by Editor | Dec 1, 2004 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
: We arrived at Aqua, located on the ground floor of a restored post 1906 earthquake building, early on a Sunday night anticipating we would have the restaurant to ourselves. To our surprise, the popular restaurant was buzzing with the sound of diners’ conversations and meals being served. It was already almost full and remained so the whole night. We floated effortlessly through our delicious multiple course meal while other diners completed their evening and new ones arrived. The large high ceiling dining room, was decorated in muted shades of sepia and gray which created an elegant yet casual ambiance. Two larger than life mirrors drew visitors’ eyes to the side wall and enhanced the feeling of spaciousness.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2004 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
: Tru lived up to its name. The ambiance, treatments and service we received were as described and better. Our treatments and overall experience were rewarding and memorable. The facilities were aesthetically pleasing and spotless, the treatments excellent and a good value, and the staff competent, polite, and client oriented. The decorative style, centered on crisp, clean contemporary lines, enhanced our confidence. Every room, including the bathroom, we were in was immaculately clean and there was a pleasant scent throughout.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2004 | California, North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, United States
: We cherished the Honor Mansion resort inn for a quiet, romantic or de-stressing get away. It offered delicious gourmet breakfasts, luxury amenities (including a private Jacuzzi, wet bar, and a modern fireplace) a sense of privacy and the comforts of home in a wine country setting. For those inclined to explore or be active there was a swimming pool, tennis, bocce, basketball and more. Nearby activities and attractions included fine dining, antiquing, golf, wine estate and bicycle tours and shopping.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
: Dishes at Bank were expertly prepared and delightful. Though no one is perfect all the time, Bank’s ability to consistently serve outstanding food on a regular basis was noteworthy. The décor was eclectic, warm and elegant with an exotic dash. The dining room, housed in a former bank lobby, was an inviting place to linger and savor our meal. Service staff were attentive and eager to please and the ambiance provided privacy including a relaxed and quiet atmosphere where meaningful conversation was inspired.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
Established in 1900 under the auspices of the Houston Public School Art League, this Houston institution was the fifth largest art exhibition space in the country when we visited it last. Housing more than 48,000 works of art and hosting more than two million visitors per year, the Museum could have been over large, over busy or overwhelming. Instead and in spite of its size it was welcoming, uncluttered and a delight to visit. There was ample space for the art and for visitors.
by Editor | Oct 1, 2004 | North America, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Texas, United States
: For those wishing or needing to stay in downtown Houston , the recently renovated historic Sam Houston Hotel, offered many pluses. The city’s oldest hotel restored to its original state as a luxury boutique hotel was named for General Sam Houston, Texas’ first president. We prized the character and old Texas feel combined with modern sleek elements of the décor, the prime location, the attention to detail, focus on comfort and practicality for the business traveler and the gourmet dining option it offered.
