Second Edition - 2013 The Alamo - San Antonio Texas

San AntonioA True Texas Jewel

to a Friend

Pass

Accommodations bull Attractions bull Events bull Destinations

Call an for your

Hotel Guide pecial rate

20thAnniverary

Granbury Wine Festival Bohananrsquos Restaurant Westin Kierland Resort

About the CoverThe iconic Alamo in San Antonio Texas is one of the most-visited attractions in the State of Texas and embod-ies the true Texas spirit (Photo Courtesy of the SACVB)

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs ResortScottsdale Arizona

The Alamo City

San AntonioTX 8

Bohananrsquos Restaurant 10

Las Casas Foundation 12

Aldacorsquos Stone Oak - San Antonio TX 14

Houston International Festival 16

Granbury Wine Walk - Granbury TX 20

Mansion at Judges Hill - Austin TX 22

Destinations 27

Tapatio Cliffs Resort 28

The Jade Hotel 30

The Royal Hawaiian 32

Westin Kierland Resort 34

Gulf Coast of Mississippi 36

Arizona Biltmore 37

St Barth - Caribbean 38

Experiences 40

Paris France (Part two) 41

Table of Contents

wwwthehotelguidecom 3

The Arizona BiltmoreArizona

Granbury Wine FestivalGranbury Texas

2 wwwthehotelguidecom

Edward R LeosPublisher

Jennifer LeosAssociate Publisher

Angie CroninDirector of National Sales

JoAnn BooneSenior Travel Writer

Daniel LeosIllustrator

Jordan ApodacaDeanna Barrett

Danielle GuttingerLyndsey Huggins

Chriselda PachecoContributors

Contact InformationThe Hotel GuidePO Box 592418

San Antonio TX 78259Toll-free

(877) HTL-GDE1phone (210) 857-2003infothehotelguidecomwwwthehotelguidecom

Special Thanks tobull Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

bull Denver Convention amp Visitorrsquos Bureaubull Texas Department of Tourism

bull Texas Department of Transportationbull Texas Hotel and Lodging Association

bull Texas Travel Industry Associationbull Las Vegas CVB

bull Austin CVBbull Tyler CVB

bullGalvestonCVBbull Houston CVB

bull Corpus Christi CVBbull New Braunfels CVB

bull El Paso CVBbull Lubbock CVB

bull Granbury CVBbull San Antonio CVB

Copyright 2013 The Hotel GuideAll rights reserved No part of this book may be reprinted in whole or without written permission from the publisher The Hotel Guide

does not assume any liability for errors in advertisements or editorial which may appear in this magazine

A Word Fromthe Publisher

ring is upon us and the desire to travel

is peaking Fortu-nately at The Hotel Guide we have a myriad of incredible hotels resort desti-nations and events featured to placate your thirst Spring Adventures Venturing to Texas Well you canrsquot miss seeing San Antonio and the wealth of things the Alamo City has to offer - including the Alamo the Riverwalk two great theme parks and more If you will be in the North Texas area then Granbury Texas is a prime spot Later this month you can experience the Granbury Wine Walk - an event you surely donrsquot want to miss Arizona seems to have some impeccable resorts and we feature three of them in this edition - TheW-estin Kierland Resort Tapatio Cliffs Resort and the Arizona Biltmore All of these majestic properties have something to offer the discerning traveler and are made to deliver memorable experiences On the East Coast Swing by one of the newest little gems in Greenwich Village - the Jade Hotel This boutique property offers guests a truly fun experience For those travelers who are looking to leave the continental United States try visiting St Barth which is in full regatta season Or travel to the luxurious island of Oahu and stay at one of the islands grand dames - the Royal Hawaiian Either way bring your bathing suit and be ready to take it easy on the beach Send us your Travel ExperiencesBook Travel For great story ideas or to be a part of our ldquoExpe-riencesrdquo section send me a personal e-mail by clicking here Looking for great hotel deals Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here Happy Travels

Sbeautiful

magicalmemorable

wwwriosanantoniocom

River Taxi bull Private Charters bull Special Events

Ride the Rio

riosanantonio

(210) 244-5700(800) 417-4139

Connect ShareEngage

wwwthehotelguidecom 54 wwwthehotelguidecom

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL SPA amp CONFERENCE CENTER Stay in a spacious two-room suite with complimentary made-to-order omelet and breakfast buffet each morning Spa Botanica located inside the hotel will pamper you at their full service spa with a massage facial nail and salon services Then wrap up the day with a complementary managerrsquos reception And with 78000 sqft of conference space one of the 19 rooms will be just the perfect size for your meeting 512-392-6450

SAN MARCOS RIVER The crystal clear San Marcos River is the perfect place to cool off Snorkel kayak or rent a tube at City Park float to Rio Vista Falls then shuttle back and start again

LIVE MUSIC When the sun sets enjoy live music at the Texas Music Theater or Cheatham Street Warehouse where many music legends got their start

3

OUTLET SHOPPING The San Marcos Outlets is the largest outlet shopping center in the United States and feature 260+ shops Enjoy shopping upscale designers to name brand stores with amazing discounts of up to 65 off

Top 9Reasons to Love

SAN MARCOS

wwwtoursanmarcoscom | 5123935930

4

NATURE TRAILS Bring a 4-legged friend for a hike on our trails Pet friendly hotels are available

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Stroll around the Square to shop and dine then stay to enjoy night life and live music

DICKrsquoS CLASSIC GARAGE Home to more than 80 pristine American classic cars dating back to 1929

987WONDER WORLD CAVE Go deep underground in the nationrsquos only example of an earthquake-formed cave

AQUARENA CENTER Marvel at underwater marine life in a glass bottom boat or glass bottom kayak

65

21

SportsSMTX

TourSanMarcos

(SMCVB)HotelGuideindd 1 32513 442 PM

6 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 7

Texas

TEXAS TEXAS

8 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 913SACV332_HotelGuide_BONUS_m01indd 1 4213 1207 PM

TEXAS TEXAS

an Antonio is a city rich in heritage and

full of unique tradi-tions andcultures So when you stop by for a visit therersquos no telling what yoursquoll experience Perhaps yoursquoll try one of our legendary tamales go swimming with a beluga whale tour a 300-year-old mis-sion or spend hours gazing at famous sculptures and paintings But no matter what you do yoursquore sure to have an adventure yoursquoll never forgetHeart of the City In downtown San Antonio you can get almost any-where by simply taking a stroll down the River Walk Along the way yoursquoll find miles of restaurants art gal-leries chic boutiques cool breezes andof course the Alamo

S Texas Hill Country Just outside of downtown yoursquoll not only find the beauty and greenery of the Texas Hill Country yoursquoll find the largest caverns in Tex-as five theme parks more than 50 golf courses and much more Simply put San Antonio offers so many things to do that yoursquoll find something new and exciting every time yoursquore in townMore infoGo to wwwvisitsanantoniocom

San AntonioPerfect Texas GetawaypickPublisherrsquo

s

hether yoursquore looking for an unbeatable din-

ing experience or an upscale bar that offers all the classics look no further than Bohananrsquos Prime Steaks amp Sea-food and its downstairs counterpart Bohananrsquos Restaurant amp BarHistory Established in 2002 by Owner and Executive Chef Mark Bohanan Bohananrsquos Prime Steaks amp Sea-food offers Japanese Akaushi Steaks and Mesquite-grilled Prime Aged Center Cuts of Midwestern corn fed beef as well as an array of fresh seafood and flaming table-side desserts With an award-winning wine list and house-blended coffee the dining experience at Bohananrsquos is nothing short of extraordinaryNationwide Excellence Regarded nationwide for its excellence Bohananrsquos Prime Steaks amp Seafood is the premier steakhouse in the Alamo City Together the intimate atmosphere attentive staff and vintage feel capture guests and turns dinner into a true event to remember No matter what the occa-sion from birthdays to anniversaries Bohananrsquos is the place to celebrate and indulge Located just above the iconic San Antonio River Walk Bohananrsquos is part of the vibrant historic Downtown San Antonio community that makes our city so special and no visit to San Antonio would be complete without expe-riencing the best in fine diningLunch and more Already have dinner plans Bohananrsquos Restaurant amp Bar is open for lunch With menu offering a range of delicious lighter options Bohananrsquos Restaurant amp Bar is a must Now serving lunch from 11 am ndash 2 pm the downstairs half of Bohananrsquos is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a mid-day treat complete with all of the elegance and quality you can find upstairs From the moment you step off trendy Houston Street and through the etched glass doors of Bohananrsquos it feels like you have stepped back in time The atmosphere

