February 2nd, 2012
I don’t get to stay at the hotels in Rehoboth Beach, or in any of the other hotels at the Delaware Beaches. Why should I? I live in Rehoboth Beach.
But, I was just thinking that there are more than a few events in Rehoboth Beach during the month of February. For example, this week-end is the Polar Bear Plunge. If you decide to become a brave soul then, maybe, you need to pamper yourself a bit and stay at The Bellmoor.
The Bellmoor is located at 6 Christian St. Tel. 302-227-5800. Website? www.thebellmoor.com. It is casual, yet elegant and sophisticated. It is within walking distance of everything Rehoboth Beach has to offer; the Boardwalk and beach, shops, restaurants, bake shops and coffee shops.
Don’t let the words luxurious and elegant intimidate you. It has a casual atmosphere, as well. The Bellmoor offers concierge services, pools, and gardens.
At this time of the year it is the perfect place to stay. Competitive prices and great special packages make staying at the Bellmoor very affordable. Please check the website.
The Day Spa is wonderful, small and intimate. And, if you are a Polar Bear this week-end then, you know who to call. You will need it after the plunge. Tina, can set the appointment with Erin. She is great.
That’s all I have to say; straight to the point.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
July 27th, 2011
Taking a walk after such a satisfying meal, on Saturday evening felt good. Susie had found out that the Inn at the Black Olive was just around the corner from The Black Olive. It is owned by the same family. Besides wanting to check out the Inn we wanted to also check the rooftop restaurant called The Olive Room. Looking over the city at that time of the evening was going to be beautiful.
What a surprise!! We were right in front of it. We just could not believe how big it actually was. The address is 803 South Caroline St., Fells Point, MD 21231. Tel. 443-681-6316. The website? www.theblackolive.com.
We went in and noticed that there was a market on the first floor. It is The Agora Market. If you are staying at the Inn at the Black Olive you can get a variety of provisions for your room.
We asked if there was a possibility to see one of the suites. There are only 12 suites in the whole building; 2 on each floor.
The Inn at the Black Olive considers itself the greenest hotel in Baltimore. The Inn provides the most gentle and healthy environment possible for their guests. To see more info. on the green aspects of this Inn, please visit their website www.theblackolive.com.
We entered one of the rooms and each of the rooms is equipped to handle all technology needs using some solar electricity.
The rooms have organic furniture and bedding, olive oil/limestone bath walls, pipeless whirlpool, geothermal radiant heating and cooling. Organic breakfast and complimentary wine selection is available, as well.
The suite that was shown to us was comfortable with a good size bedroom and bathroom.
I cannot say the same thing with the living area. It seemed that the scale of the furniture and art were not in proportion to the size of the room. Something was missing.
Off to the rooftop we went. It is called The Olive room. We did not have dinner there, having just eaten at The Black Olive.
We met Pauline, owner. She was sitting outside and we chatted a bit. Then outside you will experience a brethtaking view of the city.
You can dine or have drinks outside, as well. Really, it is gorgeous.
Inside, the restaurant is well appointed. The menu looked divine with small plates to choose from or regular entrees. You can see the menu on the website above mentioned.
We said our goodbyes with the promise that we would definitely, come back and make an evening of it.
Note: Their website, www.theblackolive.com is a very good and comprehensive one. You will find so much on the history of the area. You will also find what makes this family of restauranteurs and innkeepers tick.
I think that our Saturday evening was over…..spending the day with Susie was…priceless!!
July 22nd, 2011
I have to laugh because last week when I went to Florida, one of my neighbors asked me, Not hot enough for you here? Florida has been, actually, cooler than the Delaware Beaches these past few days and I believe this week-end, as well.
I was very interested in seeing this B & B. There are so many people from our area that visit Florida. B & Bs are so popular. I want to pass this info. to my readers, just in case this might be something they might like to try. Besides the fact that most B & Bs, like the Historic Hartman House, serve its guests a gourmet breakfast, they all offer a different atmosphere. You also get to enjoy that personal touch of the owners, as well as their local knowledge. Where to go, what to do? Real tried and true information.
