January 20th, 2010
Let’s see…I don’t gamble, drink or smoke, so what could I possibly be doing in a venue that is predominantly known for its Casino? I am blogging with an open mind.
The word gambling creates heated discussions anywhere; its happening in Maryland and Delaware.
I have told you before that I grew up in the island of Puerto Rico. People have been gambling in this small island for many years. Nobody thinks about it. Practically every hotel has a casino. And, I must admit they do have very nice ones. Many years ago jackets were required but like everything else, it is casual attire at present. How do I fee about it? It really does not matter, because a person that gambles will do so anywhere. That it brings more work for a state, a city, yes, and at the same time it creates jobs and revenues.
Florida is still debating this issue.
The Hard Rock Casino is owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida. “The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a Federally recognized Indian Tribe, the only tribe in America who never signed a peace treaty.” You can read this and more if you visit their website www.seminoletribe.com.
As casinos go, the Hard Rock is very well run. Clean beyond belief; not a blade of grass out of place or a piece of trash anywhere. On this particular day, the casino was crowded and it seemed that the hotel was crowded, as well, with full families arriving.
I am walking all over the place, checking out all the musicians’ garments that are displayed on the wall. After all, it is the Hard Rock, where music is non stop. And, as you come in, you will notice that it is a noisy place. Besides the music, the sound of slot machines is on going. They have 2,500 slots, 500 hotel rooms, 25 boutiques and 30 bars, restaurants and lounges.
 Pants worn by Elvis during the filming of Love Me Tender The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located on 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314. The website is www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.
Right inside the gaming area you will see a very nice cafeteria for casual dining. Cuban, Chinese, Italian, etc.
As you come out into the other side of the hotel, is a man made street with shops and restaurants on either side. Some of these are the Bluepoint Ocean Grill for fresh seafood and steaks by the lake, Bongo’s Cuban Cafe which will be opening in the Spring, Constant Grind for iced drinks, gourmet coffees, of course, the Hard Rock Cafe, Martorano’s which will be opening this year. Anyone that has been to Cafe Martorano’s in Ft. Lauderdale know how fantastic their food is. Check the website for more info.
There was a wide variety of shops from women’s clothing to cigars, jewelry and even a skateboardig and surfing shop. I stopped at Scentsual Perfume, Inc. since I looking for a perfume called Bulgary for Men. I bought it for myself since it is a fresh and light fragance. If you enjoy wearing perfume everyday, this could be a signature fragance for you. Like many stores everywhere, sales are abundant.
There is a beautiful and relaxing tropical Beach Club.  
Available for rent are cabanas called “Chickee”. It is your own private living area by the pool with televisions and very comfortable lounges.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino wants to be considered a South Florida destination; the 5,500 seat arena hosts some of the biggest acts from music to comedy. Just this week Mariah Carey, and coming up Paul Anka, BB King, and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Let’s be realistic, this type of vacation is probably not for everyone, but for the people that do like it, then that’s great!!
I will be coming to Delaware soon…so until then…talk to you later….
November 19th, 2009
The other day, when I wrote a post on Beseme, the restaurant in Lewes, I knew I would be writing about Hotel Rodney. The reason? Well, Beseme is in the same historic building, so when my friends and I finished lunch, we asked if we could see the rooms.
Hotel Rodney, went through a complete renovation and this boutique hotel really has character, and appeal.
Its location is 142 Second Street, Lewes, DE 19958. The telephone is 302-645-6466 and the website is www.hotelrodneydelaware.com.
It is the perfect boutique hotel; individual, stylish, smart, intimate, and you won’t find any other hotel like it.
It has 24 rooms: Executive, Twin, Deluxe, Corner Deluxe and Suites. Prices vary from summer, Fall, Winter, Spring and Early Summer, so please contact them at the above telephone number or just visit their website.
The rooms were very nicely decorated with antiques but also with all the amenities of modern accommodations. The bathrooms were so pretty; marble and tile. We saw a Deluxe Room and a Suite. Very comfortable and good size rooms. I loved the polished hardwood floors; they give so much warmth.