W is simultaneously elegant sophisti-cated and warm encouraging you to stay a while for good conversation and relaxationPhenomenal Bar The star of the show at Bohananrsquos Restaurant amp Bar however is the stunning 70-foot cherry wood bar that stretches through the establishment This is a bar dedicated to quality and class not your typical watering

hole Hand-crafted by expert bartenders using only top-shelf products the freshest ingredients and custom ice the cocktails at Bohananrsquos are of the highest pedigree If yoursquore looking to extend your experience at 219 East Houston Street stop by the bar after dinner or as you stroll through historic downtown for classic craft cocktails and your favorite late-night bitesSan Antonio Cocktail Conference Bohananrsquos is proud to call Downtown San Antonio and Houston Street in particular home and the restau-rant strives to foster community involvement Two years ago Chef Bohanan had a vision of bringing the Down-town San Antonio community together to showcase all that the area has to offer This idea blossomed and grew to become the San Antonio Cocktail Conference The first of its kind in Texas the conference brought industry experts from around the globe to San Antonio to educate and collaborate about mixology and craft cocktail culture The inaugural and second annual San Antonio Cocktail Conference have brought tremendous publicity and attention to the Alamo City while raising funds for HeartGift San Antonio a nonprofit organiza-tion that provides life-saving heart surgery to children from countries where the care they need is either un-available or inaccessibleContact Us From unique lunch options and flaming desert dis-plays to intimate elegant dinners and craft cocktails Bohananrsquos is the place to go for the finest in upscale dining Visit wwwbohahanscom

BohananrsquosRestaurant amp Bar

Creating a Divine Experience

TEXAS

10 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 11

pickPublisherrsquos

Charline and Red McCombs and

the Host Committee invite you for

a unique opportunity to support

the Las Casas High School

Scholarship for Excellence in

the Performing Arts Competition

AND see IL DIVO mdash live All

proceeds derived from the

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

and Bohananrsquos Restaurant ticket

sales will go to this one-of-a-

kind scholarship program that

has already awarded $300000

to graduating seniors from

our area high schools

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

515 Pre-Show Cocktails and 600 Dinner amp Honors

Includes 1st Priority Seating Ticket and Majestic Valet Parking

$500 per person Cocktails and Dinner

Bohananrsquos Restaurant

ndash Bar Level ndash630 Pre-Show Reception

Includes 2nd Priority Seating Ticket

Majestic Valet Parking Hors drsquoOeuvres Wine and a Special Drink Honoring

Joci Straus

$250 per person

VIP SEaTIng IS LIMITED

Call today

210-223-4343

or Email

dorenLasCasasFoundationorg

TUESDAY MAY 14 2013 AT THE MAJESTIC THEATRE

LAS CASAS FOUNDATION INVITES YOU TO JOIN US IN HONORING THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT OF

JOCELYN L STRAUS

PROUDLY FEATURING

12 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 13

TEXAS TEXAS

ee talented high school seniors break a leg as

they vie for almost $75000 in scholarship money during the fifth annual Las Casas Per-forming Arts Scholar-ship Competition at theCharline McCombs Empire Theater 226 N St Maryrsquos Street on Sunday May 19 at 600 pm Competition final-ists will perform before a panel of judges as well as an audience anxious to see the best and brightest young performers that San Antonio has to offer Tickets for the competition areavailable for $10 per person and can be purchased starting April 5 at the Majestic Theatre Box Office bycalling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or at the door of the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre the evening of the perfor-mance Ticket sales benefit the competi-tionrsquos scholarship fundGreat Competition The competition features four perform-ing arts categories that are judged inde-pendently Vocal SoloActing Solo Acting Duet and Dance Solo Scholarships ranging from $750 to $5000 are awarded ineach category and an additional $5000 is awarded to the overall winner of the competition The scholarship program is designed to award financial assistance to college-bound high school seniorsbased on their interests and abilities in the performing arts and is open to students attending Texas public and private high schools and home schools to include San Antonio and surrounding areas Almost 100 students from 35 different schools en-tered this yearrsquos competition representing schools in San Antonio Boerne Seguin McAllen Pleasanton Dripping

S Springs Austin Hondo Medina ValleyKerrville Brennan and Kirby as well as teens who are homeschooled The competition finalists will be determined during preliminary auditions held at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in AprilFifth Annual This is the fifth year Las Casas Foun-dation has hosted the scholarship competition Since

its inception the Las Casas Performing Arts Scholarship Competition has awarded almost $300000 in scholar-

ship money in the disciplines of theatre acting and musical theatre singing and dancing to deservingstudents Each year nationally-ac-claimed theatre professionals select scholarship winners based ontheir performances The 2013 Las Casas Performing Arts Scholarship Competi-tion judges panel includes actor writer and director Seth Fisher director David Green who also serves as the Execu-tive Director of the Dr Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts dancer choreographer and director Robin Lewisactressmdashas well as Las Casas Performing Arts Scholarship Competition alummdashGrace Phipps and TexasMedal of Arts winner and Tony Award-nominated actor and writer Joe SearsWho is Las Casas Best known for its starring role restoring San Antoniorsquos two historic

performing arts gems the MajesticTheatre and the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Las Casas Foundation works to support and promote the performing arts in San Antonio For more information on Las Casas Foundation and the scholarship competi-tion visit wwwlascasasfoundationorg

Supporting Performing ArtsLas Casas Foundation

an Antonio has long been known for incred-ible Mexican food

and for the past 20 years Aldacorsquos has kept up the tradition Founded by itrsquos namesake Blanca Aldaco the restaurant has won many awards for their food delectable desserts tasty margaritas and unforget-table ambiance After launching the origi-nal Aldacorsquos near Sunset Station and subsequently moving into the facility adja-cent to the Alamodome the restaurant has earned local regional and national acclaimAppetizers with a Flare If you are looking for little bit everything then you must try ldquoLa Botanardquo which comes with two quesadillas al carbograven three flautas four fried cream jalapentildeos four bean amp cheese nachosguacamole and sour cream As you gear up for dinner the choices range from incredi-

S

Aldacorsquos Stone OakAward-Winning Food and More

Free shuttle after 5 pm100 Hoefgen Sunset Station

San Antonio TX 78205wwwaldacosnet 2102220561

lunch amp dinnerpatio dining

margaritas

Located in historic downtown

A San Antonio Tradition for 20 Years

20079 Stone Oak ParkwaySan Antonio Texas 78258

(210) 494-0561wwwaldacos-stoneoakcom

Delicious Foodbull Open Daily for Lunch amp Dinner bull Award-Winning Drinks bull Delectable Desserts

ble enchiladas to steaks to freshly-prepared seafood Try the incomparable Chile Relleno or their scrump-tious Fish Tacos Aldacorsquos also offers a Gluten-Free and Celiac menu for their guestsDelectable Desserts Your dining experience isnrsquot complete without a serving of Blancarsquos famous Original Pastel Tres Leches dessert It is sinfully delicious and melts in your mouth Another ldquodessertrdquo that Aldacorsquos is known for are their award-winning margaritas You have to try the infamous Avaca-do Margarita or the Margarita Pour Off winner Either way if you love these tasty treats

