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In the past staying at a hotel like the Argonaut on the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront was not very convenient for my business needs. But for today’s review, and as MurrayOnTravel, I can pick my own destinations and accommodations like the Argonaut. San Francisco is a beautiful city and the Fisherman’s Wharf area is a great spot to settle into for exploring the city. This is a very comfortable boutique hotel for those looking for a great SFO visit. (Argonaut Website – Fisherman’s Wharf Website)

Located at the western most end of Fisherman’s Wharf area on the corner of Hyde and Jefferson Streets the hotel is just across the street from the San Francisco Maritime Nation Historic Park and it’s Hyde Street Pier. Located on the ground floor of the Argonaut is the parks Visitors Center.(Park Website)

This 252-room property is located in what was originally a fruit and vegetable canning plant that later became part of Del Monte and is known as the Cannery. In the early 60’s the building was about to be leveled when it was saved and turned into a shopping area. In 2003 the area was redeveloped again and the Argonaut Hotel was established. Some shops and restaurants still remain, but the hotel now makes up the bulk of the Cannery.

The rooms and public spaces all incorporate some aspect of the Fisherman’s Wharf history. From large mirrors that mimic a ships portholes to the furniture and fabrics. We found our room to be very comfortable. It was huge but due to the historic nature of the building room shapes vary so your accommodation may be different.

The bed was a bit soft for my taste, but other than that it was a great room. The exposed brick walls, beams, and other features displayed the rich history of the building. But the hotel is anything but rustic. Heating and cooling was easily controlled and the bath was fine. Our room looked out on the central courtyard of the Cannery. The courtyard had a restaurant, a bar, an ice cream shop, and a few stores. During the afternoon street performers provided music, some may find that annoying others might enjoy it. Rooms overlooking Hyde and Jefferson streets should have views of the bay, especially upper floors.

Other rooms face streets or a modern central lightwell like area. NOTE: Free WiFi is available after you sign-up for the hotels guest loyalty program. The signal was very strong and fast in our room.

View Larger Map

Here in this Google Map you can see the hotel from above. You can also see the hotel in relation to the rest of the Cannery complex and Fisherman’s Wharf. Hotel has a white roof, shopping area has red roof. To the left of the hotel you can see the cable car turnaround for the Powell-Hyde line. It’s just a quick $5 ride over the hill to Union Square and Market Street shopping areas. Since this is the start of the line it is easier to board. If you zoom the photo out you can see the Hyde Street Pier and the Parks historic ships.

The comfortable lobby has several seating areas, seen here is one around the fireplace. The lobby is staffed with a concierge during the day. The staff at the Argonaut was very helpful.

Have I boarded a cruise ship??? No, deck chairs in the lobby continue the hotels maritime theme. As does the flooring designed to mimic the teak and holly wood floors found on yachts.

Leave your car at home…if you can….parking anywhere in San Francisco is very expensive. My understanding is that high parking rates are SFO’s way of encouraging the locals to use the excellent public transportation system. But for travelers this may be a real pain in the wallet. If you arrive by car I would suggest considering parking it near the airport for 10$ a day, take the BART train into town to the Powell Street station, about 8$ per person, then grabbing a $10 taxi ride to the Argonaut Hotel. Especially if you’re in town for a few days. Parking at the hotel costs $42 per day plus 15.5% tax! I was told a taxi ride from the Wharf area to the airport (SFO) would have been around $50.

Our room rate came with a continental breakfast at the Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar located on the ground floor of the hotel. This was a great way to start our day, just enough to get us going, but not enough to limit our looking forward to lunch. The Blue Mermaid offers indoor and seating in the courtyard. Other than here we didn’t have very good dining experiences at Fisherman’s Wharf. (Blue Mermaid Website)

I did notice during breakfast that the Blue Mermaid was promoting their award winning “Dungeness Crab and Corn Chowder”. I made a special point of making sure I tried it for lunch one day. It was tremendous, especially served in the SFO traditional sourdough bread bowl.

I can definitely recommend the Argonaut Hotel as a great San Francisco / Fisherman’s Wharf accommodation. Several chain hotels are nearby, but the Argonaut has real character. We visited the Argonaut without any prior notification. All expenses were paid for by MurrayOnTravel.com.