Other amenities in the rooms are the availability of computer-work stations; printer and free WiFi in the lobby. There is a fitness center in the hotel and bicycle rental. Hotel Rodney is family and pet friendly.
There is catering available as well as a conference room with seating space for up to 50, with powerpoint capability. But, again, for more information, please call the hotel.
I want to let you know that I have not stayed at Hotel Rodney or in any of the hotels in the area. I just don’t have to because I live here. I like to visit them and at least I can tell you a little bit about them. I have had friends that have been guests at this hotel and really enjoyed it. But, how could you not? It is in the heart of Lewes, walking distance to an abundance of restaurants, shops, and museums.
You can stroll or power walk all over town and it is so scenic; you will find that every corner is a Kodak moment.
Event
Please take notice that if you are planning to visit Lewes this week-end I would like to let you know that The Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. “MERR” will be having their annual event called Make-A-Splash – Annual Fin-Raiser. It will be on Saturday, November 22nd at the Lewes Yacht Club from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $30 per person and you can get them by calling 302-228-5029.
There will be Live and Silent Auctions, Live Music, and Food and Drinks.
MERR is a non-profit organization devoted to our acquatic neighbors; local sea mammals, sea turtles, and their habitat. This is the organization that is first called when marine mammals are stranded or have washed on our beaches.
The Executive Director is Suzanne Thurman and you can either reach her by calling the above tel. number or e-mail her at merrins@earthlink.net. They do have a website but it is under construction at the moment and will be up very soon.
They need all the support you can give.
See you soon….
November 6th, 2009
It’s finally here and the new hotel, the Seagate Hotel, has opened on Atlantic Avenue. We all have seen it rise and through many months we have been wondering what it was going to look like.
The Seagate Hotel & Spa’s address is 1000 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-665-4800 and Fax 561-665-4801. The website is www.theseagatehotel.com.
The hotel has 162 rooms. It just opened on Sunday and as of this post it had 70 rooms occupied. It is the home of the Atlantic Grille, a restaurant, the Seagate Spa, Etc. Cafe and Gifts, Aqua Resortwear, 24 hour business center and 24 hour fitness center. It also has a very beautiful pool.
If you decide to stay at this new hotel, you also will be able to use the Seagate Beach Club, which is south on A1A, with a complimentary shuttle service. Another amenity of the Seagate is that you may be driven in their private car to anywhere on Atlantic Ave.
I wanted to see the hotel and so I went there on Thursday. I don’t want to say this, but to tell you the truth I found the lobby very disappointing. The first impression of any hotel is the lobby and this one left me lukewarm. I know that they would like to reflect on the peacefulness of the ocean and marine life but it was boring. The decor did not have any harmony. The front desk was very nice with beautiful, round, modern glass bowls filled with lilies inside, but then on the concierge desk there was a vase with flowers that looked like they belonged in a wedding. The back wall of the front desk was very interesting; ridges like the sand on the bottom of the ocean. 
The sofas were so low and the table so small that you needed to get out of the sofa very time you had to put anything on the table. Another 2 chairs were on a corner that really had no business being there. The plants were nice but some of them needed to be more dramatic.
The chandeliers seemed to imitate the top of the jellyfish and on the floors there were circles that I thought maybe were supposed to be a mirror image of the chandelier. And if that was not the case, then I don’t know why they were there.
A grouping of 4 chairs and a table and plants were on another corner. The materials and textures had depth; they complemented each other.
I was surprised that local art was not used in the lobby or throughout the hotel. Delray has so many good local artists.
The hotel has 3 big aquariums. You can see from the pictures that there is dark wood framing them. This wood felt like a laminate and with all the beautiful natural stones, why was this chosen? Two of the aquariums were at the entrance of the Atlantic Grille and one of them had barrels that did not go with the decor. You might be able to see the electric eel on the bottom right. 
Now, the rest of the hotel, I want to tell you that it was great. J.D. was my tour guide and we went all over the place. The rooms are very well appointed with plenty of room and good size balconies.
The Seagate Spa is something that I might have to use one of these days. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, it is open to the public.