Aldacorsquos has the answer Groups The restaurant also has a private dining room that holds up to 100 guests for those intimate gatherings For more info visit wwwaldacos-stoneoakcom

pickPublisherrsquos

14 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 15

TEXAS

elebrating its 43rd year the 2013 Houston Interna-tional Festival (HIF) is proud to highlight the culture of South America with a focus on the art music

and cuisine of Brazil With more than 200000 visitors expected the highly anticipated event will take place on April 20-21 and April 27-28 in Downtown Houston from 1100 am to 800 pm Attendees can expect the exotic excitement of Brazil showcased through world class musical performances artisan demonstrations interactive exhibits and a variety of food and fun for all ages ldquoWersquore truly expecting this year to be our biggest year yetrdquo said Kim Stoilis President and CEO of the Houston Festival Foundation lsquoIn addition to an all-star headliner lineup wersquore kicking off with Brazilrsquos most internationally successful artist Sergio MendesrdquoFestival Kick-Off The Festival Kick-off at Hobby Center will take place on Friday April 12th at 800 pm featuring the Brazil-ian pop legend Sergio Mendes and the Casa Samba Dancers ushering in the splendid sounds of classic Bra-zilian music and offering a folk arts experience Snapshot of Festival Stretching across 12 acres of downtown Houston including City Hall Upper and Lower Tranquility Park Li-brary Plaza and Bagby Walker and McKinney Streets the Houston International Festival will feature multiple entertainment-themed zones filled with great music from around the world including music from the honored country of Brazil reggae jazz blues Americana music and childrenrsquos programming This yearrsquos lineup spotlighting Brazil features a con-tinuous flow of music dance and cultural performances with 2013 Headliners to include Los Lobos Bootsy Col-lins Diogo Nogueira The Wailers and Aaron Neville

Highlights include

CHEVRON BRAZIL LIVING MUSEUM Returning festival partner Chevron will sponsor the Chevron Brazil Living Museum which will allow attend-ees the opportunity to immerse themselves in Brazilian culture through an interactive experience modeling the atmosphere activities and traditions of Brazil The Liv-

Cing Museum will include a replica of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) the iconic statue found in Rio de Janeiro interactive exhibits featuring Brazilian music and Carnival a Brazilian Nature Center and an exhibit showcasing Nossa Senhor do Bonfim

(Our Lord of the Good End) featuring a large structure inspired by the architecture of the most famous Catholic Church in Salvador and a major land-mark in the State of Bahia This area will also house the H-E-B Cultural Stage featur-

ing wonderful Brazilian cultural performances and workshops as well as cooking dem-onstrations provided by H-E-B Cooking Connections and GOYA Foods

GLOBAL VILLAGE Located in Upper Tranquility Park this zone will include the Bud Light World Music Stage featuring international headliners and musical genres such as reg-gae world beat funk Latin pop Texas rock and more The area will also house the iFest Pub where guests can enjoy a wonderful selection of beers from around the world New to the festival is the Passport Lounge presented by IKEA a shaded area near the Bud Light World Music Stage with full service bar and exclusive restroom access

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS The high-quality Houston International Festival Mar-kets are unsurpassed in selection quality and authentici-ty Each market area is designed around a geographical theme to offer the vendor a rich and beautiful market venue from which to sell products and to attract a large crowd Markets to be featured include Latin Asian and Middle Eastern Local European and African amp Carib-bean which will showcase vendors representing these particular regions

FINE ART AND FINE CRAFT MARKET The Houston International Festival Fine Art and Fine Craft Market is a city-block gallery exclusively reserved for the display and sale of the works of art from artists

Experience Culture43rd Annual Houston Interntational Festival

TEXAS

16 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 17

around the globe Visitors will be able to shop an array of fine art and fine craft booths featuring artists from multiple countries and cultures who create in various mediums includ-ing photography paint-ing wood ceramics and paper The Texas Entertain-ment Stage will also be housed in this area fea-turing top regional and local performers

GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY KIDSrsquo WORLD Located at Tranquility Park between Lower Tranquility and Upper Tranquility the Green Mountain Energy Kidsrsquo World will feature culturally inspired family fun Local non-profit organizations will provide hands-on activities

for all ages and guests are encouraged to relax in the lounge while enjoying live music and dance demonstra-

tions

FESTIVAL HOURS amp ADMIS-SION The Festival will take place Saturdays and Sun-days 11 am - 8 pm Dis-counted packages are on sale at the festival website wwwifestorg now Individual tickets will go on sale on February 15 Adults $18 Children

$5 (ages 3-12) The festival is free for children under 3 years old For more information call 713-654-8808 or visit wwwifestorg Connect on social media at Facebookcomifest and iFest hashtag HoustoniFest

Click amp Save

Save Money WhenBooking Your Travel with Us

18 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 19

TEXAS

Dynamic Innovative Impressive Everything you want your meeting or event to be is found in one place The Hurst Conference Center is minutes away from everything DFW has to offer Restaurants shops sporting events attractions airports and more Our state-of-the-art facility has over 50000 square feet of flexible event space with seating for up to 900 in the Grand Ballroom and 300 in Meeting Rooms Full audio-visual presentation equipment and production is available in-house plus wi-fi is readily accessible throughout the building Everything you need to make a lasting impression is right here in our amenity-rich facility Find out how the Hurst Conference Center is central to your success by contacting our sales team today

THE WOW FACTOR HAS A NEW ADDRESS

(817) 581-0044 infohurstcccom wwwhurstcccom

11-COH-046 Retail Guide Adindd 1 102511 1011 AM

trsquos not every day you can stroll the streets

of Granbury with your favorite merlot in hand so you wonrsquot want to miss your chance this spring The fourth annual Granbury Wine Walk will kick off April 25-27 on the His-toric Square Plaza in downtown Granbury Booths will open from noon to 8 pm Friday and Saturday allow-ing participants to experience the vast selections of true Texas amenities authentic wine food music and art A Deliciously Divine Event The Wine Walk will begin with the prominent ldquoSip amp Savorrdquo VIP event on Thursday April 25 At this event attendees will enjoy a taste of Texas with succulent selections from Dallas-Fort Worthrsquos favorite celebrity chefs ndash including Tiffany Derry (ldquoTop Chefrdquo Season 7 fan favorite Private | Social Dallas) Lou Lambert (ldquoBig Ranch Big Cityrdquo cookbook author Lambertrsquos Steak and Seafood Fort Worth) Eric Hunter (Fire Oak Grill Weatherford) Chris Garcia (Del Norte Tacos Godley) Kevin Martinez (Tokyo Cafeacute Fort Worth) and Molly McCook (Ellerbe Fine Foods Fort Worth) ndash as well as wine from par-ticipating Texas wineries The evening will close with the announcing of the coveted Peoplersquos Choice award given to the favorite dish and wine of the evening The VIP event will take place from 7 pm to 10 pm Thursday at a private lakefront estate The swirling and sipping will commence again Friday April 26 with tastings from approximately 15 Texas win-eries A list of participating wineries is available on the Granbury Wine Walk website wwwgranburywinewalkcom Visitors can enjoy live music while strolling through

I

the outdoor booths offering savory selections and genu-ine wine collectibles The Lake Granbury Art Association will host a wine-themed art show and sale during this time Benefits Proceeds from the Granbury Wine Walk will benefit two local nonprofit organizations Mission Granbury and Preserve Granbury More information about these organizations is available at wwwgranburywinewalkcom The 2012 event generated more than $10000 f o r the Hood County Committee on

Aging (Meals on Wheels) and Tarleton State Universityrsquos Lang-don Cultural Center and Educa-tional CenterTicket Informationbull Two-day tickets are $20 online and $25 at the event bull ldquoSip amp Savorrdquo VIP tickets are $100 per person with limited seats available

bull Advance tickets may be purchased online at wwwgranburywinewalkcom or in person at 205 East Pearl St in Granbury bull Admission is free for attendees under 21 and those who do not wish to drink Upon paid entry guests will receive a wristband commemorative wine glass schedule of events location map and 15 tasting tickets for food and wine samplings For more information on the 2013 Granbury Wine Walk please visit wwwgranburywinewalkcom or call 817-579-9181

Granbury TexasEmbrace The Wine WalkpickPublisherrsquo

s

copy20

12 H

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Val

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Val

enci

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1 8 6 6 8 4 2 0 1 0 0 | W W W V A L E N C I A G R O U P C O M

