Stay at The Plaza Hotel for an Immersive Downtown Las Vegas Experience
By J.C. Thomas An intriguing characteristic of Las Vegas is its compulsion for constant reinvention while always keeping a tight grip on nostalgia. The city will blithely demolish its oldest icons (RIP Tropicana, Stardust et. al.) while enticing tens of millions of annual visitors with the promise of vintage glamor. They come in pursuit of […]
At Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a Captivating Culinary Adventure AwaitsÂ
By George Christopher Thomas Las Vegas has a legendary plethora of choices for entertainment and activities. One of the most universally appealing of them is going out to eat and embracing options for the finest of fine dining. Getting dressed up, feeling a little formal and dedicating an evening to a world-class restaurant can be […]
Enjoy Lake San Marcos, S’mores and More at Lakehouse Resort
By J.C. Thomas San Diego County is known all around the world for its major tourist attractions, near-perfect weather and natural beauty. It’s hard to believe that any hidden gems remain among the region’s immensely inviting cities, beaches and mountains. Yet, the city of San Marcos and its same-named lake remain mostly off the typical […]
There’s No Place Like South Lake Tahoe for an Extended Winter Stay
Make a full month of memories with an extended-stay rental on the waterfront in South Lake Tahoe Wintertime is magical at Lake Tahoe. The pristine jewel of an alpine lake becomes the centerpiece of a snow-covered wonderland. Mountain scenery that’s spectacular year-round is even more so when freshly frosted. World-class ski resorts beckon adventurous types […]
Indulge Your Senses in Santa Barbara at La Playa Inn
By Jon Bogart Life’s daily demands propel our minds to wander, as we zoom in and out of computer screens and traffic tie-ups, to a time and place where we can unwind and rejuvenate. A laid-back vibe, fresh ocean air, a taste of the Mediterranean beauty and climate , with shopping, entertainment and dining options to […]
Where to Stay in Desert Hot Springs, the City Just North of Palm Springs
By Jon Bogart Desert Hot Springs is an oasis of tranquility where people flock to get a breather from the hectic demands of daily living in today’s world. The city itself is off the beaten path and you wouldn’t know there is even a “there” there until you notice the “Welcome to Desert Hot Springs” […]
London is Welcoming Vaccinated Travelers… Here How to Get There and Where to Stay
Our top hotel pick, Thistle Holborn the Kingsley, balances style, comfort and affordability in the very center of London By J.C. Thomas As the end of 2021 approaches, the pandemic and its travel disruptions are by no means over. Yet, travel is tentatively back, with many of the world’s greatest destinations eager to welcome back […]
Looking for a Place to Stay in Moab, Utah? The Gonzo Inn is Our No. 1 Pick
Moab, Utah is a very cool city. It has a trendy vibe, but in a timeless, not-actually-trying sort of way. Moab is also very good looking, with low-slung buildings and artsy accents that don’t bother trying to compete with the high-drama dazzle of its red-rock surroundings. Tourism there is built around cool-people kinds of adventures, […]
A Trio of Treasures at Torrey Pines
In one prized pocket of La Jolla are three glorious landmarks: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. By J.C. Thomas The Torrey pine tree (pinus torreyana), the rarest pine species in North America, is an intriguing natural treasure. It’s very finnicky about its home, existing only […]
Make Yourself at Home at the Beach House Inn, Santa Barbara
It’s always fun to imagine living full-time in a destination you’re only visiting, no matter how realistic or far-fetched the idea might be. The fantasy feels especially real when you find a place to stay that evokes the feeling of a home – somewhere like the Beach House Inn in Santa Barbara. This boutique hotel […]
Yosemite in Summer 2020, a Dreamlike Experience
A Review of Yosemite Dreams: Rustic and Refined Lodging Near Oakhurst By J.C. Thomas In 2020, visiting Yosemite National Park in the peak of summer feels like a dream. Weird and lovely, almost eerily serene in the absence of big crowds, experiencing the park in this way is a privilege offered only by the extraordinary […]
The Lovely and Luxurious L’Auberge Del Mar: A Review
By J.C. Thomas The seaside village of Del Mar, just north of San Diego, is surely one of the loveliest spots in all Southern California. More than 2 miles of sandy beaches bound Del Mar, encompassing coastal parks, playgrounds, top-notch surf spots and a dog-friendly beach. The bluffs abutting those beaches are high and craggy, […]