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Hotel Love: Rustic Meets Modern at Glen Oaks Lodge in Big Sur
If you're looking for the consummate Big Sur experience this holiday season look no further than the Glen Oaks Lodge located on California's scenic Highway 1 and just one mile from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The "rustic-modern" hotel is perfectly situated between majestic redwoods and the banks of the Big Sur River boasting chic, vintage-style rooms paying homage to its previous life as a motor lodge. Accommodations come complete with gas fireplaces to keep you cozy on those chilly winter evenings and most with your private wood-stocked fire pit to enjoy your own personal campfire. We stayed in the Sycamore Cabin anchored smack dab in the center of a magical redwood grove. A perfect answer for the eco-conscious, design savvy traveler, each cabin has a unique interior personality. All rooms feature eco-friendly, custom designed and fabricated room furnishings built from European birch plywood. Kerei board made of pressed sorghum stalks create a warm interior to match the exterior environment. The Sycamore Cabin contains Redwood bark-inspired Muir Woods tile adorning the bathroom walls and Glen Oaks Big Sur's signature heated tile floors. All lodgings are surrounded by lush landscape and just a few footsteps to the peaceful Big Sur river with well maintained hiking trails to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of this magical place. Whether you are out on a hike, or cozy in your room, you are never far from the warmth and color of nature. To complete the experience with an environment and cuisine to match the beautiful California landscape, visit the Steve Justrich-designed Big Sur Roadhouse. The menu features fresh, locally sourced and organic ingredients to fuel up for your day exploring Big Sur. The Glen Oaks Lodge is the ideal spot to hang your hat while exploring all the splendor Big Sur has to offer. photo courtesy of Onyx and Ash photo courtesy of Onyx and Ash photo courtesy of Onyx and Ash photo courtesy of Onyx and Ash photo courtesy of Onyx and Ash Photos not shot by us are from the talented team at Onyx and Ash. Check out their beautiful work here.
Hotel Design Love: The Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
With the October fires that tragically scorched Napa Valley, now is the best time to show your support for recovery efforts and book that wine weekend getaway. On our personal wishlist is the freshly opened Calistoga Motor Lodge - an impeccably renovated 1940s roadside motel situated at the head of the Silverado Trail in the absolute heartbeat of the Napa Valley. The new owners fell for this vintage piece of real estate, breathing new life while maintaining the nostalgia. The result, an ode to the Great American Road Trip of the 50s, 60s and 70s. You'll experience stylish Mid-Century lines and matching interiors, framed by vineyards and bike trails topped off with geothermal pools to soak away the stress. During your stay don't miss out on Maker Mondays workshops where you'll learn lessons from local artisans. Top your trip off with an Adult Swim tasting, a poolside wine tasting featuring some of the area's coolest winemakers and brewmasters. Click here to check current specials and to learn more about this beautiful example of hotel design and style. Hotel Design
Cool Hotels - Opus Vancouver
On a recent trip north to the majestic Whistler Blackcomb ski resort we stopped over in Vancouver for the night and stayed at the super stylish Opus Hotel. Located in Vancouver's hip Yaletown neighborhood, you really can't ask for a better locale to soak in all that this beautiful coastal seaport city has to offer. Sleek and vibrant rooms feature all the amenities the discerning traveler would expect including free WiFi, guest iPads, flat screen TVs and designer furniture. My personal favorite element, you know you're in for a treat with Malin + Goetz as your toiletry offering. Also on site at Opus is the Northern Italian inspired La Pentola along with a festive bar scene for your going out drink or the necessary night cap. Plain and simple, if you're looking to plan a trip to Vancouver, BC look no further than Opus to rest your head. For more information check out http://vancouver.opushotel.com/ and of course take a look at some photos after the break.
Cool Hotels: Hotel Zetta San Francisco
We're as excited to write this post as we are that a new hotel has finally cropped up in San Francisco's SoMa district. Hotel Zetta, the newest sibling to the Viceroy Group's Urban Retreat collection, boasts everything the modern day creative class could ever ask for and beyond. Sustainable architecture at the forefront, you'll also find wireless streaming via Obsess G-Link Connect in all guest rooms and a mezzanine level "playroom" replete with a shuffleboard table and the latest innovations in gaming. The most enticing asset, the mezzanine offers up the perfect spot for locals and visitors to mix and mingle in a creative and inspiring atmosphere. To add a little San Francisco touch, look no further than the ornate chandeliers crafted from recycled eyeglasses. We see your next vacation and it's at Hotel Zetta. Pun absolutely intended. "Effortlessly fusing sophisticated and cutting-edge aesthetics with state-of-the-art amenities, Hotel Zetta is an urban retreat, ideally located for connection authentically with San Francisco's leading cultural, entrepreneurial and tech-savvy communities." - Hotel Zetta For more information or to book your visit check out: http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/en/zetta/overview
Philippe Starck designed hotel: Mama Shelter Istanbul
Mama Shelter, a whimsical brand of French hotels designed by the incomparable Philippe Starck, welcomes its fourth sibling with Mama Shelter Istanbul. I've had the opportunity to stay in the chain's chic Paris outpost and was overjoyed at every turn with the mix of wit and humor in the overall design. Mama Shelter Istanbul leaves no stone unturned and looks to be just as cool if not cooler than its 3 older sibs. If you have an upcoming trip to Istanbul on the docket I recommend you book your stay at this hip haven immediately if not sooner. The most enticing detail, uber cool comfort that isn't going to wipe out your entire travel budget. Check out a glimpse inside and get inspired to plan your journey after the jump. Like the other properties, Mama Shelter Istanbul is designed by Philippe Starck and features guest rooms with whitewashed walls stippled with pops of orange. The communal bar hosts a programme of hip DJ parties to attract young Turks, who begin the evening at the restaurant. The menu offers a mix of local and European fare by Michelin three-star chef Alain Senderens and features his special boeuf bourguignon with mashed potatoes. A roof terrace, serving an equally delectable menu of cocktails, is bound to be a summer hit. - Wallpaper For more information visit http://www.mamashelter.com/en/istanbul/rooms/