H O t E L V A L E N C I A R I V E R W A L k | H O t E L V A L E N C I A S A N tA N A R O W | H O t E L S O R E L L A

Chosen among the Top 100 U S Hotels Condeacute Nast Traveler 2010 amp 2011 Readersrsquo Choice Awards

Stay AuthenticUnique destinations Exceptional hotels Indulge

in local cuisine art and music and stay authentic

Experience the true sense of a vibrant city at any one

of the Valencia Group locations Whether itrsquos a stay

on the River Walk in San Antonio in the hub of the

high tech district at Santana Row in San Jose or just

feel the pulse of Houstonrsquos heart beat at CITYCENTRE

yoursquoll find that a stay with us puts you in the center

of it all Itrsquos no wonder that Condeacute Nast Traveler

magazine has given all three a place among the

100 Top Hotels in the US

Valencia_BizLeader_Ad01indd 1 12012 1049 AM

20 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 21

TEXAS

Be a part of theTexas Travel Industry Association

Join todaywwwttiaorg

TEXAS

22 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 23

he Mansion at Judgesrsquo Hill has a history as storied as the city it dwells in

Originally built in 1900 the Mansion was a wedding gift to Goodall amp Ella Wooten by Thomas Dudley Wooten one of the founders of the University of Texas The two both had a passion for life and they used the Mansion as a fountain of new ideas In fact in 1929 they hired Neiman Marcus at a cost of $10000 (todayrsquos estimate of $1 million) to re-decorate the home Since its inception this grand venue has combined the elegance of its historical roots with the vibrancy of its futureldquoFluffy Not Stuffyrdquo At the Mansion you are whisked away to a timeless era with the hint of today Each room in this fabulous boutique hotel is different uniquely-appointed with an inviting appeal All the rooms have a personality all their own Even the bathrooms have texture and color to give it more style and panache Amenities in these incred-ible accommodations include 310 thread count Egyptian cotton linens hypo-allergenic down and duvets and pillows complimentary LrsquoOccitane and Gilchrist amp Soames custom bath products private stocked honor bar compli-mentary wireless amp high-speed internet access cable television and dvd players Additionally there is twice daily housekeeping services Food for Thought The Mansion has its own dining room that boasts a five-star chef and an impeccable array of delicacies Here you will find an exquisite blend of International Modern and Classic Cuisines The food is always fresh and the plates are designed to allow you to experience

T

Mansion at Judgersquos Hill

many tastes all in one meal The 1900 Lounge is open everyday from 4 pm - 11 pm

and features stunning carved wood accents intimate tables vivid drap-eries and the attentive and friendly atmosphere the Mansion has come to be known for Here you can enjoy a delicious martini tempting frozen margarita or a glass of wine from our selections Special Events and More The Mansion offers groups the per-fect backdrop for their events Regard-less of the formality tastes or budget they can weave a tapestry of simple elegance into any function Whether itrsquos a business meeting wedding recep-tion or conference they can create the right atmosphere for you and your guests The venue can accommodate up to 250 peopleContact Us For more information on this world-

class boutique hotel visit them online at wwwjudgeshillcom or call (512) 495-1800

Elegance in the Texas Capital

The NorthsideA TASTE OF

Brighton Centerrsquos

P R O U D L Y P R E S E N T E D B Y L Y N D14TH ANNUAL

httpfacebookcomATasteoftheNorthside

WednesdayApril 24 2013

530pm to 1030pmThe Club At Sonterra

901 Sonterra Blvd-78258

wwwbrightonsaorg

Voted Best Fiesta event 2 years running by

News4 WOAI

Supporting Children with Delays or DisabilitiesBrighton Center

Benefiting

Presented By

UPGRADE FOR A

EXPERIENCEAT TASTE OF THE NORTHSIDE

Call 2108264492 or visit our website to upgrade your event tickets You can purchase VIP Tickets for $200 VIPrsquos enjoy access to our exclusive Goodtaste with Tanji VIP Lounge with specialty wines and restaurants 2 live bands and more

No on-site parking For event and parking details visit us at wwwBrightonSAorg

$55 in advance wwwBrightonSAorg

San Antonio HEB locations until 4222013

$60 at the door

Queen of the Vine April AnciraPrincess of the Vine Dr Karen HastyThe Queen of the Vine campaign raised more than $184000 this year and will go directly to helping the children with disabilities and their families that Brighton serves Make sure and see your Queen of the Vine winners at the 2013 Taste of the Northside

Celebrate Fiestaregwith our ALL-INCLUSIVE pricing

9 Tastings from over 50 restaurants and mobile food trucks

9 Over 40 different wine amp beer selections 9 Live music from Blue Finger Disco

Melina Band amp The Decibel Band 9 Free Parking amp Shuttle

Queenof the VineT H E O F F I C I A L R O Y A L T Y O FT A S T E O F T H E N O R T H S I D E

BrightonCenter

TEXAS

24 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 25

History and Elegance

320 BonhamSan Antonio Texas 78205

(888) 450-8436wwwcrocketthotelcom

Like Texas the Crockett Hotel is well-located independent spacious and comfortablehas a great history and is friendly and personable

bull 138 beautifully-appointed guest rooms

bull Outdoor pool amp landscaped fountain

bull Complimentary continental breakfast

bull Free Wi-Fi in guest rooms

bull Meeting facilities on property

bull Complete full-service spa

bull Across from the Alamo and Rivercenter Mall

ldquoLikerdquo us on Facebook

destinations

26 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 27

AZ

here can you en-joy a four-course wine-paired dinner

prepared tableside while chatting with the restau-rantrsquos executive chef and a winery owner Only at Different Pointe of View ldquoInsiderrsquos Viewrdquo Already known for its exceptional cuisine breathtaking panoramic views and extensive wine menu this AAA Four Dia-mond restaurant perched atop Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is taking the typical winemakerrsquos din-ner to a new level Clev-erly coined the ldquoInsiderrsquos Viewrdquo dinner Different Pointe of View offers just that to diners -- a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the culinary and winery worldsUnforgettable Dinners Insiderrsquos View dinners feature a different winery paired with an exclusive skillfully prepared menu each month As the fea-tured wineryrsquos owner or winemaker sits alongside dinner guests throughout the meal the atmosphere is interactive as conversation flows from wine-and-food pairing tips to the ownersrsquo own comical stories about life at the vineyards how he or she came into the wine business and anything else guests would like to know Different Pointe of Viewrsquos Chef Anthony DeMuro remains center stage throughout the evening casu-ally talking through the different steps to preparing the eveningrsquos dishes and answering questions from guests Being able to see and touch the unique ingredi-

Pointe HiltonTapatio Cliffs Resort

ents passed around the table and to feel the heat from the flames as Chef DeMuro adds showman-ship to the dinner leaves guests with an intimate inimitable and simply unforgettable experience ldquoThis was a night to remember because really everything was perfect The best wine dinner I have ever been a part of because of the expert wine pairing and masterful execution of a supremely competent chef and supporting castrdquo remarked Richard Bruno winemaker and owner of Vinum Cellars in Napa Valley after being a featured guest at an Insiderrsquos View dinner ldquoIn addition (there was) the most incredible view But admittedly my focus was on the food not the view I was able to spend some time viewing the most breathtaking sights of Phoenix once we

ldquo A Different Pointe of ViewrdquoW

AZ were culinarily satisfied and fullrdquo Wine and More Guests begin their Insiderrsquos View experi-ence with a wine recep-tion and passed hors drsquooeuvres before joining a community table to start the dining portion of the evening Chef DeMuro prepares each of the four courses at the table-- limited to a dozen guests -- while taking turns with the featured winery owner bantering with diners Though the interactive opportunity is unparallel the culinary experience truly shines with mouthwatering dishes such as port braised Wa-gyu short ribs seared coriander crusted ahi seared Ellensburg lamb loin pan seared diver scallops and pumpkin spice cake all prepared with the freshest ingredientsPast WineriesPast wineries featured at the Insiderrsquos View dinners

