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5 Things You'll Love About Staying At A Boutique Hotel

When most people think of a hotel, they think of a place to stay while on vacation. However, there are different types of hotels, and one of the lesser-known types is the boutique hotel.

Boutique hotels are smaller than traditional hotels, and they usually focus on providing a unique experience for their guests.

Those who are interested in going to one might have checked out the Best Extended Stay Hotels in Cleveland, OH for a romantic vacation, or maybe they are looking at a small family holiday. Whichever one they pick; a boutique hotel can offer them a truly wonderful experience.

Here are five reasons why you should consider staying at a boutique hotel for your next vacation:

1. Unique atmosphere 

hotel room

Boutique hotels typically have a unique atmosphere that you will not find at a traditional hotel. You will feel like you are in a different world when you step into the lobby. You will not see traditional hotel looks and aesthetics with boutique hotels, so you will be able to bask in their uniqueness. Whether you are looking for some of the best boutique hotels within Edinburgh or wherever it is you are travelling, boutique hotels are a gateway to a more distinctive experience. You can even get boutique hotels in interesting buildings like lighthouses, prisons, and historic places.

2. Personalised service

Because boutique hotels are smaller, the staff are generally able to provide a more personalised service. They will get to know you by name and will be happy to help with anything you need during your stay. You will be able to connect more with the staff and feel like you are interacting on a comfortable level with them.

3. Intimate setting

woman drinking cocktail

3. Intimate setting

Boutique hotels -- think Bathen House boutique hotel and the like -- usually have a more intimate setting, which can be perfect if you are looking for a romantic getaway. You will feel like you are the only guests in the hotel, and you will have plenty of privacy too. So, if this is a special occasion for you and a loved one, and you are planning to have a cosy night away but still want access to top-class service, a boutique hotel may be for you.

4. High-quality amenities

Even though boutique hotels are smaller, they often offer high-quality amenities that you may not find at a two or three star hotel. For example, some boutique hotels have their own spa, restaurant, and bar. That means if you are hoping to not travel far when in your hotel, you will be pleased to have these amenities close by for ultimate relaxation. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about wasting fuel, time, and extra money.

5. Affordable prices

bedroom

Even though boutique hotels offer a unique and luxurious experience, they do not have to be expensive. You can find plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. Research is a key factor here or look in your local area for boutique hotels if you do not want to travel far. You can also spread your choices out wider for a vacation that is easy on the pocket and full of enjoyment.

If you are looking for a hotel that is different from the traditional options, then you should consider staying at a boutique hotel. You will be able to try something that you never have before, plus, if you thoroughly enjoy your stay, you can open yourself up to other boutique hotels up and down the country.

They provide a cherished experience and are perfect for couples who want to get away from it all, to people who need a little break from the everyday grind.

Traditional hotels are great to stay in for regular vacations with a large family, or for a planned trip away with your nearest and dearest, however, sometimes it is nice to kick back and try out a unique hotel that can give you a calming and exclusive experience. A luxurious hotel can make or break your vacation, so choose wisely because a hotel like this can make you never want to go back home again.

*Collaborative post
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Paris Las Vegas Hotel Review

When you think of Las Vegas you think of the iconic hotels on the Las Vegas strip and the Paris hotel and casino is one such hotel. We stayed there at the beginning of March, and really enjoyed our stay. Let’s read on to find out why.

The Paris hotel is one of the hotels that are easily recognisable on the strip by the imitation Eiffel Tower, a third of the size of the real one and the Paris balloon. It's a beautiful hotel inside and out.

Check-in


We were emailed before arrival and encouraged to check-in online. We thought we would take a chance and check-in at a desk to see if they had any complimentary upgrades available as we were arriving just before midnight. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it's worth asking on check-in for an upgrade, as many Vegas hotels will upgrade you for free if you check-in late. It was also my birthday week, so I thought we would give it a try. We were told they only did paid upgrades. The lady was a little brusque, maybe she should have gone to charm school! 

They have a separate check-in for Diamond members. Caesars Entertainment group has Ceasars Rewards where you earn points when you spend in their casinos, the highest level is Diamond and you get more privileges. This is worth checking out if you are thinking of returning to Vegas. 

Room 


We booked a Burgundy room with two queen beds. The room was spacious and stylish, with a cream, black and red furnishings. We liked the interior design a lot. 

