Hotel Wanderlust: Public Chicago

One of Ian Schragers newest properties is Public Chicago.  Chicago Magazine calls it "Dazzling."  I was chomping at the bit to stay there when I was in Chicago a couple of months ago - but unfortunately for me - it was sold out.  I've been lusting after the property since I first laid eyes on it.  I'm in love with their "no color" concept for their sleeping rooms.  Walking in - you just feel a sense of calm.

With 285 sleeping rooms and 8600 square feet of meeting space (including a stunning terrace), this is the perfect hotel to have a little fun (or a meeting) with a group of 50 of your closest friends or colleagues.

Public Chicago is a complete transformation of the Gold Coast's famed Ambassador East hotel and its historic Pump Room restaurant.  James Beard award winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten whips up amazing delights not only in the Pump Room, but also customized banquet menus for groups.

This is hotel is definitely on my bucket list to stay.  What about you?

{All images from Public Chicago website}

Hotel Wanderlust: Auberge du Soleil

The pool, the cabana and that view are calling my name.  Where do I sign up to stay at Auberge du Soleil?

This boutique property has been around for 27 year, boasts 52 sleeping rooms, a 7,000 square foot spa as well as meeting space.  This is the perfect property for an executive retreat, honeymoon or weekend getaway.   One thing to remember - kiddos under 16 need to stay with a sitter.  This hotel is all about mommy and daddy time.

According to Travel and Leisure, the rooms to book are the standard Maison rooms that have the upper valley view.  They are on the top floor with views of the vistas surrounding the vineyard.

My anniversary is coming up with my mister.  Hmmm. 

All images via Auberge du Soleil

Hotel Wanderlust: Farmhouse Inn

I'm always on the hunt for new hotels, new destinations.  I just made a hotel discovery - love it when that happens.  I was on Mr. and Mrs. Smith site.  Have you heard of them?  They are a luxury boutique booking site.  What's great about this is they use anonymous reviewers that stay at hotels around the world, and you get a true picture of what the hotel or resort is like.

The hotel - Farmhouse Inn - in Forestville, California offers 18 rooms of quaintness and Michelin star dining.  It's just 1 1/2 hours north of San Francisco and surrounded by the cutest wine country towns of Healdsberg and Santa Rosa.  After taking a look at the pictures, this property is definitely on my "must visit" list.

Below is a recent review via Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

As special and character-rich as an aged Sonoma cabernet, Farmhouse Inn is worth a try. The bright barn-inspired rooms – decorated with antiques and salvaged barn treasures – conjure the oaky aromas of California chardonnay. Fancy mixology instead? Play alchemist in your giant Whirlpool tub, which can be customised with salts, soaps, milks and tonics from the lobby’s bath bar. A few even come come from Farmhouse’s own garden, where flowers, vegetables and herbs create a rich bouquet. Chef Steve Litke combs the gardens every night to select the star players on the morrow’s menu, and the spa harvests lavender, grapes and herbs for use in its massages, wraps and facials.

Wine’s best pairing could be a melting square of Valrhona chocolate, wedged inside a melt-it-yourself s’more, available each night by the crackling firepit.  ~Mr. and Mrs. Smith Reviewer

Hotel Wanderlust: The James Royal Palm

Happy Friday!

Time to get whisked away and hang out at the pool at the James Royal Palm in South Beach/Miami.  Couldn't you just picture yourself in one of those lounge chairs?  I know I could, but I'm gonna have to wait because this little gem isn't opening until October 2012.   In the meantime, just dream about this weeks Hotel Wanderlust.

Forbes Magazine featured the The James Royal Palm as one of the top 10 anticipated hotel openings in 2012.  Mere footsteps from the famed Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive, I predict that is will be a "place to be seen."  The hotel is located in the heart of über hip South Beach so if it's shopping, beaching or eating, you've come to the right place.

Interested in having an event here, the hotel will have 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.  Picture a cocktail reception around that tres chic pool.  

Wanna see more...

{all images via James Hotel website}

Hotel Wanderlust: Ponta dos Ganchos Resort

I'm starting a new series - Hotel Wanderlust.  Each post will showcase a new hotel discovery and after seeing them, you just might want to pack your bags and escape.  First up is Ponta dos Ganchos Resort in Brazil.  I've never been to Brazil, but have heard their beaches are unbelievable - it's definitely on my bucket list of places I'd like to go.  

The hotel is located 25 miles from the state capital of Florianópolis, the district of Govemador Celso Ramos, a region immersed in history and tradition.  Ponto dos Ganchos is actually on a privately-owned peninsula, surrounded by the Emerald Coast.  If privacy is what you are looking for - you will most definitely find it here with it's secluded location and only 25 sleeping rooms.  

Let the wanderlusting begin:

This property is a bit on the expensive side (it's part of the Relais & Chateaux hotel collection) - but I just couldn't resist the eye candy.  

(All images via Ponta dos Gancho's website)