28 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 29

include Lyeth Estate St Supeacutery Vineyards Roth Es-tate Winery Schweiger Vineyards Trinchero Family Vineyards Benziger Family Winery and several oth-ers Different Pointe of View hosts monthly Insiderrsquos View dinners from January through May and from September through November For more information visit wwwtapatiocliffshil-toncom

Click amp Save

Save Money WhenBooking Your Travel with Us

NY

he charm of Greenwich Village one of New York Cityrsquos

most famed neighbor-hoods has come alive in an architectural gem of a hotel - The Jade HotelGreenwich Village With meticulous period architecture and sumptuous Art Deco interiors The Jade conjures the Greenwich Village of speakeasies and liter-ary salons the exhilarating Village of artists and musi-cians ndash and the electrifying crossroads of fashion food and culture that the Village is today Craftsmanship and beauty are reflected everywhere at The Jade The 113-room hotel was created with extraordinary attention to detail by New York architect Gene Kaufman Design Architect Richard Cameron of Brooklyn firm Atelier amp Co renowned for his grasp of classical architecture designed and consulted on cer-tain elements of the hotelrsquos faccedilade Devel-oper Will Obeid took classes at Manhattanrsquos Institute of Classical Architecture amp Art and pursued the best designers and crafts-man necessary to bring this hotel to life from its modern com-forts to its authentic design ldquoEverything about The Jade is a love letter to Greenwich Villagerdquo said Will Obeid President amp CEO of Gemini Real Estate Advisors who lives around the block from the hotel ldquoWe want The Jade to embody the magic of the Village for guests in a building that expresses our own passion for one of the worldrsquos storied neighborhoodsrdquo

T

Elegant Style The elegant Georgian-style architecture of the lower faccedilade is illuminated by lamps blazing at The Jadersquos en-trance restoration glass a large semi-circular ldquolunetterdquo window and a huge copper clad bay window These welcoming elements create a feeling of in-spired nostalgia for guests as they enter the vestibule and descend into a sunken lobby that is enhanced by a fireplace Art-Deco inspired wall-coverings and a

rotating display of original works by emerging artists In a library cove off the lobby Jade guests find plush seating and classic New York-themed books includ-ing early editions by authors from those who call or have called Greenwich Village home ldquoThe Jade is infused with the same pride of craftsman-ship that gave old New York its characterrdquo Obeid said ldquoWe were driven to create a hotel that provides an experience that is quintes-sential Greenwich Village This is a place where guests

and neighbors gather to share stories adventures and encountersrdquo

The Jade HotelNew Yorkrsquos Newest GempickPublisherrsquo

s

30 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 31

NYThe hotelrsquos gracious faccedilade will complement todayrsquos technological comforts and amenities including fiber-optic Wi-Fi throughout fully equipped fitness room and energy-efficient and low-noise central airStaff Uniforms Staff uniforms are custom-designed for The Jade by Against Nature the Lower East Side ldquobespoke atelierrdquo A grey waistcoat with purple piping traditional but very modern is the uniformrsquos signatureGrape amp Vine Restaurant Manhattan restaurateur Frederick Lesort will operate Grape amp Vine The Jadersquos day-to-night restaurant and bar The speakeasy-inspired eatery will welcome neigh-bors and guests with an artisanal-style menu signature custom cocktails and healthful juice options Lesort is joined by his business partner Youri Raffi Djorkaeff a World Cup-winning soccer star who now lives in New York CityGuestrooms Jade Guest-rooms Inspired by Legendary Deco Artisan Ruhlmann Accentuate the Details For The Jadersquos Art Deco-inspired guest-rooms interior design consultants Andres Escobar amp Associates took inspiration from legendary 1920s French Deco furniture artisan Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann Rich shades of crimson blue and gold are dominant tones Bedframes and desks are made of Makassar ebony the luxurious textured hard-wood sensuous curves accent furnishings

A sliding cabinet inset with a gorgeous Art Deco pattern conceals a 37rdquo flat-screen TV A compact Tivoli audio unit next to each bed features a docking cord for mobile devices On every bedside table is a function-ing vintage rotary telephone Bathrooms have textured black-and-white ldquosubwayrdquo tiles and feature European-style dual-flush toilets Indulgent bath amenities come from CO Bigelow

Beautiful Views Most rooms offer unobstructed views north and south with breathtaking vistas of New York from lower Manhattanrsquos architec-tural treasures to the iconic Jefferson Mar-ket Library nearby The higher floors offer select rooms with a ter-race allowing guests to gaze over the cityscape For guests who prefer private out-door space second-floor guestrooms fea-ture individual garden terraces separated by

a landscaped trellisMore Information For more information on The Jade Hotel visit them online at wwwthejadenyccom

HI HI

he opening of The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Col-lection Resortushered in a new era of luxurious resort travel to Hawaii The hotel was built at a price tag of $4 million The six-story 400-

room structure was fashioned in a Spanish-Moorish style popular dur-ing the time period and influenced by screen star RudolphValentino The site of The Royal Hawaiian boasts a majesticlineage The area was used as a playground for KingKamehame-ha I after he conquered the island of Oahu QueenKaahuma-nursquos Summer Palace was previously located in what isnow the hotelrsquos Coconut Grove gardenHistory Lesson During WWII The Royal Hawaiian was leased exclu-sively to the US Navy as a rest and recreation center for the Pacific Fleet The hotel reopened to the public in February 1947 The inspiring and distinctive character of The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort is known through-out the world as a destination of unparalleled romance and luxury The ldquoPink Palace of the Pacificrdquo recently emerged from a complete renovation on January 20 2009 as one of the worldrsquos elite collection of hotels for luxury and romance The distinctive architecture and its rosy hue remain as do the elegant details nod to the ho-telrsquos storied past Now however 21st-century upgrades seamlessly meld with the thoughtfully chosen classic design elements creating a decidedly chic atmosphere that is still captivatingly Hawaiian

T This ldquoreimaginedrdquo luxury resort highlights the indige-nous culture and history of the islands with its new guest programs offering authentic and enriching experiences refined service and an elevated ambiance of unrivaled facilities and location

Guest RoomsThis historic oceanfront resort features 528 rooms including 33suites with 18 being ocean-frontThe newly de-signed guest-rooms feature vintage koa seatingexotic furnish-ings historic photographs and other indigenousobjects drsquoart Bathroom floors and shower stalls of sable-colored

stone are coupled with dark stained millwork that is both exoticand contemporary Guest amenities include air-conditioning color televi-sion with remote control in-room movies mini refrigera-tor coffee maker regulardecaffeinated Kona coffee in-room safe iron and ironing board hair dryer electronic room lock system and basic high-speed internet access for $14 + taxday ADA accessible rooms are available Guest room bath amenities include Malie Kokersquoe Shampoo Malie Kokersquoe Conditioner Malie Kokersquoe Lotion Malie Kokersquoe Shower Gel Fresh lsquon Minty Mouth-wash Malie Facial Soap Malie Bath Soap Mending Kit Shower Cap Vanity Kit Dental Kit Loofa Pad Shoe Polish Bath SaltDining amp Entertainment The Surf Lanai is an upscale outdoor beachside cafeacute located alongside the pool and offers al fresco break-fast and lunch serviceThe menu features classic dishes

The Royal HawaiianLuxury in Oahu

with tropical accents presented in a refreshing manner utilizing the freshest farm-to-table ingredients and artisan baked goods Azure Restaurant an oceanfront dinner-only space is illumi-nated by candlelight a mother-of-pearl mosaic wall and accented by plush ban-quettes and pillows Serv-ing only the freshest fruits demer from ahi to onaga Azurersquos menus high-light locally caughtfish selected each morn-ing at day-break from the Hawaii fish auction and pre-pared in a high-heat aromatic roasting oven or innova-tive Hawaiian style served with bright tropical flavors No visit to The Royal Hawaiian would be complete without having a tropical drink at the world-famous Mai Tai Bar ndash a sump-tuous newly re-vamped space with a panoramic view of Diamond Head and the shimmer-ing ocean Nightly entertainment (Tues ndash Sun 6 ndash 10 pm) provided by Ha-waiirsquos most talented musicians makesthis venue a favorite among visitors and locals alike Every Monday experience a unique culinary menu and cultural show on TheRoyal Hawaiianrsquos Ocean Lawn with the breathtaking backdrop of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head We pay homage to Helumoa

pickPublisherrsquos

wwwthehotelguidecom 3332 wwwthehotelguidecom

with a modern interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian feastcalled A Royal Hawaiian Luau Aha Aina A Spa Retreat

