Aug
31
The Inn On Biltmore Estate
Filed Under Hotels / Resorts, USA - North Carolina | Comments Off
Asheville, North Carolina’s Inn on Biltmore Estate is inspired by the Vanderbilt’s grand residence and is highly rated for its elegance, location and flawless service. This 213-room inn sits on the 8,000 acre estate; which houses America’s Castle, one of the largest undertakings in the history of American residential architecture. Visit the official site.
Building Biltmore in late 1800s was, at the time, one of the largest project undertakings in American architectural history. Vanderbilt commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to build the country’s premier home. Designed after a 16th –century French chateaux, the property featured 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone housed a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants’ quarters, kitchens, and more.
His vision for a country retreat where he could pursue his passion for art, literature, and horticulture is housed in the mansion and grounds. Today, guests will identify with the grandeur that George Vanderbilt created for his friends and family to enjoy while staying at the Inn.
Visitors to the Inn will experience a glimpse of glorious times past, choosing accommodations from the 213 luxurious rooms at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or reserving the private Cottage on Biltmore Estate. Both include award winning hospitality and service, fine dining, mountain views, afternoon tea, an eager concierges and easy transportation around the estate. Guest rooms are furnished in the style of English and French manor houses; capturing a sense of splendor.
The Cottage, once served as residence to the Biltmore’s market gardener, then, lodging for VIPs visiting the estate, is now an exclusive getaway with every luxury one can imagine. The butler attends to every detail while guest enjoy the casual elegance of your two-bedroom, two-bath personal cottage.
Private dining is available round the clock or guest can indulge in creative interpretations of regional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere with impeccable service in the dinning room. The outdoor Veranda offers a traditional high tea service and traditional beverages with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or relax in the library with a glass of wine; capturing the feeling of American Royalty.
Other amenities include pool, fitness center, Land Rover Experience Driving School, hiking, biking, horseback riding, river float trips, clay shooting and nearby golf. The petite spa offers his and her “Estate” Experiences. This decadent package includes a gentle full body exfoliation and warm botanical body wrap enhanced with heated stones and a hydrating facial masque. The Signature Biltmore Massage, incorporating heated towels and estate inspired Aromatherapy oils complete this luxurious package.
Finally, the anchor attraction at this one of kind resort is the magnificent Biltmore House. Self-guided and guided tours throughout the grand mansion will be the highlight of the trip to the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Aug
29
Saturday’s Quotable Traveler
Filed Under Quotable Traveler | Comments Off
“If you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
- Yogi Berra / American Athlete
Aug
26
The Photo Escape
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Lifeguard tower on Fort Lauderdale Florida beach.
Aug
24
Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Las Vegas
Filed Under Restaurants, USA - Nevada | Comments Off
Guests are greeted on the ground level of the Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower Replica by an engaging restaurant concierge who is quick to say that this restaurant is the best choice for French food in the sumptuous city. Visit the official website.
The glass elevator doors open on the 11th floor to the busy kitchen with kinetic chefs preparing classic French dishes. Chef Jean Joho prepares updated French classic seafood dishes, rack of lamb and beef Wellington which follow exquisite starters; the blue cheese soufflé nestled in greens and the fresh asparagus soup.
It’s not surprising that the restaurant was nominated for “Best Outstanding Restaurant” by the James Beard Foundation and Chef Joho was Bon Appetite’s “Chef of the Year”. While enjoying the gourmet meal100 feet above Las Vegas Boulevard, diners are treated to spectacular views of the Bellagio water fountain show. Our dinning table was snug against the window, allowing for unobstructed views of the water show and I was mesmerized by the large selection of soufflés flavors.
Dessert soufflés are my favorite and I decided on pistachio—which exceeded my expectations. Visitors can sit at the bar and order a soufflé until the restaurant closes, which was temping because I wanted to try the caramel one.
Aug
22
Saturday’s Quotable Traveler
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“What would be waiting for me on the river? Kindness or evil? Beauty or savagery? Whatever, I don’t want to miss a thing.”
- Eddy L. Harris / Mississippi Solo
Aug
19
The Photo Escape
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The great Sphinx and Pyramids of Egypt.
Aug
17
Westin Sex and Sleep Survey
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A recent survey by Westin Hotels & Resorts found that 51% of US travelers would rather have a good night’s sleep than great sex.
The question asked of about 12,500 travelers in a dozen countries was “Which is more important to you, a perfect night’s sleep, or great sex?” Canadian travelers were the only regional group that picked sex over sleep by 52%. So What keeps us from getting a good nights sleep?? PDA’s 60%, Bills 58%, Spouse or Partner 25%.
The publication of this survey is being used to promote that Westin has partnered with the National Sleep Foundation to launch a toll-free sleep hotline, (888) TIME-4-SLEEP, and webpage click here. The number will be manned by sleep professionals during the peak hours when people experience problems sleeping. The webpage offers a variety of information on sleep related problems, the causes and solutins.
Aug
15
Saturday’s Quotable Traveler
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“Foreigners cannot enjoy our food, I suppose, any more than we can enjoy theirs.”
- Mark Twain / A Tramp Abroad
Aug
12
The Photo Escape
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Lighting strikes the Catalina Mountains of Arizona.
Aug
10
United Breaks Guitars
Filed Under Airlines | Comments Off
The YouTube video “United Breaks Guitars” has had over Five Million views….
The Resolution….
Remember to greet your next United Airlines employee “be careful with my guitar”…. Support Dave Carroll, buy one of his CD’s or MP3s. Perfect Blue