Entrance to the Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs California.

Two and three story buildings radiate from the center pool area.

View Larger Map
This Google Map photo shows you the layout of the resort. You can also see that you are only one block from Palm Canyon Drive the main drag of Palm Springs.

Upon arrival the expansive and colorful lobby at the Riviera leaves a dramatic impression. Front desk was understaffed during our arrival.

The lobby area continues with a retro modern spin on the classic days of Palm Springs when the Rat Pack played pool and relaxed at the Riviera.

Main pool area is beautiful at night. Decorated with glowing lanterns and comfortable conversation areas surrounding flaming firepits.

We had a pool view room with a balcony. Buildings that surround the back / rear pool are three stories. This pool is smaller than the main one but offers a larger area for sun worshipers or those. Furniture isn’t as comfortable as the main pool.

The room was spacious and very comfortable. Was dissapointed to find the floor dirty, missing ammenities and maintenance issues.

Bath was very nice. The sink is very stylish, but the design is useless for anything other than washing your hands. No wash cloths were provided, had to ask for them.

By normal standards you might find the closet small, but the Palm Springs lifestyle doesn’t need more than this.

Various inputs were available for the HDTV. Wireless internet was free and signal was strong but required login.

Bar area served excellent drinks and light snacks.

Dinning area offers a luxurious inside area or outside overlooking the main pool. Our meals were excellent.

Main pool area has comfortable seating and great views of the local Palm Springs mountains.

Cabanas can be rented for an added level of comfort and service. Most have water misters that add a welcome cooling effect.

The pool in the rear of the Riviera is smaller than the main pool and is tightly surrounded by three story buildings. This area also appears to have less staff and services than the primary pool. In the morning we found the area filthy with food and trash from the previous night.

Was dissapointed to see that hallway carpet outside my room was dirty during our two day stay. The resort appeared to be understaffed in every area. Housekeeping never came to clean our room. Staff also seemed uninformed. I had to ask three staffers where the ice machine was located before I found someone who gave me a correct location.

UPDATE: 10/26/09 – Got an email from the Managing Director at the Riviera. He stated that it had been a difficult summer season and as a result they had a reduction in staffing. They began to gear up for the busy season October 1st, just a week after my visit. My feeling is that if a property is going to put out the “vacancy” sign they should offer services they feel represent their mission of being a “beyond first class” property. I think the Riviera Resort has great potential, properly staffed during the high season it should be just fine.

The Riviera is a classic Palm Springs resort. The recent massive renovation has brought it back to it’s former glory. My hope is that the lack of managements attention won’t result in flash in the pan hipster hangout.

We visited the Riviera Resort & Spa of Palm Springs without any prior notification. All expenses were paid for by MurrayOnTravel.com.

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.

The historic Hotel Washington has re-opened and been re-named as the new Starwood W Washington. Located just steps from the White House the 317-room hotel offers 12,000 square feet of meeting rooms and a Bliss Spa. The famous rooftop cafe and bar that overlooks the White House is now called the POV bar. For more visit their website.

The Vail Village welcomes the newest hotel in over 43 years, the Vail Plaza Hotel & Club, a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport and a 35 minute drive from Eagle County Airport in Vail, Colorado. Inspired by the grand hotels of the Italian Alps, guests will enjoy the Rocky Mountains offerings while settling into luxurious Italian elegance.

The Italian theme runs through the resort with cathedral ceilings opening to the sky in the lobby and well appointed sleeping rooms. In addition to the 100 guest rooms, the resort offers elegantly furnished 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom residences and penthouses for fractional ownership. All condos have unobstructed mountain views from decks and balconies; coupled with gourmet kitchens and room service. Visit Website.

Located in the center of the Vail Village, winter activities are easily accessed. Families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating and kid activities. 24 hour concierges facilitate seamless coordination of all the resort’s activities and nearby attractions. A perfect location for walk-to-lift access to Vail Mountain, as well as a lively pedestrian area full of boutiques and restaurants. For the summer months, guests have easy access to hiking and biking trails; with scenic golf courses nearby.