Abhasa uti-lizes Hawaiirsquos natural healing environment promoting the ultimate in beauty and re-juvenation The luxury resort spa occupies a 7000 square-foot space in the right wing of the hotelAbhasa is the only spa on Orsquoahu offer-ing treatment cabanas in a tropical garden setting Abhasa Spa features natural and organic treat-

ments to relax and heal the body mind and spirit aro-matherapy to shiatsu and body wraps Abhasa pampers and soothes every individualrsquos need with traditional Hawaiian Japanese Swedish and other forms of treat-

ments from around the world Abhasa Spa experts are specially trained to deliver exceptional spa experiences Abhasa also offers salon services such as hair care color and highlightingmake-up applica-tions waxing mani-cures and pedicuresAbhasarsquos special treatments are body cocoons anti-agingtreatment facial treatments body massages body scrubs bodytreatmentsMore Information

Visit us at wwwroyal-hawaiiancom

AZ AZ

34 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 35

ardson this 30-minute instruction course will help riders learn some new skills cool tricks and take their flow-boarding to the next level Those interested in getting the most out of their summer stay on Kierland FlowRider can purchase a 3-day or 5-day Unlimited FlowRider Pass FlowRider Punch Card where every 5th ride is free or for a family of aspiring flowboarders a Flow-Rider Family FUN Pak which includes a total of eight ride sessions and special souvenir FlowRider t-shirts for the whole family For more details on these special FlowRider packages call 480-624-1268Family FUN Program Enjoy a summer getaway with the Resortrsquos award-win-ning Family FUN Program a one-of-a-kind activities pro-gram for individuals of all ages which includes activities like Kids in the Kitchen Digital Kidrsquos Club Kierland Kampfires srsquomores roasting every Friday and Saturday evening visits from the Phoenix Zoo and more The whole family will enjoy daily poolside activities with the FUN Team and visits to the ldquoOK Corralrdquo Shaded from the Arizona sun this designated FUN space is adjacent to the Adventure Water Park and offers hours of FUN with lawn chess basketball outdoor game tables water balloon games hula hoop contests limbo relay races and RC Car Race TracksSpa Treatments The Resort offers guests the opportunity to enjoy revitalizing spa treatments at Agave the Arizona Spa a wellness-focused retreat designed to rejuvenate and

he Westin Kierland Resort amp Spa in Scott-sdale Arizona is of-

fering discounted summer rates starting from $139 per night based on avail-ability for stays Memorial Day through Labor Day during the fifth annual Summer Sale As an add-ed bonus this year those who book by Wednesday May 1st will also receive a $30 Kierland FlowRider credit to be used during a summer stay All of the details about the Sum-mer Sale can be found at wwwilovekierlandresortcom a micro site offering the latest Resort offersIncentivesbull Rates starting from $139 per night based on avail-abilitybull Valid for stays from Monday May 27th ndash Monday September 2nd 2013bullReservations booked by Wednesday May 1st receive $30 Kierland FlowRider creditbull Blackout dates and restrictions may apply limited availability around summer holidays Book online at wwwilovekierlandresortcom or call 480-624-1202 and mention rate code SUMMERKierland FlowRider Families can keep cool this summer at the Resortrsquos Adventure Water Park offering more than 575000 gallons of water FUN with the new Kierland FlowRider boardsport simulator 900-foot lazy river and a 110-foot-long waterslide Kierland FlowRider opened October 2012 as the first boardsport simulator in the Arizona resort market as a part of a major expansion to the Adventure Water Park Bringing the California beach lifestyle to the Sonoran desert of Scottsdale this wave technology by Wave Lochtrade attracts youth families and all boardsport enthusiasts The 6000 square foot dual Kierland FlowRider in-cludes a viewing platform seating and retail space with FlowRider ride sessions available to purchase per hour Every Saturday afternoon this summer guests can sign up for SHRED School led by Wave Master Steve Rich-

Westin Kierland Resort

TSummer Savings in Arizona

renew the mind body and spirit Spa-ing at this Scotts-dale Resortrsquos full-service spa will be sure to relax guests with spa therapies infused with the essence of the Far East and indigenous rituals native to Arizona Experi-ence one of the exclusive services developed by the talented Agave Spa therapists attend one of the many scheduled fitness or yoga classes and learn the art nutri-tional cooking at the ldquoFarm to Tablerdquo lunch and learn classGolf Anyone Kierland Golf Club is just one of a few courses in the country to showcase climate-controlled golf with their air-cooled mister golf carts and an en-hanced outdoor driv-ing range featuring an air-conditioned cano-py system The Kier-land Golf experience continues with a ldquoNo Hasslerdquo approach offering everything a golfer needs to help replace luck with skill including club and shoe rentals Guests can also experience the best exercise physiology with the FORE-MAX Golf Training System top golf instruction by award-winning husband and wife teaching team Mike and Sandy LaBauve on-site golf equip-ment fitting and the latest in golf technology with Segway Golf For a more traditional approach to golf golfers can try Ki-erlandrsquos ldquoScottish Golf Experiencerdquo and don a Scottish kilt to play golf the ldquoScottish wayrdquoBuffet time After a FUN-filled day at the Resort guests will slip

into vacation mode during The Westin Kier-landrsquos signature ldquoBagpipes at Sunset Seriesrdquo nightly in Dreamweaverrsquos Canyon courtyard The Resort offers world-class dining at one of its ten dining venues including deseo the Resortrsquos signature restaurant offer-ing a Nuevo Latino Cuisine Brittlebush Bar amp Grill offer-ing a Gastropub menu with a Scottish influence or Nellie

Cashmanrsquos Monday Club Cafeacute offering a breakfast buffet daily and ldquoBubbles amp Brunchrdquo on Sundays Contact Us As the Scottsdale Resortrsquos most loyal guests friends fans and followers of The Westin Kierlandrsquos Facebook Twitter YouTube Pinterest and Kierland Epicu-rean Club will be among the first to learn about the Summer Sale Itrsquos not too late for people to become a friend fan and follower of The Westin Kierland Simply ldquoLikerdquo on Facebook (facebookcomWestinKierland) Follow on Twitter (twittercomWestinKierland) Upload on YouTube (youtubecomWes-tinKierland) Follow on Pinterest (pin-terestcomWestinKierland) or join the Kierland Epicurean Club (email ldquoEpicu-rean Clubrdquo to diningkierlandresortcom) to be notified of the annual Summer Sale and receive exclusive access to special of-

fers and events throughout the year only shared through these channels

AZMS

36 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 37

features an innovative program tapping the latest trends in classes and activities from Power Fit and Cardio Kickboxing to Yoga Booty Ballet and Sculpt and Abs Golf Anyone Golfers can tee off on two 18-hole PGA golf courses as well as take advantage of an 18-hole putting course Other facilities comprise seven tennis courts eight swimming pools including the Paradise Pool with its 90-foot slide and swim-up bar and the Catalina Pool Marilynrsquos favorite a childrenrsquos playground and activities program and seven shops and boutiques Incredible Landmark After 85 years the Arizona Biltmore remains a storied landmark and Arizonarsquos best known retreat for a complete luxury resort experience The resort appeals to the gamut of discriminating travelers from couples seeking a pampered getaway in an historic setting golfers looking to combine championship golf with comfortable and sophisticated hospitality and families who want amenities and facilities for all ages The Arizona Biltmore is a Waldorf Astoria Resortreg For more information and reservations 1-800-950-0086 wwwarizonabiltmorecom

lark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned

there as did Ronald and Nancy Reagan Marilyn Monroe had her favorite swimming pool Every US president since Herbert Hoover has stayed there And Irving Berlin wrote his famous holiday hit ldquoWhite Christmasrdquo while vacationing in the warm sun at this Grand Dame of Arizona The Jewel The resort is the historic Arizona Biltmore which has been an Arizona landmark since opening in 1929 when it was crowned the ldquoJewel of the Desertrdquo The legendary property remains one of the most recognized resorts in the world for its distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style luxurious facilities and storied history as a playground of celebrities sports stars business leaders and other VIPsAwesome Location Nestled on 39 acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve the Biltmore offers 740 guest accommodations including cottages villas and the new Ocatilla at The Biltmore This ldquohotel within the hotelrdquo offers enhanced services and an array of complimentary amenities and services from light dining to neck and shoulder massagesDining Options The six restaurants and lounges include the signature Wrightrsquos at The Biltmore preparing classic favorites reinvented for todayrsquos tastes Frank amp Albertrsquos serving Arizona comfort food the sleek Wright Bar known for its specialty cocktails The Cafeacute casual bistro and poolside and in-water dining at the Cabana Club Restaurant amp BarAward-Winning Spa The award-winning Spa is highlighted by a menu of healing and restorative therapies drawn from many countries and cultures while the While the Fitness Center

