Hotel Spotlight: Brown Palace Hotel, Denver, CO

The Brown Palace Hotel has been a permanent fixture in downtown Denver since August 12, 1892; well over 120 years ago! Think about that, 120 years! While the times have changed significantly since 1892, the luxuriousness and steadfast determination to continue to retain its relevancy throughout these changing times has kept the Brown Palace Hotel on the top of many, "luxury property" lists.

Oftentimes when I go into properties that have the older, elegant charm, I feel like they are outdated and need a "face lift," but I don't quite feel this way about the Brown Palace Hotel. Part of its charm is the fact that it is so old, and has maintained itself so well. I'm sure there have been updates throughout the years, but whenever I've been there, I've felt like a part of history, and that I should be twirling a parasol.  I was attending an event there recently, so it was great to hang out for awhile before the event started; especially since the last time I had been there was seven years ago when I took my mom to High Tea.

Roaming around the Brown Palace Hotel is fun. It's elegant, but unpretentious, and they have some of the most beautiful chandeliers on their property. Yes, I am somewhat enamored with chandeliers and snap

photos of them constantly whenever I am at a property that has them. There is a sense of intimacy throughout the Brown Palace Hotel, and what I appreciate the most are the seating areas dispersed throughout the property, so you can sit down and relax.There are several ballrooms on the property, and I can only imagine how grand they must be when hosting an event that is worthy to actually utilize a ballroom for its intended purpose; versus just a conference.

Also, there is the Tavern where you can grab a bite to eat; the center lobby area which hosts High Tea, and the Palace Arms is where the cigar smokers can revel in their own space, and enjoy their favorite smoke with a side of Brandy, Whiskey, Scotch, or whatever libation floats their boat.

Lest not forget the spa. Ahhhh, spa. It makes me feel relaxed just saying the word. They have a plethora of pleasing, and relaxing spa options to chose from, and I have no doubt that the spa is just as luxurious as the rest of this divine property. 

The young lady who was working in the spa store allowed me to wander around their store and snap pictures at my leisure. There is a large selection of spa and beauty products to chose from, so anybody would be hard-pressed to say they couldn't find a product that suited their individual needs. There are splendid and decadent spa packages that are offered, as well as à la carte options too. I scooped up one of their brochures and made a promise to myself to get back there before the end of the year  - one of their spa packages has my name written on it!

*Photos by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com

French Wine Bar - Ô Chateau

It is with much delight and happiness that I recently found out that a relatively new wine bar has opened up in France called, Ô Chateau. I had the opportunity to be hosted at Olivier's flat (one of the owners of Ô Chateau), for wine classes he held. He did the regions of France's wine country a great service, as I tasted wines that I never would have had the opportunity to taste before, and the Champagne he selected for our tastings were out of this world.

What I appreciated most about Olivier, was his supreme knowledge of the varied wine regions in France, but more importantly, he enjoyed what he was doing. While he took the presentation of the wine seriously, he did not take himself too seriously. His quick wit, and off the cuff comments made me laugh out loud, and provided me one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had in Paris.So yes, the wine was the main focal point, but Olivier was definitely the man of the hour!

I haven't had the opportunity to visit Ô Chateau since it's opening, but now that I know about it, I will be making a beeline just as soon as I can plan my next adventure to Paris.

Cheers to you Olivier and wishing you much success!

By the way, I searched high and low for the photo I took of Olivier, but alas, I could not locate it in my vast array of photos. Should I find that photo, I'll definitely post it!

*Photo taken by That Chick Té

Travel and Relax Guilt Free!

I've never understood why people feel guilty when they go on vacation. It is a much deserved treat that people oftentimes deny for themselves because they feel they can't afford it; they have other responsibilities, or they feel that if they leave everything will go to shambles.

Every month there are countless magazines and blog postings extolling the virtues of travel as a means to destress. Travel does not necessarily mean somewhere far away, sometimes the best trips can literally be found right in your backyard (i.e. camping in your backyard, or "staycations" at a nice hotel in your city).