I finally met Benita; I will make sure I meet Jordan next time. She welcomed us (Rosalyn and I) with a smile on her face. And, I knew she was busy, but she still took the time to show us around.
The Historic Hartman House was built in 1923. It is located at 302 NE 7th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tels. 866-787-2302, 561-278-2302. E-mail address is historichartmanhouse@gmail.com. Website? www.delraybeachbedandbreakfast.com.
Please visit the website because there are packages that are so attractively priced, as well as the history of the B & B, and so much more.
There are 4 rooms in the Historic Hartman House. On the first floor the room called Pineapple Grove, just like the neighborhood in town, is wheelchair accessible. It was occupied, so we did not see it.
The other 3 rooms were upstairs.
There is Las Palmas.
The Blue Seas.
And the Highland Park Suite with an adjacent room with a sofa bed. This room has a mahogany dressing table, and a beautiful bathroom.
In the first floor, a fully equipped kitchen. That day they were preparing stuffed baked apples.
A breakfast room, and sofas and chairs to lounge and relax.
There is a small sunroom as well, with someone watching the door.
When you are their guest, you will get soft spa robes, plush mattresses, wireless internet, flat screen tvs, gourmet breakfast, late afternoon treats, and a gorgeous yard.
The 75 foot lap pool is very impressive. It takes center stage in that yard, surrounded by seagrapes, mango trees, key limes, avocado and orange trees.
I am not kidding, you really could sit out there all day. It is beautiful. Benita and Jordan have outdone themselves in preserving this historic house. The pine floors were beautifully refinished. It is a home.
The Historic Hartman House is secluded but with easy access to Atlantic Ave., shopping, restaurants and that gorgeous beach.
And, wait a minute, I am not finished yet. I think Benita or Jordan might be able to take you to a nearby destination in their very comfortable and modern golf cart.
I think the Historic Hartman House is a welcomed addition to that Village by the Sea.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
November 2nd, 2010
There are times that you feel so comfortable in a hotel that all you want to do is come back again and again. Just by chance I found One Ocean, back in July. I was looking for a hotel in the areas of Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach. Not knowing about it I booked this hotel on Atlantic Beach. I had not visited this town either.
Wonderfully surprised by the quaint town and accommodations; I have been there 3 times already. I wrote about it on July 18th so all you have to do is go on the left hand side of this website and click under Archives on the month of July, 2010 and scroll down to the 18th.
 Azurea, the restaurant One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa is located at One Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. Tel. 904-249-7402. They have a great website, www.oneoceanresort.com.
 Azurea's Bar This hotel has the best and easiest check-in procedure. All you do is drive to the front and give them your name and they will hand you the keys to your room with pertinent information. That’s it!!
One Ocean is a signature collection of luxury resorts. You can get as pampered as you want to or not. It is ocean front so all you do is walk out. Want to walk around Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach and check the shops and restaurants? It is all right there. That was an instant attraction for me; not having to use the car unless I wanted to.
 Azurea's Booths I had a room with a view and it was so nice. I never got tired of looking at that beach; north and south. It is so wide and long.
This hotel has captured the serenity of the ocean. Beautiful colors.
At 4 p.m. the lobby bar opens up and there you will find Hugh. Friendly chat and comfortable atmosphere.
Right before I left I had breakfast in the hotel. The service was good and my frittata was very tasty. Fruit was ordered, as well.
The other breakfast was enjoyed so much; the potatoes were delicious and the chorizo gave those eggs a kick.
I did not have dinner at the hotel but I understand that it is excellent under the supervision of Chef Ted Peters. Check the website to learn more about Azurea, its menu and Chef Peters’ bio. You will be impressed.
 Entry to Azurea, the restaurant
Have a great evening!! Talk to you later…
July 18th, 2010
This is one of those experiences that are unexpected but leave you pleasantly surprised.
I was looking for a different type of hotel while I was staying in the Jacksonville area. I made a reservation at One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa because it was in a small beachtown and it was ocean front. Little did I know that this hotel is known for its individualized service. It exceeded my expectations; location, service, rooms, and of course, the beach.