Arizona Biltmore

CThe Grand Dame of Arizona

are regularly ranked as the best in the state but also on major golf publica-tionrsquos national lists Fallen Oak (No 2) Grand Bear (No 23) The Preserve (No 39) and Shell Landing (No 40) were all included in Golfweekrsquos Top 50 Casino Courses in America Dining There are countless options to experience genuine Southern cuisine in the area from creative uses of fresh seafood to unique French-Cajun deli-cacies the Gulf Coast is at the heart of the Southrsquos tradition of exceptional cuisine The restaurants along the Gulf Coast will sauteacute fry baste broil

blacken bake and whip up meals that are sure to sat-isfy any gamblerrsquos palate Two dining experiences you donrsquot want to miss include The Shed known for its BBQ and Blues and Mary Mahoneyrsquos the old French House restaurant centered around one of the oldest homes in America Other popular outdoor activities on the Mississippi Gulf Coastrsquos 62 miles of coastline including boating fishing bird-watching hiking biking hunting camping and more

ith 12 casinos top-line entertainment 62 miles of scenic shoreline (in-

cluding the worldrsquos longest man-made beach) and a bevy of options for genuine Southern cuisine Biloxi and the surrounding Missis-sippi Gulf Coast is a perfect choice for spring travelersWhatrsquos New The Palace Casino Resort recently unveiled a major $45-million expansion add-ing more gaming space three new restaurants and a lounge The interior of the new casino restaurants and lounge are all smoke free while a new $1-million smok-ing lounge was created to accommodate smokers The resort also renovated the hotel lobby atrium spa fitness cen-ter gift shop meeting rooms Mignonrsquos Lounge and a high limit gaming area In addition Jimmy Buf-fettrsquos Margaritaville Casino amp Restaurant opened on the Gulf Coast in June of 2012 The casino features giant 30-foot windows allowing guests to take in the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast during their visit This is NOT your typical windowless dark casinoEntertainment In addition to being the third-largest gaming destination in North America Mis-sissippi is also the Birthplace of Blues rock lsquon roll and country music Mississippi Blues Trail markers are placed at key sites throughout the state to honor blues musicians and give visitors insight into this special musical heritage Gulf Coast casinos such as the Hard Rock Casino Re-sort Biloxi the IP Casino Resort amp Spa and the renowned Beau Rivage regularly attract live big-name concerts Golf The Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to more than 20 courses from an array of designers (Jack Nicklaus Davis Love III Jerry Pate Tom Fazio) and many of them

Gulf Coast of Mississippi

W

Plenty of Great Things to Do

pickPublisherrsquos

38 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 39

CaribbeanCaribbean

Hotel Happenings An idyllic island hideaway on the Grand Cul de Sac Le Sereno debuts Family Suites for 2013 ndash a combination of two adjacent one-bedroom suites to create a magnificently expansive ldquohome away from homerdquo ideal for families and groups Understated chic and spacious accommodations rates for a two-bedroom Family Suite start at 960euronight (approximately $1240night) in low season and 1275euronight (approximately $1650night) in high season Family Suites come complete with a kid-sized dining area on the beach and special island-themed surprises to delight the youngest of guests Guests will also enjoy a new pool bar at Le Serenorsquos infinity-edge pool overlooking the turquoise waters of the Grand Cul de Sac Signature beverages and cocktails include Roseacute the Sereno Mojito made of Grey Goose vodka mint leaves lime and freshly crushed strawberries and the Yellow Basil a refreshing mix of Ketel One vodka pineapple and lemon juices and a hint of fresh basil A destination where everyone is a VIP new amenities at Le Sereno include beverages in the in-room bar Le Sereno reveals a tech upgrade in all 37 suites and the three Villas with new electronics including flat-screen televisions and Bluetooth music players and in-room technology that elevates the guest stay to an unsurpassed level of experiential luxury Hard and soft goods renovations include new outdoor furniture throughout the Hotel amp Villas and bathrooms remodeled with teak in the Grand Suite Plage and black granite in

t Barth has an irresistible appeal for travelers from around the world and there is even more to love this spring St Barth is one of the most varied and

upscale islands in the Caribbean with villas hotels spas some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean a wide choice of leisure activities and nautical sports prestigious sailing regattas a full calendar of cultural events and the irresistible allure of great shoppingFashion amp Elegance In the past two decades St Barth has emerged as one of the worldrsquos most elegant and fashionable destinations Frequented primarily by an upscale clientele this French Caribbean island attracts discriminating travelers who favor an exclusive vacation spotRegatta Season Spring is Regatta season The Les Voiles de St Barth regatta on April 8-13 is unique in its festive tropical charm and its wide international appeal Les Voiles de Saint Barth is a top notch sporting event with an applaudable organization that offers many pleasures both to locals as well as the visitors who have already confirmed their delight The West Indies Regatta is a three day event held annually over the Mayday weekend (May 3-6) in St Barth celebrating traditional West Indian sails More of a wooden boat festival than a competitive regatta the purpose of the event is to promote amp encourage traditional boatbuilding in the Caribbean

St Barth

S

A Caribbean Retreatthe Suite Terrasse The Hotel Carl Gustaf the 14-suite luxury property located on a hill overlooking Gustavia Harbor in St Barths has recently renovated all of their guest rooms and announced the ldquoBeach Hoppingrdquo package which includes- 4 nights in a Superior 1-bedroom- one gourmet dinner for two at Victoriarsquos- one signature beach bag- a 150 euro credit PER PERSON at the Boutique Spa- car rental

Cost for 4-night package is 4652 euros (or 7571 euros for 7-nights) available through March 25 2013 As the first Relais amp Chateaux property in the Caribbean to receive a Grand Chef distinction Hotel Le Toiny is the ideal retreat for a Bon Vivant break The boutique property features 15 Villa Suites each with private terrace and heated swimming pool and is home to the renowned and recently-renovated Restaurant Le Gaiac widely considered the best dining venue on the island The Bon Vivant package includes four-night stay in a One Bedroom Villa Suite as well as the followingmiddot A total of three (3) 3-course dinners ato Restaurant Le Gaiumlaco Bonito a unique local French-Latin restaurant and ceviche baro LrsquoIsola the popular sister restaurant to the famous Restaurant Via Veneto in Santa Monica featuring authentic Italian cuisinemiddot One (1) two-course lunch at St Bartsrsquo barefoot chic La Gloriette restaurantmiddot One (1) 90-minute Oenology course at Absolutely Wine a local wine bar and school offering champagnes Grand Cru organic wines ciders and global fortified varietalsmiddot Two (2) 60-minute spa treatments provided at Hotel Le Toinyrsquos Serenity Spa Cottage or en suitemiddot Convertible Smart rental car (excl insurance and gas)middot Round-trip airport transfersmiddot Daily American breakfast Eden Rock has announced the expansion of Eden Rock Villa Rental (ERVR) which now handles a portfolio

of about 30 of the islandrsquos ultraluxe and sought after villas ERVR possesses a Unique Selling Point ndash it being the only island villa rental agency directly linked with the resources and guest facilities of one of St Barthsrsquo ultraluxe hotels So to stay in a villa with its attendant privacy is also to enjoy welcomed VIP Guest access to Eden Rock ndash St Barthsrsquo butlers

chauffeurs gym and guestcare Plus lots of other world class services all very much in line with the high quality standards and attention to detail constantly being attempted at A Sense of Style Fashionistas will find a truly memorable shopping experience at the Cour Vendome which houses all of the high-end designer brands on the island under one roof Louis Vuitton Edgar Bvlgari 100 Capri