The room had plenty of storage for clothes, a desk and a chair as well as two queen beds. There were plenty of plugs including USB ports, a safe and a small fridge that was empty so you could keep your own drinks in. There was an iron and ironing board. We didn't see a coffee machine, unfortunately, however, there was a room service menu you could order room service to your room at an additional charge.



The bathroom had a shower and a bath and was super clean. Toiletries were provided and were branded with the Paris Hotel's logo. Towels were good quality too and there was also a hairdryer.

Casino floor


The casino floor has a full range of slot machines and table games playing blackjack, craps and roulette, three card poker and more as you would expect in a casino of this size with 1700 slot machines and just under 100,000 square feet in size. 

There are machines for low rollers and high rollers too, the high limit champagne slots are popular with those with the money to spend. We played a few machines, and whilst enjoying it, we didn't win much but also we didn't lose much either. We did find the waitresses slow to come around with your drinks. In Las Vegas and other casinos in the US, you generally get complimentary drinks when gambling at the machines, for a small tip of a dollar or two. These can be soft drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic drinks, so that may be useful to know if you haven't been to Vegas before.

There is also a race and sportsbook section to place your bets but we didn't check that out.


We thought the decor of the inside areas at the Paris fitted in with the Parisian theme. Everything was stylish and the architecture reflected Parisian architecture. The pretend twilight sky was an interesting touch, we saw this at the Venetian hotel too, it was as if you are outside but the whole time you are indoors.

Eating places


The Paris hotel has some great restaurants and cafes including four upscale restaurants including the Eiffel Tower restaurant, Hexx, and Gordon Ramsey Steak, seven casual restaurants including Mon Ami Gabi and Beer Park,  a buffet restaurant and some quick bite options selling coffee, pastries and crepes. You won't go hungry if you stay in the casino and never venture out!

We ate at Mon Ami Gabi one night. This is a mid-price hotel on the casino floor. This hotel has indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seats have views of the Bellagio fountain show just across the road. You do have to wait for outdoor seating and as it was quite cold in early March we decided to stay indoors, Maybe next time we will ask for a table with a fountain view though.


The decor is of a French bistro restaurant and felt upmarket but not stuffy. We ordered and then were brought warm french bread and butter which was delicious. Marcus had French onion soup and roast chicken, whilst I had the steak and fries. 


The French onion soup tasted great, with a rich beef broth, and was brimming with melted cheese.  It was a big portion.  They also had a vegan version of this available and a vegan menu too.


My steak was incredibly tasty. I asked for a red wine sauce without onions and they were keen to oblige. This steak was SO good and a bargain for the Las Vegas Strip as it only cost 29 dollars. In fact, the whole meal was incredibly well-priced for the quality.  Before we went to Vegas I signed up to the Mon Ami Gabi email club and had a voucher for 20 dollars off when you spend 40 dollars. They also sent me another voucher when I was there for my birthday, so it's certainly worth signing up for great discounts.


With a couple of cocktails and a glass of wine including a fantastic apple pie martini, a starter, and two mains including steak, it came to around 80 dollars with our discount voucher. Service was excellent and I would highly recommend a visit if you are in Las Vegas.

 We also tried out the quick service options at Cafe Belle Madeline. Here you could buy breakfast and lunch items, such as pastries, granola and fruit. We found the coffee and the pastries expensive but they were good. As we didn't have a coffee machine in our standard Burgundy room, I would recommend you bring your own, or a travel kettle if you are on a budget as coffees and drinks can easily add up. 

 Beer Park a craft beer pub was good for a few drinks with a few of the Las Vegas strip and the Bellagio fountains. We sat outside and took in the view. Drinks weren't cheap but it was a fun place. They also had games inside like table football you could play.

Shops and entertainment 


There are a few shops at the Paris hotel, selling French goods and souvenirs. I noticed shops selling women's clothing and accessories as well as a stall selling cigars and a Swarovski shop amongst other things. The hotel is linked to Bally's and there are more shops there as well.

 There are a few shows at the Paris hotel aimed at adults, such as Antony Cools who does an adult comedy hypnotist show. There are also visiting bands and in the near future, they have Squeeze and Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons playing. 