In keeping with Vail Plaza Hotel & Club’s exceedingly high levels of service and Italian theme, the Da Vinci Restaurant offers Mediterranean inspired contemporary American fine dining. The newest hot spot in the heart of the village is Bacco’s; offering up a full menu and a wide selection of wines and spirits to enjoy after skiing. And for a causal lunch, the Galileo Restaurant is also on the property.

The luxurious Sorrento Spa offers with a unique twist, Vinotherapy, which is the signature treatment. Olavie Chardonnay Massage and the d’Vine Pinot Noir Scrub are examples of the wine based therapies. And, the professional line of treatments includes various products from Italy’s renowned thermal spas. For fitness enthusiasts, the 1,184 square foot Fitness Center features FreeMotion equipment for strength training and Nautilus equipment with individual media stations for cardiovascular training.

In June 2009 after a $145 million restoration, the famed Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel began attractting new visitors for the first time since closing after Hurricane Katrina. The hotel has undergone a $145 million restoration and will join Hilton’s fast-growing Waldorf-Astoria Collection. Just steps from the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans, the new owners took the hotel back to the era of its heyday-a historically significant building coupled with a luxurious experience. Official Website.

The renovated site will add to the number of hotel rooms available to travelers in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina brought travel to a stand still in 2005. The historic accommodation will target business travelers and weekend leisure visitors. The property features nearly 60,000 square feet of event and meeting space. This includes three spectacular ballrooms and 23 distinctive meeting rooms. “Our ballrooms represent the history and grandeur of New Orleans but also present a location with unmatched service and attention to detail,” said Mark Wilson, marketing and sales director at the The Roosevelt New Orleans. “We want our guests to indulge themselves, while also envisioning these spaces as luxurious locations for their special events.”

The sleeping rooms, totaling 504, include 135 new suites. And even before the hotel opens, anxious visitors could view a replica of a sleeping room on display in the main lobby of New Orleans’ Armstrong International Airport. Complete with everything a guest will experience-the model room is seen by thousands of visitors to the airport each day. “This is the first time an actual hotel guest room has been set up in the New Orleans airport. One of the most exciting aspects about this campaign is the partnership between the airport and The Roosevelt to promote New Orleans tourism from a different perspective,” according to director of sales and marketing.

Though the hotel originally opened as The Grunewald in 1893 and was later renamed The Fairmont, it was during The Roosevelt years that it established itself as a beacon of luxury in the South. The hotel was a revolving door of the time’s most famous names-Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Jack Benny, Bob Hope – each adding to a legend that continues to be written today. The historical nature, with the original artwork, nostalgic decorations is a logical addition to the Waldorf Astoria inventory-adding in luxury and the well known Roosevelt name. NOTE: Photos provided by the hotel, edited by MurrayOnTravel.

For dining and entertaining at the Roosevelt is the Sazerac bar, where the Sazerac cocktail was popularized; and the Blue Room-legendary with locals, visitors and celebrities-will host Sunday brunch, regular entertainment and special events. John Besh’s new Domenica Restaurant is a new addition to the property as is a 12,000-square foot Guerlain Spa.

The Waldorf Astoria Collection is a group of distinct hotels from the Hilton Family of Hotels.

The Sonora Resort, located on the named island in British Columbia, Canada is a unique property because the luxury traveler will experience the great outdoors; coupled with the comforts of a lavish hotel. The property offers a deluxe experience including first class accommodations, wilderness activities like fishing and a spa / wellness center. A 50 minutes seaplane or helicopter ride from Vancouver International Airport or a boat ride from Campbell River lands you in the paradox of luxury and wilderness. Resort Website.

The all inclusive resort includes fist class helicopter or aqua transportation to and from activities such as golf courses, ski adventures, glacier tours and hiking within a 100 mile radius. Expert fishing guides host salmon and fly fishing adventures and eco-tours include whale watching and grizzly bear tours. On the Sonora’s property, guests may enjoy the peaceful surroundings, play tennis or use the golf simulator to pay virtual golf games at 33 top rated courses. This is the perfect Canada venue for outdoor activities surrounded by lush accommodations.