I have begun reading a book I picked up a few days ago titled, A Calm Brain: Unlocking Your Natural Relaxation System, by Gayatri Devi, M.D. The book is about relaxation techniques, but one part in particular really stuck out to me. The author discusses how she was eavesdropping on a conversation while she was being held captive, stuck at Brussels airport awaiting her flight departure. During this time, she overheard two gentlemen talking, and in their exchange, the older of the two gentlemen advised the younger gentleman (as they traded each others contact information), that he would be unreachable for a month, as he cuts off all contact while traveling. The older gentleman went on further to say that while it wasn't easy at first, he had to teach people (his coworkers and assistant) that, "People can manage without you...Everyone is dispensable." 

The exchange between the two gentlemen was a wonderful commentary on our society, because the older gentleman admitted (paraphrasing) that while he may not be as successful in the corporate world as others, he felt, "healthy," and "at peace."

I haven't completed the book yet, but that section resonated with me, because even the author admitted that when she first heard the older gentleman explaining how he goes away and cuts himself off from society, that her first thought was that she, "felt sorry for the people he works with," but as she thought about it more, she realized that maybe there was something to that complete disconnection.

Fortunately, I do not suffer from that affliction that most people have of feeling that they are indispensable and are constantly needed. However, even I must admit that I feel a bit lost when I am without my BlackBerry's...at least initially, but after about twenty-four hours at my destination, I appreciate not having any disturbances and constant ringings and bingings of phone calls and alerts.

Perhaps you may not feel comfortable completely disconnecting while on vacation, but maybe you can take small steps and limit the amount of time you spend checking your emails and listening to voice mail messages. I think your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.

Namaste.

*photo provided by freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com

In London for Olympics? Don't Forget to Eat!

For those lucky enough to be in London to celebrate the Olympics and all its incredible festivities - KUDOS to you! The city is alive with the sheer electricity of the event, but even on its own merits,  London is one of the most visited cities in the world!

If you are in London or thinking about visiting London in the future, here are a few restaurants that have tantalized taste buds of visitors from around the world:

• Hereford Road (/www.herefordroad.org/)  is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant boasts itself as "bringing whole-hearted, robust, simple British cooking ... using the great wealth of our national produce." Located on, where else, but 3 Hereford Road, Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4AB.

• With its 2 star Michelin rating, L'Autre Pied (www.lautrepied.co.uk/) serves up delicious  French Cuisine in a festive and interestingly decorated environment. L'Autre Pied is located at 5-7 Blandford Street, London W1U 3DB (don't miss its sister restaurant - Pied à Terre).

• Located in the popular Piccadilly area of London,  The Wolsely (/www.thewolseley.com/) serves up delectable European fare throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have daily High Tea that should not be missed.
• If you are looking for an elegant and perfectly executed High Tea experience, make a reservation for High Tea at the incomparable Savoy (www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/savoytea/). Situated in the Upper Thames Foyer; this newly renovated (multi-million dollar Fairmont property) has hosted some of the biggest names and talents in the world. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ambiance of the luxurious Savoy Tea.

London hasn't always been known for its culinary fare; however, over the past ten to twenty years, the landscape of the chefs coming up through the ranks and opening up restaurants in London (Chef Gordon Ramsey, to name one of the most popular), has significantly raised the bar for those foodie finders out there.

Regardless if you are able to stop into one of these Gold Medal establishments or not; just make sure to grab a pint (or two) at a local pub and partake of some Bangers & Mash or Fish & Chips!

*photos provided by www. freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com

The Art of Travel Part 9: Your Return

(Long Sigh)...So, you return back home from trekking across the Himalayas; dining in Aruba; surfing in Hawaii, or wherever your travels have taken you, but now, it's back to the real world. Don't fret! There is a bit of a letdown feeling once your travels are completed, but it also feels good to be back home too.

My recommendation to beat the "just returned from vacation blues," is to start planning another trip! While most of us can ill afford to take back to back vacations, it is fun to go through all of your new photos and treasures you picked up on your recent trip, and then start planning another fabulous vacation! As my business partner always says, "I need something to look forward to." I get it.

