

I rang up for my messages, and to my surprise, it was from the concierge desk, reminding me of the various activities and tours they suggested and could book for me.  They even offered a discount if I would call or come down and book right away.

Now, I actually think this is a pretty good idea.  They suggested some things that I hadn’t thought of, and a discount made it attractive.  But for crying out loud – why would you call and leave a message in someone’s room before 8 am?!

I happened to be awake, but I would not have been happy to have been awakened by a sales call like this.  Someone suggested that perhaps it wasn’t really a call, just a voice mail message that then activated the blinking message light.  Perhaps.  But I wouldn’t have been in a much better mood if it had been a blinking light that had woken me up instead!  At a vacation destination, I this that is too darned early for a call.

I’m all for creative marketing and promotions – just do it at respectable hour of the day.  What do you think is a reasonable time for a hotel to make a marketing call to your room?  Is it okay to just leave a voice mail?

Photo credit:  SXC

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The Phoenician Resort is located at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, ad is considered one of the luxury resorts in the area. 

Decor is American Southwest, and that theme continues into dining as well, where Southwestern dishes co-exist with French classics.

Guests head to the Phoenician for golf, tennis, and relaxation at one of the nine pools, or at the spa – The Centre for Well-Being.   A visit to the resort is a respite for the entire family, with the “Funician,” a kid’s club full of age-appropriate activities for the younger set.

This classic in the desert is well worth a visit!  Hmmm, this fall may be a perfect time for a personal spa visit!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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I love interesting or unusual places to stay. 

Don’t get me wrong, I need a certain level of creature comforts, but once those are met, I’m fairly adventurous.

Treebones Resort has caught my eye for some time now, and it’s moving up my to-visit list.  There are spectacular views, and it just seems like something a little bit different to try out.

Located on Highway 1 in Big Sur, Treebones features 16 yurts that overlook the Pacific Ocean, providing relaxing and majestic views of the Pacific Coast (see photo above).  Treebones also offers campsites for personal camping, a heated ocean view pool and hot tub and a small convenience store and gift shop where you can pick up some local wine.

A yurt is a combination tent and cabin, providing the accessibility to nature of a tent, with the comforts of a cabin.  It’s made of a tent-like fabric stretch over a wood lattice frame.  The yurts are spacious, containing queen-sized beds with cozy comforters (see photo left), heating, electrical lighting, and a sink with hot and cold running water, and have redwood decks. 

Shower and restroom facilities are nearby.

The resort’s main lodge has a dining room that features a wood-fired barbecue, providing delicious meals to guests.  If dining inside doesn’t appeal to you, head outside to the redwood bar, and watch the sunset over the ocean as you enjoy your meal.  Dinner prices range from $17-28.

You’ll be forced to relax at Treebones, as cell phone reception is not available.  So plan on an unplugged stay!  (You can do it — I know you can!)

Rates runs $155-220/night for double occupancy.  Additional guests are $30/night.  Rates include a self serve waffle breakfast, with coffee and juice.  A minimum two night stay is required April – October, and on all weekends.  Reservations available online.

Special considerations:

• No smoking in any of the yurts.
• Pets are not permitted.
• No children under six years of age, for safety reasons.
• Pack light, as the yurts are not car accessible.  This means you’ll be carrying your things from your car to your yurt.  A suggested packing list is available.

A yurt stay may not be for everyone, but it sounds like a lot of fun to me.

Photo credit: flickr (exterior), (interior)

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I’m please to have another guest posts today, this one from fellow b5media blogger, Claudine.  You may know her from her great travel blogging at The Atlanta Traveler.  This post is about a recent visit that she made of Los Cabos, Mexico.

Everyone needs a happy place, a place where they can close their eyes and see nothing but beauty, peace, and a little perfection. My happy place is Casa Dorada in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Casa Dorada is a new luxury resort in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. I flew into Los Cabos from Atlanta this February during a winter break, and it was hard, real hard, to go back home at the end of my trip.

