Hotels

There's no place like home... Unless, of course, that place is a beautiful hotel retreat. A proper getaway makes you question your existence, sudden contemplations of 'maybe I should call it a day, pack my things in a bag on a stick and be a street performer outside of that hotel...just to be close to it.'. That is exactly how my recommended hotels have left me feeling.

hotel san jose | austin, tx

from the creative mind of texas genius, liz lambert, hotel san jose was once a 1930s motel in the tougher side of town. brought to life with meticulous attention to detail, the motel maintains a stunning, yet minimalist feel.

stepping through the secluded entrance, you immediately feel the sensation that this is something special.  the secret garden setting provides the perfect ambiance as you lounge on the patio with a michelada or frozen rose'.

visit the always welcoming jo's coffee shop for an iced turbo and breakfast taco. grab a chronicle to bring back to the hotel dipping pool where you lounge and plan how you can conveniently miss your flight home.  oh and make sure you head across the street to the legendary continental club for some local flavor.

belmond charleston place hotel | charleston, s.c

you can’t go wrong when booking a hotel in downtown charleston. however, there is something special about the charleston place hotel. a resort that manages to balance between old charm yet grand luxury. the hotel lobby boasts one of the most relaxing cocktail bars, the thoroughbred club, where you can sit and take in a continuous flow of old school jazz and blues music while sipping on your favorite beverages.

if you can pull yourself away from the mint juleps long enough, stroll through the beautiful shops and restaurants of the hotel. Some resemble art galleries with a throw back to the old south more than actual retailers. the "holy city" keeps new building heights below the tallest church steeple, providing the 4th floor covered pool and spa with some of the best views around. good idea to take the stairs, we both know you can use the exercise after working your way through this gluttonous city.

take the time to spark a conversation with folks around you in charleston, everyone has a story to tell and you will meet wonderful people.