Upon your return you should:

• Share your photos (maybe not all of your photos), with your friends and family. You can FaceBook, Pinterest, and any other forms of sharing that you may utilize.
• If you have a desk at work or a home office, place a couple of your most recent photos up at your desk, but also put up a couple of photos of destinations you would like to explore in the future. This way, you can gaze at your past experiences, and relish in anticipation for  your next trip.
• Perhaps you experienced top level service at the resort or hotel where you stayed. Send an email or write a nice card to the property letting them know that your expectations were exceeded, and if there were any particular staff members that are memorable - call out their names. Hey, everybody likes to be appreciated, and it will make them feel good that they helped to enhance your vacation experience. 
• Conversely, if you had a sub par experience, you should let them know too. That doesn't mean you have to get on TripAdvisor and blast the property, but a polite letter to the MOD (Manager on Duty) or GM (General Manager) is always appreciated. They need to know what they are doing well, and where they have areas of opportunity. 
• Finally, take some time to decompress and recall your experiences. Vacations don't come everyday, so extend that feel good mood for as long as you can!

*photo provided by freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com

Pizza Brings Happiness - Story on a Random Act of Kindness!

Whenever I hear or read stories like this, they really touch my heart. Seriously. While I don't wear my emotions on my sleeve, I do enjoy a "feel good story," and I also try to be the "pay it forward" type of person too, so this story was too compelling for me not to mention. Also, since it has to do with food...well, it goes without saying, I was ALL over it!

I will provide the link to the original story: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/family-makes-good-dying-family-member-last-wish-183919770.html. A young man, Aaron Collins, recently passed away, and his last wish was to have his family go out for a pizza dinner, and leave the waiter or waitress a $500 tip.

The family has a website up where they are taking donations, and they plan on continuing this theme for as long as they continue to receive donations. They said that every time they accrue $500 on the site, they will go and brighten another waiter or waitresses day. Big high fives to them! So, this is my feel good Friday post! Hopefully you all will go out and do something to make yourself and someone else feel good too!  Bon Appétit!

*photo provided by freedigitalphotos.net

 

www.chicksthattrip.com

Trucking Right Along!

Can you believe this year is half way over? As I celebrated the 4th of July holiday it struck me that this year is at the midway point, and I still have SO much to accomplish.

I got to thinking about truck drivers. They cover a lot of territory over a few days, and they tend to see it all. Hailstorms, fires, floods, snow storms and the like, but yet, they keep trucking right along. When I used to drive from Colorado to California (and back) during my college years, I enjoyed sharing the highways with these  road warriors, because they knew how to keep moving, even during the worst situations.

A large portion of our country has been immersed in a serious heat wave. Power has been out  for a large portion of those in the Northeast region, and fires have taken hold of Colorado and several other bordering states like Wyoming and New Mexico. I don't know about you all, but if there ever was a time to take a vacation, it would be now. Wherever your travels may take you during these summer months, enjoy them and keep on trucking!

*photo provided by freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com

The Art of Travel Part 8: Enjoying Your Time Away

Finally...you are relaxing on your perfect vacation! This is the time for you to sit back so you can eat, drink and be merry. Take in the sights and sounds around you without feeling pressured to be anywhere.
The beauty of vacations is that your itinerary can change at anytime; especially when you are traveling solo. If you wake up one day and decide you'd rather wander around neighbors, versus going to the museum - you can do that!

Sip a nice glass of wine while sitting at a quaint cafe, while doing some interesting people watching. Chat with the locals in order to hear about their lives, and the culture you are visiting during your vacation. Soak it all in, because these are the stories you will be telling your friends and family about when you return from your travels.

Being on vacation is a time to refresh your mind, body and spirit. There shouldn't be anything rushed about it, unless you are on an adventure seeking trip, and in that case, the whole trip will likely be a rush! Jumping out of planes; bungee jumping; mountain climbing - whatever your adventures may entail.

Wherever your travels may take you this year, make sure you revel in the pure luxury of just being allowed the time away, because real life will be there when you return.