 Napoleon's Piano Bar is also worth a visit. They do a duelling piano show and it's great fun! You submit a guest and a few dollars tip and they sing your song in their unique way. With a great wine list and full bar, the entertainment goes on to 1am so it's a fabulous place for a late-night drink. 

 For a view of the Las Vegas Strip, you can go to the top of the Eiffel tower for an amazing view. Check out Groupon for the best deals on this.

Pool

The pool is positioned just under the Eiffel Tower and is heated. It was a decent size, has a good number of lounge chairs and you can rent cabanas too. It's a lovely calm pool without the loudness of some Vegas pools. 

Position on the strip


 One of the best things about the Paris hotel is its position in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. It is across the road from the Bellagio and is a short walk to other casinos like Ceasars. Miracle Mile shops are close by too for affordable shopping and eating options. We recommend Oceans One for super affordable lunch options all under 5 dollars.

Price

I found the best price booking through the Ceasars Entertainment website direct. Once taxes and a resort fee were added, the price was around £80 a night midweek. Resort fees are a bugbear of mine. Almost all the resorts in Vegas have resort fees which can bump up the price of a room. In the Paris hotel, the resort fee covers daily in-room high-speed internet, all local calls, and fitness centre access for two daily. Personally, I feel the price you see is the price you pay but that is unfortunately what happens in Vegas. However, £80 a night for a room in a hotel of this quality is a fair price.

 Conclusion

 We've stayed in several Las Vegas hotels and I personally feel if you can get the Paris hotel at a good price, it is a bargain. The rooms are nice, the public areas amazing, the food options excellent and the location really cannot be beaten in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Whilst it's not as opulent as the Venetian or Bellagio hotel, it's a very good choice when staying in Las Vegas. Would we go back? Most certainly. I have no hesitation in recommending the Paris hotel to everyone. 

 Let me know, have you been to Las Vegas? Where did you stay?
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Some Of The Best Hotels And Motels On Route 66

Route 66 is one of the iconic drives many road trippers would like to do, at least once in their life. Mr W and I drove the 2448 mile long drive from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica California, recently and stayed in some fantastic hotels and motels along the way.  Here are some of the best hotels and motels on Route 66 in my opinion. I have focused on historic accommodation and included a cheeky stay in Las Vegas, which although not on Route 66 is a popular detour along the way. 

 Boots Court Motel Carthage Missouri

Where is it?

 Boots Court Motel is in Carthage Missouri. It's a historic motel built in 1939 by Arthur Boots. Two sisters bought the Art Deco motel and have restored it to its former glory from the '40s.  Carthage itself is a small town but has a couple of great attractions nearby such as the Precious Moments Chapel and Red Oak 2, an old historic town, where the houses are transplanted from miles around.

 Why is it special?

 Every room has a retro radio playing 40's music and bed linen from the 40s era but also Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. It mixes modern comforts with historic decor well. We stayed in a room that Clark Gable stayed in that also had its own carport. Debbie who runs the motel is so lovely and helpful and the motel looks beautiful lit up at night. She also flies the flag of the nationality of people staying here, it's a lovely touch and we were surprised to see the Welsh flag flying proudly in the air when we returned from dinner.

 How much does it cost?

 We paid 74 dollars including tax for a double room, which is about £56. There is no breakfast available at the hotel. We ate breakfast at the Carthage Deli which is a ten-minute walk away and has a variety of breakfast option including eggs, bacon and bagels.

Motel Safari Tucumcari New Mexico

Where is it?

 Motel Safari is in Tucumcari New Mexico. It opened in 1959 and was decorated in an architectural style known as 'Googie'. In Tucumcari, you have some well-known stops on Route 66 including the Blue Swallow motel across the road, and the Teepee Curios gift shop close by. Motel Safari is also an hour and a half drive away from the Cadillac Ranch, a popular Route 66 stop. Tucumcari isn't very big, and I would recommend avoiding stying on a Sunday if possible as everything is closed.

 Why is it special?

 The owner Larry Smith (and his dog Sam) is a Route 66 enthusiast and has made the motel up-to-date without compromising on the old world charm. Air conditioning, a flat panel LCD TV, and comfortable Sealy mattresses make the rooms modern, whilst a Tivoli radio playing Route 66 radio adds to Route 66 vibe.

 How much does it cost?