Island Currents, the spa which exudes serenity and out door beauty, has a menu of world class services. Indoor and outdoor mineral pools, yoga classes and the fitness center are state of the art with views of the forest or ocean. The massage rooms are light and airy, with doors opening to the woods. And the swimming pool and outdoor mineral bath over looks the sapphire ocean.

The remote British Columbia draws those guest seeking privacy and a retreat from city life. VIPs can book the four bedroom retreat with its own office space, executive kitchen and theater. Many luxury travelers make use of this space for a temporary residence while loving the views, grand piano and stone fireplace. Larger groups will find satisfaction with the meeting space and selection of team building activities. Photos provided by the resort, copyright Darren Bernaerdt.

A Vancouver resident commented that the visit to the Sonora Resort was the trip of a lifetime. “In all my travels I’ve never encountered a better service anywhere. Your staff made me feel like an old friend. They catered to my every whim even before I realized that I had any whims at all! Sonora’s glorious setting, perfect room, exceptional food and outstanding mix of activities made this a vacation of a lifetime. I never imagined an awe inspiring Grizzly tour and a luxuriously relaxing massage all in one day, let alone at one resort. Now that’s amazing; but that’s Sonora!”

Is the newly opened Terranea Resort poised on the Palos Verdes Peninsula the only luxury resort destination to grace the Los Angeles coast? YES! The dramatic setting with 270-degree panoramic ocean views; coupled with the impressive selection of resort activities makes the Terranea Resort one of a kind.

A pineapple crowned fountain welcomes visitors to the luxury resort destination that cares deeply for its environment, embraces its natural shoreline setting and promises to deliver a distinctive, classic California lifestyle experience. Terranea Resort (derived from the word Mediterranean pronounced Terr-a-NAY-a) opened its doors just a short two weeks ago and with the exception of some newly planted landscaping; the resort review looks and operates like it’s been nestled on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for years.

The destination resort captures exquisite Mediterranean décor with the ocean as the background in every picture and the abundant list of services will keep guests entertained and involved or opt for a host of California laid back activities. A walk through the resort reveals a spectacular, well appointed property that services exclusive get-a-ways, special events and family fun.

Location: 100 Terranea Way Drive – or – 6610 Palos Verdes S. Dr / Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Contact: phone (310) 265-2800 – fax (310) 265-2700 – web www.Terranea.com

The grandeur of the 120 acre property is not obvious as one drives up to the entrance and looks through the main lobby directly to the sapphire ocean. At first glance, guests will feel like they have arrived at a secluded villa; but after a few short steps through the lavish lobby, views are exposed of the tiered buildings accommodating 400 spacious hotel rooms, suites and bungalows, 50 private casitas and 32 private villas, 135,000 square feet of meeting space, a world class spa and seven dining options.

Architects and designers worked hard to incorporate the natural beauty of the land and magic of the ocean in all elements of the resort. Restaurants and public spaces embrace ocean views, walkways and paths include indigenous plants and mature trees and the two mile Discovery Trail at the perimeter of the property is open to the public, pet friendly and has benches and a snack bar for non-guests.

Terranea Resort offers up the California lifestyle that includes relaxing on the terrace next to a warm fire place or sitting in the well appointed living room having organic cocktails. Each evening at sunset, the sound of ringing crystal bowls signifies the end of day; an ancient ritual known for healing and relaxation.

A sanctuary and retreat, The Spa at Terranea is a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the art oasis; offering customized wellness treatments. The Spa offers treatments responding to nature’s bio-rhythms. In mornings, treatments and activities are brisk and invigorating while in the afternoon, guests indulge in calming and relaxing options.

The Resorts Spa pool has comfortable lounge chairs and is decorated with tall terracotta pots, capturing the sense of a private Mediterranean ocean villa.

Adults will enjoy the sanctuary of the over 18 pool, adjacent to the ocean and surrounded by a glass wall to protect sun bathers from the wind. Funky tangerine chairs surround the rectangular pool and the cushioned lounge chairs are set on a bed of soft sand, overlooking the ocean. The snack bar serves the guests at the pool so one never has the leave the luxury of this contemporary landing.