The hotel has 186 suites with balconies and fabulous ocean views. Each room has a whirlpool tub, a living room, a separate bedroom  and a kitchen area. I was surprised to find a flat screen television in both the living and bedrooms. There was also heat, air conditioning, and light fixture controls on a panel near the bed. That was a nice touch. All of the beds have cozy, goosedown comforters and come with free wireless Internet. I had no problem at all, connecting to the Internet. Did you know that there is a Mexican Myspace? Anyway, the rooms are large, perfect for families. If you need to keep your children happy and occupied, an onsite, Kids Club, provides activities for your children.

Location:

The hotel is located in a city, so you are not isolated. It’s close to shopping; it’s walking distance to a local mall. There is also a nearby marina and plenty of local entertainment. Yes. You can walk to nearby bars and dance clubs.

Relaxation:

I had the opportunity to sample the four hands massage. Yes. Two people massaged me at once, and it felt like heaven on earth. The 7,000 square-foot-saltwater spa also has a massage services using Chinese balls, color, and aromatherapy. Oh, and after your massage, there is nothing like relaxing at the pool or lying on a daybed on the beach, called Playa Medano.

Gourmet Meals:

I ate well at the hotel’s restaurant, called 12 Tribes Restaurant. This international restaurant was inspired by the 12 tribes of Israel. The food in the restaurant represents cuisine from Spain, Romania, Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, Egypt, Hungary, Tunisia and others. There are also 80 wines on the restaurant’s wine list.

I appreciated that I could grab good Mexican food at the swim-up bar. Upon my arrival to the hotel, I went straight to the bar, and gorged on a chicken burrito with huge wedge potato fries. Delish! I got spoiled when I realized that I could order from the bar and have food delivered up to my room at no extra charge.

Mexico is wonderful!

Yes. Casa Dorada is my new happy place. I can imagine myself there right now, and I am smiling.

Hotel rates and other information can be found at the hotel website:  www.casadorada.com

Photo credits:  ©2008, Claudine Williams

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Here’s a Guest Post from Jon Rochetti who writes The DC Traveler and recently visited Costa Rica.

Nestled in the rainforest of Costa Rica, a few hours from the capital, San Jose, The Lost Iguana Resort offers spectacular views of Arenal Volcano in a lush and tropical setting.

The beautiful 100-acre property, in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, overlooks the world’s most active volcano, Arenal Volcano. And every room offers a great view of the mountain. At night, you can watch the fire-red glowing lava tumble down the side of the mountain. During my two-night stay, I witnessed lava flows and eruptions both nights.

The accommodations at the resort are very relaxing and upscale (by American standards). The large rooms offer comfortable private balconies, all overlooking the volcano. Some rooms have indoor/outdoor Jacuzzis, where you can also relax and soak while you watch the nightly lava flows.

The rooms offer air-conditioning, telephone, cable TV, pillow-top mattresses with Egyptian cotton sheets and a feeling of extreme seclusion. During my stay, I stayed in two different buildings and was unable to see any of the other buildings from either room, adding to the sense of seclusion.

Read on for more information about The Lost Iguana Resort

The beautiful hilly grounds make you feel as if you are lodging within a tropical botanical garden. Plus, the front desk will send a golf cart to your room if you want to visit to the restaurant, pool, or reception. I preferred to walk, as the gardens were too beautiful to miss and offered many tropical flowers and fauna.

The open-air restaurant offers excellent food with nightly live music. The two nights I dined there, live music was played by a great flamenco guitarist on the first night, and a fun sax player the second.
The resort’s double pool, one heated to bath water temps with a swim up bar, and the other, not heated, offered a place to cool off from the tropical heat.

There are a couple options to get to the volcano from San Jose, where most people arrive into Costa Rica. You can arrange for a shuttle bus, private car or taxi (about a 4-5 hour drive), which gives you the opportunity to see the countryside, or take a quick flight (under 45 minutes) on one of the two Costa Rican airlines that operate small prop planes (12-15 seats) across the country.

Just off the property are The Hanging Bridges, a 618-acre park consisting of paths through a natural rain forest. The hiking trails loop through the rain forest, from the ground to the tree tops. You cross seven hanging bridges along the hike, ranging from 16 to 330 feet long. About halfway through your hike, you’ll come across a picturesque waterfall. From the park’s entrance, the overlook offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and volcano. Entrance fee is $20 ($15 from the hotel office).