 We paid 79 dollars (£63) including tax for a room with two double beds. There is no breakfast available at the hotel. Kix on Route 66 is a really good retro diner a 5-minute walk away which we recommend for breakfast. Have one of the omelettes, they are excellent and come with toast and hashbrowns. 

Inn Of The Governors Santa Fe

Where is it?

The Inn Of The Governors is in Santa Fe New Mexico. Santa Fe is New Mexico's capital and is a vibrant artsy town know for its Pueblo architecture. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditional Plaza which is a cool place to walk around, do some shopping and take in the atmosphere.

 Why is it special?

 The hotel is decorated in an authentic southwest style.  It's a lovely hotel with a calm environment. Every day at 4pm there is a tea and sherry reception which is complimentary and they have a small outdoor pool which is nice for a dip. It's also very close to the main square and offers free parking.

 How much does it cost?

We paid 198 dollars a night (£156) inclusive of taxes and breakfast. The breakfast was amazing and included a wide variety of food from fresh fruit to yoghurts, pastries and a hot buffet complete with bacon, potatoes, eggs and Mexican options.

La Posada Winslow Arizona

Where is it?

 La Posada is in Winslow Arizona. Winslow is famous for being mentioned in the song 'Take It Easy' by the Eagles. You must go to the corner of Winslow Arizona to see the flatbed Ford and the statues of The Eagles if you visit. 

 Why is it special?

 La Posada is a historic hotel, famous for being a 'Harvey house'. Fred Harvey was a man who 'civilised the west'. He built hotels where people could stop near the Santa Fe railroad. La Posada was built in the 1920s and many famous people like John Wayne and Albert Einstein stayed there. La Posada is also home to the Turquoise Room, one of the best restaurants in the whole of the area. We ate here and it was fabulous. My meal of pepper steak was mouthwatering.

 How much does it cost?

 We paid 154 dollars including tax which is about £121.  Breakfast wasn't included but the Turquoise Room serves breakfast. Also, there is a decent small cafe opposite 'the corner of Winslow Arizona' that serves crepes, granola bowls and muffins. 

The Flamingo Las Vegas Nevada

Where is it?

 The Flamingo Hotel is in the entertainment capital of the US - Las Vegas. Whilst technically not on Route 66, Las Vegas is a very popular detour on a Route 66 road trip. We stayed here as it's a historic hotel, that fitted into the Route 66 vibe. Bugsy Siegal the gangster opened it in 1946 and it was one of the first hotels in Las Vegas at the time

 Why is it special?

 The Flamingo is situated in a perfect position - in the centre of the Las Vegas strip, with Ballys and the Linq hotel close by. It has the Linq Promenade outside for places to eat and drink as well as its own food court, Margaritaville restaurant, Centre Cut Steakhouse and more. If you book, check out the 'Go' rooms which are refurbished. It has it's own flamingo habitat too and two pools, one party pool and one family pool.

 How much does it cost?

 Rooms are from 35 dollars a night, however, with taxes and resort fees this can more than double in price. In Vegas, many hotels have resort fees which cover the cost of Wi-Fi, phone calls and so on. You have to accept you will be paying a resort fee in the majority of hotels. If you have a casino players card and you bet a lot, they may waive the fee, it's worth a try asking on check out. We ended up paying around £80 a night all in over the 4th of July. Breakfast is not included but there are many options in the hotel including the Paradise Garden Buffet, as well as close by. We liked the Chayo Mexican Kitchen for breakfast in the Linq Promenade.

So here are some of the best hotels and motels on Route 66 in my opinion. We planned our Route 66 road trip with books and Google maps.  Check out this road trip planner for help with planning your trip. 
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Let me know what you think of these places to stay. Have you driven Route 66?
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Hilton Garden Inn - Los Angeles Marina del Rey Review

At the end of our recent mega road trip on Route 66, the historic road from Chicago to Los Angeles California we ended it in with a stay in the Marina del Rey area of LA. The Marina del Rey area is a 10-minute drive from LAX airport and a 20-minute drive from Santa Monica Pier. Perfectly situated to see all that LA has to offer.

Our base for this stay would be the Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey, Thanks to the Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau who gave us a media rate on the hotel. All opinions are as ever my own.