“Luxury is not just a lifestyle. It is an art form, and only the most skillful of artists can bring it to light. One Ocean is the first masterpiece in a collection of individualized luxury resorts known as The Gallery.”
Yes, that’s where I ended up and at the end of my stay I hated to leave. But, soon I will be back.
The hotel is owned by Remington. This is an independent hotel management company. They build hotels, operate them or perform asset management duties. The company is based in Dallas, Texas and for more information, please visit www.remingtonhotels.com.
The Gallery, under which One Ocean Resort falls under, is a signature collection of luxury resorts. They have world class accomodations, dining, spas and recreation.
The One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa is located at One Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. Tel. 904-249-7402. They have a great website, so if you want more info. please visit www.oneoceanresort.com.
The feeling I got when I entered this hotel was of serenity, the one brought by being in touch with the ocean.
I believe the hotel only has about 6 floors. It is, really the only high rise, if you consider that a high rise on Atlantic Boulevard. The valet guys were great and friendly, just like the staff I encountered. My room information was ready as I gave the valet my keys; no need to stop at the reception counter.
They want to cater to all your needs. One of the things that caught my attention was the Pet Menu. Yes, you heard me. Your pooch or cat might want to accompany you on this vacation. They have appetizers, entrees for either one and beverages. Plus, walking services can be arranged, as well.
Here goes the menu. I had to blog about it.
Appetizers: Science Diet Canned Selections, Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Paw’s Kitten Treats. Price? $3 and $4.
Entrees for Dogs: Schnauzer Spinach Salad with Corn and Chopped Beef, Chihuahua Chicken and Rice, which is diced chicken and steamed rice, and Open Faced Beagle Burger. $10 each
Entrees for Cats: Feline Tuna Carpaccio which is thinly sliced Ahi grade tuna, Siamese Salmon Filet, that being medium rare for the finicky feline, and last but not least, the Foie Gras Pate, made for only the finest breeds. Those entrees fluctuate from $8 to $14.
Beverages for both: Voss or Pellegrino waters. Or, milk.
I am not kidding you, it is true.
For the humans they have a great restaurant called Azurea. This restaurant is able to cater to all your needs, as well. You may dine indoors, outdoors, by the pool or in the privacy of your own room.
I hope you have had a great week-end. Too hot, isn’t it? Talk to you later…
Note: I think my Addy and her friends, Tucker, Bay, Mizzen or Aaron would love it here.
May 11th, 2010
I arrived in Boulder last Thursday, full of that East Coast “rush”. I don’t know why. I felt like I was talking and walking a mile a minute. Crazy.
I know that in some of my posts I always say to the people visiting the Delaware and Maryland Beaches to “kick back and relax”. Well, that is exactly what I did, even though it took me more than a few hours to get used to the altitude and the dry air.
Boulder is unique. As you approach the city, the first thing that comes into view are the Flatirons, which are the background to this college town.
What a difference!! A few hours before, I was in Delaware, at sea level, and now I was 5,700 feet high.
No, my oxygen level was fine and I was not huffing and puffing as I made my way to Jill’s Restaurant for a drink and a couple of appetizers to tie my group over until dinner time.
Jill’s Restaurant is a modern bistro that encourages organic farming practices. The restaurant showcases contemporary cuisine with a Mediterranean accent.
It seats 70, has a full bar, and a beautiful private room, called the Honey-Onyx Room. You may dine outdoors, weather permitting overlooking the Flatiron Mountains. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We sat at the bar. The restaurant was crowded since it was graduation week-end at University of Colorado, right in town.
We just wanted a few drinks and a little something to eat. We chose the Fat Tire Steamed Mussels, with roasted crostini. They were delicious and the broth was to die for. Fat Tire is an amber ale beer brewed in Fort Collins, Colorado. We also had the Veggie Spring Rolls with a Chili Ginger Sauce, which were very good, as well. We chatted, relaxed and took notice of how pretty this bistro was. The main dinning room had an open kitchen so you could appreciate the comings and goings of a busy restaurant. The whole set up was very comfortable.