Renato Nucci De Grisogono You and Me Vibrequin and Excellence des Sens The latest in haute couture is available at the chicest boutique on the island Stephane and Bernard This season they are showcasing the following designers - MISSONI- VALENTINO- JITROIS- HERVE LEGER- VERSACE- GOTTEX (swimwear line for Women)- EDEN PARK (for Men) No matter what you desire in travel in 2013 St Barth has something to offer every visitor The St Barth Tourism Committee invites you to see what all the buzz is about this year About St Barth St Barth is one of the worldrsquos most glamorous destinations and a frequent getaway for both the rich and famous and well-heeled travelers offering style and sophistication in a friendly and laid back environment Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and put on the map for high-end tourism by the Rockefellers in the late 1950s St Barth remains distinctly French in feel and has charmed countless visitors with its innate beauty unique character and authentic charm This casual but chic hideaway offers watersports wining and dining in the islandrsquos superb restaurants shopping in Gustaviarsquos trendy boutiques and a variety of fantastic cultural events throughout the year For more information visit wwwsaintbarth-tourismecom

experiencesnd now for Part Deux of this fabulous (yet feasible) Parisian adventurehellip A story in photos Tres MagnifiqueReady to learn how the magical Parisian

adventures came to end Parfait So now we continue with the final days of our Parisian escapades Remember the trip was done on a budget and as single females We arrived with only English to speak a few Euros but most of all an open mind For accommodations we stayed with a local who we already knew but anyone can find local Parisians that are willing and happy to rent a room for a visitor They are really happy to share their magical city with you check out apartment rentals online The internet is really your best friend for traveling Transportation in one word METRO Yes this is the easiest way to get around the entire city and it is very simple to figure out the metro transportation system And when all else fails walk Actually walking in Paris is by far my favorite way to get around not only can you explore the city but you really get a feel of Parisian life from district to district Each little area is unique and has something wonderful to offer

byDanielle Guttinger

In order to have a fabulous time in Paris you can really take advantage of the cityrsquos incredible sites sounds and smells ndash it costs nothing to look but you will fill your memory bank with treasures for a lifetime and your wallet will barely even notice you left your home Day 7 This day began with a walk around my beloved Parc de Buttes Chaumont just to get my blood flowing When you are in this park you will always see people out there rain or shine Paris never slows down due to the rain and you will always see activity and bustling life all around you On the way home I stopped for a typical Parisian breakfast panne chocolat at one of the many Parisian bakeries you will find in any district They are all good and very reasonable For under 3 EUROS breakfast will delight all of your senses and you will feel like a real local Tres bien In the afternoon my wonderful Parisian friend took me to visit the famous cemetery Pere Lachaise and what a place this is Many people might think it would be eerie to visit a cemetery but this place is absolutely

Paris France

40 wwwthehotelguidecom wwwthehotelguidecom 41

Experiences

A

Part Deux of a Fabulous Parisian Adventure

continued on next page

wwwthehotelguidecom 4342 wwwthehotelguidecom

Experiences

incredible Itrsquos a lovely area to walk in and truly a famous tourist attraction for a reason The price Zero Thatrsquos Euros or Dollars ) Look out for famous tombstones when you are there ndash they give you a directory of all the famous and non-famous deceased and it is quite an athletic achievement to walk the entire cemetery just looking for their plots Pere Lachaise Cemetary In the evening we had a delicious meal in the 11th district at a local brasserie La Cannibal that was extremely busy even at 11PM at night Remember Parisians tend to eat a bit later on the weekends especially so have a snack if you get hungry ndash you can find baguettes and light snacks all around the city At a restaurant be brave Try something they recommend ndash I had one of their specialty dishes which was beef tartare and it was absolutely delicious We took our time to enjoy our food and were in no rush After a glorious meal we walked from the restaurant all the way home passing through the 11th and 12th districts and it was a perfect ending to a great day Walking around Paris never gets boring and itrsquos the best way to see the city of lights Day or night itrsquos amazing Day 8 Museum day Since it was Sunday many museums are free so I decided to dedicate the whole day to exploring two museums out of the numerous ones in Paris Muse petit Palais and the famous Muse drsquoOrsay Both were outstanding and free of charge that day so what luck And very worth walking around as long as you can take your time and enjoy all of the works of art and masterpieces See an exhibit or show if you like but just enjoy If time allows on your Parisian tour try to see other museums look online to see all the various collections and museums this city has and add them into your itinerary There is a museum for everyone After a long day of museum magnificence I took my time to just walk through the city and do some nighttime site seeing Honestly you can be at any place in the city and find something spectacular to view day or night All the famous sites of Paris that you see on the postcards are totally free to walk by and view so if you feel like skipping the lines and the ticket charges visit all the great sites on foot and take your camera to make your everlasting memories in photos I walked by everything Irsquove seen on postcards

of Paris Arc de Triomphe Palace Versaille Notre Dame Champs-Elyseeshellip shops cafes and so much more Finally I ended my day with a stroll by the Eiffel Tower Wow It really is quite breathtakinghellip I had a coffee and a crepe at local cafeacute and did some people watching and just basked in the night beauty of Paris right near the seine river and the Eiffel Towerhellip fantastic Day 9-10Shopping The final two days of this trip were spent walking around the entire city and visiting some beautiful shops My favorite mall was the Galleries La Fayette ndash this mall is simply amazing It is gorgeous inside and you donrsquot have to buy anything to appreciate its splendor There is also a gourmet food hall in

the ground level so anyone who appreciates gourmet cuisine will get a real treat out of this Also a great place to buy souvenirs I recommend walking through the various districts on a Sunday and exploring their open food markets What fun for all the senses Some areas have markets that sell more than just food and you can find anything from a live chicken to a dress and a broom On my last day I walked all up and down the river and found my favorite bookstore Shakespeare and Company This bookstore has a really interesting history and a funky charm that any book lover will appreciate Itrsquos really a great place to visit especially if you are craving the English language To end this trip my friend recommended that I visit Luxembourg park if I wanted a really cool Paris- park experience so I decided to check it out I was not disappointed This park is in a really great location so after you walk around the lovely park and relax you are in a great spot to visit a funky cafeacute or do last minute shopping Heading back homehellip on the day of departure it was very easy for me to get a Metro ticket to the CDG airport ndash and really economical at under 20 EUROS direct I recommend this option it is reliable and easy I was at the airport in plenty of time and said my final goodbyes to Paris my beloved city once and for all What a life-changing trip this was and so much fun Hopefully you can see how easy it is to visit this marvelous city and make your own memories and take not much more than a few Euros and an open mind Bon Voyage friends

Paris in PhotosExperiences

44 wwwthehotelguidecom

itrsquos a destination One where couples return year after year Where sharing a glass of wine on the veranda and enjoying a couples massage become rituals And where every winding pathway leads to memories yoursquoll treasure forever

To book your trip visit lostpineshyattcom

affection isnrsquot a feeling

1 800 55 HYATT (49288)lostpineshyattcom

The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation copy2012 Hyatt Corporation All rights reserved

44 wwwthehotelguidecom

itrsquos a destination One where couples return year after year Where sharing a glass of wine on the veranda and enjoying a couples massage become rituals And where every winding pathway leads to memories yoursquoll treasure forever

To book your trip visit lostpineshyattcom

affection isnrsquot a feeling

1 800 55 HYATT (49288)lostpineshyattcom

The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation copy2012 Hyatt Corporation All rights reserved