If you want relaxation, comfort and tranquility while visiting the rain forests of Costa Rica, The Lost Iguana is a tropical paradise.

For a few photos of my Tamarindo beach photos posted on The DC Traveler, click here.

Photo credit:  ©2008, Jon Rochetti, used with permission

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Today’s Matchbook Monday features The Riverhouse, a hotel, conference center, and restaurant in Bend, Oregon.

I stayed at The Riverhouse a number of years ago while I was attending and speaking at a conference.  The hotel is located on the Deschutes River, and while it has a rustic feel, the accommodations are anything but rustic.  These are nicely appointed rooms in a rustic setting.

The resort also features meeting rooms, Crossing Restaurant (a steakhouse), the River Rock Grill & Spirit (bar offering live music), and an 18 hole golf course. 

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Welcome to the February 7th, 2008 edition of the Carnival of Travelers!

A very big thank you to all of the wonderful bloggers who submitted posts for inclusion.  This month’s theme was “Lodging” and I think these bloggers covered nearly every angle of the theme.  Read on for the many options that you have when it’s time to lay your head down.

Hotels:

• Let’s start with a little humor from Madeleine Begun Kane, and A Traveler’s Net Woes posted at Mad Kane’s Humor Blog.  It’s a good laugh about hotel internet connections and business travel with your spouse.
• Susan presents The Innovative Traveler: Sleep with the Nuns… posted at The Innovative Traveler.  A convent in the heart of Rome, operated as a hotel, sounds like a great option.  (I know I’m going to look into it!)
• Debbie Dubrow presents DeliciousBaby Journal | Choosing A Family Friendly Hotel posted at Delicious Baby. Traveling with little ones raises a host of issues, and these tips for choosing a hotel will help you out.
• Raymond presents Join and Participate In Hotel Rewards Programs To Earn Free Hotel Stays posted at Money Blue Book, reminding us about ways to maximize our hotel stay.

Resorts:

• Jennifer Rog presents Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts posted at All Inclusive Travel Tips, with tips on tipping at your all-inclusive destination.
• Jeet presents Bheemeshwari Fishing and Nature Camp posted at bangalorebeats.  This resort in the South Indian state of Karnatak will appeal to those looking for adventure, fishing and nature. 
• Sheila Scarborough presents It’s cold, so let’s go to a water park posted at Family Travel: See The World With Your Kids.  The Great Wolf Lodge resorts combine an indoor water park with a hotel option.  Something for everyone?

Hostels:

• Christopher Cook presents Choosing A Hostel Is Like Choosing A Friend: things to think about when trying to find a place to sleep posted at -noambit -Travel Europe- where to go, what to see, and how to get there.  Hostels in Europe come in all shapes, sizes and types, and this article helps you decipher what to expect and what to look for in a European Hostel. 
• Macie presents My London Trip posted at Random Useful Information, sharing her humorous experience about a hostel stay in London.”

Homes & Apartments:

• Andrew Edgington presents Cyprus Holiday Villa Homes posted at Cyprus Informer.  Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and is becoming a popular spot for holidays and buying property.
• Mitch McDonald presents Hawaii Rentals : Finding The Perfect Vacation Home posted at FYI About.com, another article about life on an island.
• My contribution from here at Flyaway Cafe was What to do When You Can’t Find a Hotel in Paris, and how I found the perfect Paris apartment.

Miscellaneous:

• Michael@TSM presents Travel Writing Contest! Win $150 Cash Prize | Traveling Stories Magazine posted at Traveling Stories Magazine.  If you have a travel lodging story to share it could be worth a little cold, hard cash.

You are invited to submit a post to the next Carnival of Travelers on the theme “Family Travel.”  All posts must relate to the theme.  Please make sure your link work, as I had to eliminate several submission with broken links.  Submit your blog article to the next edition using the carnival submission form. You can get more information about past posts on the blog carnival index page.

Photo credit:  flickr

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