Jill’s Restaurant is located at 900 Walnut Street. Tel. 720-406-7399. The website is http://www.jillsdining.com. Please check out the website because there are different events coming up during the month of May and other pertinent information.
The restaurant is in the St. Julien Hotel & Spa. This hotel is a sophisticated retreat. It has a serene atmosphere accentuaded by the gorgeous mountain views. Their tel. is 720-406-9696 or 720-406-8218. Website is www.stjulien.com.
It is beautiful with an attentive staff.
Yes, that is how my stay in Boulder started…..talk to you later….
April 13th, 2010
It has been 13 years since I last visited the island. I was visiting for serious personal reasons; not on holiday.
I flew from the Philadelphia airport. The airport was so quiet at that time of the morning; but not for long.
I heard noises coming from my gate; loud voices, kids screaming. Oh, how can I forget that some things never change!!
Latins are loud but Puerto Ricans have a Master’s Degree in Loud Speaking. I am including myself in this group. There have been times when I have had to tone myself down; just a few notches.
Spending almost 4 hours in an airplane will get you to meet the person next to you. I met Christina. Her parents were in the plane, as well. By the time I got to Puerto Rico, I knew her whole life story. I started to get a little worried when she asked for a bag in case she needed to throw up. She was pregnant and morning sickness was tugging at her. I just told her to please throw up to the other side. She was presented with a trash can bag. Can you imagine me landing in PR after all these years looking like, oh, well I am not getting into it.
Hey, I am kidding; I was ready to help her. She made out fine and full of happiness and with plenty of aspirations for the baby. She herself was one of 11 children from the same parents who were 47 and 53 years old. Yikes!! I wish her the best.
It was a smooth ride all the way until we hit San Juan; I missed the clapping upon arrival. I was surprised because it was a bit shaky.
I cannot imagine anyone contradicting me on the following. This airport has never been able to handle a smooth retrieval of luggage. Single file through just one revolving door for all the planes arriving that day. Then on to the actual waiting of luggage.
But, everything was forgotten as soon as I saw Sonia, Guiso and Margie; my welcoming committee.
I thought about leaving my blog quiet for those days but some time ago, when I started writing this blog, Roxana pointed out that Puerto Rico has beautiful beaches, as well. Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to write my experiences in La Isla del Encanto.
One thing Puerto Ricans do well is find the perfect places to eat. So lunch, drinks, catching up and a quick tour of my old stomping grounds; the Condado area, Ashford Ave., and on our way to Old San Juan; one of the oldest, most beautiful and romantic cities in this hemisphere.
I found some areas have remained untouched. Others, I wish they would have left them alone. This island is in economic chaos but building is still going on in Old San Juan. I love its cobblestones in the Old City and the narrow streets, the balconies, the vendors and the Port of San Juan.
Even though I have rated the Piraguas (snow cones) in PR as the best in the world, I did not have one. They really are the best.
The new Convention Center is strategically located taking advantage of its views towards Catano, home of the Bacardi Distillery.
Ahh…the sounds of the island; not the Coqui; that little green frog indigenous to Puerto Rico; but the horns, the loudspeakers on top of cars, announcing I don’t know what. I don’t think there is a political election yet.
The driving experience. Only when you go through it, you realize that it’s time to give thanks for being alive. Sonia went against the traffic, but who cares? Just another “Puertorriquenada.”
Finally, we arrived at “Hacienda Pellerano”, my home until Monday.
Hacienda Pellerano is in the city of Guaynabo, but you would think that it is in the middle of the rain forest. You can actually see, El Yunque (rain forest) from their house, at a distance, and on a clear day. My room was great. I had short and long robes embroidered with its name, slippers, candy and flowers.
Freshly squeezed juice every day, black espresso made by Mr. P; you were ready to face the day. The sounds of the parrots and the sights of the guacamayos passing by made you feel that you were certainly on an island. Iguanas and maybe an occasional monkey, as well.
The thing is that Hacienda Pellerano is private and by invitation only.
And, that’s how my stay began….
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….
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