*photo of food tray taken by Grant Cochran and provided by www.freedigitalphotos.net; photo of red wine by chawalitpix and provided by www.freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com

Bottoms Up! Culinary Connectors - Beer Tour -Preview

I'm calling this a preview because I haven't actually taken the tour yet; however, I was cruising through Culinary Connectors site to find a tour for some clients that will be staying in Aspen for a vacation, and in my perusing their site, I saw the Craft Beer Tour...very cool! I've heard wonderful things about Culinary Connectors, so I figured that it would be an opportune time to try out some of their tours, and to have some fun downtown. It's baseball season, so I can't imagine a more appropriate tour to take right now; especially if it happens to be a day that the Colorado Rockies are playing!

Culinary Connectors operates in Denver, Boulder and Aspen, Colorado, so they provide a variety of restaurants to accommodate many palettes. I will write a review once I've actually taken the tour, but until then, check out their website to see some of the wonderful tours that they offer. Looking at their website makes my mouth water...


*Image courtesy of: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

www.chicksthattrip.com

The Art of Travel: Part 7 - Arriving to Your Destination

Arrival to your destination is filled with a strange feeling of euphoria. You are excited to be there, yet, you can sometimes feel a bit of discomfort by being in unfamiliar territory; especially if you are traveling to a destination where there is a language barrier.

There are quite a few things that are important to navigate once you arrive into your final destination, and this segment will discuss a few of those items to make your arrival as stress free as possible.

• Prior to disembarking from whatever mode of transportation you've utilized (plane, train, automobile), make certain that you check the area you were sitting in, to ensure you haven't forgotten anything. There is nothing worse than to lose items while traveling.
• Keep all important documents close to your body. There are quite a few carrying cases/pouches that are sold whereby you can attach the case/pouch to your waist, or other parts of your body. Incidentally, avoid placing all of your money in the same place (if traveling with money). Keep some money in separate places throughout your luggage and on your body. 
• Maintain control of your luggage at all time. If you have checked luggage, it is best to go to the restroom prior to picking up luggage from baggage claim, that way you won't have to shuttle all of your luggage into the restroom with you.
• If you have rented a car, make sure that you place your luggage into the car yourself; be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are traveling alone and/or arrive late at night.
• If you are using shuttle service or private transportation, maintain control of your luggage as long as possible, and keep your eye on exactly where your luggage was placed. This isn't paranoia, it's being practical, because so many people have similar luggage that it's easy to get your luggage confused with others...which leads to the next tip.
• Have some highly identifiable luggage tag on  your luggage, so that it is easy to spot. There are a lot of people who purchase brightly colored luggage tags, and even unique luggage itself so as not to be easily confused with others luggage.
• Once you have arrived at your hotel (assuming you are staying at a hotel), make sure to take several of the hotels business cards to have with you, just in case you get lost. It's easier to provide a taxi driver with the business card for the exact location of your hotel, or to obtain directions if you have the business cards.
• If you unpack your belongings on trips (I typically don't, I like my luggage to remain packed so that if anything goes awry, it's easy to scoop up and get out - just my thing), make sure to peruse the room first. Check the bathrooms, under the beds, etc, to make sure things are clean and that the other occupants haven't left anything that house cleaning may not have found. 
• I discourage traveling with valuables; especially to certain destinations, but if you do, make certain that if you utilize the in-room safes, that you check it out prior to placing your belongings in the safe. 

While vacations are supposed to be fun experiences, the reality is that there are unscrupulous people out there that would love nothing more than to separate you from your belongings. I had a purse stolen on a vacation in the Bahamas several years ago, and it made me become even more vigilant in making sure that I am always aware of my surroundings at all times. It had a fairly good out come, as I did obtain my purse back, along with most of its contents, except for my cell phone and about $200 cash. It was a valuable lesson for me, but I learned that it's my responsibility to ensure the safety of me and my personal belongings (friends were supposed to be watching our belongings as some of us danced - clearly that didn't work out too well).


*photo provided by That Chick Té

www.chicksthattrip.com