For family fun, the property has a large swimming pool with a water slide and an interactive fountain. To the south of the property and down the discovery trial, is a secluded cove offering up lounge chairs and umbrellas on an imported sandy area with kayaking, snorkel and scuba available.

The resort staff is proud of the Children’s Center, a kid program and offering innovative activities such as a chance to create their own Rock Band, re-create their favorite movie scene or participate in a snap and shoot photo scavenger hunt. The Tide Pool Adventure Camps take kids on a journey though Terranea’s history using creative activities, microscopes and science experiments.

It should be noted that the resort does not have a “sandy” beach. Access to the ocean is from the rocky shoreline of the cove. Entering the water could be very risky during high surf. No life guard is on duty.

Seven restaurants populate the Terranea property and the fine dining Mar’sel restaurant is a destination in and of itself. It serves fine modern California cuisine using fresh herbs and product grown on the property with plush seating indoors and dining al fresco available.

The Catalina Kitchen offers up good food at any time, located in the center of the property near the family pool. The Terrace Sea Bean coffee boutique has a selection of snacks.

For a causal beach vibe dining experience, Nelson’s sits overlooking the water and is themed after the Lloyd Bridges character from the late 1950’s TV series Sea Hunt. In an earlier day episodes of Sea Hunt were shot here when the property was a marine park. Terranea Resort guests and LA locals enjoy a simple bar menu that includes shrimp tacos and fish & chips, while peering through the patio glass partition at the large fire pit surrounded by plush chairs.

On the other side of the patio is the Discovery Trail where visitors are welcome with their canine companions and can take a break, enjoy the view and order up a sunset cocktail.

Catalina Point is the place to have a perfect wedding. The outdoor ceremony setting overlooks the ocean and the resorts spacious ballrooms offer a combination of rustic and modern with rows of lamp shades decorating the ceiling.

Adjacent outdoor patio areas are ideal for a cocktails. The staff specializes in accommodating bridal parties at the spa and the gentlemen can enjoy a fun 9 hole, par 3 round of golf at the resort, or visit the Trump National Golf Club, just minutes away.

Ocean front rooms have views of the Pacific and include a sitting lanai with chair and table. The rooms are spacious and include flat screen TV, wireless internet, and IPOD holder. The décor combines rustic beauty with beach color schemes.

A love seat with leather ottoman faces a solid wood desk with an impressive guest directory. And walking into the bathroom, one feels a sense of calm with the sea foam green color scheme with glass tiles, sea shell decorated lamps, separate tub and shower, toilet closet and storage drawers.

All meeting rooms have state of the art flat screens, most with ocean views. The board rooms on the 6th floor have amazing ocean views, plush leather chairs around large wood tables, decorative lamps with ample terrace space for outdoor lunches or breaks. For a larger event, the resort has the areas largest ocean resort ball room, 18,000 square feet, named after the founding father of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Frank A. Vanderlip. NOTE: All Photos Copyright Bruce Murray.

When one measures the wording carefully Terranea Resort may or may not be LA’s only luxury ocean front resort. The resort is not central to Los Angeles but actually located closer to the city of Long Beach and lacks a true “beach”. But unlike other LA ocean front accommodations Terranea offers multiple pools, a large spa, golf, and a compound like property offering families a secure feeling. But I don’t think the fine print is of any importance. Terranea is definitely one of Southern California’s top destinations and sure to become a favorite get-a-way for locals and area visitors.

Hilton Hotels has opened their 1,190 room Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Hilton Hotels has opened their 1,190 room Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel just at the edge of San Diego bay. Not only is this 40 story hotel adjacent to the Convention Center, but it is just across the street from PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

It is walking distance from downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, and its many entertainment and recreational amenities as well as excellent shopping and dining. It’s also not far from the Amtrak station, allowing anyone along the Pacific Surfliner train route easy access to a fun baseball getaway.

TIP: Walk over to the harbor area. Catch the ferry over to Coronado Island. Walk south to the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. Have lunch outside overlooking the bay and the City Of San Diego. I especially enjoy the crab cakes at the Marriott. Photo By Murray.

Global financial crisis??? WHAT CRISIS!! Atlantis The Palms in Duabi opens with a $20 million dollar opening party! Read more, or watch the video below of the fireworks.

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