March 11, 2013

The Standard High Line, NYC

The Standard High Line NYC

The Standard High Line NYC

The Standard High Line NYC

The Standard High Line Lobbt

The Standard High Line NYC

The Standard High Line View

The Standard High Line NYC

The Standard High Line Restaurant

Jasiri Anderson aka DOOKIEGOD

The Standard High Line NYC

Last week I returned from what was one of the best vacays I ever did take and boy did I need it! I decided to hit NYC solo dolo with an itinerary packed with delicious food, beautiful men, an interview with a rapper for an upcoming project and my pockets lined to spend however I wanted. I knew even before I booked my ticket that I wanted to stay at The Standard High Line in the Meatpacking District because duh, it’s one of the coolest hotels in NYC and I’m about that.

I must admit the customer service leading up to my stay was incredibly poor. Like, sure you’re gonna spend this money but we’re going to treat you like dirt because everyone wants to stay here. Much to my surprise, the attitudes on my arrival and during my entire stay (aside from the Boom Boom Room) were warm, friendly and positive. When I arrived after a red-eye flight it was such a relief to be welcomed with a smile and an easy early check-in. My room was just a few floors from the top and I had a stunning view of not only The Empire State Building but the water as well. I felt at home during my stay – getting cozy under the covers, taking bubble baths and streaming my music via bluetooth through the room’s stereo. Kid Cudi got a lot of play if you’re curious.

The hotel is crucial to my travel vibes and The Standard High Line did not disappoint. From the killer lobby, to unique light fixtures, and modern design, this sleek space elevated my experience to whole new heights. I’d definitely stay again and would recommend you do the same.

The Standard High Line
848 Washington St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 645-4646

Posted in: Hotels, NYC | Tagged: , , , ,

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September 6, 2012

The Saguaro Hotel, Palm Springs

NJ in L.A. with friends in Palm Springs

In case you missed it, I recently celebrated my birthday, and like I often do, I escaped to the desert to celebrate. This time around, I scooped up two of my best friends for fun in the sun and was beyond excited to show them my regular haunts in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. Being that I’ve stayed at The Parker, The Viceroy, and The Ace countless times, I thought it was time to check out something new so I chose The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs. I was initially drawn to this vibrant hotel, carved out of the former Holiday Inn, for its bold display of bright colors. This year has been all about color for me so I thought this would be the most appropriate choice.

Though the rooms are not as luxurious as other hotels I’ve frequented, I would recommend this joyful spot for their incredibly  friendly staff, decent room rates and delicious restaurant Tinto (which I’ll also be blogging about). The warm greeting I received when I checked into the hotel left me feeling like I was a VIP – I mean aren’t I?  Positive vibes combined with attentive team members made for an enjoyable stay, in addition to the immediate happiness we experience while being overwhelmed with pinks, yellows and greens. Throw in some freshly pressed strawberry margaritas, striped comforters and a pool, and us girls had our very own desert paradise.

Once you peep these photos of the hotel’s lobby, rooms, and pool, I think you’ll feel the warmth I experienced while staying at this new spot in Palm Springs.

The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs

The Saguaro Palm Springs Front Desk

the saguaro

The Saguaro Hotel Palms Springs Lobby

The Saguaro Palm Springs Room

The Saguaro Palm Springs Pool

The Saguaro Hotel
1800 E Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 323-1711

Posted in: Hotels, PALM SPRINGS + JOSHUA TREE, Travel | Tagged: , , , ,

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August 11, 2011

Norma’s, Palm Springs

Salmon Eggs Benedict at Norma's, The Parker, Palm Springs

This past weekend my friend Heather and I enjoyed a girls getaway in Palm Springs which helped bring me closer to being on permanent vacation.  If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know that I often take trips to the desert to unwind, eat delicious food and take in the sun.  Growing up just a couple of hours away from the desert allowed for many summer trips with my family as a child, in which we’d play board games at the condo, bbq, and swim all day.  That Palm Springs is very different from the desert I see now but I don’t love it any less.

Norma’s at The Parker Palm Springs is one of my favorite spots for breakfast.  The vibrant Jonathan Adler dining area evokes a burst of energy within you and is the perfect way to start of the day.  One of my favorite treats at Norma’s is the complimentary smoothie shot they give you when you sit down.  On Saturday morning our tasty glass was packed with blended guava and banana that made me squeal with joy.

Norma's, The Parker, Palm Springs

Norma's, The Parker, Palm Springs

Norma's, The Parker, Palm Springs

If you can believe this, I ordered something different this time around.  I usually order the Norma’s Traditional Eggs Benedict but I got really wild and chose the Upstream Benedict, which is made with smoked salmon instead of Canadian bacon. Ha! Anthony Bourdain suggests you never order anything with Hollandaise sauce because it is a cesspool of bacteria, but this lady likes to live on the edge. Sense the sarcasm? If you want delicious and decadent breakfast/brunch, then Norma’s is the place to go.  Also recommends: lobster mac’n'cheese

When it is all over, plop down on the beautiful lounge couch like I did and take it all in.  The colors make Summer feel absolutely perfect.

Norma's, The Parker Palm Springs

Norma’s at The Parker Palm Springs
4200 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 321-4629

Posted in: Food, Hotels, Travel | Tagged: , , ,

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May 11, 2011

The Ellis Hotel, Atlanta

Atlanta Boutique Hotels

Looking for the perfect hotel for my stay in Atlanta proved difficult, that is until I found boutique hotel The Ellis.  I am always on the look out for a hotel that feels a bit intimate while allowing you to maintain a sense of anonymity and luxury.  The Ellis provided me with all the things I had on my check list for a perfect stay and much more.  Undoubtedly one of the most courteous and kind staffs I have ever met, I was starting to feel like I could stay at the hotel forever.

Before I had even arrived at The Ellis, I was psyched knowing that my room was going to be stocked with some of my favorite products by Molton Brown.  The first time I ever tried Molton Brown happened to be in a hotel, and now I am dedicated user; I think they are onto something.  Never underestimate a hotel room supplied with products that will having you living in the shower.

Atlanta Boutique Hotels I spy a cutie in jean shorts

Atlanta Boutique Hotels

Atlanta Boutique Hotels

Is it possible to buy a replica of this bed?  I don’t think I have had that good of a night’s sleep in a long time.  Four nights of uninterrupted bliss wrapped in my cozy robe under soft sheets on the perfect mattress. Sigh.  Funny story, Asael (the boyfriend) kept thinking that brown pillow was our dachshund Sunny! He would catch a glimpse of it, make a shocked face and then we’d laugh.

Atlanta Boutique Hotels

This lovely view is of the upstairs restaurant the Terrace. The Ellis was so kind to invite us to dinner at the Terrace one night where I imbibed some of the best cocktails not only on the trip, but in my life. Seriously.  You can look forward to some Southern drink photos and recipes on an upcoming post!

Thank you again to The Ellis for hosting me while on my stay in the incredible city of Atlanta.  I cannot wait to return!

The Ellis Hotel
176 Peachtree Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 523-5155

Posted in: ATL, Hotels, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , ,

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