The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina del Rey, is located just a block from the marina area but still supremely well located. A modern stylish hotel, it's location and facilities make it ideal for business or pleasure whilst visiting LA.



As I entered the hotel, I was immediately impressed with the lobby area which was large and consisted of two different seating areas. We were hot and tired after our journey from Las Vegas and I spied complimentary iced water which was very welcome after our journey. I also noticed a business area with a handful of computers and facilities to print out information.


Check in was quick and efficient, and before long we were in our room. The male check-in attendant was very cheerful and welcoming.

 The Room
Before long we were in our room. The room was decorated in tones of creams, browns and greys - modern, contemporary and fresh looking. Everything seemed in great condition and the walls had no scuffs or marks, which is so nice to see.

We had two double beds in our room and a set of drawers with a clock radio and a phone between them.


A flat panel TV, fridge, microwave and Keurig coffee machine were on one unit along with some drawers for your clothes. Complimentary water was available if you were a member of Hilton Honours membership scheme which is free to sign up to.


Nice to see a Keurig pod coffee machine which had English breakfast tea pods too. 




Next to the unit, there was a table with another phone, information about the hotel and surrounding area and a room service menu with a selection of dishes. The menu sounded excellent and had a variety of dishes from a delectable sounding blackened Mahi Mahi to hamburgers, club sandwiches and steak.

The room had efficient air conditioning and was relatively quiet. We've stayed in some hotels in the US where there air conditioning was super noisy so this was a refreshing change.





The bathroom had a bath with an over-the-bath shower, sink and toilet. I don't know about you but I like my baths to relax in, so it was great to have a bath as well as a shower. Toiletries were from the excellent Neutrogena brand and as well as shampoo, conditioner and soap and body lotion, included a shower cap makeup remover wipes and a vanity kit.

 The room also had a cupboard with decent hanging space, an in-room safe, iron and ironing board. The room was very spacious but there were also suites available if you wanted more space again and also a number of accessible rooms.

 Other facilities
As well as the aforementioned business area, there was also the Marina Bar and Grill which was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a 'happy hour' every day with beer at 5 dollars and wine at 6 dollars - very reasonable for LA.  A patio area next to the restaurant was a great area to sit outside and socialise. A 24-hour fitness centre and swimming pool was also included within the hotel facilities. 

The dining area looked smart, yet the dress code was relaxed.




The patio area was perfect for sitting with friends over a drink and picking up some of the California sun, or maybe playing a game or two.



The fitness area although not large, had decent equipment from cross trainers to weights. Complimentary ear-buds were provided and were a great touch, so you could listen to your music whilst working out.

The business area had a couple of computers, a printer and a shredder. 

The pool was close to our room. We could see it from our balcony and consisted of a main swimming pool area and a small hot tub. It wasn't a large pool but it still was a reasonable size and had sun loungers and towels available to use complimentary.

All so far so good. 

 That day we wandered around the area checking out what Marina del Rey had to offer, more of that later. That night we had a great night sleep. The Garden Sleep System® bed was very comfortable,  as the mattress conforms to your body in the night, providing excellent support.

 Breakfast




 We ate breakfast in the hotel the next morning. I was pleased to see that breakfast on the weekend is served until 12 midday. Most hotels serve breakfast until 10 or 11 on weekends, so this was a refreshing change. If you like to sleep in at the weekend then this is the place for you! The breakfast consisted of a hot and cold buffet, with a selection of fresh pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes. I noticed that they also had omelettes made to order included in the breakfast rate so I ordered a ham and mushroom omelette. It was really very good, I was really impressed with how tasty it was and not over seasoned.

Marina del Rey







Marina del Rey is an area of Los Angeles, with a marina waterfront, full of upmarket hotels and great restaurants. It also has an interesting farmer's market on a Saturday morning which we enjoyed visiting.


A short drive away is Santa Monica and it's famous pier, and you can walk to the eccentric Venice Beach and the trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard full of cool restaurants and shops. 



We really enjoyed our stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey. Would we stay again? Most definitely. It's a well-located hotel with great facilities and is perfectly situated close to Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier and Los Angeles LAX airport. If you come, it's worth paying for the breakfast in your room rate as it was very good and tasty too. Recommended.

Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey
4200 Admiralty Way, 
Marina del Rey, 
California, 90292, 
USA TEL: +1-310-301-2000

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