One particular massage that I had never heard of was called the Rain Massage. I saw the room; very relaxing. It is 80 minutes. The customer’s body will be exfoliated with warmed sugar cane and virgin coconut oil. As you lie on the table, your body will be sprinkled with a rainfall of warm water streaming upon you, and at the same time your massage therapist will be giving you a massage. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
The Seagate Spa is a full service spa and you can call them at 561-665-4950. The fax is 561-665-4951 or visit the website www.theseagatespa.com.
The gym has all the equipment necessary for the daily work-out. The pool is much bigger and prettier than I would have expected; tropical palms and plenty of lounge chairs.
 I have not eaten yet at the Atlantic Grille but the restaurant is very well done and it is what I would have liked to have seen in the lobby. The cohesiveness of the concept is definitely present. Private rooms for parties, booths, and the availability to dine outdoors is all there for customers to enjoy.
J.D. really took his time and I would like to thank him so much. I stopped by the front desk and chatted with Ralph and he gave me a notepad so that I could write my thoughts then and there. He said he would present them to the manager.
My last stop was the gift shop. It opens very early in the morning; at the same time the Cafe opens. Very cute things, including gifts for children and the Seagate Hotel & Spa merchandise. They sell magazines and newspapers, crackers, mustards, marinades, cookies, chocolates, teas, dried fruit, honey, pastas, and fun napkins. I liked it; of course, everyone very friendly.
There is no question in my mind that the Seagate Hotel & Spa is a great addition to the Delray Beach community. I wish them much success in the coming season.
From Delray Beach, I am still writing….see you.
September 16th, 2009
Once again, I am pleasantly surprised to find a hidden treasure in this beach town. I was informed at the reception desk that they have been there for eight years and I wondered where have I been. Truly happy that I have “found” it.
The Bellmoor is located at 6 Christian St. in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 19971. Telephones are: 302-227-5800 or 800-425-2355. The fax number is 302-227-0323. The website is www.thebellmoor.com and the e-mail address is info@thebellmoor.com.
It has been so many years since I have stepped inside this building, which by the way is completely different. It used to be the location of the Dinner Bell Inn, a part of Rehoboth Beach some time ago.
The owners renovated, expanded, and renamed this beautiful inn. It really is an oasis near the sea, where peace, serenity and relaxation is waiting for you to enjoy.
The Moore Family; the owners and hands-on managers of The Bellmoor, welcome business, professional and social groups to their luxurious conference facility.
The Inn has 78 rooms and their newly expanded landscape garden looks like the perfect place to have a drink, read a book or kick back and relax. You can’t help but want to do just that.
In this garden, every morning guests are treated to a complimentary gourmet breakfast and every afternoon for tea.
The first thing you realize as you come in through the front door is that the cherry wood floors are so rich; the rugs beautiful and hanging on the walls are very nice pieces of art. At the end of the hall and towards the dining area and terrace, I noticed cookies were served this afternoon with tea and other refreshments.
The entire property, inside and out is smoke free. The Inn has designer inspired rooms and suites; a lot of them with fireplaces. It also has a fitness room, a library and reading room, a gift shop, a concierge, and a high speed internet and computer center. The property also has 2 outdoor swimming pools.
One of the guest amenities is the Spa at the Bellmoor. You do not need to be a guest at the Inn in order to take advantage and pamper yourself at the day spa. Their telephone is 302-227-5800 or 800-425-2355. The e-mail address is spa@thebellmoor.com. They practically do everything, except hair. Different spa packages are available, as well.
The Bellmoor is open year-round. Just the place to get away, whether in season or in that quieter season we all like so much.
The location is perfect because you are in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, walking distance to restaurants, shops and a few blocks from the beach. Plenty of parking is available, as well.
Think about it. Get away. You won’t regret it.
August 5th, 2009
Exploring some of the town of Lewes, Delaware, is what I did on Wednesday, and I am telling you, this town is one of those towns that it does not matter what season we are in, it is really pretty in all of them. And, what a resume this town has. “The first town in the First State”!! Delaware was the first state to ratify the constitution, and Lewes was the earliest town founded in the state.
So, when someone tells you that Lewes is just a sleepy town, don’t kid yourself. This town does not and I repeat, does not roll up its sidewalks at dusk. It just gets started.
Lewes is very accessible. If you are coming from Ocean City, Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach or Rehoboth Beach on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), there are several ways to go into the town. From Rt. 1 take Exit 9 East and follow the sign that says Cape May-Lewes Ferry. You will access Kings Highway and will pass the Cape Henlopen High School and its new beautiful building to be inaugurated this Fall. You will veer to the left and continue to follow the sign that says Historic Town. Follow the road and turn right on Savannah Rd. and then make a left turn on Second St.
Or, just follow Rt. 1 or Coastal Highway and turn right on Savannah Rd. (by the Arby’s) and follow the road until you reach the town and turn left on Second St.
Lewes does not have a Main St. Second St. is the main street and where the majority of the restaurants and shops are. Pretty much is all meter parking.
I was hungry for lunch, so my first stop was Cafe Azafran, located on 109 Market St., behind King’s Ice Cream, which is on Second St. (more on that ice cream store later). Their tel. is 302-644-4446. Their web site is www.CafeAzafran.com. This restaurant is Mediterranean and they also include tapas, which are small plates for sharing.
The lunch menu just made me want to come back for dinner.
I had the Marco’s Chef Salad and it was delicious. It had poached chicken and Spanish Serrano ham over field greens, endive, artichokes and hard boiled egg, roasted peppers, tomatoes and olives. Their dressing was balsamic vinaigrette. On top, it had a shaved Pecorino cheese. I had a refreshing iced tea for my beverage but they have an assortment of daily wine offerings from Italy, Spain and Chile. They also have homemade Sangria, Mango Bellinis and Espresso Martinis.
Plenty of desserts too like Affogato Mocha which is a dark chocolate gelato with espresso, Kahlua, Lewes Dairy whipped cream (local cream) and shaved chocolate.
The prices are very reasonable too. For more information, do check their web site so that you can see what they offer on their dinner menu.
Since I did not have any coffee after my lunch, I decided to march myself to King’s Ice Cream on 201 Second St. and have a taste of coffee ice cream, which people rave about.
King’s Ice Cream is a great place to go after a meal or just to have an ice cream and people watch from the benches outside their store. There is indoor seating too. King’s Ice Cream started in Milton, Delaware, in 1972. It is a family operated business and all ice cream is homemade. If you come to the Delaware beaches and you mention King’s ice cream, everyone knows what you are talking about. In case you need to contact King’s Ice Cream, the tel. is 302-645-9425.
The first store I decided to visit in this quaint town was the Beach Jetty. Everyone calls it the Jetty and their location is 123 Second St. The tel. is 302-645-4606. Maryanne and Pam were great with the customers and they had plenty of them. This store is a women’s shop with neat jewelry, and beautiful and casual clothing. Certainly, a must stop shop.
The next store on my walk around Lewes was Shorebreak. The owner, Josh, who is a local and native of Lewes, told me that he had just opened about 3 weeks ago. The address is 115 Savannah Rd. (Savannah and Second St.) and the tel. is 302-645-8488. The web site is www.shorebreaklewes.com, but it is still under construction. He has casual clothing for men, perfect for the kind of casual lifestyle, here at the beaches.
Back on Second St., I stopped at Deanna’s. This store is also a women’s shop that has clothing for a wide variety of tastes and styles. She has very nice accessories and gifts as well as a large selection of Dansko shoes, which are very popular. Her addres is 113 Second St. and the tel. is 302-644-1112. Deanna and her daughter are always ready to assist you and help with your selections.
Now, if you decide to stay in Lewes, there are more than a few places to stay. Here are a couple of them:
The Beacon Motel is located on 514 East Savannah Rd. For reservations, please call 1-800-735-4888 or 302-645-4888. This is a non-smoking motel. Major credit cards are accepted. For more information, you may go on their web site www.beaconmotel.com
Another place to stay is Hotel Rodney (Boutique Hotel) and it is located on 142 Second St. Their tel. is 302-645-6466 and the web site is www.hotelrodneydelaware.com You can walk to shops, restaurants, spas and museums.
I have only touched the surface of what this town has to offer. I will be back with more information soon.
In the meantime, visit Lewes and enjoy this historic town.
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